' Kin' 1' ?«'"/? ..'A; &fiU'£. Jp!p^% - % &«g 5^*^ rPisg 5fife iftt*40§ttiii £200^ ^?y ^Sp*J i _A*A_S»a»W\, msissusik: 1-f J/ . !-. ft ~ \i> ■ lmgm^ kfwKifc V.» ^V wmm ^FKk-: -"r aa&fcfii fflmssSPB - v. ^ «i W^'Wmw, - ^M i mn p!opus, 44 # Antiniiinum as a decorative plant. Ants— in a pinery, 367; banishing, 312; in store-room." 332 ; Wood, S46; pro- tecting from, 381 Antwerps, 120 Aphelexis pn. natation. 364 Aphis, soft soap for. 435 Apples— tree not breaking low, c.B3 , cankered, ill: protecting cordon, 233- pruning codon, 71. 113: prun- ing grafted. 295 : The Fairy, 13H. 2u4 ; select. 30 ; for Yorkshire. 32 ; do the varieties die out ? 429 Apricots — culture, 427; on wooden fence, 71 April, plants blooming in, 389 Aprons, gardeners'. 212 Araucaria imoricata, brown, 150 ; pro- 282 Ardisia culture, 266 Arum Dracuuculus treatment, 363 Arundo sowing, 134 Ashes for manure, 345 Asparagus Kah-. 361 Asparagus-beds, making. 1:-1 : clear- in", 170; dressing. 230; culture, -US; i-iittinff, 342. 397, 421; planting. 71: salt for, 428; seed sowing, 211; watering with sea water, 29o Asters— seeds sowing. -»'> ; manuring for. 397 Atmometro-bygrometer,65 Aubergine cooking, 416 Auoubus— and their cnhnre, 39; vane- tics and crafting. 40; fertilising flowers, 327; flowering and fruiting, Auriculas— culture. 275. 344 : at the Royal Horticultural Society's Show, 306"; Alpine. 334 Australia, fowls and eggs for, 17S Aviary, birds fur, 156 Az.tl<-its-eiilture, 151, 109, 250: cut- tings, 112; growing prematurely, 114; pruning, 295; thrips on, 311 breasted Red Game. 317 360, 3S2, 415, 4r stove. x2 ; hothouse, * 146; for greenhouse, 295 ,— Bast, treeti i reducing, 345 Bath and West of England Poultry Show, 415 Beans, Scarlet Runner roots, 30 Bechamel, 20 Bedding-out, 428 Bedding plants- ness,317; plan' , r.f.llin-toii Poultry Show, 32. 432 Bees— black in Ligurian stock, 308; breeding in super, 471 ; in Califor- nia, 30u ; in a chimney. 399: chloro- forming, 98, 2*0; combs tying to framefli 7,'. tving in. 38, utilising old, 400: all dead, 300; dislodging, 122; driving, 4"0. 451; dropsy, 383 ; 434; dwindling 384: where dysen- tery has prevailed. 80S; epidemics. 253^ 315; an old error revived. IDS ; examining wilhout danger, 238; ex- pelling, 416; eves, 79; controlling fertilisation, 383; my first season, 139: flowers for, 286; forcing. 136; foul brood. Preuss 011,30.07 ; attack- ing fowls, 451 ; frames, dummy, 237, 209. 2s'. ; German bee-keepers' meet- ing, 330, 350; halt-bred versus na- tive, 56 ; haybands round hives, 122; in a hedge. 452; hives, Alton, 452,472. bucket. 254, cheap. 139, 217, collateral, 38. size of common, 218, Marriott's, 316. N.*i ;hl r's un- tenanted, BOP. Woodbury, 218. S68: hiving discolour, il, 2i.i, from old s: .eh, lid, spurious. 452; Mr. Huish, SOU; Itn- ■ ov m, nked, 121, Ligurian, 3s3. 416, 452, introducing queens, 79: maggots in hive. 400; management, 79, mis-management after an acci- dent. 19 ; marking, 121 ; moisture m hives and glass supers, ;;32, 452; packing for travelling. 308; plants for, Sll ; propolis fortifications, 197, 254; queen, supposed death of, 30U, new mode of fertilising. 314, intro- ducing Ligurian, 79, longevity, 383, two in a hive, 217, 307: queenless, 416; favourite resort of. 399 : season in -M-. t..i;:.;, 357 ; slaughtering, 308 ; ■ years old, 434; stocking a i. . . '.. . -.. old straw hive, 308 ; ., . - ipt-rs, 434, 452; not working h. ,i ' .;;■< ,. iM ; swarming, 177 : u >t swarming, 4.52; preventing swarm- ing. 155 : swarms artificial, 140, 177, 280; swarm in a church, 431; swarms, hunger. 285; thermometer in collateral hive. 38: transferring 384,452: wild, 40u ; yellow excre- ment, 416 "Bees. The ITimdv-book of." 299,31", Beet, asa b-ddmg plant. 151, 1*0, 202; Osbom's. 233 : for cattle, 238 ; sowing for borders, 219; Ked, tins year's. 113: last year, 120; Chilian, 381; Sugar, 327 Birch tree bleeding. 295 Birds — protection for small, 62; dis- trict without song, 424; in France, 197 Birmingham Rollers, 122 Bishopweed, eradicating, 345 Biston pedaria,392 Blackbirds bald, 122 llciekcaps. food for, 352 Blame where deserved, 266 Boilers, 70. 414; and boiling, 6, 45, 86 new mode of setting, 42: mid piping required for a conservatory, 91; hot-water, 126; and hollow bars, 3U7 Bone dust for fowls, 256 Bones for fowls, 384 "Book About Rosea," 341 Borage sowing, 134 Border, ghiss oyer a, 282 Botanic (l.'ovali Society's Shows, 12, 243,31.6,375.439 " B> tany, Johnston's Illustrations of,'' 337 Bottom heat, hot water for, 191; tanks for, 200 Bongamvillea spcctabilis not flower- Lowling-grcen making, 211 Box edging, 114 ; dying, 295, 327 Boxes for greenhouse climbers, 213 '■Brahma Fowl, The," 173 Brahinas — cock not feeding, weight of. 98; cups for, 110; dwindling, 122, points in, 80, 178; legs. Dark and Light 198 ; and Houdans, 218 ; wing feathers, 238.251; pullets not lavinsr, 238 : out of condition, point;, in Dark, 38; pullet leg-weak, leg scurfy, 270; vulture - hocked, 286; cock lame, crossing with Spanish, S0O; not five-toed, hardiness, 352: head bent back, 472 Bristol i'oultrvshow. 33.73; atrip to, 94 Broccoli— planting. 120.456; Cattell's Eclipse, 421 Broom for game covert, 296 Broome, Mr. S., 63, 20S Kn.wallias, 151 Brown, Mr. W., 12 Brunsvigia falcata, 70 Buckwheat, for poultry, 194 Bullfinch, food lor, 472 Butterfly, early, 32 Calceolarias— herbaceous failing, 41f ; herbaceous, after flowering. 428 ; not thriving, 450; potted shruboy, 296: seedlings after flowering, 328 Caleot. 387 Camellias— aphis on, 323: buds fall- ing, 150: ia conservatory border, 113; culture, 82, 169, 179 ; for early flowers, 151: grafting. 413; leaves blistered, 363: Inpii'l manure for, 152; unhealthy, 170. 32s ; Jennv Lind, &C..2S2; Leopold Premier. 371 Campanulas and their culture, 257 Canaries— early broods. 38 ; pvi^e cups for, f6; gasping. 80; cups at the Crystal Palace, 95; Recollections of our Show, 120; pulling out stump feathers, Linnet 'Mule breeding, six- years old, 122 ; pairing, 140 ; at Crystal Palace Show, 155 ; catarrhed, 156; Mules are barren. 108: Show notes, 216; classification of Belgian, 208; mute since moulting, breathing noisily, 280 ; seed, gun. ling, :-H0 : classes, 350; Goldfinch Mules, 352; Lizard panting, old not singing, 400 " Canary. The," 382 Canna seeds germinating, 236 Cannas. list of, 171 Cape Gooseberry culture, 283 Carlisle Poultry Show. 95 Carnations— shoots eaten, 282; Per- petual, in a Melon frame, 361: be- coming single, 467 Carpet, insect in, 316 Cuses for carrying and exhibiting cut flowers, 42, 354 Cats, puzzling th*>, 293, 307 Cauliflowers, 213: dying, 466; and moist air. 309 ; under glasses, 342 Caution, 82 ('avenue pepper fumigation, 345 Ceanothus propagation, 428 culture, 242 Chapman's cut-Howcr packing-case, 182 Charcoal, mailing, 262; refuse, £04; water, 449 Cherries, aphis, 400; young tree, 327 : for a south wall, potting, 50; ma- chine for stoning, 433 long in the e 472 ; ground ment, 414,45: Chrysanthemums — as decorative plants, 222; culture, 245; new, 333; after flowering, 303; propagation. 414; select, 14, 49; Japanese not flowering, 71 Cinerarias, 50, 311 : flowers green, 90: seedlings after flowering, 328; un- healthy, 345 Cissns, discolor, compost, 296; por- phyrophyllua culture. 126 Clavipiiiiaernplnlla. 35s Climate for plants, imitating native, 59 Climbers— for mi arch, 70; for a con- servatory, 249; for a greenhouse. 250 Clover ll.nvers, 70 Coccus floceiferus, 355 Cochin-chinas - crossed, 20 : pullet's eggs. 332; Black. 352; White, at Brel defined, 27 > i-nut fibre refuse, 212, 267 B plant losing its lea ructures, 188 Co i '.13'. e ttings, 190: glauca eul- ■■ I . fctage Gardening," 358 Cottage g.ii'l- n management, prize for essay on, 11 Cottagers' horticultural shows, 291, C ickete, destroying, 134 Crop opened. 80' I rnps of 1S69, 178 Crows and rooks, 434 Crystal, Palace Autumn Show, 319; Flower Show, 159. 373, 421; Bird Show Cup Fund, 117; Bird Show.. 136; Canary Show. 154, 176; sug- gestions on, 155: Mr. W. Paul's Lx- hibition of Koses at, 389; Rose Show, 457 Cucumbers — and Melon bed, Hi ; culture, bottom heat for, 211; dis- eased, M15 ; preparing for early. 103; forcing. 231; frames for, 30; in a greenhouse. 250; leaves curled, 150 ; leaves spotted, 31; manure for forced, Sll; in a pit, 112; not swelV ing. 397 ; in winter, 89 Cuph.-ii culture, 233 Curculio, liimauis, 327 : picipes,846 Cum .ii a petiolata, 166 Cm rants— culture of Black, 240 cul- ture of Ked and White, 99 i Custard Apple culture, 152 Cut bush's spring- flowering plant-3, Cutting*— propagation bv, ISA; win- dow-box for, 266 Cvanopbyllum magnificum, cutting down, , , ■ Cyclamens, seedling*, 72; not bloom- ing. 295 ; culture, 2s2 : pcrsuuin, 191 ; culturo.-j.il, I.",. I; trr.itnu nt,:;y7, :/« Cydnnema uivricoideH, ?■'■■■< Cytisua, bluoms (ailing, 267; culture, Dahlias— a kew new, 282 : impf.ri- alis, 44; propagating, 114: roots dividing, 345 ; tubers, management, 188 Daisies, destroying, irti Daisy roots grub-eaten, 212 l»amp, prevention of, 48 htiTiiHuii, I'nlti m-I.ii'h Prolific, 372 Daphne indica rubra culture, 212; treatment, 450 December, plants flowering in, 03 Declining to engage, 212 Delphinium forniosuin, culture, 282 ; nudicaule, 166 Dendrobiunis — and culture, 274; for- giganteum not flowering. Desert Pea, 449 Deutzia gracilis flowerless, 345 Diarrhoea in fowls, 254 Dogs, feeding, 156 Dorkings, 237; cock's comb, 80 ; with Game fowls, 384 Drac;ena propagation, 151 Drake hatched under a ben, 368 Dropsy in hens, 56 Dry-rot in timber, 49 Dublin Poultry Show, 70.93. 313 Ducks— Avb '.si >urv, bills of, 12 J ; points of, 286: eggs. 122; Black East In- dian, 153, 432, 469, 472; Mandarin, 286: Rouen, not laying, 316: is water needed for ? 11'.; feeding, 416 ; lame, 332 ; keeping, 8S4 Dumfries Poultry Show, 76 Eablobes blistered, 140 Eeheveria metallica, 134; seed ing, 91; seeunda, 381 Echites nutans and rubro-vei culture, 180 Edging i Flics, death to the, 202 Floral criticism. 142; e3^aya on, 83, 101, 126 Floras, Indian and Australian, 146 Florists' (lowers, decline of their cnl- ture,-js7; Society, 80S, 888 Flower puts, 145 ; of zinc. UH ; clean, 311; determining size, 835 Flowers — sowing seeds, 169 ; and flower shows, 220, 261, 335. 371; gatherers, 229; national, 15u : -hows, competitors, and judges. 27.'., 2:il ; Mr. \V. Paul's denunciation, 277: underground, 411; changing co- lon .467 eating, 254, 3riS; producing fowls. 38, consumption of, 172; for incuba- tion, shells varying in colour, 17S; preserving, l'.tt, 235, 352; sprinkling incubating. 237 ; hen laying double- yolked, Pi2; ill-flavoured, -lit1, ; p;ick- ing for travelling. 3;;2. 306, 431; laid soft, 472; small, 352; lime water for preserving, eighteen bad, 368; not hatching, 3s4, 472; pullet laving small, 270 ; for silting, 286; used in photography, 299; tasting musty, 800 I: lm, does it produce seed ? 181 ; fruit- ing, 201. 243; of our woodlands blooming. 124. 165; seeding, 144 Emigration, 362 Enkyanthus japonicus, 166 Entomological Society's Meetings, 44, 146, 183, 227,260,322, 375, 469 Kpacrises, straggling, 295; leafless, 345 Fpiphvllum stems falling, 151 Lpworth Pouliry Show, 348 Eranthemtms, and culture, 272 Ericas, cutting-back, 190; for spring and summer, 363 Eriobotyra japonica culture. 465 Erythrochiton hypophyllantbus, 204 Encharis amazonica. dividing, 113, Fanct- Fantail putting her wings through her tail, 122 Farfugium grande, leaves injured, 398 Fatness and its consequences, 300 Feather-eating fowls, 267, 286 February and its consequences, 183 Fence against fowls, 472 Ferns— Australian. 429; temperature for Brazilian, 397; Br.tish vivipa- rous, 84 ; planting case. 31 ; drying, S27 ; infested by Bcale, 71 Fernery, climbers for, ;«) ; limestone for its rockwork, 134; out-dour, 150; tank in, 466 Ficus ela-tica stem decayed, 150 Fife Ornithological Show, 35 Fig and its culture. 106, 102, 205, 215, 302,366; Btems bare, 70 Filberts, pruning, 113 Fish, gold and silver, 178 Fittonia argyr-neura culture, 250 Fleas in a low! house, 270, am ■beating by, 6 heat, 44 ; in- stead of dung heat, 70 Foods for poultry, stimulating, 312 F* -rein g plants, 5; in July and Au- gust. 82 Fountain, plants for, 397 ; self-acting. 87 for proiit, 2d; washing white.. not laying, 121 : scratching beds. 170 ; for use, 254; livers diseased, 4LMJ ; exhibiting in pairs, 451 Frame— liue-heated, 191 ; heating from a house furnace, 31 ; a new heated, 42, 147; portable, for cuttings, ax\, 278 France, song birds in, 460 French fowls, 468 ; classes, 347 ; at the London Poultry Show, 93 Frogs in a garden, 450 Frost, severe, 324; effects on fruits and blossoms, 376 Fruit— miseries of a cultivator of, 7; growing in France and England, 21, 125; prospects, 334, 335: trees in a greenhouse, 295 ; heading hack new- lv-planted, s7 ; putting, 50; repot- ting. 240 ; changed by climate, 263 grubs at their roots, 134 ; Fullers' earth, 152 Fumigator, Drechsler's, 130 Fungi, alternation of generation in, 241 ; book about. 289 ; edible, 460 Fmikias, and their culture, 239; not flowering.345 : subcordata, 114 Furnace smoking 91 Gaillap.dia BIOTA treatment, 190 Galls, 183 Galvanising plants, 456 Game— chickens d\ing. 134; fowls, 73, 116,198, *J34, 252, 266; Black, 32; fea- thers, 38 ; Bantam dubbing, lf,r, ; pullets drooping, ]>;; hiveding, 2s6 ; breeding Duekwing, 293, 316 ; feed- ing chickens. 3*4 ; varieties, 217; points in cock, 237 Gapes, 286 Garden gay in spring. 354 Gardenia norida culture, 393 Gardeners— in the olden time, 161; admitting to gardens, 417; a hint for young, 41; examinations, 66; Society of Arts examination. 424; and cooks, 308; assistants, 229 l:77 337 Gardeners' Royal Benevolent institu- tion, 447 Gardeners' watchfulness, 265 Gardenery, free, 311 Gas lime, 812 ; as a manure, 113 Geese, time to sit, 472 Gemietra, hyemaria, pilosaria, pe- Geranium and Pelargonium, 150 Gesnera, chromatella porting, 4C7 ; culture. SO; leaves spotted, 151 Gilia liniflora,411 Gladiolus, removing ami dividing, 3s0- Show, 33, 47. 88, 129, 147; tor pot- culture, 86; planting, 99; pottud under glaas, 4 Glasgow Pigeon Show. 18,36,55,118 Glass, imitating frosted, 132 Glazing, a confined space, 344; a greenhouse, 249 ; without laps, '276, Gloxinia, culture, 266; seedlings, 296 titddtinch and I'.ulltinch hybrid, 198 Gooseberry, magpie moth, 404; prun- ing, 212 Goose, lame, 238 Gourds, handsome, 344 Grafting, below the surface, 256 ; fruit trees, experiments on, 2s9; cold wax tor, 229 Grafts faidng, 344 Grapes— in the open air, 2. 4 ; colour- in g of, 223; bunches dwindling, -j 1 2 ■ estimate of, 150; at Glamis. 13; questions f.-r growers. 3sf> ; shrivel- ling, 466; varieties, 112; for vinery and wall. 46,7; wme pale. Us ; wither- ing, 450 ; all the year, 108; Diamant Traube. 19: Madresiield r.nirt.152- 'Killade Musque, Schiras, 71- Purple Constantia, 170. See also Grasses for pasture, 153 Graves, decoraiiona fur, 236; plants for. 232, 250. 25.". ' v"*aw Green fly, 135, 450 ; destroying, 170 Greenhouses, cheap, 364 ; climber for, 192: climber boxes, 282; plantB, what are, if a; heating a small. 170, 466; coat of one, 191 ; plants for June show, 113; erecting small, 114,151; increasing temperature of, 70 Grubs, surface, 113 Guano for Strawberries, 283 Guildford Poultry Show, 329; White Cochin cup at. 398 Guinea fowls, 218 GvmnuNtaxhYUin Verschaffelti cul- ture, 467 286; Black, hen paralysed, 128, mortality among, 400; Golden-pen- cilled, 472; mating, 56; points of, 198; Golden-spangled chickens, 472; hen drooping. 237 ; plumage of, 237 ; Silver-pencilled, sickle leathers of, 20; Silver-spangled cock's tail, 56 Hams, caring, 218 Hanlev Poultry show, 52 Hants Poultry Show, 468 Hardiness- of plants in some places, 183 Hares and rabbits, puzzling, 291 ; r»r.«ii.s trees, Ac, 303, 353 Hawthorn hedge, old, 327 Heaths, culture, 249 : straggling, 295 Heat, obtaining moist, 8 Heating. 414; failure in, 191 Hechtia Ghiesbreghtij, 4^4 Hena — and pups, 349 ; and brood management, 365; body touching the ground, 415; not broody, 198; with young brood, 434; diseased, 217: retaining hei- egg, 156; for egg- producing, 434 : egg-eating, 235; leaving eggs, 237; dropping eggs, ■237; fasting, 131; with head aside, 178; intestines swollen, 3S ; killing for table, 286; not laying, 287; moping and dying, 3*4"; plucking Jerdonia indica, 44 Jottings, wayside, 393 Judges reporting, 382,3 Kale, Asparagus, 361; Cottagebs' Kendal Poultry Show, 74 K. ntish orchards, ramblea in. 372 Ki'Jii''\ Means, for transplanting, 29 late, 449 fa' Kiln oust, 449 King's Lynn Peoltry Show, 16 Eitchi o-gmrdf d - ropping, iso, 456 Kitchen vegetables for June Show, Hernandia mrerenhoutiana, 358 Holcus saccharatuB culture, 249 Hollies— grafting Golden, 413; graft- ing, variegated, propagation, 113 ; transplanting, 114 ; hedge under trees, 211; seedlings of white-ber- ried, 295 Hollyhock sowing, 190 Horticultural Exhibition, the l'rciieh 390 Horticultural (Royal) Society's An- nual General Meeting, and "Rpp.trt of Council, &c, 103 ; Committee Meetings, shows. Ac, 12. ]-js, leu 202,25s, 290, 32U, 3.".6, 4u3, 438, 45K ; it* aching tooth, 145, 181; bequest to, 47; Chiswick Garden. 103. 127. 20s, 224; Committee members, 67: ex- aminations of gardeners, 67; Gla- diolus Show, 147: and pennant ut International Exhibitions, 357 ; Major Trevor Clarke's prizes, 67; medal to Miss Ormerod. 187; pro- spects, 127; Vice-Presidents, 186 Hotbeds, 109 Houdans, 72; pullets laving. 56: and Creve-Coeurs, 270 ; feather-eaters 217, 218, 23:'.. 252; hardiness. 3.V2 ; combs and feathers, 381 ; points, 472 Hoya, australis, 160; carnusa seed- ing, 381 Hubbard's (Mr. W. E.) prizes for Es- says, 246,358 Humea elegans dying, 171 Hyacinths. -Jti ; alter flowering, 133, 169, 171, 363; 171 ; buds brown, l:>o; bulbs damping. 150; blooming leaf- less, 266 ; in glasses, 100 Hydrangeas, blue, 241 Hygrometers, 23 Ice — COLLECTING A preserving rough, 14 ; house, 91 ' Incrustation in boilers and pipes, 17i", 212 Incubators. 316, 416 Indian seeds, 91 Indianrubber plant treatment, 190 Insects, and soap water, 460, 464 ; in forcing house, 283 Insuring garden structures. 250 Ireeine, green iiy on. 381 ; treatment, 133 Ivies lor window sides, 232 Jackdaw, and Magpie ttnion, 815 ; food, 368: teaching to talk. 452 January, plants flowering m, 146 Laehenalia quadrieolor culture, 761 Lady-cows. 262 Lapageria Larch aph 1 culture, 150, 232 Launcestuu prize list, 268 Laurel, standard, 327 Lawn — fairy-rings on, 92; forming Qud improving, 258 :fungiis on, 2U7~; Archimedean, 277, 338, 359, 364, 45; tural Show, 130 Leek Ornithological Show, 36 Lentiscus of Cicero. 144, 161 Lettuces, forcing, SO; and their cut- ture, 141, 159, 221 Levelling and draining, 223 Lice on towls, 472 Lilium auratum, 429 Lily of the Valley, culture, 91 ; forc- ing. 398; after forcing. 212 Lime, as a manure, 6s ; long unspread. 70; water, 254, 296,413; loi egg-pre- Berving, 254 Linaria tristis, 202 Linseed fur poultry, ITS Li. pud manure, diluting, 151 ; of fowls' dung, 381 Liihi'sperinum c:eruleo-purpureum, Looker's and Rendle Lopezia myrtifolia. 214 Loquat culture, 465 Low situations, trees, &c. for, 295 Magnolia i Maize, table, 157 Manchester National Horticultural Show, ISO Mangold Wurzel, 282 : 299, 329 Manures, chemistry of. 206, 225, i 323; --': ^larai 213 March. plants flowerivgin, 260 Marigolds for bedding, 450 Marketing 3"0 year, ago, 227 Markets, 4*0. 416. -},.;. 4: :. 472 Mav, plants flowering in, 441 McDonald, Mr. C, 278 McKenzie, Mr. Alexander, 83 Matheson, Mr Murdoch, 278 Meal; bue, 450; on Beeches, 213 Medmilla magnitica ret flowering, 282 Melbourne Botanical Gardens, 339 Melons— for autumn, 295; and Cu- cumber bed, 144; cultnre, 22, 3si); cutting and keeping, 397; frame heating for, 29'i; frames for sowim-- 30, 170; insects on. 429; leaves tufted. 467; for moderate heat. 72 ; watering, 417 ; Beechwood, 113 •' Climax, 413 Melrose Poultry Show, 153, 175 Mesembryanthemumsfor bedding, 80S Moulting, promoting, 434 Muea Cavendishii fruit, 467 Museum of natural bistorv, 394! " Mushroom Culture," 410* Mushrooms— beds -for, 114, 361- b^d out of doors, 233; failures, 170; forcing, 59, 69 ; house management, 131 ; power of, 31 ; age of spawn,3I Mvosotis dissitiflora for bedding-out 345, 404 ; sowing, 190 Myrtle, culture, 233 ; grafting, 112 Nareis-01 „'s, after tlowtTing. 133,16) Bulbocodium var. DiOHOpbyllus, :-;;.s Tarieties, 36*J; olasdilicatiua 01, 3o9 Yll Nectarines- flowers falling, 192; in pots, 199; unfruitful, 397 ; shrivelled, Nenthead Poultry Show, 75 Kepeta violacea culture, 45» v, ning, preserving, 249 Nettles, extirpating, 327 Newark Poultry Show, 75 Newcastle Ornithological Snow, 54 New-year's gifts, 1 Night soil, applying, 113; for gardens, Nitrate of soda for Vines, 381 Noblemen at work, 445 , . North British Coluinbanan Society 8 Show, 118 Northampton Poultry Show, 235 Notice to quit service, 30 Oak AT BEAUT>E8ERT,447 Oats, ground, for chickens, 400 Odontoglossums, 63 (Enothera marginata. 204 (danders, pruning, 50 ., Oncidium vancsuni r. Rogersn, 100 Onions, culture oi, 101 : grubs in, 429 ; manuring for, 192 ; for pickling, 325 ; Bowing, 114 Opbrys Speculum. 424 Oi-ni'Te trees, leaves blaek-mildewed, 19 ■• as dinner-table plants, 387; O&SfhSSStfo. 239, 274,303,310; management, 345, 402, 427; con- struction. 442; heating, 50; venti- lation, 152; worms, in puts, 2*2 i; trees, 260, 406; blossoms imperfect, b"7 ; Peach and Nectarine, 199 Orchids, for a conservatory, 233; winter-flowering, 10, 63, 143,274, 319 Orthosiphon stamineus, 358 (rshrv making, 464 0\alis. leaves not falling, 31 ; tropreo- loides culture. 91 Oyster Plant, 327, 362 ; culture, 272, 29o Paint, for a greenhouse, 381 ; in- jurious to plants, 21-2 Paisley Ornithological Show, 17 Palms from seed, 113 Panicumvaric-atum culture, 319 Pun-ies- classes, 200; in a green- house, 290; at the Koyal Horiicul- tnral Society's Shov.-, 9o0: seed not germinating, 345 ; select Show ana Fancy, 397 Paradise sb.eks. raising, 92 p;;r.inepheliusumrlorU3,4b, 202 Paris flowers in, 306; notes from, 424 " Parks, Open Spaces and Thorough- fares of London," 88 Panoquets, breeding, 3S, 121,153 Parrot 8elf-plnck-d. Hi', ^86 _ Partridge and Bantam, crossing, 1(8 Pasture, manure for, 91 l\i;hwav. wooden, in greenhouse, 4..0 Pauls Show of spring flowering plants, 204; Roses. 341, 389 Peaches - branches leafless, 327 ; bads falling, 233; buds thinning, 192; culture, 21: in Craven, 43/; early, 375 ; failures, 454 ; as a flower- ing plant. 287 ; for house, culture, 134- from layers, 150: falling, 192; leaves diseased, 397; removing leaves, 272; recently planted, 233; in pots, 119, 191, 192; potting, 50; protecting. 170; pruning. 233; ueed- Jing fruiting, 71; spotted, 429; un- fruitful, 344; scale on, 192; un- healthy, 32; upright training, 62; against low walls. 150 Pea-fowl management, 816 Pears-not blooming, 345; fly, 228; in France and England. 12d; fruit fall- ing 233; fruiting irregularly, 406; fruiting seedling, 70; insects, 22*. 339, 392; late for standards, 92 ; leaves blistered and diseased, 344, 346, 3*1, 450; in pots, 293; scale on, 150; select, 30; for Yorkshire, 32; Beedling fruiting, 1Q; shortening spurB, 345; training. 212; Doyenne du Cornice, 83; Easter Beurre, 27, 60 101,1-7 : Pitmaston Duchess, 11, 41 ■ Uvedale's St. Germains, 169 Peas— culture of, 181, 396; dwarf for April sowing, 296; gathering, 44S ; Hundredfold, 140; Laxton's cross- bred, 83, 66, 102; late. 449 ; for light soil, 397; Marrow, 345; Mint for, 325; preserving green, 254; red- leading, 364; row from a quart, 212; for succession, 90, 134 ; sowing, 14s, 209; supports, 362: tested, 3 Peat soil. Keeping, 390 ; value of, 364 Pelargoniums— bedding, 301. 322,320, 370; list of Bicolor, 240: buds not opening, 267: classes. 266; altered coloration, 32n -, cuttings, 138, 190, 233; cut flowers, 328; black fungus on, 312 ; golden-leaved, 90 ; guano for, 253; hybridising, 206; leaves rusted, spotted, withering, 49, 233, 364, 881; liquid manure for, 328; mildewed. 327; notes on, 334; pa- rentage, 151; potting, 326; protec- tion in a border, 231; Scarlet, 320; from seed, 192; select, 266; obtain- ing shrubby, 449; flowering EtroDg- gl OW Illg, ■41.1 , J. I 1COLO[ , It,', HOJl,"i, potting, 150; variegated, 1S3, 370; as wall plants, 9; white-bedding, 206; white-edged. 90; for a window, 192; winter-flowering, 183. 170; Zonal, 273; new double, 8; list of, 467; management. 39H ; for winter flowering, 199. IT": Ihtvard, 3s*. 40* ; I7Elegante,222; Mrs. Pollock chang- ing colour, 397. compost for, 381; Thomas Speed, 449 Penrith Poultrv s how, 134 Pens, exhibition, 32 ; and their ar- rangement, 152; for poultry, 172; for Perennials— dividing, 827: for early flowers, 302; for Rprintf-Uouining. >1 Peristeronic Society's Show, 137 Petunia cuttings, 212 I'hienoconia prolifera potting, 71 Phalaena pedaria. 392 Phakvnopses, 10; I'arishii. 44 Pheasants, cover for, 70; hatching eggs, Versicolor and bar-tailed, 21* ; pinioning Silver, 352 ; Silver, lame, 472 Phigalia pilosaria, 392 Plidodendron Linden ia mini culture, Phlox Drummondi. Phvsalis eduhs culture. 283 Pie'otee, Tree, Prince of Orange. 200 Pigeons— Antwerp. 78, sn, 120, 13s. 195. 216. 21*. 23*. 352 . Parbs. 17* ; Boards long-faced Him', 3* ; Tumblers. 2*0 ; Birmioghain Rollers, 77.96, 122, 195, 214.230,313, 329, 31*. 416; too old to breed, 352: buying, 122; Carrier English. 26*; ('rook's plagiary, 213 ; for "culinary use, 20; dying, 254; dariseedasa food for. 12 J ; Dragoon, 80, 215. 2*5. 296, 299; standard Dra- goon, 316; eggs unproductive, 434; Fantails, 20, 96, dying. 286, putting wings through tail. 122 : flights hung. 95: Glasgow Show, 118; Jacobins, Mottled, 98; keeping, 196; Maltese, 2:'.M; mating, 23*; mice in h>ft, 3;i2, 399; millet seed, as food for, 122; nests, 218; Owls, colour of African, 434; points of, 156; Pouter?, 18, 36, 174 479, classitication, 118; at Glas- gow. 55; Pock, Blue. SH : Roll feathered. 140; Runts, 122; Scottish Coluinbarian Society, 7*; Smerlcs Belgian, 12''; Swift, Egyptian. 23*; for table, 238: at Taunton Show, 431; trespassing, 400; Trumpeters. 77, 119. 175, 235. 2*5, eyes of, 20; Tumblers. 17s, living. 77, 90. 2H, 254, 31:1, 9.29. 31*, Skv,l9, 56, 159, 195,230. 367; Turbits. 21*. 2*6: washing, 452; water in crop, 472; wing damaged, 30s, ^:i4; wing disease, 156. 280; stifl-wmged, 17*; at Wolverhamp- ton. 154, 175. 214 Pimelea speetabilis culture, 363 Pine-Apples— culture, 3. 83. 123, 219; size of pots, 219; for profit, 179; gills, &c.,_8_61 ; losing Piping, for hot water, 234; required for a vinery, 49 Pistachio Nut, 112 Pitching tubs, 50 Pit. constructing. 413; size of a cold, 381; and frames, managing, 16*; of earth, 281; heating, 152; turf or earth, 294 Planting, 111: trees and shrubs, 191, 248 Plants, diffusion of. 226 : mimetic. 394 ; names of. 243 ; undeservedly neglect- ed, 435 : pot blossoms defective, 233; bushes from cuttings. 70; dving. 32*: se- lect, 30 ; stocks for, 250 ; for York shire, 32 Pomscttia puleherrima, culture, 27, 91 ; leafless, 212 Polands, 92. 98, 194,316; points of Golden and Silver-spangled, 121; native place, 218 Polemonium cseruleum vanegatum culture, 181 Polyanthuses, 428 Pomegranate not flowering, 344 Pooley's tobacco powder. 937 Portsmouth Poultry, Pigeon, and Bird Show, 116, 137 Potato, Sweet, 327 Potatoes — in Cornwall. 221; crop, average, 25"; dibble, 339; digging between, 39*; early. 26, preparing for. 163; earthing. 427; in England, 70: forcing, 90: ground prepar — 143: hop-manured, 201; drills. 143 ; manuring, 26o, om, v±v , New York crop, 429; notes on, 164, 334; perforated, 90; planting. 344; ridge and trench growing, 57, 112, 1*5, select, 5*. 1*0 ; lor sets. 41, sets cut, 143; premature shoots, 32; Earlv Frame, 421; Patterson's, 192 : poxal Ashleaf, 124,15*; Sultan Pink Kidney, 165; Yeiteh's Ashleaf, 421 Poultry— annals, 233, 296, 347, 431 ; of last year, 14 ; and Pigeon compe- titions, 29*: feeding, 150. 3*4; floor of house, 156; food when without vegetables, 156; houses, arranging, 80; keeping extensively, 27o, keep- ing rational. 32*. 365, 414.45': labels for, 252; near London, 416; loss from, 116 : profitable, 74, 93, 114. 140, 152, 172, 270; shows, deceptions at, and reforms, 72, 115, gambling, 2*1. objects of, 172 ; judging at, 251 ; staggering and dying, 56 : weighing, 2;;* ; yard arrangement, 9* Pouter classification, 118 Primroses changing colour, 421 Primulas, culture. 151, 963; in cold frame, 211 ; Chinese, culture, 425 Prizes, paying, 38 Propagating, case and management, tion, 65; with litter, s9 ; unpatented. 441 Pruning, newly-planted trees, I02 ; or- namental trees and shrubs, 401, 436 Psilonbyton prineeps, 438 Pteris erotica culture, 91 Public parks, 110 Pullets, dropping their eggs, 178; for laving, 3s, 156; drooping, 156; feed- Puppv weak-legged, 140 Putty making, £0., 364 Pyrethrum Golden Feather, 205 ; cut- ting down, 133 Qt-f.kvsi.and Acclimatisation So- ciety, 305 Quince stocks, 413 ; raising, 92 Grew 218 ; hutches. 3J6 ; irrsus trees, &£., 303, 353 Railway, eh ap tickets to shows, 7 ; delavs, 72,74 Rape, summer, 316 Pa spberries, pruning autumn-bearing, 14 Rats, and chickens, 400; destroying, Red lead, applying to seeds, 50, 209, 460 Ped spider, 328 Kendle's plant protectors. 85 Resurrection Plant, 171,229, 267 Rhododendrons— Edg wort hii culture. 249; Mr. A. Wateivr's Show, 4ns, 428; grafting. 413; seedlings, 266,; Rhubarb, forcing, 230; wine, spark- ling, 332 Rhviieho^permum jasminoides prun- ing, 113 Rhynchotechmn ellipticum, 353 Ricnardia aethiopica, 459 Rockeries, 334 PorUwork for a eon-ervatory, 91 Roosting, house, 316; time for, 3S4 Roses— aphis on standard, 428: bed- ding plants with, 115; beds of, 133, 345; plants in. 91 ; budding, 70, 132, 171; cutting back. 327; dwarf Hy- brid Perpetual. 144; exhibiting, 71; Why exhibited on Moss V 402: not expanding. 362 : forcing, 398, graft- ing on Manetti. 112. guano for, 244 ; leaves black-surfaced, 3*1, destroyed by caterpillars, 466, scolloped, 344 : liquid manure for, 170; Manetti stock, 144. budding on, 70, 132,171; to bloom in March, 30; pruning, 211 ; mildew preventing. 4:;*, on Tea, 45n ; new, 211; notes on, 23, 331. 4:91; Mr. W. Paul's exhibition of, 341, 3*9 ; pot, 133, 429; prim rose-colon red, 304- pruning. 211. 219, 220, 292. 232; reason of 1869, 26; Select. 49. 71, 429, 465; for August, 296, for E.S.E. aspect. 14; shading for, 71; soot for. 398; stock for, 445; syringing, 3n 344; Tea-scented. 91 ; What is a truss of? 3ii; the weevil. 244; Cab- bage, 150: Climbing r>evnnien*is, 213; Cloth of Gobi. 213: Gloire de Dijon, 445 ; Louis Van Houtte, 25; Marechal Niel, 445, and others, 2.(2 ; Princess Christian, 44 Rubus arcticus, 70 Rules for raisers and exhibitors of poultry, 252 RuntB, 122 Sailing, 249 Salads, winter and spring, 345 Salsaly culture, 170, 449 Salvia Soucheti losing its leaves, 315 Sand, Bilver versus river, 295 Sashe«, repairing, 149 . Scouts, prizes for colonial-raised, 67 Scorzonera culture. 170, 449 Scotland, stone fruit in, 364 Seacoast, shrubs and trees for. 293, 214, 20H, 291.971. 409: shrubs for, 836 Sea-kale - blanching, 411 ; culture, 2*0; forcing, 23i*: flower head-. 361 Season's peculiarities, 440; prospects, Seeds, Bowing, 264 : given out to a gardener, 151 ; moisture for, 861 SelagineUas, lepidophylla, 267; for conservatory rockwork, 249 Selkirk Poultry Show, 135 Sempervivum arboreum and tabulte- forme propagation, 429 Sex m plants, laws regulating, 66 Shading, S25 ; a conservatory, 152; a house, 212, 213 Shelter, shrubs for, 311 Silkies, breeding, 9.x; points of, 41 Silkworms, 383 Sion, sale of plants at, 394 Sitters and non-sitters, crossing, 229 Sitting, time occupied in, 198 Skeletonising leaves ami flowers, 20S Sloping ground, 191 Smerles, Belgian, 120 Snowberry, 14 Soil, fresh, 310 Solanum, treatment. 295; Capsieas- trum, berries of, 50 ; culture, 232 ; Sowing in dry weather, 427 Spalding Cottagers' show, 375; Poul- try Show, 469 Spanish fowls, 218; cock catarrhed. 270; cock's wattle enlarged, 332; face diseased, 286,, 300 ; head swell- ing, 20; irregularities. 332; rose- combed, 254 : for profit, 238 Sparaxis potting, 212 Sparrows not destructive to garden crops, 43 Spring is coming, 171; signs of, 25 Stains, Mr. R, 456 Starling food, 368 Stephanotis tioribunda fruiting, 397 grafting, 112 Stipa penuata treatment. 190 Stocks, manuring for, 397 Stove, plants, a few choice, 419; shad- ing, 71 Strawberries— bearing in December, 14;blos8oniB, 414; for Covent Gar- den Market, 393; culture, 244, 427: forced, 294, 364, 371; in the open ground, 343. 380: planting, 456; in pots, 170, 191, 209, 326; select, re- moving runners, 129; soil for, 303; Garibaldi, 213 Streptoearpus biflorus culture, 467 Stylophorum japonicnm, 358 Succulent culture, 151 Sugar, home-made, 384 Sulphuring pipes, !"~~ Sundew, the Daddy-longlegs trapper. decorations, 27*; tal Palace, 461 1 laterals, stopping, 2 Tagetes signata pumila culture. 192 Tan:p. ring with show birds, 314 Tank-heating, 49 Tanks for bottom heat, 124, 163; ce- mented water, 211 Tar, removing from tree trunks, 250 Taunton Show, four hours at, 430 Tea-le.,ves for manure, 234 Temple Gardens, 444 Tenant's right to remove a green- house, &c, 48 Thermometers, discordant, 90; cor- rection of, 126 Thomson's styptic, 164 Thome Poultrv Show, 451 ThirBk Canary Show, 118, 139 Thrush's song, 176 Thunbergia Hanisii flowers falling, 92 Tigridia conchiflora culture, 134 Tillandsia Lindeniana, 358 Timber, rendering durable, 18G Tinea Clerckella, 339 Toads are vampires, 433 Tobacco juice, diluting, 233 Torquay Poultry Snow, 94, 172 stained feathers at, 214 Tortoise keeping. 38 Town garden, plants for, 192 effects, 456 "Trees and Shrubs for English Plant- ations," 307 Trees, our, 127 Trenching, 858 Trimming. 192.231.250,284 Trimming and making up poultry, 50, 267 Trumpeters, points of, 119 Tuberose culture, to tiower in Novem- ber, 192 Tulip Tree in America, 340 Tulips, after flowering, 363; not root- ing, 170 Tumblers, Sky, 119 Tumours, on fowl's face, 384 ; under chickens' tongues, 434;. under a hen's eye, 198 ; on fowls' heads, 254 Turf, improving, laving down, 111, 191; tor comport, 210 ; for potting purposes, 81 Tnrki-vs HKiiiii'.'rriirlit. 1 in. KWi; the wild. 21i* : i-itr-Kiiii'iinn 01 wiM.j.vj; charge fur rearing, 412 ; time to sit, 472 Tnrning-out house piants,4U CJETH7X.E9CKXS tion and do Vegetables for exhibition, l'Jl ■ 1. primitive, -iss Veitch'e Royal Exotic Nursery, SS6, 886 Ventil.Uim'. 'J31, 234; a small green- house, 418 Yi-ntilutur-i, mjifliinr-woi-k''-i, ' \. j 1.. n :> - . - ■uHui-r, 296; drnpingfi) Bait water. ]''.': «lt^i-:i s^it. Hi;,; seed not vegetiiting, sowing. 196 »'!-■'. 1: ■ '. imrticnlture in. 'J . ■ ■ ■ ! ■ rincs— bunches degenerated, 102; border*. :il. 70 . 1X\ h-rciug on. Kd, inside rrr*n< outside. (]'!. n ■ ' Dlamsnt Trau'op ■■ Bagging, Bll; gn HI. 3(>2, :-:i;::. warted. 31.".: liquid m:i- mire for. 296,838; management, 4H, 151 ; miMewed, 897; in pots, 13. 14, not fruiting, 413 ; stopping. 429 ; prusj 1 r, 118. 885 ; restricted ond ,.,!.. '- ■ .■ 'i.--. ".".") : "Ut of doors, ; .- . t 1 d , :i27 ; roots floored 0 . - r, 119, branches, 418 : Boap- suds for, B87; spur pruning, 881; starting, 71; stopping, :^.~. 4i'<; ; tem- •m iiun- for, 283; infested by thrips, 311; watering, 70. .S <; <■ < Gbapbs. Viru-ry— What is a cool? 881; pro- posed c:irlv, ii'.C, ; .1 iscon i j nu i ii _' heatintr. 4">0; paint for. '212; trees and plants for a back wall, US, 213 ; j heating, removing, 133 ; what may be done in, 24 | Viola corn n ta. 413 i Violets— Russian. 200, 2W ; to flower »t Christmas, :',t.;;-; ; needling of Czar, 232 Vulture hocks, 140 ; hereditary, 178 Wat.lflowers in a consebvatort, 170 Walls— improved hollow. 23 ; pointing an old, 171 : pruning trees on, 70 Warrington Poultry Show, 415 Watercress enltnre, 819 Waterfowl. I ma nentril. B0 Water, pump, i.-r plants, 413; weed in pond, 413 Watering, 370, 395 : from a boiler, 205 ; potted plants, 448 W:tti-i-proojiiitf eloth, 452 Wayside jottings, 185 WYi-ds r>n walks, destroying. 320, 3R2 Week, work for. 12.28. 47, 67. M. 1 in. ISO, 147, 166, 187,208,929,946,388,219, w.<. :tns, :i"j.f,4l. :ii.o. ;it-. ;!'.'4.411.42ii. 447. 403; duingsof l.-^t. 13. ■■:', K «;-. *9. Ill, 181, 14*. 107. iss. •j,^i.23rt.247. 2R4,2Wi,29t.!V>, -ij;,, ;:■!-, JGI. LIT!'. r:93. 412, 427, 443, 464 fowls. 3° 4 Whitehaven Poultry Show, 15 Wlutwurth and Korhdale Poultry Show, 884 Williams's, B. S., Victoria Nursery. 892 " Window Gardening," Window, plants for, 29G Whip ropy, 140 Wm- f.-athers. stamps of col Wiiitfr-tlowt-nm; pl..nts. -jh, ::si Wirewomis, in a tan bed, 150; in Cu- cumber border, 250 Wolverhampton Poultry Show, 117, 195. 235 Wood v. earthenware protectors, 25 Wtifnilirc, destroying, Kit; in Mush- room bed, 233 Women, instructions in science and art. 186 Wool-washings, utilising, 70 Worms in pots, 192 Yam, Japanese, culture. 333 Vhw h.-d^e, . >ittiiiLT. 211 York Bird Show, 451 WOODCUTS. PAGE Amphidasis pilosaria 392 Archimedean Snail 282 Aucuba grafting . -. 40 Beehive, cheap 217 Cats, puzzling 293 Cherry- stoning Machine 433 Fig cuttings 107 „ mode of producing frait 162 „ pruning 162, 205 „ „ pot trees 246 Flower-ratherer 229 Fountain, self-acting 83 Frame, new heated 147 „ portable for striking cuttings 278, 279 Fumigator, Drechsler's 130 Galls 184 Hygrometer, the Atmometro- 65 Frost, effects of on blossoms and fruits 376, 377 Levelling instruments 228 Odontoglossum Insleayi 64 Orchard House plans 442, 443 Par mephclius uuitlorus 46 PAGE Pea supports 303 Pear insects 339, 392 Phahx-nopsis amabilis 10 Phylloxera vastatris 133 Pear, Pitmaston Duchess 11 Pigeon, Antwerp 138 „ Dragoon 297 „ English Carrier 2G9 „ pens 313 „ Pouter 471 „ roosts 390 Potato dibble 839 Propagating cases 278, 279 Psilophy ton princeps 438 Tillandsia Lindeniana 359 Tinea Clerckella 330 Ventilators, machine-worked 185 Vine grafting. . . .■ 92 Vulture-hock 140 Walls, hollow, improved 23 Washington, Department of Agriculture 409 Wedding Breakfast Table 403 January 6, 1&7J. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Day Sun Clock before Sim. Day of Year. Month Week. ture near London. 43 years. Rises. Sets. Rises. Sets. Age. Day. Night. Mean. Days. m. h. m. h. m. h. m. h Days. m. s. 6 Tn 41.1 28.6 , 84.8 14 7af8 fl af 4 15 10 9af 9 4 6 9 7 F Length of Day, 8h. 0m. 41.7 29.1 1 85.4 17 7 8 7 4 6 11 11 111 5 6 35 7 8 S Prince Albert Victor of Wales Born. 41.11 30.1 35.5 14 6 8 8 4 26 11 19 11 6 7 0 9 41.2 80.8 36.0 15 6 8 I 9 4 43 11 5 7 25 9 10 M Plough Monday. 42.0 80.3 88.1 18 5 8 10 4 1 after. 24 0 8 7 50 10 11 To Hilary Term begins. 41.5 80.1 35.8 22 5 8 12 4, 22 0 28 1 9 8 14 12 W Blackbird's song commences. 42.1 29.5 35.8 18 i 8 11 4 47 0 34 2 10 8 37 From observations taken near London during the last forty-three years, ha average day temperature of the week i 41 5*; and its night temperature 29.8'. The greatest heat was 54", on the 12th, 1852 ; and the lowest cold IT, on the 7th and 8th, 1841 ; and 8th, lSli- The greatest fall of rain was 1.Q0 inch. 1 L1BRAR NEW VOl . I QAKUBI NEW YEARS GIFTS, ET CETERA. |2gjJP§? EW YEAR'S morning, seven o'clock— no \ " more sleep, but a half- awake semi-dream condition for one happy half-hour, before the dreadful getting-up to that cold white world. I am iu thought or dream, you ma}' please yourself as to which, good reader. I am in ! London, and it is New Year's morning. I am up, and walking City-wards. It is early for London ; the first omnibuses are coming from their stables, how hollow the long empty things j sound as they bump over the crossing or round a corner, and the cad at the end is bounded up in the air, and looks so unlike what he will two hours hence ; he looks now a ' melancholy man, perhaps because his mind is as yet un- relieved of "chaff." On the box sits the equally melan- choly-looking driver ; he as yet has no word for his friend behind. I pass cab-stands, the horses with their heads drooping low, and the men dismal-looldng enough. On j further, I notice people are yawning while they remove the shutters at the smaller shops. I see fat slip-shod servant girls (how unlike country girls !), who are pretending to tidy \ the doorsteps, but in reality looking for the postman. I walk on, and reach at length — yes, there it is — Temple Bar, and think how the rebels' grinning heads once stood on the top, after what Scotchmen call the 45. " Happy New Year i to yer ! " cries one newspaper boy to another. That's the I first cheerful sound I have heard. Why, what's that over ; 171, Fleet Street? A long board, with on it, "Office of Journal of Horticulture :" so it is the very plac6 I am | seeking, for I know it well, and through the high-front window to tall people, like myself, gleam bright pictures of many flowers. Yes, my old friend, " our Journal," holds his or her head-quarters here — his or her, for the floral porcupine hath many female quills. I enter, " A happy New Year," I say with a nod and a smile to two or three ' well-known faces in the office on my right, and which faces nod and smile, and wish me " A happy New Year " in return. Then up the dark staircase, and a turn to the right, and I stand before the door of the Editors' room. " Come in," I hear in wonderfully silver-sounding tones. " Umph,'' think I, " tiiat Editor has got a new voice with the New Year. I wonder which it is." When lo ! on opening the door, I see sitting at the senior Editor's desk, I knew her at once, a benignant-looking and beautiful fairy, clad in a glittering silver robe, with a silver wand in her right hand. She motioned me with the silver wand to the fire on her right, and I take my place beside her. On the desk at which the fairy sits are heaps upon heaps of letters, for every writer had sent a letter this New Year's morning ; these she did not open, but upon touching each with her silver wand a tiny form of the writer appeared before her. There they were, all the members of the staff, gardeners and garden lovers, great botanists, deep-scienced ones, plump pomologists, poultry and pigeon fanciers, prizetakers and those who had not taken prizes (very red in the face these last looked I, bee-keepers, contributors of all sorts and ranks, young and old, bald and grey, bearded No. 45S.-V0L. WILL, New Series. and non-bearded, all fashions of clothing, but the good blue apron of the gardener upon very many ; while the lady writers, who huddled together and stood in one corner of the large desk-table, had even more varied clothing still, very many had on those most desirable of all dresses, short walking dresses, and not a few those equally sensible things, waterproof cloaks and stout walking boots : and cheeks that told of health resulting from out-door exercise. I looked carefully at the fair group of little ladies, and although there were fair-haired, and dark-haired, and brown-haired, and — as fair as any hair — the silver-grey, yet I did not see, I give my word for it, one " girl of the period ;" they all had far too sensible faces for that nonsense. One lady, it is true, had a very large chignon, which the fairy just touched lightly with her silver wand, and with a good-natured smile said, "Very like a Cab- bage, dear ; I suppose you are a great kitchen gardener.' When the silver wand had touched every letter, and all the tiny forms stood in close array, " My friends,' said the fairy, " I am the benignant spirit that presides over ' our Journal,' I watch its course, I see what pleasure it gives ; did it dwell upon hard worldly topics I should not heed it, but I see it makes good people better, kind people kinder, and happy people happier; I see that it carries in thought the invalid to his garden, and the citizen to the country home of his childhood. I love flowers, and fronds and green leaves, I love the feathered and furry pets, I love to hear the bee humming her drowsy lullaby, while I, taking a tiny form, all unseen, couch upon an opening Rose. I am your friend. I am here to wish you all well this New Year's Day. See, my dress is silver, its light colour suits me (here she glanced at the ladies), and I am here also to present you with New Year's gifts, as tokens of my regard." Here she gave tiny silver flowers to each flower-lover, to each the flower he or she loved best, or had been most successful with, to others a Fern, to others little silver models of the bird they loved most, and a silver bee to others. Then, looking grave, she said, " My name among fairies is Silverine the Courteous. I, your presiding genius, am ever courteous, so also be ye ; do not any of you at any time write as if no one ought to dare to advocate an opinion antagonistic to your own. Remember each one has an equal right with you "to his own fancy, his own theory, his own argument. Remember Silverine the Courteous ; and now a happy New Year to you." " Well said," I exclaimed from the fireplace, quite for- getting myself, but at the sound of my earthly voice the fairy was gone at once. I looked to desk-table for the large group of little folks, they were all gone ; and while I was scarce recovered from my wonder, I heard the steps of two in the room, and a voice by no means fairy-like, but very hearty and cheery, and deep-chested, saying, while grasping my hand warmly, "A happy New Year to you.' The other Editor was close behind, and he, too, was hearty and cheery. Then the elder said, " There, it is Saturday, and I know you are going home for to-morrow's duty ; now sit down on Monday in that snug study of yours in your pretty rectory, and write us a New Year's piece, you have No. 1110,-VoL. XLIIL. Old Series. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. January G, 1870. often done it, and let us have it on Tuesday ; there, good-bye, and a happy New Year to all at home." "Ditto," said the other laconically. I at once departed, and soon found myself at home to hear about that lying Bill, " the village nuisance ;" old Mother Smith's rheumatics ; how Mrs. Jones had got, in juvenile phrase, " A new baby," and sundry other bits of village news. ET CETERA. HILLTOP RECTORY, Monday, January 3, 1870 "EtCfctera" "and other things," but let me take them in order. Let me glance first at gardening. There seemB to be a revival of orangeries. I say revival, for although differing by having modern appliances, yet the growth of the Orange in houses called orangeries has been carried on in England since the reign of Charles II., and many a noble mansion in Britain has an ornamental wing still called " The Orangery." Thus it is like the farthingale, then the hoop, then the crinoline — the same idea only carried out differently. May orangeries be as general as orchard houses. Then we have had earnest efforts to extend the growth of Grapes in the open air ; this is also a return to the old ways, and a good return. I wish we could make the cottager a Grape- grower, and growing something better than the old Black Cluster. I with we could get him to enjoy the watching and un- derstand the cultivation of his Vine, and then mayhap he would enjoy his drop of home-made wine at Christmas-tide and Whit- suntide, when the grown-up boys and girls come and tarry a few hours with the old folks in the old home. To the Rav. George Kemp be all thanks given (I should like to write his name all in capitals), for his encouragement by prizes for Grapes grown in the open air without any protection whatever. I do not know Mr. Kemp, or where he dwells, but his is a hand I should like to shake. Then there is that Lincolnshire Parson (a complimentary word this, persona, the person of the parish), " C. C. E.," of whom " the plain working gardener," as he humbly calls himself, gave his interesting account from the well-cultured garden up to the Sunday's text, and made me hink of the poet's words — " Say, ye far-travelled clouds, fir-seeing hills, Among the happiest-looking homes of men Scatter'd all Britain over, through deep glen, On airy upland, and by forest rills, And o'er wide plains cheered by the lark that trills His sky-born warblings — does aught meet your ken, Anght that more surely by its aspect fills Pure minds with sinless envv, than the abode Of the good priest : who faithful through all hours To his high charge, ami truly serving God, Has yet a heart/oi Ireet andflowen !" Such a one, I am sure, is " C. C. E.," and such hundreds of readers of " our Journal." But on to others of the " cetera." "Few men," says a recent writer, "are so stupified that they cannot by a little care select some more or less satisfactory hobby — a selection in which the whole secret of a judicious holiday-making may be said to consist. It is best to take up some amusement for which yon have a natural taste, but devotion to any hobby whatsoever is preferable to a cold-blooded dawdling, in obe- dience to general fashion, after nothing in particular. The happy man who has selected his hobby always excites my admiration, for he is at least able to boast of a genuine enjoy- 'ment." This Journal of ours, I humbly think, guides men to suitable and harmless hobbies, and instructs them when they have taken to a hobby. A garden stands first, and ever will in general esteem, as a health-giving innocent hobby. And see the efforts men make to have a garden. Some years ago I called on a gentleman who kept a large school at a seaside watering-place. His house was on a rock by the sea, and built of the very stone quarried from the rock on which it stood. A small playground had been made for the boys, but garden there could be none; yet the gentleman pined for a garden, so he built a small orchard house overlooking the deep sea, and there he, a happy host, took me, a happy visitor. And oh ! the pleasure that little orchard house gave him, and there he escaped from the noise and worry of the boys. But besides a garden, we have to do with other hobbies. The man, aye ! the woman too, whose home boasts space enough, often takes, and rightly, to poultry : while he who has les3 room takes to fancy pigeons ; and you hear grave men saying of some elderly gentleman, " Now he is given up to Toys." " Fie upon you ! you old donkey," an outsider would say ; but we know better. Or again, a long six-feet-two man, with a yard of face, tells you "he is now in the Short- faced fancy," and I think of the " Spectator." Or of a wee little man, that would go down a gas-pipe with room to spare, it is said " he is a Stout bird-fancier." Ah! we know the pleasure these Toys, Short-faces, and Stout birds give — Pigeons all, and beau- tiful too. But if there is no room for fowl or Pigeon, not even for those darling fairy-like Pigeons African Owls, with their sweet little chubby faces — faces which that Scotch old bachelor said " were just like things made for kissing." Of course, the things (tbingB indeed !) alluded to being young ladies. N.B. — There is hope of that old bachelor yet. Well, if there is no room for even these Pigeons, there is a hobby to be found in cage birds, the townman's hobby, the invalid's hobby, yea, even a pleasure- giving hobby (I have known it to be so), to those whose only room was their bedroom, and their bed their abode for all the days, as well as all the nights, of many a long year. As to poultry shows, 1 want to see a little more variety. Take, for instance, the Game classes. I grant that one of the most beautiful is the Black-breasted Red, but I would rather see many varieties than dozens of one variety, and yet, save at the very largest shows, or only at Birmineham, do we see more than two or three varieties — the Black Reds, a few of the beautiful Duckwings, and one pen or so of Brown Reds. Yet think of the splendid hues of the Black Game cock, the pied beauty of the Piles, then Blues, Duns, the BraBsy-wings, and Birchin Yellows. Then, how very rarely we see the Golden Polands ; the beautiful Sebrights are getting scarce, while Black Red Game Bantams are exhibited by hundreds and bred by thousands. The popularity of one breed — a very changeable thing is popularity — is likely to be the ruin of other breeds. Let committees look to this, and strive to get many varieties, then there would be more visitors ; for to a general eye a hundred Black Reds are all alike. Thus I was very glad to hear of more money this year given to Malays at Birmingham, although they are not my fancy. It would be well if committees offered more and smaller prizes. Extend the classes, but lower the prizes. The honour of winning a cup is everything, it matters not whether its money value be five guineas or three. If something of this sort be not done, many most striking varieties of fowls will die out, as the few who gallantly keep on with an unpopular breed get wearied out at last, receiving no encouragement from committees. Variety attracts, sameness repels. Strangers want to see the French fowls, and would go to shows, but on a second visit they say, " Oh ! poultry shows are all alike. See one you see all." Then, as to Pigeons, something in a lesser degree is applica- ble. Also, why will not skilled fanciers write more about them '? The last year they for the first time have seen " Pigeon Chro- nicle" added to our titles. Never were such good birds shown, and happily now they meet one's eye at almost every poultry show. The fancy has advanced, and shows have helped the advance ; more wiiting would help it further. Then, also, a word about cage birds. This is a fancy more universal, owing to circumstances, than either poultry or Pigeons. I am sure lovers of the Canary, especially, will have been gratified by the articles from Mr. Blakston's and Mr. Howarth Ashton's pens. I believe in the words of a letter lying before me, that "the Canary is a civilising and humanis- ing little fellow, so long as he does not hold his court in a publichouse, and where his friends are of the beery stamp. From such associations let us raise him, and let him occupy his proper place as a most interesting ornithological study, and a beautiful object for exhibition. It should not be infra din. to be a Canary man." Some years ago I pleaded that Pigeons should always be shown with poultry, and the thing is done. Now I further plead that, where it is possible (if the show be held in a tent of course it could not be), that a show of cage birds should always be added to poultry and Pigeons. There would be many entries, and a great many, especially ladies, would attend, who otherwise would not be present. Thus I have ventured to advocate a few improvements, which I trust will be carried out. Flaws I would rather not notice. I would rather forget the painters and stainers — the colourmen I like not. I hope we shall all be spared to go on together through this new year — Editors, writers, and readers. What a variety class we are ! — scienced and non-scienced, profes- sionals and amateurs. To the scienced I would say, Be sure and never misapply science, as a good woman did who brought her husland, with a bandage over his eye, to a surgeon of my acquaintance. " What's the matter with your husband, my good woman?" "Why, sir, my huaband got a piece of iron January G, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. in his eye, and I don't think yon will ever get it out, for I laid a magnet on his eye all night, and the bit is in still." But I must bring this almost-too-long paper to an end. Yet one word to those who have kindly sent contributions to 171, Fleet Street, but which never appeared in print. The writers must not be displeased. Perhaps other and similar, very similar, ones had before appeared, or the columns were very full, or, I may vonture, I know, to say that some other good, but never unkind reason forbad their appearance. The authors of rejected contributions must not serve this Journal as an itine- rant cakeman served me some years ago. He appeared several Sundays at my church (he was not a parishioner), and each Monday following he was at my door with his cakes. Once they were bought, though not wanted, and were found to be like our regular tradesman's, only not quite so good. Upon his making afterwards several fruitless calls, he said, " Tell the Rector, as he don't patternise me, I sha'n't no longer patter- nise he," and he kept his word. But I hope no writer of a contribution not needed will do the same with " our Journal." " Our Journal." I could speak of much kindness received, this, as in former' years, owing to it. Ours is a brotherhood floral and feathered, not masonic, but nevertheless real. " Egomet " refused to consider " Aliquis " an " opponent." I liked that, and so also L. Wright's excellent remarks thereon. And now to all I beg to offer my best wishes for the new year. May none of you lose one from your circles this year, but may the last day in December find you all still together, rela- tives, friends, and neighbours ! Yet — yes yet, I would re-echo in a gentle whisper in the ear of each one, " C. C. E.'s " text : " What I say unto you I say unto all — Watch." — Wiltshire Bectok. PINE-APPLE CULTURE. Though not disposed to make a hobby of any particular branch of my business, still Pine culture is one I take rather a special interest in, and practise to a moderate extent ; and anything bearing on the subject is, of course, always interest- ing. This is my apology for venturing to notice Mr. Record's remarks on Pine-Apple culture, page 497 ; and in comparing notes with him, agreeably to his wisb, I hope it will not be inferred that I am ambitious of classing myself among the " great growers," whose experience Mr. Record seeks specially to elicit. Among other interesting questions raised by Mr. Record is that relating to the size of the fruit obtained from large plants, which, he says, is generally smaller than that produced by less plants. Do I misinterpret Mr. Record in assuming him to mean old plants instead of large ? If this is what he means, and I think it is from his references to the older systems of Pine culture, his experience agrees with that of most growers. Plants that are grown two years and fruited the third, as used to be the practice, and is still with some, do not, as a rule, pro- duce such fine fruit in any respect as plants half that age ; but, according to my experience, the largest pots produce the largest plants, and the largest plants of one year's growth in- variably produce the largest fruit. I do not advocate very large pots, but let them be as large as the plants are likely to fill with roots, which will depend upon the size of the plant or sucker, and the time allowed to complete its growth. In my opinion the size of the fruit depends almost entirely upon the previous season's growth, and those who grow their plants two years before fruiting, in the expectation of increasing their vigour, are mistaken. We aim at fruiting our plants within eighteen months, and the weight of fruit obtained from each plant (Queens) is from 3 to 5 lbs., 4 lbs. being about the ave- rage. Those who would reduce the period to twelve months must begin with large suckers, if fruit of fair weight is ex- pected. If Mr. Record cut fruit off Queen plants twelve months old from crowns, he did a creditable feat. With Smooth Cayennes the twelve-month system could be practised most conveniently. Suppose you have a lot of vigorous plants ripening their fruit in March and April, at which time the suckers will also be well advanced, these, if taken off and potted at once in 11 and 12-inch pots, will have the best of the season before them to complete their growth, and after a short rest in autumn will show fruit. I have done this in a case of urgency, and occasionally at other times. I had a few Enville suckers presented to me last spring. These I put into fruiting pots at once, and added them to our fruit- ing collection of Smooth Cayennes. One of them is now swelling off a large fruit, and another Enville, twelve months old now, is about finishing a fruit that will apparently weigh 4i lbs. With Queens, however, the time cannot be conve- niently compressed into less than eighteen months, unless with large suckers. In an ordinary way, suppose we begin with suckers off the early summer lot in June, these will have fully four months before them to mature their growth ; but can we expect such to be at all equal to rooted suckers that have been started in March, or that they will produce fruit of a greater proportionate weight ? In the above remarks I am, of course, supposing that we reduce the Bhort-time plan to a system, and do away with suc- cessional stock altogether, which would be the chief advantage gained, as it would give us double the space for fruiting plants. It is by no means an uncommon feat to fruit Pines twelve months from their being potted as suckers ; but I think I do not err in saying that hitherto it has generally been more the result of an accident than " guid guidin." Last autumn I saw an entire house of fine suckers that had shown fruit through receiving a check, and I estimated that the fruit would run from 1J lb. to 2 lbs. apiece. But what say your readers to fruiting Pines six months after being detached from the parent stock ? If suckers, for instance, that should be taken off in June or July, are left upon the old plant till the following spring, they will inherit the maturity of the parent plant, and will, as a general rule, " show " immediately after being potted, and produce finely- swelled fruit, and large according to the size of the suckers and the care that has been bestowed upon them. This, however, is among the " tricks " of Pine culture, and it will be seen that no time is gained upon the whole. Mr. Record says the Pine will endure a greater amount of rough treatment than some growers give it credit for. I am afraid this principle is acted upon to a greater extent than he imagines, and the consequence is the miserable condition of too many collections that we see. The resistance of the Pine to ill-treatment is more apparent than real, owing chiefly to the character of the foliage ; but, depend upon it, if it does not show the effects immediately, it will sooner or later, either in sickly, flagged foliage, inferior-swelled fruit, or general debility. The true Pine- grower admires the sturdy symmetry of a well-grown Pine plant, and broken and disfigured leaves are apt to upset even a complacent temper. I consider it worth while trying to move a batch of plants without breaking a leaf. Indeed, to lessen the chances of injury from any cause when moving large plants from one house to another, I get a lot of empty pots of the size of those in which the plants are grow- ing, and plunge them in rows in the bed as the plants are in- tended to stand, and smooth everything down. The plants are then lifted without tying up the leaves, brought to the place, and wbile one man lifts out the empty pot another drops the plant into its place. In this way the plants are transferred from one house to another expeditiously and safely, without the shaking and exposure attending any other plan. In conclusion, let me say a word about Pine crowns. Mr. Record attributes large crowns to an overgrown condition of the plant. They vary in size according to the variety, but, as a rule, very large crowns indicate ill-swelled fruit, but they are no indication of the age or size of the plant. To swell a Pine Apple equally and well, it must have time, a moderate top and bottom temperature, and abundance of light and air. Reverse these conditions and you will have small, light-weighing fruit, and crowns out of all due proportion ; and the same may be said of other fruits also. Undue forcing always results in an excessive development of leaves. — J. Simpson, Worthy. PEAS TESTED BY EXPERIMENT I now send a list of Peas to which I gave a trial last summer, with the results. I had the ground trenched 2 feet deep, and well mixed with manure. All the varieties were sown on the same day and on the same ground. I have found all the varieties worthy of culture, there wae not a bad variety among them. Still I have some favonriteB. Of the tall varieties Veitch's Perfection, Ne Plus Ultra, Prize- taker, and British Queen are my choice. Among the dwarf varieties I consider Little Gem the best. It has several points in itB favour ; no expense is required for stakes, and by sowing in rows 1 foot 6 inches apart you can obtain as many Peas, or more, than if the same space were sown with tall varieties, and as early. Maclean's Dwarf Prolific, Advancer, and Multum-in- parvo are first-class. The seedB were all sown on February 22nd, and supplied by JOUKNAL OF HOKTICULTUBE AND COITAGE GABDENER. [ January C, U70. different firms. I found Nelson's Vanguard and Eugenie both the fame. I intend next summer to male a trial of all the ether, and will then send you my notes, which 1 thiol; will be of interest. — It. I>. Wo think so too.- 1 1BIAL 01 PEAS, EAST COAST, NEAR St NDERLAND, 186!). Name. In F Giver. Height. Beady. Hair.', Dwarf lime 16th .... 3 feet July 2t)in eet Inly 11th Maj 6th ■■'■'. feet lily llili y.nv 6tn "'feet Jnlv 11th Haolean'aAdvancer Jane 24th 8 feet July 20th set Tulv 18th Maclean's Little Gem (2J MaySlst .... lt"l!ft.... Juue 26th British t.'ueen :; lane 26th 6 feet Iuly20th Prince June 26th .1 feet July 20th June 20th .... 2j feit July 20th Ohampion of Engl feel — July lGth Multuiii May 8th 2 feet July 11th May ."1st .... H feet .... Juue 2Gth NePlusUltra 7).. Juno 17th 7 feet July 12th Laxton's Proline Juno 16th .... 6 feet July 14th June 24th St feet July 20th Jnne 23rd S feet July 2 th i June 2l)th .... 3 feet July 12th June 17th 7 feet July Kith June 2Srd 6 feet July 20th (1) Very cood variety. (6 Very goed early variety. best Peas. of the best tall varieties. (Sj Good. ! v sood-flavoured variety. -rood. (9) Good. (5) Very nice variety. (10J Fine useful variety. POTTED GLADIOLUSES UNDER GLASS. The popularity of this splendid flower is well proved by the fact of its being so generally grown. Limited indeed is the place where a bed or portion of a bed is not assigned it ; and brilliant must be its associates and rivals for pre-eminence, when the Gladiolus only merits marks of second commen- dation. These are its just claims as a bedding plant ; but it is not this, its efficiency for out-door embellishment, I desire to discuss ; I wish to note its usefulness and effectiveness in the conee; vatory, a place in which it is Feldom permitted to figure. No, it is not alone for structures which have been constructed with an eye to the requirements of the plants that I would re- commend the Gladiolus, but likewise for conservatories — plant- slaughter houses I consider the more appropiiate appellation for them, 6eeing their construction usually is calculated rather to kill than maintain the health and bloom of plants. Tbe Gladiolus under such circumstances elongates, yet this hurtful influence is not so telling upon it, as en numerous other plants. While most of these become drawn-up, weak, and 6ickly, and have flowers feeble and imperfect, the Gladiolus never fails in quality of foliage, flowers, or development. No matter how far situated from the glass, how gloomy the house, or subdued the sunlight, these latter conditions only tend to give additional effect to its blossoms, by producing them even more delicate and beautiful. Many persons advocate for Gladioluses in pots soil of a some- what light character, and rather poor in organic matter, but as far as my experience goes, I find they do not at all object to richer fare, and succeed admirably in a mixture such as the following: — Two parts light fresh loam, one part weli-deccm- poeed cow manure, and one part equal portions of river sand and leaf mould ; mix these roughly together. The pots should be 7 inches in diameter, and be well washed, and plenty of drainage should be supplied by broken pots and broken bones. Cover the materials used for drainage with a few pieces of turfy lumps; next fill lightly to the pot's rim, completing the potting process by pressing the corm (bulb) 2 inches deep in the soil, and filling up the deficiency made after compressing the soil firmly round the root. We have thus perfect drainage secured, and a good receptacle for the roots as well— most de- sirable objects with plants which do not receive a shift of pots in the course of their growth. Moderately moisten the soil should it be dry to excess ; otherwise stow away without water- ing in a shaded, airy part of the greenhouse, administering only a sprinkling of water if necessary before the foliage appears above the soil, which ought to be the signal to quarter the plants in a more comfortable aspect near the glass. Prom this date, with the advantage of additional light, air, and heat, the plants will grow rapidly, which growth should be encouraged in girth, as well as height, by adding a little manure to the water given after the roots havereached the lower limit of the soil, but not until this is the case. Provide each pot with a well-pointed stake about 2 feet in length, before the stems become top-heavy. This will prevent the mischievous conse- quences of irregular growth, and the head being partially pros- trated from its own weight and other influences. Thus nurtured throughout the winter months, the first set of bulbs being potted early in January, where early bloom is wanted, in the commencement of April the plants may be plunged near the glass among coal ashes, in cold frames, and their subsequent management is comprehended in supplying water copiously, and giving air on every favourable occasion. A close atmosphere is most prejudicial to the formation of good spikes, and causes the leaves and stems to be lanky. Protect from frost by covering with a mat when the nights are frosty, never allowing a coveiing unless frost demand it. By the second week of May the plants may be inured to full exposure day and night, at which period the first flower-spikes will begin to exalt their forms above the foliage. In those early spikes we have presented the pioneers of a glorious display of blossom that will charm the senses for the succeeding two months. The plants demand no further labour than a thread of matting to secure the stems as they ascend, and the addition of a pinch of guano to tbe usual manure waterings from the time the flower-spikes emerge from amongst the leaves. When a succession is desirable, this may be obtained by potting at the ordinary time (in the first week of March), and plunging the pots overhead in coal ashes in a cold frame or pit, economising sun heat in that month, but by no means to the exclusion of air, and in every other respect treat the second lot as recommended for the first. — A. Kekr. GRAPES IN THE OPEN AIR. We have to thank " Upwards and Onwards" for reviving the question of open-air Grape-growing, and the Eev. G. Kemp for the very liberal prizes which he has offered, and intends to offer again ; I, too, most heartily agree with your correspon- dent, " Akchambaud," in wishing for many more Bev. G. Kemps. One such in every village would be a great boon to the cottager. If I may be allowed to offer my humble sugges- tion to the Eev. G. Kemp, the prizes that he intends offering another season should be open to cottagers and amateurs only. Let tbe gardener compete in the class where the cottager can- not. I do not wish to be a stumblingblock in the way of the gardener's growing and exhibiting open-air Grapes — far from it ; but I think the little there is to be given should be given where the most beneficial results will be attained. The man with means and acres of glass will never look to open-air Grapes for supplying his dessert, or to fill his decanters. Conse- quently, we must look to the cottager and to men like " Up- wards and Onwards." Good Grapes have been and still are grown out of doors, what, (hen, is wanting to make their production the custom rather than the exception ? First, in every village and hamlet some gentle- man should take the matter in hand, and plead for the cottager's Vine. As it is, the agents of landed proprietors are destroy- ing it, on the pretence that it injures the walls and plastering. This I protest against, for on the cottage in which I was born there was a beautiful old Sweetwater Vine, never known to fail to produce an abundant crop of large highly-flavoured Grapes. Now, that Vine had stood for many generations ; during that time not a day's masonry work had been done to the old walls. Alas! at last new windows and a little plastering, too, were needed, and then the poor old Vine was condemned, charged with being the cause of all. To my sorrow, the last time I paid a visit to my native home, near Exeter, not less than from a dozen to a score Vines had succumbed to the sway of the agent; for their old friend, the village doctor, was gone too — Vines that I had very many times pruned when a very yonng pruner. The pleading of the cottagers was of no avail. Let us hope that this tyranny is past, and that some kind friend will distribute suitable Vines amongst cottagers, and tell of the propagating, pruning, and soil best suiting them. Gjod Grapes can be grown without all the preparation adopted by " Upwards and Onwards." Of course, the better the soil the better the Grapes. If the Vines have 2 feet deep of good open soil, a top-dressing now and then, with, if at hand, a cesspool from which the roots may help themselves, and, if not, its contents to be carried to them — all tbe better. As to the sorts of Grape, the old Sweetwater does well for the purpose, and I have heard that the Boyal Muscadine is good. I would not recommend any of the Black varieties, they are so January 6, 1870. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. subject to mildew; besides, somehow, they have not ripeDed well of late years, although fifteen or twenty years ago I used to see some fine bunches. They may do well under skilful hands now, but not for the cottager, with, I may say, one ex- ception, for I saw at Torquay, some three or four years since, very fair black Grapes grown on the limestone rock, and they looked remarkably beautiful. Aspect seems the greatest point to regard in the simple culture of the Vine — a south or south-east exposure is indispensable It matters not what style of train- ing is followed, the motto should be, Plenty of room, not less than a foot from shoot to shoot, and plenty of young wood ; and if fine berries are required, thin them out to one-half their number, not all on one tide of the bunch and none on the other, but systematically, by taking out one here and there. If mildew make its appearance, nothing is better than flowers of sulphur and soot blown from a tube over the leaves. This brings me to the third of my suggestions, and that is to ask all piovincial horticultural societies to offer prizes for open- air Grapes, and care should be taken that the offer of prizes be brought under the immediate notice of the cottager, as very likely in some sheltered, out-of-the-way place there will be Grapes in perfection. It would be valuable information if some of your readers in different parts ef the kingdom would state their opinions as to the drawbacks in open-air Grape- growing. I have heard of good Grapes being grown in Mon- mouthshire ; I have not seen any here — Carmarthenshire. — J. T., Maagwytme, South Wales. FORCING PLANTS.— No. 7. Iris reticulata, a hardy herbaceous perennial, has fiue flowers of a bright bluish purple blotched with yellow or orange, the stems rising in tufts from 15 to 9 inches high. It is one of the most beautiful of the Iris tribe, and blooms very early out of doors, often amid the snow. It is one of the best'plants for forcing, and of a colour much wanted. Good plants may be grown in 6 inch pots, and fine masses by taking up two or three good plants in autumn and placing them in a pan so as to form a mass. It is not necessary to grow the plants in pots preparatory to forcing, though it is as well to do so, as they are then not liable to any loss of roots, and there is always an advantage in having the plants established, for they are then provided with materials for a good start when placed io. heat ; whilst those which are potted, unless removed with balls, have to make many roots after the plants are started into growth, and the flowers are sometimes poor in conse- quence. 1, therefore, advise that good plants should be taken up in spring before flowering, and placed in pots of sufficient size, draining the pots well, and using a compost of light turfy loam, and a third of old cow dung or well-rotted manure. The pots should be plunged level with the rim in coal ashes in an open situation, and an abundance of water ought to be given throughout the summer, with occasional sprinklings overhead in dry weather, keeping down weed?, and nipping off any flower-stems. The pots should be lifted occasionally to keep the roots from penetrating the plunging material. In autumn all the plants will require is to have the tops trimmed, and a surfacing of light rich soil. If plants are not established in pots, the best are taken up from the open ground, and placed in pots sufficiently large to hold the roots and a little soil, bnt not much, for half the beauty of forced plants consists in having them in pots small as compared to the size of the plants. In November they may be placed in a cold frame, and should be kept rather dry until taken into the forcing house, which they may be in December, and at fortnightly or more distant intervals, up to March, the natural season of bloom. Very gentle forcing only is required ; they will bloom well in a light airy position in a house with a night temperature of 40° to begin with, and in three weeks or 80 increased to 45°, and not exceeding 50'. The plants will produce a succession of flowers for some time. After flowering they may be hardened off, and planted out in the borders. Pinks. — These are not, perhaps, forced so much as they were a few years ago, but they are nevertheless very desirable at an early season, on account of their furnishing sweet-scented flowers for cutting, and are, besides, very decorative. Good plants may be had in November from pipings struck early in June, and afterwards planted ont in beds of rich loamy soil, well watered during the summer, and taken np and potted in September, placing them in a frame with a brick under each corner, and having the lights drawn on only during frosty weather and heavy rains. The best plants only should be se- lected, and being so young 4J-inchpots will be sufficiently large for the majcrity, but any large plants may have a larger size ; C-inch pots are quite large enough for any extra-sized plants. To have large plants, the pipiogs struck in summer mnst be planted-out in beds in September, at from 9 to 12 inehes apart every way, the ground being well and deeply dug, and enriched with old cow dung, leaf soil, or well-rotted manure, but this ad- dition of manure should be given at an early period, Hbat by frequent turnings it may become well mixed with the soil. They should be watered in dry weather during the following summer, and the flower-stems must be cut off as they appear. Thus, flowering will be prevented, and growth will be com- pleted early. Early in September the plants should be potted in (') or 8-inch pots according to their size, draining the pots well, as copious waterings will be required. A compost of turfy loam without admixture is sufficiently rich, but if the loam be heavy, sand should be freely added. After potting, a gentle watering should be given, and the pots set on ashes, and if covered with a frame and lights all the better, as they can then be shielded from heavy rains and frost, at which times only the lights should be drawn on, and even then air should be ad- mitted, particularly when it is necessary to draw on the lights to ward off heavy continuous rains. In November the forcing may begin. The plants must have a position near the glass, and free admission of air daily in mild weather. The distance from the glass ought not to exceed 18 inches. Water should be given ratter sparingly at first, but when the plants are growing freely the watering should be more copious, and at all times the soil should be moist. After the flower-stems appear weak liquid manure may be given at every alternate watering. For the first fortnight the temperature at night may range from 40° to 45°, within the next ten days or a fortnight it may be increased to 50°, and a temperature between 50* and 55°, which latter ought not to be exceeded, will bring them into flower in about six weeks from their introduction into the forcing house. Other plants should be introduced at intervals according to the requirements of the establishment for flowering plants. No plants need be intro- duced after March. If the winter prove severe the plantB in the frame ought to have their pots protected by placing dry hay or litter around them, and a covering of mats or other material over the lights. After flowering the plants are usually thrown away, and this course I advise ; for they are of no further use for forcing, and younger plants are better for out-door planting. Paddington, Albemarle, and Pheasant's Eye, are among the best of the old varieties for forcing, aDd Anne Boleyn is good for succession. Latterly we have had some excellent addi- tions to the forcing varieties : — Rubens (Turner), of dwarf habit, and very free-blooming; deep pink with a crimson centre. It cannot be too much grown, whether for forcing or in borders, as its blooms are the finest of all for cut flowers. Lord Lyon (Clarke), lilac rose, centre of the flowers and base of the petals marked with rrsy crimson. The flowers are very fragrant. Napoleon III. (Henderson), crimson scarlet, habit good, free-blooming, and fragrant. Most Welcome (Henderson), white ground, crimson centre, the middle of each petal laced or margined with red. The flowers are very fragrant. It is a per- petual kind like the Tree Carnations. Optima (Wallace), dark purple, a very bold flower, with smooth petals of good sub- stance, and free perpetual blooming, and robust habit. Add to these Anne Boleyn, and we have half a dozen of the best sorts for forcing, Rubens aud Lord Lyon being the best for early forcing, and the others keep up a succession. Carnations — These are but seldom forced, but they may be forced as easily as Pinks, and though it is usual to grow them in pairs for forcing, they should be potted singly. Cloves are the best forcing kinds. The layers should be potted singly in ii -inch pots in Sep- tember, and should be set in an open sheltered situation, and covered with a frame, with its corners resting on bricks, so that the plants will have an abundance of air when the lights are shut np to protect them from heavy rains. At all other times, except during frost, the lights should be drawn off. In severe weather mats should be thrown over the glass, and the bricks removed; these need not be replaced until March, but the plants must have air in mild weather, even when rainy, by tilting the lights. Water, but only when the soil is dry, and carefully avoid spotting the foliage by watering overhead, or in consequence of letting it be wetted by rain. In winter water JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER. [ January G, 1&70. should be given sparingly at the root. In April shift the plants into 6 or 7-inch pots, and set these on coal ashes in a sheltered situation, protecting the plants from frost and ex- oessive wet by hoops and mats. Water freely in summer, and do not allow any blooms to expand the first year, but cut them close cff. Transfer the plants to the blooming pots, using 8-inch or even 9-inch pots for large plants, and continue them out of doors until October ; then place them in a cold frame, or, better still, a cool, airy, dry house, from which they can be taken into the forcing house r,s required, but forciog ought not to begin until the middle of December ; the beginning of January is a good time to commence forcing. The tempe- rature from fire heat should not exceed 55° at night ; indeed, Carnations should be brought on as gradually as l'inks. Since the introduction of the varieties known as Tree Car- nations, blooms of this class of plants have not been scarce, even in winter. To flower them well in winter, it is necessary to keep them from flowering the first year, but they should be repotted as they require it, so as to have them in 8 inch pots by autumn, nipping off the tops of such as are disposed to be- come straggling, and no flower-stems should be allowed to rise until autumn. The cutting-back or shortening should be practised during the spring and early summer months, the plants being kept well exposed to the light in a cool, airy greenhouse or cold pit. Free ventilation should be given day and night. When the plants have made a good growth, and it has matured, expose them fully to the open air until the end of September, and then house them. It a rather warm green- house or conservatory they will flower during the greater part of the winter and spring. A temperature of 45° at night is sufficiently high for plants to bloom continuously through the winter. They may be forced, and in this case the temperature should be from 50° to 55° at night, so as to have them in flower at the required time. The best compost is two thirds loam from rotted turves, one-sixth of old cow dung, and one- sixth leaf soil, with a free admixture of sharp sand. Good drainage is necessary. If allowed to grow at will, and bloom in summer, the Tree Carnations are the most miserable of all winter-flowering plants, and to see them as they are generally seen, with shoots twisted round stakes, and very much longer than the flower- stalks, is anything but likely to create a taste for their culture ; and how seldom are they seen in flower in winter ! For winter- blooming they must be specially prepared, and then they are free-floweiing. — G. Abbey. BOILERS AND BOILING. Your readers ought to be much obliged to Mr. Peach for bringing forward this subject ; I believe it has not been before discussed in a scientific yet popular manner. So much igno- rance is evinced by the public in all connected with heating by hot water, that it is high time the theory of it were better understood. I entirely differ from Mr. Peach's manner of reasoning ; and I believe Urmly that water is so bad a conductor of heit that when a fire is applied to it from above little or no effect is produced, because I am sure the principle of conduction fails in such a case, and of course convection cannot take place. A bottle of water placed under a fire grate would be heated on all sides as if it were in an oven, and would afford no means of comparison with one hung in front of the fire. Supposing a box 0 feet high and 1 foot square were placed on end and filled with water, the top being in contact with the bars of a large furnace, would the whole of the water ever boil ? No. Sup- posing the box to be hung over a furnace and the sides effectu- ally screened from heat, would not the whole of the water be boiling in a very short time ? Yes. A very thin portion of water may become hot from conduction alone, provided the fire is continued long enough. As the water is circulating in a boiler it does not remain long enough in one place to he heated by conduction ; moving water or particles can only be heated by convection. The laws of radiation, conduction, and con- vection apply as surely to the water contained in a horticultural boiler as to the water in steam or other boilers. I can assure your readers that the most elaborate experiments have proved the truth, that water cannot be heated to any practical amount by fire above it. If a cylindrical boiler were entirely surrounded by fire it would evaporate very little more water than if the lower haif only were used for the heating surface. The exact quantity of 4-inch pipe which one superficial foot of boiler exposed to the direct action of the fire will heat is 58 feet; only 1 foot of flue surface is to be reckoned for every 3 feet the boiler actually contains. If a boiler is perfectly set it will do this amount of work, but it is better to count on less being done. Mr. Peach mentions a boiler of his heating 430 feet of pipe. I should like to hear what the total heating surface is, measured on my plan, not counting the top, and only 1 foot for each 3 feet of flue surface. I imagine it is not less than 8 feet. As to the tubular boilers alluded to, I never remark on con- temporaries' inventions. If I made a tubular boiler I should place the tubes as vertically as I could, and shape them like inverted cones. The feed-pipe should go into the lowest part of the boiler, and the expansion or relief-pipe into the highest point of the apparatus ; why, I need not explain. The rule I gave for calculating the quantity of pipe is not my own, but is by a far cleverer man — Mr. Hood ; it gives a large quantity of pipe, and is to be depended upon. Mr. Peach is right in saying the radiating power of glass varies with the angle at which it is fixed. It cannot possibly take more fuel to keep up the heat in a small pipe than it does in a larger one ; it takes less in pro- portion to the radiating surface exposed. Of course, after the fire is out the smaller pipe will cool sooner than the larger one. The motive power, or working effect or force of water, is alike in pipes of all sizes, because as the motive force increases so does resistance. It is of great use turning the heated gases over a boiler, because it prevents loss of heat. Soft water should always be used in hot-water apparatus, because it is not so liable to deposit impurities. Generally horticultural boilers gradually become less powerful every year, owing to the increase of sediment or incrustation formed on the inside surfaces. Often the plates are severely burnt from the water being kept away from them through this cause. Mr. Peach is mistaken in supposing the rules and laws I advocate are exclusively my own ; on the contrary, they are acknowledged by all scientific men to be correct. In deciding on the quantity of pipe required, it is only necessary to put the lemferature of the external air at the very lowest point to which it has ever been known to have fallen, then decide on the quantity of .-pipe by Hood's rule, and it will be found very nearly correct when proved by trial. Mr. Peach says no fixed rule can be correct that is given as above. I am sure we can tell what is the greatest quantity of pipe required to keep a house at a certain temperature when the external air is at its lowest degree of coldness : this is all we require to know on the point, because there should always be sufficient pipe to keep up the temperature required on occa- sions of unusually cold weather. As to wind affecting the temperature, if the situation is exposed, it is better to take into account the number of feet of cold air entering by crevices, and add a definite number of feet of pipe to meet the case. Nothing is so unpleasant as to have alterations to make in heating apparatus. This unpleasant necessity is always brought about by working on the guess- work plan, very often called practical. — John Woolfield, Solw, Smethwick. HEATING BY FLUES. It is quite cheering to an old gardener to hear that the flue has some advocates amongst practical men ; it brings to recol- lection the labours of bygone days, and also the results of that labour ; for although we did not hear of so many heavy crops of Grapes with the immense bunches we do at the pre- sent day, still there were good Grapes grown in houses heated by flues when proper attention was paid to management and culture ; but not having any gardening periodicals to record the triumphs of the gardener's skill and toil, his labours were not known far from his immediate neighbourhood, but always valued by his employers when superior fruit could be brought to the table. I can recollect fifty years ago of seeing Black Hamburgh Grapes grown to the weight of 4 lbs., and sometimes they reached the weight of C lbs. ; also of houses with a 20-feet rafter producing from 30 to 40 lbs. of fruit on each rafter — a sight worth seeing at the present day, and per- haps not much surpassed by our best growers with the hot- water system. The latter I have no desire to undervalue, nor do I wish to say one word against its usefulness when properly applied, but having had practice with both flues and hot Jannary 6, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. water — fines from first goiDg out as an apprentice to gardening, and hot water since 1827, I may be allowed to give an opinion. My practice always led me to the conclusion that for houses where it is only required to keep greenhouse plants at a temperature of from 35° to 40°, or for detached houses for Peaches, &c, where forcing is only required two or three months in the year, the flue has the advantage both in the first outlay and in the subsequent management. For the last few years my practice has not been very extensive, as I only have at present two small houses 30 feet in length, and 13 feet wide, with a pit 3 feet wide against the front of one house, all heated by a flue after heating a hot-water boiler for my pro- pagating pit. The flue goes along the front of both houses, heating at the same time the 3-feet pit, when it returns, and passes along the west end of the house to the chimney at the back, thus traversing a distance of about 70 feet, and I have found it sufficient to exclude frost for the last three years. — J. P. CHEAP RAILWAY TICKETS to HORTICULTURAL AND OTHER SHOWS. I wish to suggest, that the Royal Horticultural Society and other associations should try to make arrangements with rail- way companies to grant a third-class pass at a reasonable sum to the thousands like myself who might have a chance of visiting some of those grand floral displays in which they take so deep an interest. My idea is, that parties wishing to travel to any particular show should first obtain the signature of the station-master, which would be a security to the company against fraud, and then obtain their pass, a boon of which many would avail themselves and thus benefit the company without causing them the least additional expense. — J. Wither- spoon. THE LATE MR. WILLIAM BARNES AS A FLORICULTURAL JUDGE. There are few names amongst my horticultural friends that I should have been less willing to see in the list of our losses than William Barnes of Camberwell. True, my acquaintance with him was not very great, we met only a few times in each year, but these meetings were always pleasuiable ones. I was never at his nursery, and as of late years he did not exhibit I know nothing of his prowess as a plantsman ; but I can well believe that his nursery was carried on in the very best manner, and from all I have ever heard he had few rivals as a plant- grower. Of his private life I know nothing, but of his capacity in the one character in which 1 did know him I had the very highest opinion — he was to my mind a model judge. 1, He was painstaking to a degree ; some judges are satisfied with a mere general look at collections, either of plants or cut flowers. We know that a clever exhibitor can, by putting a plant or two prominently forward, or even placing a few supe- rior blooms in sight, attract the eye, and give an appearance to the exhibit that it does not possess on closer examination. Nothing of this kind ever satisfied him. Every plant was gone through in detail, and if it had been grown one-sided so as to eaten the eye it never passed muster with him. So with cut blooms. I have often judged Roses with him, and each bloom was examined separately, as it ought to be always, and not until they had been gone over two or three times was his de- cision given. Another instance of his painstaking was this : He had sometimes to judge new Roses ; when he did so he never came without his list of the two or three years preceding, not trusting to his memory alone, so that no older flower should intrude into the box, and this painstaking preceded all his 2, He was utterly fearless. Like every judge, he was often accused by weak and narrow-minded exhibitors of partiality and ignorance ; but neither the discontented exhibitor, the covetous exhibitor, nor the envious exhibitor ever gained much by their complaining to him. A few caustic words pleasantly said gene- rally, in vulgar parlance, "shut them up;" and he held it as a cardinal maxim that a judge had never any right to reconsider his decision, unless in some clear case of omission, as where a a box or collection had been put on one side and not been included. 3, He was utterly merciless on all humbug. Woe be to the exhibitor who plugged a Dahlia, added foliage to a Rose, or manipulated a pot plant where he had to judge, as no eye so soon detected it, and no one ever escaped a " disqualified " who attempted any of these things where he was concerned. I would add to this that he was possessed of a dry and caustic humour, which made him a most pleasant companion. In our little meetings at the Crystal Palace after our judging was over we ever rejoiced to see him among us. His pungent remarks on the many attempts to humbug the public, his long know- ledge of men and things connected with horticulture "often kept the table in a roar ;" and I feel quite sure that in looking forward to our gatherings there again this season we shall all feel that a blank has been made which will not, nay, cannot, be filled up, for although I know many kind, good, excellent men in the horticultural world, I knew but one William Barnes. — D., Deal. THE MISERIES OF A FRUIT-CULTIVATOR. I ah in great distress. I have done a deed which cannot be undone. Pray hear me patiently. I am an amateur gardener with a small garden and a small greenhouse. I started fairly, as I thought. I procured my fruit trees from the Chilwell Nurseries — beautiful trees, properly trained. I planted them myself — I did as I was told, I spread out the roots, and nailed the trees up the wall, and I expected fruit ; but the trees began to grow very large, and, as I thought, awkwardly ; so I cut out the large shoots, as I was given to understand it was the small shoots which bore the fruit. Well, time went on — that is, three or four years, and I still kept down the large shoots, which every year seemed to grow larger ; the small shoots would not come. I was greatly perplexed, for my wall room was becoming less, and I saw a prospect of my trees overshadowing my neighbour's garden. Well, I called in the doctor — i.e., a man who said he was a gardener, had served his time at Stoneleigh Abbey, and could do anything. I thought he was just the man I wanted, so I took him to look at my trees. "Ah!" said he, "your trees have all tap roots." Tap roots ! thought I, what can they be? However, he was not long in showing me, for he at once set about digging up the trees, or nearly so, and we both together commenced sawing off and chopping away the large roots. I confess to have felt some misgivings at the time, for it seemed to me like cutting off a man's legs to improve his walking ; but I said nothing, I only thought all the more. Well, after we had cut away nearly all the roots, of course we then cut away a good many of the large branches, as I was informed to cor- respond with the roots. Dear me ! thought I, this looks like walking in a circle, but this gardener knows what he is doing ; and so my poor trees, after suffering such awful amputations, were duly nailed to the wall. And now I was to look for fruit. The spurs would come out first, and then the bloom, and then the fruit. Well, that sounded all right. But lo ! to my horror those large branches began to grow again. I saw no spurs, no bloom, no fruit. I thought Nature must have intended me for a timber merchant. This was last summer. I spoke to a friend of mine in my distress, and he actually told me I ought to be hanged, for I had been murdering my trees. I thought of my gardener, and felt disposed to say he was the man. My friend said my trees were spoilt, and that I had better never have touched them ; he said also there is no hope of these trees for a long time to come, and then they will be very ugly. He recommended me to try again with some fresh trees, and take Glenny's " Guide " for my adviser, and let common sense have some little influ- ence.' I have read a chapter or two in " Every Man His Own Gardener," and I find I have been too free with the knife, saw, and hatchet. So, Messrs. Editors, I am going to try again.— Greenhorn. [We sympathise sincerely with you on the untimely fate of your fruit trees, and the pitiful result of your attempts in fruit culture — a result, too, we are sorry to say, not at all solitary — a result, however, which has been brought about entirely by mismanagement and erroneous ideas. Given good healthy trees to commence with, then the cultivator's primary duty is to secure a healthy uniformity of growth throughout the entire tree. This is best effected in summer by pinching and repress- ing the stronger-growing portions and encouraging the weaker. If, after all, in the succeeding winter some branches be much stronger than others, the pruning policy should be reversed, the strong shoots laid in at full length, and the weaker cut more closely back— all in proportion to their strength. In the following summer the object should be to try and secure as much leaf action on the weaker as on the stronger branches, as before. If, notwithstanding all attempts at repression, the plants still grow too vigorously and continue unfruitful, it is JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January C, 1M0. recommendable to try the effect of root-pruning ; shortening the large roots but by no means the top, unless the roots have been very severely dealt with, which should not be. The object of root-pruning is to reduce the means of supply, which it is assumed is greater than the plant requires. If both roots and top are reduced at the same time the balance is not disturbed, and the action is still the same. Wood of moderate growth is generally the most fruitful, and that ought to be the aim of tho cultivator. Gross shoots should not be allowed to grow, but be pinched and checked in their young state ; but if gross it is the worst practice possible to cut them out or cut them hard hack, the common practice — as by these means they only grow stronger and stronger, with less and less chance of fruit every year. It is better, indeed, to leave trees to Nature's way than to prune as our correspondent has done. Trees on walls, however, having a formal, a confined existence, must be pruned to keep them within certain limits, and this had better be effected by skilful pinching of the growing shoots in summer and moderate root-pruning in winter. — Eos.] NEW DOUBLE ZONAL PELARGONIUM. VICTOIRE DE LYON. I am indebted to II. Jean Sisley, of Lyons, for a copy of the French gardening periodical, " L'Horticulteur Francais," for November, and extract from it the following Dotice of a new double Zonal Peiargonium from the pen of M. Henri Beurier. " At the last horticultural exhibition at Lyons, the numerous groups of Pelargoniums with double flowers were remarkable, as usual, from the freshness of their blooms. But one above al! attracted particularly the attention of amateurs, who could hardly determine whether it was really a Pelargonium that was before them. This Pelargonium possesses a colour so different from that of the varieties obtained up to this time, that I dare affirm, without fear of contradiction, it is not to be found even amongst the single-flowered varieties. The Jury, appreciating so great a result, did not hesitate one moment, and a medal of the first class was the proper reward for the assiduous researches and the perseverance of the fortunate raiser, II. Jean Sisley, an amateur as earnest as successful. "The double Zonal Pelargonium Victoire de Lyon has a grand appearance. The foliage is of a beautiful green, a little shaded, and very faintly zoned. The flowers are of medium size, very double, and, the most important point of all, of a beautiful colour — pure and lively crimson. As everyone knows, since the first appearance of the really double Pelargoniums, the production of M. Victor Lemoine, of Nancy, in 1865, the colours of these charming flowers have little varied ; it is always a lively red or rose. The varieties obtained since have shown a difference of colour scarcely to be recognised, especially by amateurs. Therefore the obtaining of a Pelargonium of a colour so different from the older varieties, and at the same time of a very rich colour, could not but be heartily appreciated by all those interested in horticulture, whoever they might be. This colour, so entirely new, permits us to hope that horticul- turists and amateurs, stimulated by this success, will search more ardently and find still fresh shades of colour. And who knows but that the white itself — the white as impossible to get amongst the double-flowered Pelargoniums as the blue Dahlia — the white, I say, may soon make its appearance? M. Jean Sisley has transferred this Pelargonium and two others of the same colour, but somewhat lighter, to 31. Ale'gatiere, in whose collection they were exhibited at the last horticultural exhibition in September. He hopes to send them out in the ensuing 'pring, and I am sure they will be extremely sought after." And so says — D.,.Deal. OBTAINING MOIST HEAT. A lettee from Mr. RobEon, which lately appeared in your Journal, and some further remarks of your own, on the subject of heating greenhouses by flues of earthen pipes, induce me to bring under your notice a plan which I have recently adopted for generating moist heat, and by which, I think, this object can be attained much more economically than by the usual method of hot-water pipes and tanks. Into a span-roofed orchard-house vinery, 30 feet by 17, I have introduced a flue of common 6-inch draining-pipes. This flue passes from an outside furnace, along the centre of the house, to a point 4 feet distant from the entrance-door at the opposite end. At this point it is received into a box con- structed of brick-on-edge. 1 foot square by 2 feet in height, covered by a flooring-tile laid in Portland cement. From this box a second line of pipes is returned above the first line and passes into a chimney-flue over the furnace. The pipes rest upon 4»-inch brick partitions, 18 inches in length and 2 feet apart. The joints are made air-tight by common mortar staffed under the collars. The lower tier of pipes for a distance of 10 feet nearest the furnace I have covered with coarse woollen cloth. This cloth is wetted by the common garden- pot, and by this means, with a moderate fire in the furnace, any reasonable amount of moist air may be obtained. When a sufficient quantity of moisture is diffused over the house the woollen cloth is allowed to dry, and the evaporation is stopped. Means are provided for cleaning the pipes by an opening easily made in the face of the return-box, and by a corresponding opening to the outside from the chimney-flue, directly opposite the upper tier of pipes. Now, it will occur to many of your readers, as it did to myself, that these pipes are too weak to resist the amount of heat which may occasionally be produced by a strong draught in the furnace. To meet any evil cons-equences which might arise from this cause, I provided fire-brick to construct a square flue for a space of 4 or 6 feet from the furnace ; and I have also provided a 6-inch iron pipe of similar length, with a damper inserted in it, that this remedy may be applied if thought preferable to the other plan. Eut as the draught in my flue is steady and moderate, the earthen pipes have not hitherto failed, and I am satisfied that with common discretion on the part of the stoker they will stand any degree of heat which can be required to protect plants from frost. If a higher tem- perature is required for purposes of forcing, it would obviously be expedient to employ stronger pipes constructed of the material recommended by Mr. Robson. — S. 31. [We must approve of all that you say, as we have so fre- quently urged the importauce in all such pipe flues, first of having a flue of brick of 3 or 4 feet from the furnace ; and, secondly, having a square brick box at all corners, so that the flue can be easily cleaned without disturbing the pipes. Even in brick flues it would be of great advantage to have places to open without breaking in on the flues. For merely keeping out frost your pipes will do very well. With only one pipe passing through the house it would require to be larger. As you use two pipes, a flow and return, we wish to direct the attention of our readers to your having the hottest pipe lowest. Your covering the lower pipe for the distance you slate with coarse woollen cloth is better for securing vapour than the moss, as referred to by a correspondent lately ; but in such a house as yours, unless the weather be very dry and cold, you will not have to trouble much about atmospheric moisture. — Eds.] COLLECTING AND STORING ICE. To be without ice is, in most country families, something as bad as to be without Parsley or Onions. On the pond neareBt to our ice house the ice during the recent frost was but thin, before the snow covered it all over fully 2 inches deep, and that I well knew would greatly retard the thickening of the ice rapidly. That object, however, was gained. Ice nearly 2 inches thick was soon secured by getting rid of the snow by making holes, and with a long-handed jet sailing the snow with water, so that the frost could act without having to penetrate the pro- tecting snow. Our ice house is of a good size, one of the old- fashioned egg-shaped wells, and I am not so particular as I would be were the house smaller, or if an ice heap were made out of doors. For many years, though the wall is only single instead of double, I have used nothing along with the ice in the shape of straw, salting, kc. It is merely rammed tolerably close together, and in this respect I would be moro particular if the place were smaller. I understand that originally there was a double wall, with an open space between, but the inner wall had been removed before my time, for what reason I never could learn. I would have been sorry to meddle with it, as closely-confined air is one of the best of non-conductors. Though the house has several times on an emergency held out for the greater part of two years, yet in the first summer, by midsummer, and especially by September, there will be a vacant space between the ice and the wall, particularly on the more sunny side of the house, and that vacancy will increase as long as the ice remains. This is, no doubt, entirely owing to the warmth of the surrounding ground heating the walls, and they in their turn melt the ice January 6, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. nearest to them, and if there were not a free drainage for the moisture all the ice would soon be melted, as nothing does this so effectually and quickly as the vapour of water. Now with a body of G inches of confined air between the two walls I do not believe that the ice would melt away so much at the sides, and therefore, if I had an inner wall as well a3 an outer one, I should not like to remove the inner one. With this drawback, however, our ice house does its work so well, that, if making a new one, were I much tied by econo- mical reasons, I have a little doubt, if I had the house large enough, whether I would insist on the inner wall; though, if the extra bricks and labour were no object, I should certainly have the double wall with the space between for enclosed air. This is a subject well worthy the attention of correspondents who may have had experience in this direction. I think that some time ago I stated that I had long ceased to use salt for making the ice more compact and cold, though I am unable to give, even to myself, very satisfactory reasons for thus acting. Here, too, for your scientific readers is a fine opportunity for telling us why salted ice keeps worse than un- salted ice. In other words, how is it that ice close at 32° keeps better than ice much colder ? This, of course, would open a still wider question, Does unsalted ice keep better ? And I have no more definite answer to give than that I believe the fresh ice keeps better. I gave up everything like straw-packing at the sides, and straw-covering on the surface, from finding that nothing melted ice sooner than a damp, close atmosphere. There is just one ease in which I would use dry straw for a surfacing — that is, when the ice well is used for keeping things in it ; and again, when on opening the house a vapour or mist issues from it, that vapour being one of the best of all melters. In such a case I would have small openings to let the vapour escape, and would cover the surface of the ice with dry straw fre- quently renewed. Besides these general matters in all small houses, the good keeping of the ice will greatly depend on the compactness of the mass, and therefore the more broken and pounded the better, as the more air enclosed with the ice the sooner it will melt. As I have been little troubled with vapour in the ice well, I rarely use straw now for covering the surface. A few years ago I put a layer of earth all over the outside mound to the depth of nearly 1 foot, and the ice has kept better since. If I could do it, I would cover all the mound with a coating of tar, afterwards with gravel rolled or beaten into it, and then rabbits and rats would not be able to burrow in it. As it is, I have no doubt that rabbits make their runs as far as the wall and round it, and therefore allow the heated air of summer to penetrate to within a short distance of the ice, and this would soon be ruinous in a small house. — R. F. THE PELARGONIUM AS A WALL PLANT. Without entering into the merits of particular varieties of the Pelargonium for covering the back walls of plant houses, the remarks of llr. Record (see page 379 of last volume) recall to my memory circumstances which occurred many years ago. Well, then, I may say my earliest recollections of the Pelar- gonium, then called Geranium, as a plant covering the back and end wall of a greenhouse of some pretensions in its day, date back to the time when the passing', of the first reform bill was attracting much attention. I think it was in Jlay, 1831, that a large plant of a Scarlet Pelargonium, called, if my memory be right, the Brighton Hero, some improvement on Waterloo, an older variety, had been allowed to ramble and grow so as almost to force its way through the glass roof, as well as to intrude on other plants. It was, therefore, deter- mined to cut this plant in, and a large basketful of shoots or cuttings, a foot long or more, was taken off, and it was deter- mined to see if I!- •;•• would grow out of doors and do any good. Striking cuttings i it of doors, I may observe, had been prac- tised before that time, but in this case it was thought they might, perhaps, b come plants and flower the same season ; and these expectations were fulfilled, for the season being warm they did grow and '.lower — not so early, of course, as Pelargo- niums, each with a root, but they did flower in a way that showed that with a little extra start in spring a very good result might be obtained, for they fully occupied the bed they were in by the middle ct September. I believe they were planted amongst a number of standards, at that time regarded some- what as novelties. But to return to the Pelargonium as a wall plant. Generally it looks badly every year about February, but gradually comes round again, and its robust character entitles it to more atten- tion as a wall plant than it often receives. It is difficult to enter into the merits ef particular kinds, as so many contin- gencies may operate to give an undue advantage, or the reverse, to some particular plant. I was much impressed with the im- portance of not too hastily passing judgment on the merits of particular plants from a case that came under my own observa- tion the past summer. Having occasion to plant a number of Pelargoniums in four separate lots, but in proximity to each other, I chose two of the best known and most popular of the Nosegay class, and two of other kinds, planting them all at the same time, and in positions in every way alike, the number of each variety not being less than five hundred plants. Nearly all succeeded well, but there were periods during the summer in which anyone asked to choose the best would have selected three out of the four in succession, and at one time the fourth was equal to one which might have been selected. Now, from this it is evident that the brilliant service at a particular time in variety which we may call No. 1, was equalled by that of No. 2 at another time, while No. 3 followed in due course, so that the conclusion the fact directs us to, is not to be too hasty, either in our commendations or the contrary, but to take long services as our criterion of merit, and on this principle no one visiting a garden only once during a season is capable of giving an opinion. — J. Robson. HORTICULTURE IN VICTORIA. We have received the annual report of the Horticultural So- ciety of Victoria, from which it appears that gardening, and especially fruit culture, are prosecuted in that far distant colony with a vigour which we in this country have little knowledge of. From the report before us we learn that the Society, like our own at home, though doing a great and useful work, has its difficulties to contend with. While doing its best to enrich the commercial resources of the colony, and con- tributing to the improvement of the tastes and pleasures of the community, it has not that support given to it to enable the President and Committee to carry out all they desire to do. The following extract reads very like home experiences. After expressing a great desire to hold monthly meetings, so that the horticultural objects of different seasons might be ex- hibited, the report proceeds — "The Society at present has not been able to attain this de- sirable end for the colony, as the exhibitions are at all times a heavy drain on its funds ; the amount paid in prizes seldom being covered by the receipts. Besides, the shows are held at great cost, and involve the Committee in much personal labour and anxiety ; and to increase their number would be to require paid superintendence, the duties having hitherto always been honorarily performed." It will convey a pretty good idea of the importance attached to horticultural subjects by the Society, when we note the extent of its collection of fruit trees, which the report states is scarcely excelled out of Europe. It embraces — 389 Apples, of which 160 have been proved. 261 Pears „ 33 „ 33 Peaches , 18 8 Nectarines 4 „ 80 Cherries „ 39 , 84 Plums „ 43 „ 38 Apricots , 28 „ 136 Grapes „ 84 34 Oranges (and others of the Citrus family). 32 Figs, of which 6 have been proved. 32 Strawberries, of which . . 26 „ and collections of other less important fruits. The following extract is one conveying information of the greatest importance equally to us at home as to the colonists, and it furnishes such an example of the wonderful vitality of vegetable life, as may be put to good account: — "Last year the Committee reported the reception of a case of fruit-tree cuttings from the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswick. These cuttings were grafted last season, and the Committee now report that notwithstanding the severe drought of last summer, a large number of th6 varieties have succeeded, and of these, scions are this year (1869) available for further stock. The success of this experiment induced the Committee to request a further consignment. The cuttings here alluded to were taken from the trees growing in the Chiswick Gardens in the pruning season of 1867 (October) ; they were shipped by the 'Anglesey,' in December, and arrived JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January 6, 1870. ,f »v,« rVrdonn in Anril 1868 There being at that season of "It will thus be seen that a period of more than nine months to ye« no stookB in 'a condition for grafting, the cuttings - •were preserved with bnt slightly impaired vitality until the following August, when they were grafted. elajised from the time they were cut from the trees ; never- theless, 66 Apples, 72 Pears, 24 Figs, 5 Vines, and 8 Plums, have been saved of this consignment." The order to which Orchids belong undoubtedly contains the gems of the floral world, and this class of plants, which a few years ago were comparatively unknown, have now become familiar to all lovers of horticulture ; the immense quantities which have been imported during the last few years, and the WINTER-FLOWERING ORCHIDS.— No. 1. useful for winter decoration. The flowers are borne upon erect spikes, each spike having from twenty to fifty or more flowers, each flower measuring some 3 inches in diameter. The sepals and petals are pure white and of considerable substance ; lip of the same colour, but stained and streaked at the base with rosy pink. The leaves are thick and fleshy, from 6 to 12 inches /- consequent reduction in their prices, having brought them within the reach of most amateur,. Another advantage which has been in length, and oblong in shape deep bronzy green on the w;,,«Tl i iv,m "these -real importations is a better acquaintance ; upper side, sometimes stained with purple below. The moth- ^Whnh^itVni.dre.i'.iireinVntsof the plants, which has led to j like flowers of this plant retain their beauties unimpaired for r,r,e.re J,,., ,vstem 'if cultivation; and the temperature of a ! manv weeks if water in any form is kept from them, but if house devoted to the denizens of the mountain regions of Peru i they are suffered to get wet they soon become spotted and inl- and New Grenada is really en- joyable, even by the most deli- cate constitutions. Under these j circumstances it is no wonder that the popularity of Orchids has increased. ^ Taking the above facts into . ,jf- ■ consideration, it occurred to me .^L.'*'. / that a few remarks upon those Jt iffllA kinds which bloom during the <* WjB dreary winter months may be acceptable to many of the readers of the Journal who may be only beginning the cultivation of this elegant and most interest- ^ ""■-'/, if./v^£^' ~~-^>"i - ~..- ing class of plant-; rind let tn<- j. f ' /. ,' ■> earnestly recommend the-! win ' \-jv«, '; have not hitherto attempted the , ultuiv.it' I lull'.] - I'-.r w in*' I-!"- - coration to commence forthwith. p*^6**^" Orchids are now most reason- / able in price ; they are easily ; managed, and occupy but little room ; whilst the chaste beauty *> ha3 *l™ ^L°rI,cEu^ Names of Plants (Q. H.). — We have no remembrance of your yellow Daisy-like flower. (P. E. 8.). — The tree you refer to is Araucaria im- bricata, or Monkey Puzzle. (W. Webster).— Your Orchid clearly is Epi- dendrum ciliare. It is quite exceptional to find only a single flower emerging from the spath<\ giving it an appearance different from its usual character. (Brill, Bucks). — 1, Jasniinnm Sambac ; 3, the narrow- leaved New Zealand Flax, Phormium Cookianum, long known as P. Co- lensoi ; 4, Stachys lanata. No. 2 puzzled us considerably ; it appears to be some species of Cestrum, but we decline to guess what. Can you not send us a second and better specimen? POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON CHRONICLE. bitor's name is written or frnit exhibited, and ': awards refer turned face downwards in front of the plants ly a number written on the baek. Tbe Judges in i, and ought not to know nly to the numbe the exhibitors' names until afterward Snow-berry ( Tyro).— It was a mistake in "A. C." when he recom- SWdrop Tree!'11 ''" ^ ^^ the symPhori««P<"'- The Halesia is the Jeo d'f.sprit (TV. Adderley).— Yonr notes on the gardener have been published too many times to need a reappearance. 8amener naTe Deen Orchard Houses at Chit, well (Norman). — Whv not r/o them nnd ™ in Mr pPearS°.n * pTh6,f°r^ °f the r°°f' **■ and S*fi directions v„„ 1,, i fn a . ,Cl,ns"-t"=tion and Management of Orchard Houses." Jtap™wtth yo'or'lStoS. fr°m °™ °ffiCe " y°U enCl0"e tWe"* *>°Bt38° Rose for E S.E. Aspect (BerkhampXead Sufc.wiftcrl.-Climbing Devo- niens.s or Celine Forestier. Mrs. Pollock or some other^ariegated Pelargonium would look well along with the blue Lobelia vaneRatei1 ANNALS OF POULTRY IN 1869. We know no feeling for which we are more grateful than for the elasticity of the human mind, and the facility with which it accommodates itself to circumstances. The king can do nothing that the king has not done, and there is nothing new under the sun ; still, even in an old, or at least an accustomed task, there lacks not something of freshness. It is not in the human mind to be satisfied. With some there is continual craving; with others, having everything else, they want the Eoc's egg, but with all there is the desire to attain something, or to get rid of something; and although these feelings may be of many years' duration, and there is an inward conviction the object will never be attained or accomplished, yet that is stifled in order to allow the mind to dwell on the coming time as that which is to surpass its predecessors, and to crown the edifice. This is more especially true of the new year ; even those who can count their Christmases by threescore, and who during forty of these have looked for great things to come, and looked in vain, are still listening to the fond promise that all their wishes will be fulfilled, and their desires accomplished in the new year. The worst we wish them is that it may be so. It is always painful to talk of self, and we have deferred it as long as we could, but it is a duty we owe, and we desire to dis- charge it in full. We are not more free than others from the weaknesses incidental to our nature, and we have a lively re- collection of wishes and anticipations that did not, perhaps, meet with immediate fulfilment, but they were fulfilled, and we are grateful for it. We should deviate from our usual course did we not say our first and chief feeling is gratitude that we have been spared with so many of our friends and good supporters. It is by their kindness, in great part, that we have possession, instead of being perforce content with anticipation. While we heartily thank them for it, we promise to them and to ourselves a continuance of the effortB that have met their approval. We shall, therefore, look in 1870 for the support we have received in 1869. The review of the classes need not be a long one. The ex- perience of nearly a quarter of a century has not been thrown away, and we verge on perfection ; still, so much has been done, that it is hard to fix a limit. We know that German breeders will produce any Pigeon that can be put on paper, however difficult the plumage may be, and, judging from what has been done, we should be almost disposed to think poultry- breeders can do the same. How great a change may be seen in Dorkings by those who can look back twenty years ! Formerly the cock weighing 9 lbs. was a marvel ; the average of hens 7 lbs. each. Now cocks weigh over 12 lbs., and hens from 9 to 10 lbs. each. If this increase of weight were purchased by the loss even of appear- ance or symmetry, there might be found some to regret it ; but tbe birds are not only heavier, they are handsomer and hardier. They have more than held their own throughout the year in every way. The White Dorkings are now as heavy as the Coloured were formerly. Cochin-Chinas keep on the " even tenor of their way " — good, quiet, stay-at-home fowls ; when they were unduly valued they tried to reach the value put upon them, and when they were abused they went on "never minding" till they lived their detractors down. The Buff and White have been excellent, the Grouse and Partridge hardly so good as usual. Cochin entries have been numerous everywhere. We are told there are still people who call the Brahma Pootras " Shanghaes," and deny them the rights and standing of a "distinct breed." We can imagine such people calling for a chair, and, addressing the chairman as " sirrah," desire him to carry them to Banelagh, Vauxhall, or it may be the Mary'bone Gardens. Industrious people the manufacturers of Brahmas ! They showed at Birmingham 233 pens— large beautiful birds of most undeniable purity. These have formed January 6, 1670. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. one of the largest and most attractive classes throughout the year. We want more Malays. Forty years ago in the east of Lon- don there would be a better show of these birds at a public- house than there is now at Birmingham. Cieve-Creurs and Houdans have held their ground well. The former have been shown of great size, coupled with faultless plumage and symmetry. The number of entries also justified separate classes for these breeds. The Houdans have been, as a rule, very good ; but the La Fleche are not successful in forming a class, or in becoming popular. Hamburghs deservedly retain their hold on the public favour. The Blacks have much increased in numbers and in merit. The Golden-pencilled have been excellent, and so have the Golden-spangled. Everywhere the Golden have seemed to us better than the Silver, better bred, and more judiciously selected. We have to note a manifest improvement in Polish. The quality has been excellent, and at some shows they have mustered as in days of yore. Game fowls are perfect, so far as the Black and Brown Reds are concerned. These two classes form a show of themselves ; but the Duckwings, Blacks, Whites, Piles, and Brassy-winged do not stir either in numbers or quality. The Game classes at the large shows form an exhibition of themselves. We sigh when we look at the Sebright Bantams. They ap- pear to be going. The numbers of Blacks and Whites, and the " legion " of Game Bantams, have outshown our old Se- bright favourites. Aylesbury Ducks seem to have quailed before the Rouens ; they have shown again and been beaten in weight by their coloured antagonists. It is no mean thing to show a number of Ducks that will average over 84 lbs. each, but it has been done. The beautiful Black Ducks are also now well shown — small, svmmetiical, and of marvellous brilliancy of plumage. There have been shows where the distinguished Geese have averaged 25 lbs. each. Turkeys in the same way have averaged, cocks 27 lbs., and hens 18 lbs. each. We have had no startling Dovelties in the " Variety class," nor do we hear of anything of the sort. We shall be curious to see the next, for it will doubtless come. Let it be what it may, the question is now so well understood, that the require- ments of a new breed are at once discovered and provided for. This is among the benefits of the poultry pursuit ; the question is thoroughly understood. Fowls are no longer sickly, as they used to be. Death does not enter a yard to leave it only for want of victims. Fowls, Ducks, Geese, and Turkeys have in- creased their size greatly, and while doing so they have in- sured better constitutions and health. Poultry in 1369 is in every respect better and stronger than it was in 1819. The pursuit has ceased to be a mania. It is more than a rational, it is a beneficial employment, May it prosper ! The year has glided smoothly along. There have been few difficulties, no quarrels. Even the subjects that some years since seemed to engender bitterness, do so no longer. The world is becoming wiser, and, let us hope, better. Our cham- pions tilt with blunted weapons, deriving as much honour, with only part of the risk and injury. We have endeavoured to bring about this state of things, and we shall endeavour to perpetuate it. We have not, and we will not knowingly say an unkind or painful word to or of anyone, unless such be pro- voked by misdeeds. We will not spare such. If we have caused pain, or omitted to give pleasure, it has been unwittingly done. If anyone reads this and can recollect one grievance, we pray his forgiveness. We would have no alloy. Strong with the hope of the new year upon us, we would that all should be equally blessed, and therefore to subscribers, contri- butors, and all friends we cordially wish A Happi axd Prosperous New Year. WHITEHAVEN POULTRY SHOW. WrEH a long-practised Committee this Show has obtained a very high position among such meetings. This year twenty-seven silver caps brought entries from very distant localities. We cannot but note also most favourably the great care and attention bestowed on the poultry ; and the quality of the soft food fa composition of good bread and bar.ey Hour), awaiting the arrival of many lots of fowls that had travelled long distances to the Show, proved that everything connected with the well-doing of such valuable specimens as were to be seen at Whitehaven on December 23th, 29th, and 30th, after the fatigue and chill of so long a transit, depends on the simple fact of whether or not those who take upon themselves the management are practically con- versant in the best means of treating exhibition birds. The most anxious owner could not have desired a greater amount of attention, and we have little doubt that many of the pens of poultry actually left the Whitehaven Show in better condition than that in which they were forwarded to it. Of Cochins there were remarkably good classes, the Buffs and tha White ones being perhaps the best of those competing. There were some very good Brdkmas shown, the Dark being the better class of the two. Of Dorkings there was a very heavy entry, and this year's col- lection far exceeded in quality those of previous shows held in this district. Spanish were never before so well represented at Whitehaven, although several first-rate pens arrived too late for competition. , The French fowls were well shown, and from their novelty in this particular neighbourhood caused much attention. In Game this Show stood well, and the competition was exceedingly severe, but a few lots of extraordinarily good oneB being entered in the wrong classes were necessarily thrown out altogether. Amateurs cannot pay too much attention to the perusal of their prize schedules before making their entries. The Hamlmr/jlis were of first-rate character, the Silver- spangled ones especially, and to this beautiful variety the Hamburgh silver cnp was awarded". The " barring " in the tails of some of the Golden-pencilled hens was perfection itself. In the class for Silver- pencilled Hamburghs it is a matter of regret to record one of the most disgraceful and premeditated attempts at imposition to obtain a prize that perhaps was ever brought to light Most justly the owner of pen 264, belonging to and exhibited by Mr. James H. Pickles, of Earby, Skipton, Yorkshire, was deprived of the first prize. After the first prize was awarded to this pen it was whispered by some one who was evidently fullv cognisant of the fact, that the sickle feathers in the ! prize cock's tail were put in. The Judges, as a matter of course, im- ] mediately proceeded to make a very close investigation of the truth of | this statement, and the result was, that not only was the matter as , described, but still more, the handiwork evidently proved it was carried j out by a practised artificer. The pair of natural feathers were cut ■ away within barely more than the eighth of an inch of the rump, and ' two extraordinarily perfect sickles, such as are now very rarely seen, were as neatly whipped on to the stumps, as though the work of an adept at artificial fiy making. For the purpose, probably, of making success doubly sure, the junction of the feathers was also stitched through, and then a neatly applied coating of some quick-drying var- nish, or some snch adhesive substance, left the whole an exceedingly well-finished artifice. The sickles were themselves, perhaps, the best marked seen for many years past, and, as rnmonr said, they had before dene like service at other shows, being certain to take favour in the eye of any Judge, as they were perfectly laced all round in the markings. It was stated by one of the Judges, " Whoever owns them, they shall never do duty again ;" consequently they were taken from the bird, and would no doubt be on view during the greater portion of , the time the Show remained open, never to return into the original ! proprietor's hands. It really seems a matter of surprise that exposures i at intervals like the present one do not bring with them a hesitation ! to thus "try it on" with arbitrators. The personal disgrace on detec- j tion, and the jeers ever resulting from these fraudulent practices, are manifest. We sincerely hope it will be long before we have again to record such an attempt, or even the removal of an objectionable feather, as justice to exhibitors in general demands its exposure. The Selling class (of eighty-six entries, singularly enough precisely the same number as at the 1S63 show), had a most liberal amount of I prizes allotted, the principal one being a very excellent sewing ma- [ chine, an article as useful in itself as it was novel as a poultry prize. In this class, as in the Selling class for Pigeons, all the birds had to be sold by auction, and we are told many pens realised very good prices, as the majority of those entered were sufficiently good to hold their own in the general classes of most exhibitions. Rouen Ducks, though nnfortunately not enjoying a redundancy of light, were excel- lent ; and in the Aylesbury Mrs. Seamons was compelled to sucenmb to a couple of very superior pens shown by Mr. Fowler. The display of dressed poultry and eggs was remarkably good. The Exhibition was very well supported, though the weather, with snow melting quickly away, was not the most desirable, still the at- tendance of visitors was about as large as usual. Cochins (cinnamon or Ruff).— Cocl.\— Cup arid 3. H. Mapplebeck. Birming- ham 2 J Poole. Ulverstone. he. F.. Fearon. Whitehaven : J. H. Dawes. Bir- mingham: Gunson & Jefferson; J.G.Broxup, Burnley. <\ W. A. Taylor. Man- chester. Hens or Pullets.-l awl e, H. Mapplebeck. 2, J. Cattle, Birmingham. 3, W. A. Taylor, he, E. Fearon ; J. Poole. Cochins (Brown or Partridge).— CocA-.— 1, T. Stretch. Ormskirk. 2, J. K. Fowler. Aylesbury. 3. E. Fearon. c, J. Wood, Cnorley. Hens or Pullets.— 1. T. Stretch. 2, W. A. Taylor. 3, J. Poole, he. J. K. Fowler. Cochins (White).— CocA-.-l. J. Weeks. Boolle. 2. R. Smalley. Lancaster. 3, J. Poole, lie. G. Shrimpton, Leighton Buzzard: T. Ashbm-ner Dalton-in- Furness; E. Fearon. c. E. Fearon. Hens or Pullets.— I and 3. R. smaUey. 2. G. Shrimpton. lie. S. Sherwen, Whitehaven. Brahma Pootra (Dark).— Cock. — Cnp, Hon. Miss D. Pennant, Penrhyn Castle. Bangor. 2, E. Leech, Rochdale. 3. J. H. Pickles. Earby. he, GjDixon, jun .Whitehaven: Hon. Miss D. Pennant: W. Haxgreaves, Bacup. liens or Pullets.-h H. Lacy, Hebden Bridie. 2. J. H. Pickles. 3, G. Dixon, jun. lie, G. Todd, Monkwearmouth; Hon. Miss D. Pennant: W. Hargreaves. Brihma Pootra (Light).-l, O. A. Worthington. 2, F. Crook, Forest Hill, 3. W. Whiteley. Sheffield. „ „ „ ,. „ . . ._. Dorktngs (Silver-Grev).-l, Gunson & Jefferson. 2, D. Hardie, Sortie, Lang- holm. 3, E. Leech, lie. J. H. Wilson, St. Bees. ^..y. Dorkings (Dark)— Coi *.— 1, P. H.Jones, Fulham. 2, J. Stirling, Bndekirk, Cockermouth. 3, J. -White, Warlaby, lie. A. Thompson, Whitehaven ; W. Bearpark; J. Stott, Rochdale; Gunson & Jefferson; Miss spending, Sumner JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January C, 1&7U. Bens.- Cup, J. White (Grey). 2, 3. H. Wilson, :i, .1, stiiiin- ■' i «■■'■- ■ i ■ i i !. , \k I'nT'hi- ; i' v k Bartnxm; J. Fox. c, J. Birkett, \ V. Roger*, Wigan. Spanish >.. R. Bull. Newpoi D : ■ Bomerrflle, Larnvton, Edinburgh. ■ -. <"'. W. Lri-rl.".. Mi-s i>. Pennant he, T. .1. Harrison, Hull ; Hon. Miss L>. Pennant ; J. Bid- pii b, Edinl Oeurand Hot Cup, W.I Hondan). S. W. Blrnkhorn, > , Moms, '. ",', t.. I'.. u Ci re-O or). ' '■. J. K. oupb. 3, 0. W. 1 . : .1 . . u iik:n i PuMi . w Klink] ora - Fowler Mi- vt-fo-ur:: ('. Mi>nih t Hondan . Game (Black-1 roasted Beds I i J. J. Fk tcher. Bhi-rlcv. :;. Miss E. A. Crawford, Farasneld. 1 -Cup, F. Sale?, Crowle. 2, J. Fletcher. 3, T. Bur-ess, Btirleydnm. ■ ' : T. Mason. (iAMt (Any other varit-tvi.— fnek.— 1. C. W. Brier'ey. 2. .1. H< ■ II. M. -lali.n. iinJl ilm, i;\v:n-:. c. H. Bobbins. Ktnilv.o, ' I. T.Mason, Green Ayre, Lanci ! . , i . , | ! . I ffen.— Cup. C. W. Brierley. i, '£. h>. . : ■■ <.n. Halifax. cher (Black Bed); J. Poole (Brown Red); 3 Stabler. II ( -1. J. H. Wilson. S. J. Fletcher (Black Bed) S, T. Mason, ft r,W. H. Robinson; J. B hale; J. H. Wilson, St. Bees; J. Wood (Brown Red>. c, J. E. Robinson, Suiul'ilai.d 1 1>\\< I: .'. . Haububi ' led).— 1, W. Blackburn. 2. J. Chadderton. Hollin- . W. a. Hyde, Hurst, Aehton-under-Lyne. fcc. T. Walker, jcn.; H. Beldon : J. Robinson, c, T, Stuart, Kendal : H. Pickles. jun. HAMBUiiGHa (Silver-spangled). — Cnp, H. Beldon. 3, J. Fielding. 3, J. he. H Leld -n: H. Pickles, jnn. HAiii;n:i sis (< .o]u>n-p< ,;i- 01, «;.- -i. .T. Walker. Eirstwlt'n. 2, W. It. Parke. ;;, l:. .M.^'ir-vr, Perth. feetW, Speakman, Doddington Park, Nan twicb. c,W. Crosthwaiie. S.;ui\vi\. Ou . ■ r-pencitled).— 1 and 3. H. Beldon. 2, W. M. Mann, Kendal he, R. Walton, Rawtenstall. Pe»2W, exhibited byJ.H, Pickles, ■ l.-l and 2, H. Beldon ack Hambui .; Bl;i'-k ib); J. . Bkipton, to the Any OTHER DISTINCT VaBE I I (Polande). :j. Rer. W. Si rjeantson, Acton Burnell (Bl i: i ■oiohill, Carlisle li-ilky N'i .... g a Cj ass (Any variety 4, Gunson & Jefferai n. 5, It. D. Holt (Dorkings). / ■ W. R. Park iGold-pencilltd Hamburehs) : E. Fearon i Spanish (; W. A. Taylor; Gunson & Ji Collins-, YeortoD, Whitehaven (White Ci Hamburghs); T. Ashburner, Dalton-in-Furness (Whi B. Smalley (White Cochins); .1. M. Kilvert [Black Hamburgh); T. bean are); Hanson and .' : ; -T.H. Wil.^.u iDorkiu--. and Ciunn: J. White iPartridge Cochin); F. Sales ((.:. I icbins); W.H.Brunton (ParkBrahmas). Gams Bantams lUho'k Rods;.— Corf;.— Cm . T. Sh-ireles, Rawtenstall. 2, J. T.Hudson. 3, W. U Si 1. fie, G. Shrimpton; J. '■ H. W.Taylor; W.Rol osland, jun.; W. Hodgson, D 5. Sherwen, Whitehaven. H I, W. Bou tetter. 2, W.F.EntwisIe, Leeds. 3, J. Crosland, jun.. Waki Id ■ Mapli s jun.; J. Robinson. Game Bantams (Aj except Black RedB).— I.W. 1 nd, jun. 3, Eellirj i ,. i iheld, Bumlev (Pile Game). he, T. Sharpies: J. Poole (Duckwing). Bantams (Any other variety). — 1 and 2, H. L. Markyate street 3, G. Atkinson, Durham (Black Spam- in. lie, S. H. Stoit (Japanese), c, H. Beldon; T. C Harrison; W.Hodgson W Dl 3 (A3 lesbnryt.— 1 and 2. J. K. Fowler. 3, Mrs. M. Seamons, Aylesbury. ha, S. H. s-- it: E. Fearon; Hra M. Seamons. Ducks (Ronen).— Cur,, s li. stoit. 1, D. Hardle. S, J. Thom 1 Dickinson, Whitehaven; .1. K. Pbwler; \\. Ev.ms, P. Je£fer^' n, c,J, Smalley. Duces (Black East Indian). — 1, Rev. W. Sezjeantson. 2 and . ■/. . Serjeanteon; F. W.Earle. DtrcKS (Any other variety).— l.T.C. HarriBon. 2, C. W.Brierley. ! (Carolinas). he anl c C. N.Bj and Carolinas). 1 Leech. 2, D. Hardie (Toulouse). hc,S. II. Stmt (Ti»ulousei: G. Hus.iie;"\Y::iti; una Grevj. <-,G. F. .-tatter (Ton". Turkeys (Any variety).— 1, J. Fox (Cambridge). 2, E. Leech, he, 3. Stirling (Dark Norfolk!. Rabbits (Any variety).-!, A. II. Easten (Silver-Grcy). H.Wilson. 1 1 Sberwei Bbaei Brunt.' 1. Spam 1 1 and 3. E. Fearon. 2, J. H. Wilson. Game t •.,. , Barnes, Workington. 2, J. H. Wilson. S. & I . Wilson; W. Robinson, Wh tehavi a. — land 2, A. Briggs, Atpatria fBhiekliedi. B, J. Wilson (Black Red 1. ■ r;uff). 2. Gunson & Jeffei fin fWhrte); J. H. Wilson; Gunson & Ji iss L. Speddmi-. Sumner Grove, Whitehaven (Buffi. -1 2, and 3, G. Dixon, jun., Whitehaven, he, W. H. H. Wilson Ha MB spangled). 2, K. F- (Any variety).— 1 ; ss A. V. , , , n (Golden- he, F. G. Jones (Golden-spanned). Bastams (Any variety).— 1, H. J. Nichi ■ G ! .1. Weeks 'Black Red ■ B J. &W. Towerson (Black Red), he, E. Fearon (Game); W. Bame^ : i Game); T. Weeks, Bootle (Game). Ducks (Aylesbury).— 1, E. Fearon. 2, Mrs. J. Eirkett. 3. H. E. Lindsay. Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass. lie. E. Fearon. DUOKS (Rouen).— lj A- Dickinson. 2, J. Fox. 3, E. G. Jones, he, Gnnson the West Cumberland Classes.- and Jefferson Prize to the most saccessfal Exhibitor E. Fearon. PIGEONS. ^Cabkiebs ( Any colourk— 14E, Horner, Harewood, Leeds. 2, J.C. Ord. /te,E Horner; T. Oolley, Sb Poutebs (Any colour). — 1, E. Horner. ftCj_E. Horner ; P. H. Jo-ies, Fulham. (Almond).— 1, J. Fielding. 2, W. Harvey, Sheffield, he. W. (White 1. J. Waddle, Dumf; Trj: Harvev; P. H. Jones. TrMi:r.?.i;>fAny oth. (MotUed). 2, G. South (Bli _ Jacobins (Any colour).— 1, E. Horner. 2, Miss F. Easten. ohc.J. SVaddl*-. /iCj. E. Horner ; R. Dawson, Beverley, c. R. Smalley, TnuKFEVrau (Any colour).— 1 and 2, E. Horner, vhe, F. J. Leech, he, W. r. lie, J. Fielding ; P. H. Jones. I 1 .. Horner. 2. G. South, London, vhc, A. Crosbie. tic, P. H.Jones, e, E. Homer; F.J. Leech. Uwlb (Any colom I I Fielding. 2, P. H. Jones. !ding;P. H. .,.!■■■ FANTAn.sfAnvcolonrf.-l, H Vunllev. 2. Yv. Harvey, vhe, W. R. Park, am, Eirk ' ■ li trvi ■ . P. H.Jo A\Y OTHBB Dl^TIv E. Homer; P. H. J< Fifldiri'j : ■'. \Y.'.::-- iS-w»ll.r,^ , Si-.li.in-. Class (Any variety).— 1, J. per, Eranstv (Jacobins), vhe, G. Sonth.(Dru| Eey(BlaCK Mottled Trumpeters; T. Rule. Any VAfciETY.— 1. S. Sherwin. 2..T.& W. T wtr- .: S. Sherwen : J. WalkeriDra--'o..;.M; J & \\ . Towerson 'Car. • icobins). Cup to moE ' Lhitor, E. Horner. Canabtbs.— Belgian (Yellow).— 1, S. Sherwen. 2, J. N. Harr; Belgian {SuB).—lt Withheld. a,J. s. H.-rr: ! 1 w. R..t u. son, Workington. Sand he, J. Armscro] (Enffj.-l and'..-. W. Heap. 2. R. Hav. ■■ ■. ■ ■ 1 J. Armstrong. Pie- hald (Yellow or Bnff fc— 1, J.N. Harrison. 2. R. H.:wn an, Middles! vJte, B. Williamson. Harrington, e, 3. Taylor. . 1 or Silver- spangled).— 1, J. Taylor. 2. J. -N'. Harrison. Judges. — Poultry: Mr. E. Hewitt. Sparkbroob, Eirminpham ; Mr. E. Teebay, Folwood, Preston. Pigeons: Mr. E. E. M. Royds, Rochdale. OanarieA : Mr. William Lyon, and Mr. James Walker, ol Whitehaven. KING S LYNN POULTRY, PIGEON, BIRD, AND BABBIT SHOW. tow took place 011 Decemi. .'.-. The following are the awards made: — BiNTAiisUny colour).- 1. J. BloiJ [Black-brcash 1 Red). 2. 7. Fean (Black ■■!,.-■■:. : 1-. I..'.l<- ; A. Moirar. Game.— 1 and 2, 11. Martin, sculthorpe. >■ L Rev. E. Sti ■-:■ t. . . ■ - lled<-hc, A. Dow. Vnodhouse. dhonse. ' ■ pangled).— li, W. Woodhouse. Dobkings.— IFftite. L and 2, V*'. Bloom- • field, Stoke. Geese.— 1, 2, he. and c, W. Woodhon .house. Extra Pi.. Pheasant Hem. Pigeons.— Carriers (Anv colour).—!, W. Walk. A. Yonder- meerach. lie, W.Bulmer(Bla. 1. E. Ualker(White). 2, R. F. Payling (Wbitp.). <■. J. Biol i I.2.V. and ■ li.. -a- A-atts. Red. Almond, and L.n. k'. Lr-u colour).— 1, 2, he, and ..■, W. Woo. B \ (Any colonr).— 1, A. W. Wren .Y.l).. - i.nd e, J. ^Iitehell (Blue and V ':. 2. R. D. Borne, jun. (White Fo D lome (Bilver Enplish Owls i; A. A. Vandermeerseh. i.s (Leghorn Poatera); A. Storran(French Tumblers). CANARIES AND CAGE BIRDS, iear Yellow).— 1 and 2, Irons £ GaMun. ue. T. F tnn ; S. Tomes. c, T. Fenn. I '.ear Bnff).— 1 and he, T. Fenn. 2. S. Tomes. Norwich (Eveiilv-rnarkcd i'ellouj.— 1 and 2, T. Fenn. >■ t(Buff).— 1, Irons &Gayt on. 2,8.1 mes. <■■ . T. Fenn. Belgians (Clear Y.-lluw.-i. J.";;. Harri-oi Belgians (Any other colonr).— 1, J. .N. Hairi :ter (Gretn- Liz.ain (Golden-spangled).—!, V. Wai . W. Cowell- e, J. Cuthberston. Lizard (Silver-spangled).— 1, G. Larwood. Extra 1, J. N. Harrison, c. T. Fenn. Cinnamon (Bright).— Ian: - jmeS. (inn a:.; 2, S. Tomes. Green.— i. Irons cc Guv. on. -2. .1. N. Harrison. ke,"E. Jarrett c, T. Fenn. ■ a Vamett.— 1, T. Fenn Mottled Crested Yellow), he, T. Fenn ■ \ BxansfAnvvm-j. I 1 fellow). 2. C. Wasey andc, T. Watson. Goldfinch MtruB (Yellow Pied1.—]. T. Fenn. 2. Mrs. Woodhouse. Goldfinch Mule (Anv oth- 3, T. rem: (Mealy), e, Mrs. Woodhouse (Buft Pied . ■ wcH.— 1. T. Fenn. 2, Miss Upwood. he, E. Jones. Linnet Mi 1 . 2, Irons & Gayton (Cinnamon). i.T.Fcnn. Linnet.— 1, J. N. Harrison, •_•. W. Woodhouse. C, T. Watson. Bullfinch.— 1, Miss l*p\vood. 3, E. Jones-. Any otiiee Variett not before Mentioned.— 1 and 2, W. Woodhouse (Red- pole). Parbjqttl.: :. Mrs. Sthmson Green . 2, J. C. Luckly (Grey); J. Lowe: ; r Lai i . Rudd. '■, W. Wi:gon (Green); J. Lowe (Green). Rabbits.- Qnii Fawn), he, C. Gravil, jun. (Yellow); J. J. Stotl eared); J. G. Qnick. Beam si (Any variety).— 1, A. H. 1 2. F. W. Dawson, e, C. Lea: M. p-eare^l . 1. .1. ci. Quick. n. hr, A.H. Easton; S. G. Hudson ; J.Blac C. Gay. Judges. — For P- - : Mr. "W. Massey, Spald- ing; for Canaries: Mr. W. A. Llakstou. Sunderland. THE BIRMINGHAM COLUMBARIAN SOCIETY'S SHOW. This Show, held December 31st, was one of the most interesting that has taken place in Birmingham for many years. The sole object of the Society being to improve the breed of all varieties of fancy Pigeons, pecuniary profit is altogether ignored. The extra prizes are the free gift of various members of the Society ; catalogues are provided, and all the expenses are defrayed by its memberB, and admission is I given to the Show, without payment or restriction of any kind, to every January G, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. respectable applicant. This Show is remarkable for the excellence of tverv pen exhibited, each member bein<* himself conversant with the pai tii ularities of those breeds to which fancy may have led him. The ycnmg t farru rs were of great beanty and promise, as were also the Barbs, Dragoons, ana Anttoerpe. We are informed excellent wood engravings of the winning birds among the latter two varieties will be published as a standard of character for general adoption, and as these specimens were well-developed, the lovers of Pigeons will be much interested in the publicity thus given them. In the Extra class, a new variety of Satinette of extraordinary beauty well deserves a short description. The body was entirely white, the shoulders, as far as the bars on the wines, were an exceedingly clear light blue, the bars themselves being distinct and well-defined red, whit.:, and blue. They possess short bills, mnffed legs, and the flights are perfectly white. Each of the feathers of the tail, in themselves black, possessed the splendid white spot, about the size a shilling at the tip, that makes the Satinette so great a favourite. VOTING BrrtDS. Casriek=. > Prize, presented by Mr. Careless, J. N. Clarke- ■ . H. Hallam : J. N. Clarke, r, H. Hullam. j.— 1. 2, and ::;. A. Stewart. ' i ilmond).— 1 and Extra Prize, presented by Mr. Ludlow, and 2, E.D.( u.less. Jacobins.— 1, a, and -: . \. Stewart. Trumpeter-.—. and Extra Prize, presented bv Sir. Stewart, 2, 3, and vhc, S. Taylor. Barbs.— 1 and Extra Prize, presented by Mr. Noyfi, and S( T. Ilallam. 2 and vhc, H. AHsopp. he, II. Allsopp; H. HaUam ; T. Uallam. Dragoons.— 1 and Fxtra Prize, presented by Mr. Butwell. 8, and he, J. Lud. low. 2 and vlic, H. AHsopp. Antweeps (Chequered!.— 1. J. Ludlow. 2 and 3, H. Noye. ahe, J.Bradley' fie. J. Ludlow ; J. Bradley. A.vrwEBi'S (Bine or Dun).— I and Extra Prize, presented by Mr. Collins, and . .■..'. Lnd low. i i Marlow. fte, H. Noye; ff. Wright; S. Taylor. Aw other Vaeiety.— 1 and 2. H. Nove (Self-coloured Satinette and White Owl). 3, S. Taylor (Archangel), vhc, E. D. Careless (White Trumpeters). well. 2, H. HaUam. 8, J. Bradley, ehc. J. Clarke. Poi Tiir.— i foci*.— 1, 2 and 3, \.H'. :*wnrt. Hens —1,9, and 8, A. Stewart. Tumblers (Almond and Short-faced).— 1 and 2, T. HaUam. 3 1 and Extra Prize, presented by Mr. Allsopp. and 2, A. Stewart.' Mottles and RosEWlNGS.— 1, 2.S, and vhc, E. D. Careless. Selling Class.— 1, Mrs. Alston. 2, W. Reid, Hoyston. 3, J. Gow. Kilbar- chan. i, J. Howe, Paisley. PIGEONS. Pouters (Blue).— 1 and Special, G. White, Paisley. 2 ami 3, W. Nelson, Johnstone. Pouters (Black).— 1, B. Arbuckle. 2, W. Nelson. 3, J. Sharp- Pouters [White).— 1, H. Yurdlev, Birmingham. 2, G. White. 3, G. B. Phillips. Pouters (Any other colour).— 1, J. Mair, Kilmarnock. 2, G. White. 3, D. Bf'Kechnle. Tumblees (Short-faced).— 1 and Special, G. White. 2, R. Ogden, Rochdale. 3, H. Yardley. Tumblers Carriers- _. _, Fant.hls.— 1, R. Blair. 2, J. Sharp. Johnstone. B, W. Reid, Loehwinnock. Jacobins.— 1, J. Sharp- 2. H. Yardley. 3. A. Yeudell. Nuns.— 1. J. Murrav. Dnrvel. 2, H. Yard] v. 3, R. Pater-on. Melrose. Turrits.— 1, W. M'Kinlav. Kilmarnock. 2. J. Sharp. 3, J. Weddell, Dumfries. Common.— 1, W. Wotherspoon, Castlehead. 2, J. Wilson, Beith. 3, J. King, Paisley. Any other Yariety.— 1 and 2. R. Ogdem. 8, G. Dart, Dumfries. Selling Class.— 1, J.Sharp (dpots). 2, J. White. 3, H.Thomson, Glasgow CANARIES. &C. C eis.— Cup, A. Kelly, Paisley. 2, W. Danlop, Stewarton. 3, J. Dalziel, ', l and Special, R. White, Paisley. 2, A. Kelly, Paisley. 3. \V. M'Leod, Glasgow. 1. R. W..od, Paisley. Hrns.—l, D. Halciin. 2, T. Buchanan. Glasgow. 8, W. Reid, Kilmarnock. 4, W. Stevenson. BvTT.—Cocks.—l and 2, W. BFClukie, Kilmarnock. 3, J. M'Millan, Kilbirnie. 4, J. Gray, Johnstone. Hens.— 1 and Special. J. Ritchie. Ronton. 2, J.il'Lellan, Elderslie. 3, J. Scott. Paisley. 4, P. M'Donald, Glasgow. Piebalds— 1 and Special, M.Barr. 2, A. Robertson. 3, T. Scott. Yellow Cock— I and SpeeUl. J. Grav. 2, A. Hamilton. 3, J. Pcttigrew, Carluke. 4, J. Wilson. Hens.—\,Z, ani Speual. A. Kellv, Paisley. 2, G. M'Lure, Beith. 4, D. Calderwood. Paislev. Buff Cock.— I, J. Fisher, Dairy. 2, J. Archibald, Glas- l'iiw. 3. T. S«'Ott. Carluke. 1. N. M'Lean. Glasgow. Hens.— I, J. Archibald. 2, A. Kelly. Paisley. ?., J. Wilson, Beith. 4, A. Buchanan. Goldfinch. — 1, T. Conn, Kilwinning. Goldfinch Mules.— 1. R. Bell. Mossvale. Pfiislev. 2. G. Goudie, Ayr. Home op. Foreign Bird.— 1, J. Lambie, Paisley. 2, W. Spiers, Overton. The Judges were— For Poultry; Mr. W. K. Farqnhar, Barrhead; Mr. K. Calderwood, Kilmarnock ; Mr. D. Brown, Perth ; Mr. J. Miller, Glasgow ; Mr. J. Lindsay, Stewarton ; Mr. J. M'Lachlan, Paisley. For Pigeons : Mr. J. H. Frame, Carlnke ; Mr. J. Mnir, Glasgow. Fjot Canaries, <&& : Mr. J. Graham, Kilmarnock ; Mr. R. Paterson, Cochran Cottage. Howwood ; Mr. W. Orr, Beith ; Mr. J. White, Paisley: Mr. J. M'Lean, Paisley; Mr. A. Mitchell, Paisley. Bares.— 1, 2, 3, and vhc, H. Allsopp, Dragoons (Blue).— 1 and Extra Prize, presented by Mr. Hallai, J. Butwell. 2, J. Ludlow. i iny other colour).— 1 and 3, H. Allsopp. 2, J. Ludlow. Blue or Dun}.— 1 and Kxtra Prize, presented bv Mr. Wright, and 3, H.Nnyr. ::. H. Wright, rhc. J. Bradley, he, S. Taylor; T. Marlow. C, J. Ludlow. Aktwebps (Cheqmered}.— 1 and Extra Prizr>. presented by Mr. Ilallam, -2, and Uow. ::. H. Noye. he, H. Nov. : J Bradlev. Any "TnrcK ViMETYlPairs).— 1. J. Butwell iMoltled Swifts). 2. T. Hallam (Bine Owls). 3, A. Stewart [Jacobins . Antwerp Cocks.— 1 and Extra Prize, presented by Mr. Marlow. and 3, F. ,E Taylor, vhc, H. Wright, he, 6. Taylor; EC.Noye; H. Wright-; J.Bradley. cr.T. Ludlow. Any otiieu Vabiett.— 1 and 2. A. Stewart. 3 and vhc, H. Noy£. .— E. Hewitt, Esq., Sparkbrook, Birmingham. PAISLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL SHOW. This Show was held on the 3rd inst., and was well attended both by exhibitors and visitors. The following were the awards : — . -1. 2, and Medal, Miss A. H. M'Tnnes, Paisley. Chicken*,— ls 8, and .n. Milngavic. 4. ','. • 'Coloured'.- 1 and C;n>. M. VV:r. Milnzarie. 2. M -.. i chaeL 4, J. Paul, Glasgow. Chickens.—; 1 and Cup. Mrs. alatead, 2, Mine Fairley, Goodham, Kilmarnock. 3, A. Yeudell, Galston. 4. R Campbell, Glenfrien. Dorkings (White slUngton. 2. J. Tu^hope. Meikleriggs. Mrs. Arnott, Daimell ngto:i. i. .!. L >gan, Kastshield, Carngath. Cochin-Chiva.— 1, i, and Medal, A. Campbell, LargB. 2, Smiti Chaplehall, Airdrie. ?■. G. F. Lyon, Dumfries. Brahma Pootra.— ], 2, and Medal, Mrs. Gillison, Milngavie. 3, G. Paterson, Axthnrlie, Barrhead. 4. — Alston, Craighead, Hamilton. Old Scotch Breed.— land '■ e Ul. J. Meikiem, Hamilton. 2 and 3, R. Blair Johnstone i. Miss Eadie, Johnstone. (Gold Ti-spansled).— 1 and Cup. A. Gi'>b, Ayr. 2. J. Jardine. All- marnock. 3. U. Pick! -s. Kariiv. 1. W. A. H- <\ -v. V -ihton-iinder-Lvue. '. ,;. I [■■ :■ . " i .' Picklc-8. s, G.Smith. 4, W. Bachop, Stonefield, T-ipangled). — 1 and Special, J. Moodie. 2,R.Brace,Bosbv. i . Stewarton. 4. H. Pickles. Hambcu'- r-p ii d).— 1 and Cup. H. Pickles. 2. W. Bai Bnchanan. Glasgow. 4. H. Arndle. Paisley. !!. -1. J. Forsyth, Carmyll. 2. W. Hardie, Airdrie. "■'. J. M'Nab, Cardunald. 1. J. S. Watson, Earbv. Skipton. Yurkshire. r. 2, J, M'Nab. 3, J. Weddell, Dumfries. 4, J, Carlisle. Earbv. Game (Any other colour). — 1. T. Davidson. Longtown. 2 and Medal, E, Andrew. 3, J. Waudeli. 4. R. Kerr, Dumfries. Game Bantams. — 1 and Special, J. Dunlon, Newton, Ayr. 2, J. Mitchell, Perth. 3, T. Baikcr. Bumlev. i, A. Gibb. Bantams (Black".— 1. s. 4 R. Ashton, Mottram. 2, J. Robertson. 3, MrB. Horn. Airdrie. 4 MUs Eadie. Johnstone. Bantams (Any other yariety).— 1, S. & R. Ashton. 2, Mrs. H«rn. 3, T. Piatt, Bolton. 4. A. Grant. Cross (Any breed not included).— 1. J. Logan. 2, A. Jamieson, Kilbirnie. 3, A. Craw, Paisley. 4. J. Allan, Kilkirnie. Ddcks (Aylesbury).— 1, 3, and Special. A. & J. Robertson. Kilmarnock. 2, J Scott, Bfewnall, Selkirk. 4, J. Logan. Dock* ( Rouen).— 1. 2, 8, and Special, A. & J. Robertson. 4. G. F. Lyon. Ducks (.Any othsr variety).— 1, Miss Fairlie. 2. J. Montgomerie. Kilwinning1 3, J. Carswell, Uplav. 4. G. F. Lvon.1 ~ .M — MIDDLESBROUGH CANAEY SHOW. (From a Correspondent.) The ninth annual Show took place on December 31st, 1869, and January 1st, 1870. There were 12'2 entries, and the birds as a whole were good. For Yellow Belgians, Mr. Rickaby took the first prize with a very good bird ; in Buff Belgians, Mr. Hayes was first with a bird of extraordinary merit, Mr. B. Robinson was second with a good bird, while Mr. W. "Bulmer was third with his Buff hen. Clear Jonqne Norwich were not first-class; but in Clear Buff Norwich, Mr. "W. Holmes was first with a splenilid specimen. In the Evenly-marked Jonque Norwich, Mr. J. Besson and Messrs. Moore & Wynne showed two splendid birds. Among Evenly-marked Buff Norwich, Messrs. Moore & Wynne took the first prize with a bird of the highest standard. Ticked and Unevenly-marked were not so good as might be looked for in this class. For a Crested Canary of any breed or colour, Messrs. Moore & Wynne were first with their splendid Variegated, and Mr. G. Taylor second with a splendid clear Crested hen. Lizards were a very good class, there not being a single i;ad bird. In the class for Jonqne Cinnamons Mr. J. Besson was first with a splendid bird, and Mr. J. Smart second with a good bird. Of Buff Cinnamons there were only three entries, and the first priz held ; Mr. J. Bexson receiving the second, and Messrs. Moore & Wynne the third, for very good birds. Of Clear Yellow and Bnff Yorkshire there were some really noble birds, and the Evenly-marked were really excellent. For Clear Green Mr. J. Smart was first with the very best Green I ever saw. In the class for Evenly-marked Goldfinch Mnles, Messrs. Moore and Wynne were first with a very inferior Jonque, while Mr. J. Robson was second with a splendid Jonque. Of Ticked and Unevenly-marked Goldfinch Mules there was not a really good specimen, but 'in Dark Goldfinch Mules, Moore & Wynne were* first with their extraordinary bird. Messrs. Stevens & Burton were second with a splendid specimen, and Mr. J. Robson third with a really good sp3cimen. Linnet Mules were not up to the standard. In the class for Goldfinches Mr. Caswell was first with a bird that will not be easily defeated. Linnets were good. In the class for any other variety of British birds, Mr. J. Hill exhibited one of the best Larks that could be seen. The following is the prize list : — Belgian (Clear Yellow).— I.M. Rickaby, Darlington. 2. W. Buhner. Stockton- fin-Tees. 3 and vhc. R. Robinson, he, R. Hawrnan, Middlesbrough, c, J. Hayes, Sutton-in-Ashfi-ld. __ , Belgian (Clear Buff).— 1, J. Haves. 2 and e, R. Robinson. 3, W. Bulmer. vhc, J. H. Harrison, he, If* TritBchler, Beverley. Norwich I Clear Jonque).— l.T. W.'l.s. Stockton. 2 and rhc, J. Hill. Barrow- in-Furness. 3. J. Bejtson, Derby, he, J. Thornton, Middlesbrough, c, W. L. Beloe, Berwick-on-Tweed. . „ _ _ Norwich (Clear Buff).— 1, W. Holmes. Nottingham. 2 and 3, J. Bexson. t'fcc, R. Hawman. he, Moore A Wynne, Northampton, e, J. Armes, Middlea- Noew'ich (Evenlv-marked Jonque).— 1 and vhc, J. Bexson. 2. Moore & Wynne. 3, J. Hayes, lie, W. L. Beloe. c. J. Fairclongh, Middlesbrough. Norwich (Evenlv-marked Buff).-1. Moore & Wynne, 2, J. Bexson. 3, R. L. Wallace, Berwiek-on-Tweed. vhc, W. Holmes, he. W. L. Beloe. Norwich (Tieked and unevenly-marked Jonque).— 1, T. Wal^s. 2. K. Haw- man. 3, J. Bexson. vhc, Moore & Wynne, he, W. Bulmer. c, Z. Howe. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGK GARDENER. [ Januaay G, 1870. Noawicn (Ticked and unevenly.nwked _BnBW. Moore & Wynne. 2, he, and ,, .1. Bexsoii. :i. I:. Hawin.li.. >''" • " ;• ' '»"" %,„„„ 4 wvrnie. 2. G. Taylor, Chkmtk... i'an»hi <.\i.ylT.-.l " ■ •" >■ >' '\", w i;„ i.m.t. lie.T. ^ ,, V ': . w." > ■■;,■„ ■ \- ■■■■■ rut. nek ' I, T S! i.i.st .■ M. Mnrkt".. 1m . .1 1 ,.> 1". . '',',,,,, Middles- ^^MO^i^S-ip: Bexson. 2 anil :*, J. Smart, Fenham. 8, B U^"^J"iV^;;r^,n^"rwui.l;eM:T^C&exson. S.Moore * Wynne In-, R. L. Wallace. i «.„„„„«* Burton 2. J. Garbutt. 8, G. M „e^^ISSoSYe^lr^^y"Cu:'C;e8\;y. I.C E. Br«™ N. •r;;'' ,,'."': j'C'ja'tsi°e°™s&B,lrtm- 3, A.Brown, vhc, W. G"!""' ■''.-/ '. , '"'.'.'; mIVvi''.^' ;" V';mpV ApricotB 1"Z. ii 0 Cherries lb. Chestnuts bnshel Currants £ sieve S 0to5 0 Mulberries quart 0 Oto 0 0 I'.l . doz. 0 0 filberts lb. 0 6 Cobs lb. 0 6 Gooseberries quart 0 0 Grapes, Hothouse lb. 3 0 Lemons ^103 6 0 Melons each 2 0 IS d 0 II ii II II It 0 0 ii 0 0 1 0 0 0 9 ii in | s 0 Neetarines doz. Oranges |- 100 8 0 L2 0 Peaches doz. 0 0 0 0 Pears, kitchen doz. 2 0 3 0 dessert doz. 3 0 5 0 Pine Apples . Raspberries lb. Strawberries ...lb. 0 Walnuts bushel 10 do p-300 1 GO 0 0 . doz. 0 0 0 0 VEGETABLES. Broad.... bushel Bei t, Hi a doz. Broccoli bnndle Brussels Sprouts. .& sieve Cabbage doz. Capsicums V 100 Carrots bnnch Cauliflower doz. Celery bundle CoIeworts..doz. bunches Cucumbers each pickling doz. Endive doz. Fennel ; bunch Garlic B. d ii 0 ii 0 ii 1 0 (J o n 0 ii H (J 0 4 ii - 0 0 0 II ii II ii II ii b 0 Leeks bunch Lettuce score Mushrooms pottle Mustard & Cress, .punnet Parsley sieve Parsnips doz. Peas qnart Radishes .. doz. bunches 10 0 0 Rhubarb bundle 0 0 0 0 Savoys doz. 16 2 0 Sea-kale.... basket 2 0 3 0 Shallots lb. 0 0 0 6 Spinach bushel 2 0 ."; i; Tomatoes doz. 0 0 << t> Turnips bunch 0 1 0 :• Vegetable Marrows, .doz. 0 0 0 0 January 13, Ib70. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Month Day of Week. JANDARY 13—19, 1870. Average Tempera- ,i°tm lure near London. !„ £<£„. Sun Rises. Sun Sets. Moon Rises. Moon Sets. Moon's Age. Clock before Sun. Day of Year. Day. Night. Mean. Davs. m. h. 1 m. h. m. h. m. h Day3. m. s. 13 Th Cambridge Lent Term begins. 43 0 29.3 | 86.2 19 3afS ' 15 af 4 14 1 40 af 3 11 9 0 14 F Oxford Lent Term begins. 42.1 29.9 36.0 19 47 1 41.7 2s ;) :;:.:; 13 1 8 | 19 4 30 2 42 0 81.0 36.5 20 0 8 20 4 1 23 3 52 6 14 10 4 16 42.6 28.7 1 35.6 15 59 7 21 4 26 4 47 7 O 10 24 17 42.6 31.3 36.9 18 58 7 23 4 37 6 31 8 IS 10 43 18 19 W Royal Horticultural Society, Fruit, Floral, fand General Meeting. 43.1 30.6 36.9 20 57 7 24 4 55 6 9 9 « 11 1 19 From observations taken near London during the last fortv-three years, the average day temperature of the week i 3 42 V ; md its night temperature 29.9-. The greatest heat was 68°, on the 19th, Ib2tt,; and the lowest cold 4^ below .zero, on the 19tb, 183S The greatest fall ot rain was 0.88 inch. I FRUIT-GROWING IN FRANCE AND ENGLAND. No. 3. PEACH CULTURE. j7j?&T was a hot sultry day when my excellent * guide, M. Viret, and I started off by train for the purpose of visiting the far-famed Peach grounds of Montreuil, notably that of M. Lepere. When we left the station the walk was hot, dusty — the dust of that everlasting gypsum which abounds all round the basin of Paris, and with the exception of the day I passed among the Asparagus cultures of Argenteuil, I had not had for many a day so broiling a walk as this. When we arrived at our desti- nation M. Lepere was not at home, but we were courteously received by his foreman, examined the whole of his method of culture, and saw the results, and I was enabled to come to my own conclusions on the matter. Let me, however, say a word about this whole neighbourhood, the very home of Peach culture round Paris. Nothing can be more curious than the aspect of the whole place ; viewed from any eminence it seems to be nothing but a congeries of white walls. The gardens are very small, each surrounded by high walls, glisteningly white with whitewash that a churchwarden of the olden time might envy ; while the larger gardens, such as those of M. Lepere, are broken up into oblongs by walls running across them, and all these are covered with Peach trees of every form and size. It is evident, then, where the Peach is cultivated as such a specialite, that greater pains can be bestowed than where it forms only a portion of the many cares that an English gardener has to contend with. No market gardener with us would consider it worth his while to cultivate Peaches to this extent ; the crop would be too precarious, and the price, owing to most of the wealthy folks being out of town when the Peaches are ripe, would be unremunerative. Wall Peaches cannot be grown near London, as a specialite, with profit — for this reason : the valley of the Thames suits the trees well as far as growth is concerned, but the climate is not bright enough in many seasons to ripen the wood thoroughly, so that the crops often fail ; and when they do not, as I have already said, they will not pay their ex- penses. I do not think it necessary to enter into any lengthened description of some of the remarkably curious specimens of training to be seen here, the Lepere, Eugenie, and Napoleon pieces are well known, but they are after all playthings, and no way touch the subject on which I am writing. We have not the time, and I hardly think the inclination, to attend to sucli matters ; they unquestionably show what the Peach will endure in the way of training, hut more than this I cannot see that they do. I have before me the " Traite du Pecher," by M. Lepere, probably the most elaborate book on the cultivation and training of one species of fruit tree ever published, and if anyone wishes to master the system adopted at Montreuil he had better consult this work. There are a few points which may be worth mentioning — first, the protection given to the j No. 159,— Vol. XWI, Net Seeies. trees in spring. Various notions have been broached on this subject, and I must perforce subscribe to the maxim of my friend Mr. Radclyffe, that to attempt to grow wall fruit in this country without protection is worse than useless. But what protection '.' By some it has been advocated that heavily- coped walls would answer ; to this I unhesitatingly demur. Very heavily-coped walls — that is, mud walls well thatched, are in extensive use in parts of Dorset, but I never saw a healthy fruit tree on them, and this is what I should expect ; the heavy coping shades a large portion of the walls, and renders the tree so far un- productive. The French walls are coped, not so heavily as the Dorset ones ; but, then, the greater light and heat of the Parisian summer to some extent obviate the mischief. Were the copings heavier there, I believe the trees would not be so healthy. The Montreuil growers do not, how- ever, trust to copings ; they are exposed to the spring frosts equally as we are, and their protection consists of the paillasson, quantities of which are made in the winter months ; it is simply a tolerably thick layer of straw laid between pieces of wood, and tied together, being about ] 8 inches wide. Iron bars are driven into the wall under the coping, and these paillassons placed on them ; they are put on early in spring, and removed when the fruit is set. I do not think these, though very economical, would answer as well as those curtain protectors of Mr. Radclyffe ; it is not the severe frost which is dreaded, but the moist hoar frost, on which the sun afterwards shines. Equally if not more trying is heavy rain succeeded by frost ; the blossoms are then full of water, the frost con- geals the drops, and all the organs are blackened and destroyed. My grandfather, who had a large experience in the staple fruit of this county (Cherries), used to say that he never cared how hard the frost was, provided there was no rain beforehand; that dry frost never injured the Cherry crop. Curtains run on rings, as Mr. Rad- clyffe has explained his, or fastened to long poles, which are leant against the wall, and placed on whenever there is a sign of frost or wet, are far better protectors than the paillassons. Of course they are more expensive, and perhaps involve more trouble ; but then I hold if a man possesses a wall he will not care for the little extra money or trouble they entail. Here, then, I think we have nothing to learn from our neighbours. With regard to training, all that at Lepere's is done on the spur system, tending to promote the greatest quantity of fruit buds, the ordinary system with us being in oppo- sition to this, the " laying-in " of shoots. There are two questions to be considered in reference to the comparative merits of the two systems— first, as to appearance, and second, as to profit. With regard to the first, there can be no question that there is an air of extreme neatness in a wall trained on the spur system, especially where the trees are trained in the shape of a U. with two leading shoots, and so it is witli a wall where the shoots are laid in, and kept carefully trained ; so that it will be a matter of taste, after all, as to which is the better arrangement. And now as to profit. Great care is taken of these Mon- treuil trees, the nails are taken out every year, the trees No. 1111.- Vol. XLIII., Old Sr.RiEB. 22 JOUKNAL OF HOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEE. [ Jaanory 13, 1870. moved away from tbo wall, the boles filled up, and the walla whitewashed ; then there is the sheltering and pruning : so that, unless where labour is comparatively cheap, as it is in the neighbourhood of Paris compared at least with London, I hardly fancy that it would pay better than our system, and I question whether after all as large a quantity of Peaches might not be had from a space of wall covered with a large tree trained on the English system, as if it were filled with a larger number of trees trained on the French system. And I would again repeat it, that in no private garden where the attention of the gardener is called off to fifty different things, could such a system be successfully carried out. Why do the French Peach-growers, with their favourable calcareous soil and bright summers, allow the Parisians to be dependant on English gardeners for good Peaches in May or June ? Might not heated orchard houses of a cheap and simple nature be found a pro- fitable speculation? Does this system make Peaches so much more abundant in France than in England? I left England in the middle of August ; the last of the house Peaches were being then sold in Covent Garden, they fetched 2s. 6d. a-piece at Solomon's — I went to Chevet's, on the Boulevards, the day after, and found the Montrenil Peaches selling at one franc and a half, but I should have much preferred the English. By-the-by, what a curious thing it is one hardly ever sees a Nectarine in Paris. Of course there is an abundance of Peaches to be had all through the summer, but I do not envy the taste of the man who considers that there is anything of flavour in a "Peche du Midi." My own conclusion, then, is simply this, that it is not a matter of training but of protection that is, generally speaking, the fault of our gardeners. A gentleman who has a wall ought never to bo satisfied unless he have such asystem of covering as my friend Mr. Badclyffe adopts, and with such a system, carefully carried out, he may, I believe, generally calculate (not always, as last season showed), on securing a crop of Peaches. — D., Deal. CULTURE OF THE MELON. It might be interesting to some of your readers, but it would serve no practical purpose, to trace the introduction of the Melon from Persia into Italy, and from thence into Spain, France, and England. Persia, we are told, is still celebrated for its Melons. Travellers and residents in India have de- scribed the Melons cultivated in that country to be of excellent quality, but I do not think that they can be compared to the varieties now grown in England. I had seeds of a variety much prized in India, and named the Peshawah Melon, fruit of which are brought into Bombay and sold at a guinea each. Fruit ripened here in the autumn of last year, but it was not in any way comparable to our English varieties. Grown out of doors in India, under certain ciroumstances, the fruit might be eatable ; it was not so cultivated under glass in a Melon pit. In this country the Melon must be grown under glass, either with or without the aid of bottom heat. The common old- fashioned dung frame is the method pursued by the majority of gardeners. This method is very well adapted for summer work, but is very uncertain for growing early Melons. The usual method of preparing the fermenting material is to obtain a quantity of stable manure and freshly-gathered leaves, and after throwing the leaves and manure together in a heap, it is turned over two or three times until the " rank steam " is thrown off. Then the ground is marked off a foot longer and a foot wider than the frame, and on this the material is placed. When a Melon bed is prepared in this way, not unfrequently the material is overheated, and when linings are added to the frame, the heat cannot penetrate to the centre of the bed. When I first attempted to grow Melons at this place, stable manure could be obtained in abundance, but no leaves. I found an excellent substitute, however, in a quantity of tus- socky grass, which was rather too common in the marshes . Several cartloads of this I had grubbed up by the roots and mixed with the dung. I have tried various methods to pre- vent the material from bocoming overheated, and at the same time to allow the heat from the linings to penetrate to the centre of the heap when linings are required. I find the fol- lowing to be as good as any : proceed to build up the heap in the usual way until it is 18 inches high ; several rows of drain pipes are then laid on the dung from back to front, at about 2 feet apart ; a depth of 18 inches more fermenting material is then laid over the pipes, when another row is laid on as at first. The remaining material is now added, finishing the heap 44 feet high at back, and 4 feet at the front. There will be no danger of the heap heating too much, for the air being allowed to circulate through the heap at intervals of 18 inches by 24, prevents this ; and when the frame requires a lining of hot dung, which will be in about from four to six weeks, the heat will penetrate in the same way to the centre of the heap. If drain pipes are not to be obtained, a layer of faggots placed on tho ground for a foundation will be an advantage. In a week or ten days the frame will be ready for the plants. The way I manage for early Melons is this : a heap of fer- menting material is placed in the early vinery about Christmas, and on this the Melon plants are raised ; six seeds are sown in a 5-icch pot. The soil ought to be good, sweet, turfy loam in a moderately moist state, as it is not desirable to water the Melon plants before they are potted-off singly into clean-washed pots of the same size. The young plants ought to be potted- ofi as soon as the seed leaves are fully expanded, and ought to be placed as near the glass as possible, as thus early in the season they are liable to be drawn up weakly. Prepare the bed for the plants by placing a layer of tnrf with the grassy side next the manure, covering the entire sur- face of the bed, and in the centre of each light place a hillock of good loam, without any admixture of dung, and on this plant two of the Melons ; one plant would he enough for each light, but two are safer, as they are rather liable to canker when grown in this way. The leading shoot ought to be stopped at the fourth leaf, and plenty of fruitful shoots will be thrown out. Early in the season the frame will require to be double- matted at night, especially in severe weather. The next opera- tion will be setting the female flowers, and thiB ought not to be done until as many are expanded at one time as are intended for a crop. About eighteen fruit will be a good crop for a three-light box if the frame is 6 feet by 12 ; more fruit may be obtained, but not of such good quality. A sharp look-oat must be kept for canker, and as soon as it is observed a little dry lime must be applied to the part ; this will arrest its pro- gress, and allow the plant to ripen off the fruit. Melons are also adapted for pot culture, and are useful for filling vacancies in houses or pits. For pot culture the plants ought to be prepared in tho same way as for growing in frames, except that the leading shoot ought not to be stopped. A very neat and elegant method of training for pot culture is to train the plant to a trellis somewhat on the umbrella system. This is composed of an iron rod, above which are fastened two circles of stout iron wire. The outer circle ought to be 2 feet in diameter, and the inner one 1 foot ; the stem should be 2} feet in height, and the fruitful shoots must be trained to the circles. 13-inch pots are a good size to fruit the plants in. The compost should be the same as before, but with some rotten manure mixed with it. I now come to the best way of growing Melons, and that is in heated pits or houses, the plants being trained to wires after the manner of Vines. The form of house best adapted for them is to some extent a matter of taste, as they do well in lean- to's, span-roofs, or half-spans. The only objection to the equal- span roofs is that there is too much glass surface exposed for early forcing, otherwise there is no doubt that this is the best form for summer. The form I most approve of is the half- span, as this is adapted both for early and summer work. The Melon houses here are 11 feet wide, and heated by four rows of 4-inch pipes for top heat, and two rows of 3-inch pipes for bottom heat. The beds run along the front, and are 5 feet wide. The plants are trained to a moveable wire trellis, which is moveable in order that the wires may be 0 inches from the glass in winter, and 15 inches in summer ; they were fixed in this way to suit early Cucumbers, and one would suppose that what is good for them would also suit the Melon. In preparing the plants for this system of culture, the lead- ing shoot must not be stopped until it has nearly reached the top of the trellis. The compost for Melons grown in this way ought to be ten parts of good loam to one of rotten dung. Some cultivators are careful not to allow any admixture of manure with the soil used for Melons, but I think a little an advantage. I planted two houses about the middle of Jane last year, and as the trellis is raised from the bed about 2 feet 0 inches at the front, I had each plant in one of the houses planted in a 2-feet-long drain pipe 9 inches in diameter. I thought the plants would sooner reach the trellis, and, as they were all raised from seed at the same time, that a week or two Jannary 13, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 23 would be gained, but I was disappointed ; the fruit was not ripe sooner, nor was it of such good quality. The following varieties were planted — viz., Hybrid Cashmere, Scarlet Gem, Cocoa Nut, Victoria, and Bougie's Incomparable. Victoria and Cocoa Nut I would not grow again ; the Cocoa Nnt is a very good Melon, and keeps long after it is ripe, but it is surpassed by the others in flavour. Scarlet Gem is very liable to crack if it is overgrown. I commenced to cut the fruit on August 24th ; I had then three Scarlet Gem, weight 6 lbs. 9ozs. ; August 20th, three Cocoa Nut, 9 lbs. 8 ozs., and two Hybrid Cashmere, 9 lbs. 2 ozs. ; August 27th, four Hy- brid Cashmere, 17 lbs. ll^ozs., two Victoria, 5 lbs. 15 ozs., one Bousie's Incomparable, 4 lbs. 3 ozs. ; August 28 th, two Hybrid Cashmere, 10 lbs. 10 ozs. ; August 30th, three Bousie's Incomparable, 12 lbs. 5 ozs. In the first week of September all the Melons were cut, making the total weight up to 101 lbs. 13 ozs. from ten plants, in a house 30 feet long. The heaviest Hybrid Cashmere was 0 lbs. 5 ozs. ; the heaviest Incomparable, 4 lbs. 11 ozs. ; the heaviest Scarlet Gem, 3 lbs. 8JOZ5. ; the heaviest Victoria, 3 lbs. 4 ozs. ; and the three fruit of Cocoa Nut weighed together 9 lbs. 8 ozs. I do not publish these weights because I think them anything extraordinary ; on the contrary, I do not consider it a large crop, as thirty fruit only were taken from the plants, or an average of three from each plant. One scarlet flesh and one green flesh from one of the compartments carried off the first prize in their respective classes at the Edinburgh International Show in September last, consequently that would be sufficient to prove that the quality was good, the varieties being Bousie's Incomparable and Scarlet Gem. In growing Melons, the worst two foes to guard against are canker of the stem close to the surface of the ground, and red spider. As prevention is better than cure, in planting raise a small mound of earth, and on this place the Melon plant, so that in watering the surface of the bed the water will not lodge round the neck of the plant. If canker appear, apply dry lime to the part affected. Some writers recommend sulphuring the pipes once a-week, but very great care must be taken that the pipes are not overheated, as the leaves are very easily injured. A little guano water in the evaporating troughs is beneficial. This, with a regular temperature not over G0° at night from fire heat, will tend to prevent the appearance of red spider. — J. Douglas. NOTES ON ROSES. As to new Roses, I think that the best of them is Duke of Edinburgh. I recollect seeing a very fine-coloured bloom of this in 1867 at the Crystal Palace Show, and was much struck with its truly splendid colour. Last year, however, I did not notice it, and thought that possibly it might be one of those flowers which only come good once in a century. All doubts, however, as to its being quite first-rate as a flower were dispelled at the Crystal Palace Show last summer. Who that saw that glo- rious bloom — I think it was in Messrs. G. Paul & Son's forty- eight — will ever forget it ? I speak of this one bloom because it was so superior to all the rest, but in truth this Rose was shown in good form in numbers, and was very good on the pot plants. Judging from my single plant of it, I fancy the wood will be found rather thin and wiry, although it is a good grower. It is a capital kind to get buds from, these being very plump and prominent. I have said that I think the Duke is the best Rose of 1869, but I think Mr. W. Paul's Princess Christian, to come out in 1870, is upon the whole quite as valuable an addition to our Rose lists. It is a good robust grower, and of a colour much wanted. I am much mistaken if this flower do not turn out first-rate. In colour it is almost identical with Madame la Baronne de Rothschild, but wood and foliage resemble Victor Verdier, from which I should think it is a seedling. The next best new Rose at the Crystal Palace was, in my opinion, Elie Morel, a truly lovely and apparently constant flower. I see this is a Rose of 1868. A stand of blooms of this, shown, I think, by Messrs. Paul & Son, was most beauti- ful, and I noticed everybody making a note of it as to be ob- tained. I hope it is a good grower, though the only plant I have is weak j possibly this arises from its having been found a " good thing," and consequently having been propagated to death. As far as my memory serves me, it is a rosy pink flower ; at any rate it is a flower in the lighter shades of pink or rose like Marguerite de St. Amand. I see the next best Rose of the newer kinds was, according to my ideas, Vicomtesse de Vezins. This is a beautiful flower, in the same line of colour as Elie Morel. This is not at pre- sent strong with me, possibly for the reason given above. I thought Reine du Midi the ntst best Rose, but I saw only one bloom, and I am inclined to think from what I have since seen and heard that it will not open. Madame Alice Dureau (a flower of 1868), is, I see, next on my list of specials. I cannot call it to mind just now, but I seo the catalogues say, " clear rose." I can confidently say, however, that it was very good indeed as shown, and that it is a good free grower, for I have it, but whether constant or not I cannot tell at present. The next two Roses I particularly noticed as good were Nardy Freres and Theiese Levet. I am not sure when these Rose3 were brought out ; they were, as shown, very fine, and worth adding to the choicest collection, if constant and good growers. Abel Grand, too, I thought very good indeed, quite surpassing as shown, and in some quantity too, Marguerite de St. Amand and Princess Mary of Cambridge, which are in the same line of colour. Adrienne Christophle is a nice addition to the Teas, it is so distinct, and is a good grower. Margarita has flowered well with me, but I cannot say much for it. Montplaisir seems very like Gloire de Dijon, judging from autumn bloom3, which, however, may have been much out of character. I hear of English seedlings being raised in various quarters, and indeed I have seen two or three very promising flowers from heps set last spring. I am very glad to find that English raisers are coming forward. There is no reason why we should not obtain what the French do not seem able to give us — viz., a good white. We want a white Victor Verdier, and I am convinced it can be had in two or three generations ; in fact. Princess Christian is a long step in that direction ; or a white Charles Lefebvre, or the last coloured like Prince Camille ! The fact is there is room for vast improvement in the Rose yet. We want good-formed, good-coloured, large flowers on robust and hardy wood. Can we pick out three Roses that fulfil these conditions ? Even the best Rose grown, Marie Ban- mann, is not satisfactory to me in the wood, it is not compact o stout enough.— P. HYGROMETERS. Your article in page 517 of last volume touches a subject which is a great desideratum to gardeners — viz., an inexpensive hygrometer, which can be read off as easily a3 a thermometer. Daniell'sis objectionable, both from the trouble it involves and from the necessity of using sulphuric ether, which is expensive to buy and difficult to preserve. The wet-and-dry-bulb is perhaps the best hitherto known. The catgut I have tried, using violin A strings spliced together, but catgut is not sensitive enough. After syringing the house, and also the catgut itself, a con- siderable time elapses before the full amount of humidity is shown. Besides this, catgut does not shorten perpendicularly, but with a circular motion, turning the weight round at the bottom, and impeding its being used as an index, though pos- sibly this may be owing to the particular make of a violin string. But besides the hygrometer, we want information as to the natural dryness of the countries whose productions we grow here. We want to know something of the atmosphere of Astrachan, where, according to Humboldt, the finest Grapes in the world grow, and also, according to general report, most excellent Melons. Also, for Grapes, that of the Cape of Good Hope and Madeira ; for Peaches, Baltimore ; for Figs, Toulouse and the Greek Archipelago ; for Pines, Jamaica ; and so forth. This information might be obtainable as regards English, colonial, or American stations, but I fear it will be a long time before we can have an observer located in Mazander on the Caspian, where the Apricot is said to grow wild. — G. S. CHEAP PROTECTION. I have saved dozens of Calceolarias, Pelargoniums, and other tender plants growing in the open borders during the late very severe frosts (our thermometer fell to 19°), by a very simple process, but probably well known — just collecting all the large flower pots, filling them lightly with dry leaves, and placing them over the plant cut down ; the hole in the pot being stopped, of course, with a lump of anything at hand. The thermometer being at 50° this morning, I was tempted to re- move the pots : the plants appear all safe, and some are already JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January 13, 1870. shooting. The plan was adopted in a great emergency, twi- light coming on, and a severe frost setting in, and it suc- ceeded.— Devon. WHAT MAY BE DONE IN A VINERY. Allow me to ask a few questions, also to state my position in reference to my vinery. Before I occupied the premises I now have, thero were a number of bunches of Grapes which I thought were badly grown. On looking over your Journal of November 25tb, I found an answer to " A Young Vine-orower," telling him how to refresh and top-dress a Vine border. I took the hint and set to work. I had brought one load of good grass sods of from 2 to -4 inches thick, chopped them up in the yard, and then added 2 cwt. of half-inch bones, loam, char- coal, and lime scrapings. When all was mixed together I began to remove a little of the soil, which was a mixture of clay and other soil ; I thought according to your doctrine that was not suitable for Grape-growing. I had it taken out about a foot deep, and could see few or no roots. Two or three cart- loads of turf were brought, with more charcoal and lime, to make the border a little higher than before. It was then covered with horse manure, and plastered with cow dung to keep the heat in and the rain out. The border is 36 feet long by !) wide, and inside. The house is 33 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 6 feet high at the front, with glass slides. It is 16 feet high at the back, with three small slides at the top. It con- tains ten good fifteen-yenr-old Vines, neatly dressed, cut back, and painted with train oil and sulphur, all being ready for fire this month. The names of the Vines are Black Damascus, Canon Hall Muscat, Muscat of Alexandria, Dutch Hamburgh, Barbarossa, Grizzly Frontignan, and three are without names. Having given a detailed account of my doings, and a descrip- tion of the house facing the south-east, I shall be glad of your opinion as well as advice how to proceed. Could I grow Mush- rooms, Cucumbers, or trees, and a few plants, without in- juring the Grapes ? If so, I shall be glad of your directions. — Sheffield. [We approve of all that you have done as to top-dressing the Vine border, if we understand the processes aright. In forcing such Vines on the 1st of January we should have been satisfied with 2 or 3 inches of rich top-dressing after removing the surface soil ; and a covering of about 1 foot of litter or tree leaves, with a little heat, would have enticed the roots up into the new material, when a little more could have been added. There is one thing which we would not have liked to have done — that is, painted the Vines all over with train oil and sulphur. If the Vines were ours we would wash the most of the oil off by a strong lather of soap and water. We have seeu other plants suffer from oil, in fact, been killed by it, but we do not recall an instance of having seen oil applied to Vines, so we cannot speak from practice or observation ; still, we have doubts of the oil painting. Tour Vines are of good kinds, but Black Damascus and Canon Hall Muscat require a high tempe- rature, especially at setting and ripening time, in order to se- cure regulnr bunches and good-flavoured fruit. For many details and general directions we can recommend " The Vine Manual," which you can have, postage paid, for 2s. 8d. in stamps. Most of the other matters just instanced require more consideration. Any vinery may be made into a plant house when the Vines are in a state of rest, say in your case from September to Feb- ruary ; for after the Vines break, and a higher temperature is required, the plants that would suit in winter would have too much heat then. When the Vines cover the roof with foliage, any stove plants or tender annuals will do well in front of the house, or in any of the openings where light can reach them. All such vineries may be made into cool greenhouses in winter if the average temperature at night do not rise higher than from 40° to 45 . When bedding plants are thus stored, they should be taken out when the temperature is raised above 50°, otherwise they will feel the change more when moved. In all cases of making the most of such a house, much will depend on skill and foresight in moving in time. Much flower and shrub-forcing could be carried on in such a vinery, for instance, bulbs and Roses, but the plants should be moved before they would be rendered tender by the additional heat, and be hardened off by degrees. Supposing that you start with 45 , and rise to a night average of 50° in eight days, to 55° in three weeks, and to 60° in a month, you could have no better place for starting Boses in pots, or bringing on good plants of Scarlet Pelargoniums ; but both would be out of place when you raised the temperature to from 60° to 70°. Much, how- ever, may be done by frequent moving, and giving the plants as much light as possible. As to fruiting plants in potB, you may manage Peaches, Nectarines, Figs, &c, in pots very well in the open spaces, only it is essential, as respects Peaches and Nectarines, that they be tolerably forward, so that you may have them in bloom and set before the Vines begin to push much. This is easily done by making the forcing more gradual — that is, keeping the house longer at an average night temperature of 55°, and this, with a rise from sunshine, will enable you to give enough of air to the Peaches in bloom. The flavour of the fruit when ripe will greatly depend on the direct light you can give. In all houses intended for much-in-little the Vines should not bs close, so as to cover the roof with a dense foliage. Cucumbers may also be grown in such a house, but they are not to be commended, as they are more liable to the attacks of insects in the hands of those not well experienced. Of course it would be of no use growing Cucumbers in the open atmo- sphere of such a house until the average temperature at night were fully 65°. As you do not say how the inside of your house is arranged, we shall mention three modes of growing Cucumbers successfully. First, by making a bed inside the house, and placing a frame of glass over it. In this way the Cucumbers may be started, and have a suitable temperature when the general temperature of the house is only about 50° — that is, 10° or 15° less than inside the frame. When the average temperature of the house ranged from 65° the sashea and frame would scarcely be needed, and we have allowed the Cucumber plants to grow freely beyond their first space. Secondly, there is often a pit or low bed in the centre of the house, acting, so far as pot plants are concerned, much the same as a stage. In the bed, Cucumbers will do very fairly as an under crop if the roof is not too densely clothed with Vine foliage. The third mode we would allude to is that most gene- rally suitable — namely, growing the Cucumber plants in boxes or pots, say from 12 to IB inches in diameter, set over or close to the heating medium, be it flues or pipes. Cucumbers bear very profusely under this treatment, and, well watered, even a 12-inch pot will produce many fine fruit. The pot may be placed where there is an opening, but generally the plants do best when close to or over the heating medium. For this we have raised the plants in a small dung-bed frame ; we have also raised them in a vinery by securing extra heat by cover- ing with a hand-light, &c, and shifting the plants as they grew until we could keep them at the warmest place, and they filled Cinch pots with roots. By that time the heat of the house would be suitable, say from 65° at night, and the plants were at once transferred to their fruiting pots, using fresh sandy fibrous loam, some sweet decayed leaf mould or cow dung, and a good sprinkling of small pieces of charcoal. In potting, the ball would be left at least 2 or 3 inches from the rim, to per- mit of frequent slight rich top-dressings. The best position for such pots would be over the heating medium, and the manner of placing them there would be to fix a pan of the suitable size, put something in the pan, as three pieces of stone, Ac, say from 1 to 2 inches in height, on these set the pot, and then keep the bottom of the pan or basin supplied, with water. The bottom of the pot may just touch the water. We have seen, and have grown, fine Cucumbers by this mode. As soon as the Grapes show signs of ripening, the Cucumber plants should be removed, as the drier atmosphere then re- quired would not be so suitable to the Cucumber. We would, therefore, confine such Cucumber-growing in a vinery chiefly to early fruit. We may here mention that we have had fine Cucumbers in such a house, where light could be obtained near the apex, by having boxes or pots on a shelf, say 3 feet from the top of the back wall. In this case the wall above the boxes should be black and not white. As to Mushrooms, no place could answer better for a bed than the middle of the house, say from September to the middle of February. After March, if you commence to force in January, the air will be too warm for them, unless you keep them cool by covering, and then having the surface of the covering constantly moist. They do well all the winter under a stage filled with plants, if care be taken that there is not much drip from watering the plants, or if there is a waterproof cloth or covering over the bed. The bed would be kept warm enough in winter by a covering of clean litter, even when the ave- rage temperature of the house was not above 45° at the highest. Many years ago, from a good bed in the centre of a wide vinery, we gathered as many Mushrooms as would have gone far to January 13, 1870. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. pay for the fuel for forcing the Vines. Such a bed may be made of well-prepared material, say in September, and with plenty of air neither Grapes nor Vines would be at all injured, as the bed may be surfaced at once with a little soil to prevent the escape of noxious steam. There is no drawback whatever, unless from the drip of plants on a stage. a small miscellaneous house was the following : — The house, a little longer, but of the same width as yours ; heating pipes round the ends and sides, leaving space for one doorway ; a slate shelf, 15 inches wide, all round above the pipes ; a walk round, 27 inches wide ; and a flat table in the centre, 31 feet from the floor, and 5 feet wide. This might have been slate, or even sparred wood, but for the Mushrooms below. As economy was an object, the platform was made of oak posts have migrated, although our Hawthorns are loaded with fine bright haws.— T. R. NEW ROSE LOUIS VAN HOUTTE. Tins bids fair to be the Rose of the season. I have heard a One of the best arrangements that we have seen for such ROod deal of it. Its raiser, Lacharme, the raiser of Charle3 Lefebvre, thinks very highly of it, and I find the following in the last number of " L'Horticulteur Franvais :" — " This variety has given occasion to an act of rare probity, which we are happy to record. Last September, at the Horticultural Exhi- bition at Lyons, the Jury gave the premier prize to a Rose of M, Guillot pC-re. This honourable grower having heard that M. Lacharme had one exactly resembling it in colour, they com- pared their two flowers, and it being found that that of M. La- st inches square, the lower end resting on a tile, just like the [ charme was superior, M. Guillot suppressed his own, which leg of a table, and the upper end morticed into a longitudinal : had been already announced, and sends out in its place the piece 4i inches by 3 inches. Good deal, 9 inches wide, and I variety of his competitor, which is the Rose Louis Van Houtte. folly 1\ inch thick, was cut into the requisite lengths to go across from side to side, and used in the rough state as it came from the saw-mill. The first board nailed at each side had the next firmly driven up to it before nailing it down, and when done the boards were painted all over with melted pitch, with a good bit of fat or tallow melted with it. When dry This conduct of M. Guillot pure needs no commentary."- D., Deal. WOOD versus EARTHENWARE. As I quite agree with Mr. Luckhurst in the preference of thiB was covered with a couple of inches of clean-washed small I wood to earthenware, and as I do not like to see an error gravel for setting the plants on. A thin board, half an inch i likely to deceive maintained, I write a few notes in answer to thick, ran round the sides, so as to hide the ends of the cross Mr. Rendle's letter in your Journal of the 30th of December, boards and stand as a rim 1* inch above the gravel ; another It is quite wrong to say that it would be necessary to plough a board, 9 inches deep, went all round the bottom, fastened to ' groove li inch deep to give space for the glass to be slipped the upright posts, so as to form the bed beneath. The inside I up. A three-eighth-inch groove in the lower piece would be of that board was pitched. The outsides of that and the rim I quite sufficient, and a three-quarter-inch plough groove in the and posts were painted with anti-corrosion paint, and when wet I upper piece of wood would give a three-eighth hold to the some light-coloured sand was added. The whole looked very j glass on each piece of wood. Then as for the necessity of iron neat when finished. No water ever dropped through the I bars, screws, and nuts at a cost, as Mr. Rendle says, of 3s. pitched boards. The platform haa stood many years, and we I a-yard, or Is. a-foot, a wooden division every 4 feet, with a believe as yet shows no signs of giving way in the least. In tenon top and bottom to go into a mortice hole in the planks, this house the Vines were never taken out, and extra heat was j and fastened with an iron pin when through the outer boards, not given until the end of February. A part of one of the would hold all together at a cost of about 3d. for each piece of side shelves could easily be made into a hotbed by shutting in wood. Mr. Rendle warns Mr. Luckhurst against infringement the pipes beneath, so as to form a chamber, and covering with cf patent rights. A groove in a piece of wood to slip glass in small glass boxes 14 inches wide. Beneath the platform, when without putty is, I should have thought, within the capacity of all was not used for Mushrooms, a part was easily shut off I any ordinary carpenter, without having to consult a patent and devoted to roots of Sea-kaie and Rhubarb. It was not un- I right, and I should fancy was used before Mr. Rendle was born, common to see a healthy lot of Pelargoniums in this house in | Again, if a groove in earthenware to receive glass is the main winter, and, besides good Grapes in summer on the roof, I part of the patent, wherein does it differ from Mr. Looker's, Peaches, Figs, Melons, and Cucumbers from the shelves and ] who also advertises patent seed pans, cutting pans, See., with bed. glass sliding in grooves ? All such variety, however, could only be secured by having I I think Mr. Luckhurst would 'have done better with wood other houses, to change plants according to their requirements. ( only 7 inches at back and 3i in front, which would not warp When the most has to be made of one house or vinery, where I so much, and then mere light galvanised wire No. 5 fastened anything like forcing is attempted, we would advise making the i at the top and bottom with staples, would keep the lengths Vines the main object, and obtaining as much gratification from in place if they were made only in lO.V-feet lengths with wood flowers as possible in winter by growing as continuous plants ends. I can have wood delivered here from Hull, a distance of such as Camellias, Oranges, Epacrises, Cytisus, and more ephemeral plants, as Primulas, Cinerarias, Wallflowers, &c. Cytisus, and the like, may be set in a sheltered place out of doors before the house is too hot. The Camellias and Epacrises will enjoy the heat to make their fresh wood, and may be fifty miles, at Id. a-foot 7 by 1— that is, inch plank 7 inches wide ; likewise 21-oz. glass at 3d. per square foot, also carriage paid. I should only groove the upper board three-eighths of an inch, and fasten the glass below with wive pins bent at _ right angles, which could easily be moved by a pair of wire turned out in a sheltered place in the end of July, to be re- pliers when it was necessary to remove the glass. The lengths, 10 feet long, 7 inches high at back, and 3 J in front, might be raised on rows of bricks, walled dry, either two or three rows being used according to the height required ; and as the wood would rest on brick it would last with ordinary care as long as the outer wood of a vinery or conservatory. I do not think the painting and labour would cost more than 3d. a-foot at the outside, but I am going to make 50 feet to ascertain. This would make the frames cost, glass included, lOul. a-foot, and a half- penny a-foot more would pay for wire and ends. Biicks_ at 2s. 6d. a-hundred would cost from 2d. to 3d. a-foot, according to the height to which the lengths are raised : so that in lengths. 10J feet long, which is a convenient size for moving, the cost would be from Is. Id. to Is. 2d.— wood, bricks, glass, and everything. Mr. Rendle must have a very poor idea of a gardener a stall if he thinks it would be necessary for Mr. Luckhurst to call in a glazier to put his glass into the frames Mr. Luckhurst spoke of; and though Mr. Rendle might find a lj-inch groove neces- sary in his patent plant protectors, yet it is, to say the least, a very bad argument to say on the strength of this lj-inch groove that 3-inch planks would be required. I have no doubt Mr. LuckhurBt will also answer for him- self ; but, as I before said, as I much dislike to see any state- placed in the house in October. A vinery so treated may be made very attractive all the winter months, and the Vines will not be disturbed at all as to their necessary rest if the night temperature do not rise above 45°, and at that temperature Camellias that set their buds early will freely open their blos- soms when assisted with a fair amount of sunshine. We give this long answer from knowing it will suit many anxious beginners. Meanwhile, though we would not dis- courage any, we must advise all not to try too many things, or cram their little houses too much at first. For instance, florists' Pelargoniums will do no good in a hot vinery ; the Scarlet sections will stand heat if they have light enough. — B. F.] Sighs of Swung. — Some of your distant readers may feel interested in our climate here in the south. January 4th, the day bright and mild, thermometer at 46° ; partridges running about the pastures and calling to each other preparatory to pairing, larks singing, bulbs in warm borders peeping out, and spring seemingly advancing rapidly. We had our only severe frosts from the 26th to the 29th ult. On the morning of the latter date the register stood at 13°. It is rather extraordinary to observe that all or nearly all our blackbirds and thrushes JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January 13, 1873. merit likely to mislead the public, I hope Mr. Luckhurst will not object to my endeavouring to strengthen his hand s. — C. P. Peach. I have never questioned the utility of the brick protectors — far from it, rather would I say that all lovers of horticulture are under a great debt of gratitude to the patentee for the introduction of his meritorious invention, but I still think protectors having wooden sides would be preferable for some purposes, especially if made in handy lengths of 6 or 12 feet long, with ends ; thus forming useful boxes which could he lifted from place to place, or bo put on hotbeds like any other box, and, in fact, form decidedly useful auxiliaries to the brick protectors. With regard to the objections advanced by Mr. Rendle, I can say from experience that boxes formed of li-inch boards ore not subject to splitting ; that two coats of paint will not only suffice, but if of good quality and well brushed in will last Swo years ; and that, although they are not so durable as earth- enware, they will last a dozen or more years without needing any repair. — Edwakd Luckhubst, Egerton House Gardens, Kent. ROSES AND THE ROSE SEASON OF 18G9. The last two seasons have been very trying to Roses, the last season here especially so. Orange fungus broke out early in the year ; and although in the spring I carefully cut off with scissors leaves affected by it, it still prevailed extensively, favoured by the very warm weather and lack of rain. After the leaves thus affected dropped off, new and beautiful foliage came out. Alas ! a hurricane came on and beat to pieces the leaves on the trees in three of my gardens, the trees near my house — about 450 — escaping tolerably well. The effect of these two causes has been to make many of my Roses look of a sickly green in their skins, alias chlorosis. I have commenced cutting away some of the worst of it, and hope by judicious treatment and a genial spring to recover them. I doubt whether in the last cold spring the Peach, Nectarine, and Rose trees made any new spring roots at all. On the whole I have had an array of fine blooms, and cut my last Roses on the first Sunday in January. The buds still left are many, but too much affected by frost to be of service. I do not anticipate such severe weather as we have had here, because I have observed that when you can skate before Christmas the weather after it is usually less severe. I do not want for some time very mild weather. I should like a mild February, a dry March, a Bhowery April, and a sunny May and June. Next month I shall throw down the molehills, which protect the roots of my plants, and shall put Parkes's fork deeply into the land, to admit air to the roots and quicken them. Old Roses. — Some have given up several old and still ex- cellent Roses — namely, Baronne Prevost, Caroline de Sansal, Duchesse d'Orleans, La Ville de St. Denis, Souvenir de la Reine d'Angleterre, Monsieur de Montigny, a fine Rose, and others, for new Roses inferior in constitution and attributes. The above old Roses, and others not named, do splendidly here on the Manetti stock, and I shall not give them up for new trash. There was in 1S60 a most curious Rose in my garden at Rush- ton which I should like to see restored — namely, Dr. Reynaud. I had it from Mr. Davis, of Newbury. It was on the Manetti stock, but that terrible winter killed it. It still stands in M. EngSne Verdier's fist, No. 450, at If. 50c, and is thus truth- fully described, " Large, very full, rose spotted with red." It was in my estimate a first-class Rose ; the outline was perfectly round ; the petals, spotted like a trout, were thick, well dis- posed, and perfectly smooth at the edges. I told Mr. W. Paul some time ago that I was ready to take a dozen plants of it on the Manetti stock, and I am still ready to do so, as I do not quickly form an opinion, nor quickly recede from it when formed upon sufficient trial. Roses of Late Yeatbs. — These are the best that I have had, and they are good— namely, Alfred Colomb, Lady Suffield, Mdlle. Emile Buyau, Marie Eaumann, Madame Alice Dureau, Baroness Rothschild, Felix Genero, Fisher Holmes, Annie Wood, and Prince de Portia. Roses on Tkial.— Marquise de Mortemart, Souvenir de Poi- teau, Vicomtcsse de Vezins, Charles Lee, and Duke of Edin- burgh. I expect to find all these good. I shall probably add Madame Creyton and the two Tea Roses, Adrienne Christophle and Marie Sisley. The foreign and English lists sent here do not give the names of the raisers of the forthcoming new Roses. I regret this, because the best prophecy for the future is the history of the past ; and it has enabled me to select a fair pro- portion of good Roses by studying the raisers as well as the descriptions of the Roses. If I saw the name of Portemer, who raised William Griffiths and Pierre Notting, it would probably induce me to buy.— W. F. Radclteee, Dorset. EARLY POTATOES. We lately stated in " Doings of the Last Week " that a lot of clearings from flower beds, &c, with some tree leaves at the top, had been thrown into a bed for a couple of frames intended for Potatoes. Our object was to put in the soil, plant the Potatoes, and as they grew raise the frames at the corners ; but owing to the material being wet, it has heated more than we expected — too hot for Potatoes, for though early Potatoes like a little bottom heat, they will not thrive or tuber well if there be too much of it. About 70° at the bottom will be quite warm enough, and then the bulk of the soil would be about 55°. We took out, therefore, from 6 to 9 inches of the top leaves before putting in the soil, and as we expect the soil will cool the bed sufficiently, as soon as that is in proper order we shall plant with Potatoes growing in small pots. Tree leaves alone, if collected rather dry, will seldom give too much heat in a shallow bed; but when collected damp, and with ; ess, &c, along with them, they will often, if only from 13 ii ches to 24 inches deep, heat too violently for such a purpose, and when they heat so violently, the heat is less regular and continuous. A very mild heat is all that is wanted. In fact, sooner than have too much bottom heat, we would dispense with it altogether, and depend on the heat stored up in the soil heated by the sun before planting in it. Even now the sun has considerable power to warm soil exposed under glass. The same remarks apply to early Radishes and Carrots, though Carrots will stand a warmer bed than Potatoes. Many frames of early Potatoes turn out much worse than might be expected frcm the appearance of the tops, merely because the roots have been kept much too warm. Something could be done by extra air in fine sunny days, but the Potato would have rejoiced in more heat from sunshine if the roots had been colder. A slight hotbed will be of great assistance, but too much may easily be worse than no artificial heat at all. Since writing the above, the soil being just in the right state — slightly warm, and having no appearance of becoming more so, we planted the Potatoes, well rooted in small 60-sized pots, and the tops grown from 2 to 4 inches, planting the tallest in one frame and the shortest in another, so as to form a suc- cession. The plants would never suffer from the moving, as the soil was just in a suitable condition as respects heat and moisture, and required merely to be pressed against the ball. A little water at about 60° was dropped in the middle, but this was seldom necessary, as the pots were all watered an hour previously. We have done much with early Potatoes, merely springing them in boxes, the tubers set on and covered with a little rough leaf mould, and then lifting them carefully with the roots adhering. This does very well, especially if the fine fibres do not receive a chill, and, therefore, when planting out of doors, a little dryish warmed soil over the fibres will prevent anything like a check ; hut when an early return is expected we think the tubering takes place earlier when Potatoes are turned out with small balls from pots. We should like to know the experience of others in this matter. We found that in general plants thus started in small pots tubered earlier when grown in pots, say 12 inches in diameter. Many who cannot manage a frame or pit, or protection out of doors, may easily obtain a few dishes of early Potatoes in pots wherever room can be found under glass. We generally grow some in this way every year, and find them very useful. The Ashleaved Eidneys, and especially Myatt's Improved and Veitch's Prolific answer well for this purpose. For pot culture they have an advantage and a disadvantage. When rather small pots — say from S to 10 and 12 inches are used, the tubers generally form near the sides of the pot, and, therefore, when the pot is turned up without breaking the ball you can pick out some good tubers without disturbing the smaller ones, leaving them a little longer, as if carefully done not a fibre need be injured. If, however, the growth is vigorous, there is such a pressing against the sides of the pot by the tubers, that some of them, though good enough to eat, wrll be apt to be deformed and out of shape — a matter of im- portance when it is desired to have a dish of tubers as nearly ■January IS, 1870. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 27 alike in size and shape as possible. Good cooking of Potatoes depends very much on the uniformity in size. As avoiding tubering rather close to the sides of the pot, the best kind we ever had was a round Potato, originally brought from the south-west of England, called the Wadnian ; the true name, if it had one, we never knew, but in this sort the tubers formed quite close to the stem, so much so that we have had fine gatherings from 8-inch pots and not a tuber near the sides of the pot. Fingering-out the best tubers, however, injured the fibres, and the best plan with this variety was to wait until the stems began to change, and then take the produce of several pots at once. It was a very nice round Potato. It was not so very abundant a cropper out of doors, and we therefore chiefly used it for the above purpose. Its tubering so near home was its chief characteristic, and by that it may be known to some of our readers. Unfortunately it became diseased and we lost it. The next best amongst rounds which we have found is Handsworth Early Prolific, a nice little Potato, but not so free a producer nor yet so large a3 that alluded to when grown in pots. We have tried two or three old tubera in a large pot, but on the whole prefer one tuber in a smaller pot, and have had good crops from 8-inch pots, and even pots of less size. It is best in every way to have only one strong shoot or sprout from the tuber. We generally place the tuber fully half way down the pot, and use sandy loam and sweet leaf mould made rather firm. Until the shoot is an inch or two above ground the pots may as well be in the dark as anywhere else. We have had them in the Mushroom house, in stokeholes, sheds, &c. We lately made a shelf in front of a Peach house, the roof coming to within 18 inches of the ground, by placing a wide board on some large reversed pots, the board affording room for two rows of Strawberries. Most likely we shall have Pota- toes in pots underneath, and draw them out as the shoots appear. Many of our readers with their one or two little houses might obtain useful lessons by noting the scheming and con- triving to make the most of the available space even in large places. We can bring before our mental vision hundreds of houses, where, besides such quickly-concocted shelves as the above, to serve their allotted purpose, shelves at back, and shelves suspended from the roof, not an available inch of ground on the floor will be unoccupied so long as any degree of , light can reach the plants there. Bare back walls of houses furnish grand storage resources in winter when the roof is comparatively free from foliage ; and shelves, --The south door will be best for the comfort of the drawing-room. received a few „w»$T tE»M\(rrM ?',lf»>^-^ trees are grafted and trans- Tf n^to'f lai ™size° much cheaper than the rate you mention Inarching Vines IRwticm).— Yes, you may do so • bnt in our exne- nence the Barbarossa (Gros Guillaume) is not well suited [or a stock, on account, we suppose, of its late-growing habit, which serves as a hin- anttas well as an°Per maturation of the buds. Royal Ascot would Rendle's Protectors for Growing Ccccmbees and Mftons (Forest Hai).-The width of 2 feet would not be very suitable for Melon or Cucumber culture, though we have no doubt the protectors might be profitably employed for these fruits in summer, when no artificial heat would be required except a little at the commencement. For earlv frnit a frame and lights would be better, as a hotbed could be made and the frame placed on it Gesnera CcLTunE (It.).— Gesneras exoniensis, refulgens, einnabarina, Donckelaari, and zebrina splendens may be had of any of the principal London and provincial nurserymen, and probably Borne of the others named by you. The best time to purchase stock is in March, at which time thoy should be potted and placed in a gentle bottom heat of from 75° to 80". When they begin to grow remove them to a shelf in the stove, or place them near the glass and keep them moderately moist, good supplies of water being given, but avoid making the soil very wet. Slight shade should be afforded from bright sun. Pot as required up to August, using a compost of sandy fibrons loam one-half, peat one-fourth, and leaf soil or old cow dung one-fourth, with a froo admixture of silver sand. For winter-blooming the plants should not be started until May, assisting them with a mild bottom heat at the commencement. They should have a temperature of from 601 to 65- at night. Melon Seed Sowing (.4 1',... i . -The beginning of February is a good time to sow Melon seed to obtain plant 9 for culture in frames. Where a bed of dung can be made it is desirable to have one, and where there are flues tbey may be employed for maintaining the proper degree of heat after the heat of the dung-bed is insufficient. The soil most suit- able is tho top 3 or 4 itches of a strong loam with the turf. It should bo made firm. Tho bed should have a bottom heat of from 75- to 80" for plunging the pots in. and from 70: to 75: for tho plants ; top heat 65° at night, and from 70° to 75J by day, with a rise from sun heat to 803 or 85', accompanied with air. MrsTLi.TOE Seed Sowing (Unicom).— The Mistletoe is propagated by seed, and those from berries purchased at the shops will grow. The seeds may bo placed now on the smooth bark of the side branches of the Lime, Poplar, Crab, Apple, and White Thorn trees, squetzingtbe seeds from the berry on the branch, to which they will adhere by the glutinous pulp. They are best put on when the branches are drv, ; .em on the branch so that the seed may be close to the bark. Some make an incision in the bark in the form of a T- as in budding, and, raising the bark, squeeze the seed into it. The only advantago of the process is, that the seed is more securely hidden from birds, otherwise the incision is wholly useless; indeed, the seed germinates more freely on the smooth bark than when placed in an incision. For safety it is well to place the seeds on the under sides of the branches. Climbers for a Fernery (E. L. J.).— There are no flowering climbers that will succeed in a damp fernery, closely shaded during the summer ; but for covering such a roof, though not commonly done, strain small galvanised iron wire and train Lygodium scandens over it. It is a very elegant climbing Fern. The roof will also serve for the display of Ferns in baskets. Rose Truss (An Amateur).— A truss consists of any number of blooms and buds on one flower-stem. Any addition to a truss is certain to dis- qualify it. Each truss must bo exhibited separately from all the others, and no bud, leaf, or flower must be tied or otherwise united with it. Roses to Bloom in March (A Reader).— We presume the plants have been pruned if not, prime thtm, cutting each shoot back to two or three eyes according to their strength. The temperature from fire heat should be from :V. to40c at night at first; in a fortnight it may be raised to 40°, in another fortnight to 45°, and so on until 55- be reached, and this heat ought not to be exceeded ; 50- will be better. On these temperatures an advance of 5' may be allowed on dull days without sun, and of 10' to 20' with sun and abundance of air. Sprinkle the plants overhead in the morn- ing and maintain a moist atmosphere, but admit air freely. Water as required, and when the pi i nts are in free growth give weak manure water two or three times a-week. The syringing must be discontinued after the flower-buds are ready to open. The plants cannot have too light and airy a position. To Flower Fuchsias in May (Idem).— Prune the plants in February, and about the end of February or beginning of March place them in a house where there is a temperature of from 45: to 50:. Before doing so, however, the plants should be shaken out of the pots, the old soil being removed, and placed in pots sufficiently large to hold them without cramping. Water sparingly at first, increasing the quantity as the plants grow. Syringe morning and evening, maintaining a moist atmosphere. When the plants have shoots a few inches long, take out the points of these, and early in April transfer the plants to tho blooming-pots. For flowering the temperature should be from 50' to 55' at night. Admit air freely, and afford a light situation. Scarlet Runner Roots (Amateur).— The roots left in the ground will not survive unless the winter be unusually mild. Sometimes, how- eve:-, they will live in sandy well-drained soil if covered with a mulching of partially decayed leaves and litter, and will push in May. They are best taken up in autumn aud stored in dry sand in a cellar secure from planted at the end of April in the open ground, they will grow and come into bearing earlier than those from seed, and are more dwarf. We consider them best from seed. Select Pears, Apples, and Plfsis (Idem). — Mild weather during this month and February is a good time to plant fruit trees, but they are best planted as early in autumn as practicable after tho leaves fall. Six Pears for pyramids on the Quince are :— Citron des Cannes, Williams's Bon Chretien, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Comte de Lamy, Alexandre Lambre, and Bergamotte E-qiereu. Three dessert Apples for standards —Red Astracban, Blenheim Pippin, and Court of Wick. Three Plums as standards— Green Gage, Kirke's, and Jefferson. Compound for Syringing Rose Trees (Idem).— Gishurst and Clarke's compounds are both good, but forcible syringings and plentiful supplies of water at the root are often neglected, hence blight. Notice to Quit Service (A. B. D.).—\, An under-gardener living in a bothy, and paid weekly or monthly, is a weekly servant, and liable to be dismissed at any time with a week's notice or a week's wages. Of course, if there is anything wrong— a want of attention, disobedience of orders, infraction of rules, &c., he can have no redress if dismissed at once, and with nothing more than he has earned. 2, The under-gardener who does not lodge on the place has less right to a long notice. An honourable humane man would not like to part with a young man with- out giving him such a lengthened notice as would enable him to look about him. No fault can be found, however, if a week's notice is given on either side. We regret such questions should be put, because service is happier when less on both sides is thought of right, and more of duty. At times young men, and well-behaved ones, too, may be hardly used; January 13, 1870. ] JOURNAL ®F HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. bat in the majority of cases, when a young man is dismissed summarily, it is after he has given much trouble, and set every regulation at defiance. Heating a Frame frou the Furnace of a House (R. C. 3/.).— The difficulty in all cases like yours is doing so much in such a small space aB that of a Cucumber box, i\ by c\ feet. The proposed mode of taking the flue up and over the top of the furnace will answer, especially if even then the flue rather rises than sinks into the present flue of the plant house, and if heat will be wanted in the plant house always when you want it for your Cucumber box. But if your plant house is merely a greenhouse.'you would seldom want fire heat for it.Jsay after the middle of March, and yet you would be- better of heat for your Cucumbers until after midsummer. Therefore, to do the work neatly and economically, you should be able to heat either place separately or together, and to be able to regulate the heat at your pleasure. We think you may do so in the following manner. The top of your furnace outside, and on the same level as the ground, is S feet by 2 feet, and that, if the heat is at all concentrated in it, ought to be quite "ample for your small bos. We would leave your flue, then, exactly as it is now, with the exception of a damper put across it, which we thiuk you have room to do in the flue outside the plant house. Then we would make your furnace into a stove by taking a 4-inch pipe out of it near the top, and opposite the furnace door. An earthenware pipe outside would do for a small chimney. Have a plug to fit the chimney. When you merely wish to beat the plant bouse, keep the plug iu the chimney. When you wish more heat in the frame, take the plug out and put the damper in the flue when most of the smoke has passed off, if you use coals. Do exactly as you propose with the bricks on which to set the frame. We would prefer that your bricks should be set upright on their sides. Thus your one-brick wall would be 9 inches wide and 4^ inches high. Then, asjrespects the space inside, outside the top of the furnace brick, tile, or concrete the space, letting it rise a little to your brick base for the frame. Give a thin coating of Portland cement to the top of the furnace, and, indeed, all the enclosed space might thus be done, leaving the top of the furnace the lowest if anything. Then place on this prepared floor just as many bricks-on->ed, and no more, as will support the slates you speak of for a floor for the soil. You will thus have an open chnmber, except where the brcks, or an equivalent, are placed to receive the slate. In the centre set up a 3-inch drain pipe about IS inches long, the bottom end standing 1 inch above the floor. Through the p pour water to secure moist bottom heat. A small stick left in the pipe, with a piece of moss or sponge fastened to the end of it, will tell you when more water is neces- sary. Have a neat wooden plug to go into the top of the pipe, and thus you can obtain dry top heat or moist beat as you like. But for simplicity you might have two pipes, one a foot from the back, and the other a foot from the front, but the one pipe will do. Place some rough chopped sods above the slates, and then at least one foot of soil. If you try this, let us know the result. We advise " Strive " to adopt a similar plan, as such a bed will be first-rate for propagating purposes. Cucumber Leaves Spotting {T. U.).— We think the evil is owing to two causes. First, the leaves are rather near the glass— 4 or 6 inches farther off for the trellis would be better— and then chiefly, we think, to too much heat and dryness at the roots. Three 4-inch pipes in a 3-feet bed, if the pipes are at all hot, must give a great heat to the roots nearest the j pipes. Have you any mode of securing moisture beneath, and keeping the soil from being over-dried and heated by the pipes? Feen Case Planting, &c. (.Rot. W. H.).~ We could have advised j better if we had known more about the structure of the fernery, and j even its dimensions, for we are still doubtful of its size from what you give us, " 24 by 30, by 14." Wepresume inches ; but then is it 24 in . and. 30 by 14 in length and width ? or is it 30 by 24 length and width, and ' 14 in height ? In the former case we would use such plants as the ' following for the centre row: — Polypodium calcareum, Adiantum for- mosum, Lastrea criststa, Polypodium Dryopteris, ana Polypodium Phe- gopteris, these being British Ferns, with the exception of the Adiantum formosum. For the sides we would use such plants as the following :— Adiantum capillus-Veneris, Asplenium Trlchomanes, Allosorus crispus, Asplenium marinum, Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum, Cystopteris alpina, Cystopteris fragilis, Polypodium vnlgare, Polypodium vulgare cambri- cum, all British plants, to which might be added of exotics— Adiantum tenerum, Adiantum pedatum, Adiantum brasiliense, and as a base for the whole, a green covering of Selaginella helvetica and stolomfera, with some tufts of umbrosa. If your case is only 14 inches in height, almost all those named for the centre will he rather high. If the case could he kept somewhat warm, we would have Adiantum formosum for the centre, and such plants as the Polypods named, with Adiantum pedatum, andDoodia aspera,Doodia media, Pteris cretica.and Adiantum capillus-Veneris, Ac, for the sides. When the case is high, such plants as Selaginella cassia violacea and Tradescantia zebrina look well sus- pended from the roof. As to the shape of Fern cases, a rounded, somewhat semicircular top looks best iu a room, and with means of giving air when desirable it. does very well, and better still when the circular part at top is moveable, so as to examine and do what is wanted to the plants without entirely removing the glass. But for appearance, a square case with a flat glass roi if is as good as any, so far as the well- being of the Ferns is concerned. With a rounded top, even though the sides are not much rounded, watering will need to be less frequent, as the vapour condensed against the inside will trickle down the sides, and thus there will be less danger from drip than when the roof is flat ; but then the moisture on the inside of the sides, until it all trickle down, will be apt to obscure the view of the Ferns inside. With a flat roof we would have it merely laid on, whether the glass were in one piece, or, in a large case, in several pieces, and then by reversing the glass in the morning you will escape all annoyance from drip, as some Ferns, though they like moisture at the roots, do not like frequent moistening of their fronds. The condensation of moisture inside the glass would be much prevented by having a clean linen or cotton cloth on purpose to throw on the case at night. Were we making a Fern case for ourselves, we would go to the little extra expense of having a double bottom, with an interval of about 3 inches between the two bottoms, like a drawer, to be water- tight. With the upper floor perforated, thorough drainage will be secured, and then in severe weather hot water could be placed in the drawer form- ing the second bottom, which would be beneficial to the health of the Ferns. However formed, in planting drainage must be secured. This may be done with broken pots, pebbles, or bits of sandstone, if free from iron. On these a sprinkling of moss will keep the earth from filling up and clogging the drainage. If the moss is fresh, however.it will be advisable to soak it in water near the boiling point, with a little quick- lime in the water, and then after some hours take it out and spread it to sweeten and dry before using it, as then the moss will have no vermin, &c, left in it. Even a small slug will cause much havoc in a Fern case, and often will bo difficult to find or trap. Better keep a small one out than search for it afterwards. The drainage being secured, a very gene- rally applicable soil would be two parts of fijbry loam, three parts of heath soil not made too fine, one part of silver sand, and one part of charcoal, broken about the size of horse beans, and all the fine dust excluded. One part of little bits of porous sandstone may be added. According to the size and height of the case, the inside may be greatly diversified by miniature hill and dale, and alcoves, and recesses, using for this pur- pose pumice stone lava, soft sandstone, pieces of cement, vitrified bricks, and even various-coloured coral for ornament. These, as already stated, if not covered, should have a green fringe of the Lycopods already named, to which might be added such sweet little Mosses as Selaginella apoda and S. densa, and even S. alpina. The materials to which we have just referred— pumice stone, &c, will enable you to make a consi- derable variety of surface, as thus you can keep the roots moist though considerably elevated from the floor. When once nicelv watered, and the superfluous moisture earned off, the management is next to nothing. It is well to change the air, say twice a-week, but, other things being equal, you will have to look after watering just as you give air, and allow the moist vapour to escape. We have seen cases do well that had no water for two or three weeas. Where air is given at all freely, the plants would need examining once a-week, and twice at any rate in hot weather. With a moveable top it is easy to do this with a small jug, by carefully examining the soil with the finger, and passing by those plants that are moist enough. As your stand is to be placed close to a window facing the east, supposing there is no blind used to the window, it will be advis- able to have a thin shade of muslin or paper for the shading of the side facing the sun whilst the sun is bright and strong. The glass on that side might be frosted, or even tinted green or blue, to serve a similar purpose; but we would prefer a shade, as when the sun was gone the Ferns could have the full light of the room. Mushroom Power (B. S. M.).—& Mushroom forcing its way through plastering is not extraordinary. The same species of fungus has been known to lift up a flagstone. Age of Mushroom Spawn (3. B.).— You need not be afraid of using the spawn that you obtained last March, sc far as age is concerned. We have extraordinary gatherings just new from spawn that was nearly two years old seven weeks ago. The oldest spawn we have used with success was eight years old, and of our own making. It had been used all the intermediate years. We cannot further answer your ques- tion—How long does Mushroom spawn keep'.' It might keep longer for anything we know to the contrary. It was kept in a dry shed on a wooden bin, and the cakes a little open to prevent damp'affecting it. From May to October some mats were placed over it to prevent the air in the rather open shed from drying it too much. When broken it smelt as fresh as if it had been made a few months, and was a mass of spawn threads not individually larger than the finest flossy silk. The condition of your spawn is everything. If it has been at ah damp, and the spawn threads have swelled and run to the size of strong cotton and darning worsted thread, if we used it at all we would use it liberallv, as its vigour would be spent. If the spawn is greatly dried and shrivelled, it would be as well not to use it. A friend of ourB thought his spawn could not be too dry, and had a bin formed over a furnace, but he was wofully disappointed. We know there is, perhaps rightly, a prejudice for new spawn, and no doubt chiefly because the purchaser may not know how it was kept. Many years ago a celebrated nurseryman told us in August he did not know what to do, he could obtain no fresh spawn, and had numerous applications to send direct, and he had none but what he obtained in the previous October, and a rare lot it was, lying in a dry loft. We had some, and never had a better bed. We ad- vised him to send it out, stating it was good, but nearly a twelvemonth old. He had a multitude of inquiries afterwards for his old spawn, and a greatly increased demand for spawn generally. Annuals to Flower rN April and May (Idem).— We are afraid we cannot tell you of flower seeds to sow now to bloom in the borders in April and May. Virginian Stocks, Sweet Alyssum, and Collinsia bicolor are about the earliest. If you could sow in a slight hotbed, and plant out in March, then you might add Candytufts, Nemophilas, Silenes, &ci For a small space you could sow in small pots, and plant out in patches in March. Where much was to be done, you could sow in semicircular drain tiles, or narrow slips of turf, under glass, give air to harden ofl, and transplant in trenches in the middle of March. If you were near anyone who grows early annuals at all largely, if the self-sown seedlings were left, you might purchase lots of plants for a trifle to plant out, and then Candytufts, Nemophilas, Collinsias, Sweet Alyssums, Silenes, and Virginian Stocks would bloom freely, and be ready to take away for the summer occupants. For instance, in both the nurseries at Hitchen, belonging, one to Mr. John Fells, and the other to Mr. William Fells, we have seen dense carpets of the above in winter and early spring, and many were in full bloom in the end of April. We know of nothing more attractive whilst they last, than lines and beds of the Nemophila insignis and Sileno pendula. The Virginian Stocks will flower much earlier. Potting Ismxnes— Oxalis Leaves not Falling (Rusk).— If you Ismenes needed a shift, they should have had it in summer or early in autumn. They should have been allowed gently to go to rest instead of repotting and watering so freely, and placing them in a cool greenhouse. That has led to decay at the necks, helped by the deep potting. The coo greenhouse would have done if the pot had been full of roots and the soil rather dry. The Amaryllis, or Sprekelia formosissima, is hardier and stood it better, but that, too, does best when the growth is made in summer, rested, and merely top-dressed when it begins to move. The Oxalis that blossomed well in November in a small pot, and as yet shows no signs of losing its leaves, must be kept growing until it does so, but giving less water than before it bloomed. There are so many Oxalises that they differ much in the treatment required, though most of the tuberous and bulbous sorts require much the same management. Vine Borders (E. £".).— We do not approve of the soil of a Vine border, or for that matter, the soil about the roots of any plant being kept so very ory all the winter. It is necessary to reduce the supply of moisture somewhat in the autumn, so as to check a late continuance of gruwth, in our inside borders and artificial conditions ; but as roots are frequently JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January IS, 1870. in action during the winter, it is obvious thatif moisture is entirely with- held, the want of it must be injurious. Vine bordcra do not require top- dressing in spring until Vines are in active progress, say the frnit just set ; then any good fresh manure will do, which can be washed down to the roots by water. Ground bones are excellent. Best Late Pear as a Standard (H. A. B.).— We believe Glon Morceau will suit your purpose if the situation is pretty warm and sheltered. If exposed, then we would recommend Ne Plus Menris as a hardier sort. We cannot recommend one tradesman in preference to another. Haut- bois Strawberries may be procured from any respectatle nurseryman. Unhealthy Peach Trees ( Vicar).— We are inclined to think from the examples of the shoots sent us, that your trees nre greatly wanting in health and vigour, and make but very feeble growths, which consequently soon become a prey to insects, Ac. We would recommend yon to prune these weakly shoots back rather hard, and by mulching and watering in summer try to induce more vigour. The fact of the borders being so shallow and resting on paving stones, suggests the idea that the roots are frequently too dry — an excellent condition for the propagation of red spider, the effect of which is seen by the leaves becoming of a whitish appearance and covered with small woolly webs. The insects themselves may alBo generally be seen on the backs of the leaves. As yon say you have tried all sorts of means to cleanse yonr trees in summer from the green and brown aphis which attack them, we can only recommend further perseverance, which must triumph. Procure some Gishurst com- pound or Fowler's insecticide, and paint your trees with it now, making it up to the consistency of paint by the addition of some soil ; also pro- cure some of Pooley's tobacco powder, and in the spring, when the young leaves appear, dust them over with the powder. Do this while they are wet, so that the powder may adhere ; then, after an interval of a few days, syringe with clear water, and again if any aphis appear repeat the same operations throughout the summer. By persevering in this way you must overcome them. Dust the powder over every part of the tree. The ants follow the aphides, and come to feast upon them. With respect to your maiden Peach trees, we recommend you not to pot them this season, but to plant them out in some good ground, and grow them there for one season more. Cut them down to where you can observe buds situated on the main stem, which will most likely bo about a foot above the bud. All these side branches or laterals, so pretty on the maiden plant, are of no use for the future formation of the tree; they must be cut back to the lowest bud, and in summer attend to the regnlar pinching of the young shoots. We can scarcely UV you how to water pot plants. Pots 10 inches in diameter are a very good size, and the most suitable soil fresh yellow turfy loam with some charcoal or burnt ashes. Put 2 inches of drainage in each pot. Premature Shoots on Potatoes (H. T. H.).—" You have what is commonly termed ■ sprung ' the Potatoes without knowing it. They are an early sort, as far as I can judge from the young shoots sent, which are about 2 inches long; therefore let the tubers be carefully handled, and ruboff every shoot excepting one, which should be the strongest and the ' stockiest." This mn^t not be moved in the least, for the slightest touch is almost sufficient to displace or knock off prematurelv forced shoots from an early Kidney Potato. The tubers should then be placed in single layers on boards or a dry floor— say in a loft or outhouse quite secure from frost, and where there is a subdued light. In such a place the cadaverous shoots on the sets will become green, and attached firmly to the tubers. After about a month they will be fit for planting, and little harm will have been done to them. If the case were mine I would, a few days before they eye and eve would grow from thence merely to produce tubers about the siz marbles, to the inevitable detriment of the fine large fellows around the single shoot, which would renuire all the room and all the nourishment. —Robert Fenn." Eablt Butterfly (T. M.)— A small tortoiseshell butterfly on the wing during Christmas Day is, of course, unseasonably earlv. As it was in your drawing-room, an egg, accidentally introduced," was artificially hatched by the warmth. We know of no one book that will define the meaning of the names of the whole animal kingdom. Figs ( ).— We shall soon publish some notes on this fruit. Beard's Wall Tree Screens (A Reader).— You can obtain them at Mr. Beard's, Victoria Works, Bury St. Edmunds. Dessert Fruit Trees for Yorkshire (Bradford'.— Apples : Kerry Pippin, Summer Pearmain, Yellow Xngestrie, Court of Wick, Sykehouse Russet, Wyken Pippin. Peers : Jargonelle, Beurre d'Amanlis, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Bed Doyenne, Thompson's, Knight's Monarch. Plums ; Green Gage, Purple Gage, Jefferson, Coe's Golden Drop, Reine Claude de Bavay, Late Rivers. Destroying Rats (B. D. C.).— The rats will do great injury to the roots by their burrowing in the border, making it loose, and forming passages. Tney will also devour every root they come across. The rats are un- doubtedly attracted by the fuod given, and perhaps wasted bv the supply being too great for the dog. Rats are too cunning to take poison, unless it be mixed with something from which it cannot be known. Lav down a good supply of oatmeal mixed with a little melted lard, to make'it rather lumpy, and continue to place this mixture every night for three or four nights ; this will attract them. Omit it one night, and the next night mix equal quantities of oatmeal and arsenic, making it rather Jumpy as before by mixing it with some me'.t*d lard ; this put where the meals" had been before will be greedily partaken of by the rats. Remove what remains of the poison in the morning, and if you wish any remaining rats to take poison entice them with sweet food for a few nights. Ornamental and Flowering Shrubs and Perennials (J. BX— In ?,, fV ; a?d XV-« Xew Series, are extensive lists of all the best shrnbs, with brief descriptions, and some notes on cultivation ; ?nd articles on their arrangement and planting will be found in the latter volume. Herbaceous and alpine plants have been fully treated of in former Tolumes. We quite agree with your view on the subject— that thev are deserving of more extended cultivation, and nothing would conduce so much to that end as cultivators giving their experiences of the plants cultivated with descriptions, height, time of flowering, continuance of bloom, soil, and particulars of cultivation. Pips. Plants, and Cuttings of the Wild English Crab.— F. Crow- iner, aalijax, lorkshtrc, wishes to have these for some friends in Aus- tralia ; if any of our readers can supply him they will oblige by writing to him. CuttiugB taken off now and despatched at once, packed in powdered charcoal in a hermetically closed tin case, enclosed in a wooden box, will travel to Australia quite safely. This is the mode adopted by the Royal Horticultural Society, which has sent out many hundreds of cuttings, as noticed in our pages a week ago. Various (Amateur). — 1, Vine*. — If you mean to confine the roots of the Vines entirely within the space 3 feet in width, it will in some degree resemble a big flower pot, and must be treated accordingly. The Vine will, of course, require more water, and if this be not given the plant will not reap the benefit. If it is merely a hole dug out and so much fresh soil put in, it will be best to raise it but little above the surrounding level, as the roots will soon ramble down and away. 2, The Peach Trees them- selves would derive no benefit from being untied at this season. It is done sometimes to allow of a better exposure to the weather, in order to cleanse them from all insects, Ac, and sometimes to retard their flower- ing in spring, so as to avoid the danger of late spring frosts. 3, Miniature Apple Trees. — Fresh bones are usually applied as fertilisers to give vigour — quite the opposite of what is required for the cultivation of miniature Apple trees. POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON CHRONICLE. EXHIBITION PENS. The correspondents who have sent yon accounts of the recent shows have on Beveral occasions dwelt on the pens provided for the accommodation of the birds, and the thanks of all poultry fanciers are due to them for directing attention to what really is a very important point. I remember in particular that in your account of the Dorking Show it was Btated that the pens were large and good in every way, a state- ment which interested me, because I happened to have sent one or two pens to that nursing mother of our great English breed. When my birds returned, I found that their feathers were in no wise injured, so that they were ready, if required, to go elsewhere before long. At Aylesbury, on the other hand, the case was very different. The pens had wire backs as well as wire fronts ; 1 had therefore an opportunity of seeing a bird of mine which happened to be among the winners, " backing" every few minutes whenever anyone came to inspect him, and running hi3 tail feathers into the wire. When he returned, of course his plumage was so injured that he could not be shown for some time. I do not know what pens they had at Whitehaven, but I find that a bird which I sent to that Show has returned with his tail feathers more injured by this one visit than by two or three trips elsewhere. I for one should be glad if committees would state in their programmes what pens planted, take a penknifeand "scoop* o'ut"ev'ery dormant I they propose to use, as I certainly should not send to a show eye that had been ' sprung/ as a forest of young greenery where the pens had wire behind as well as in front. Can any experienced exhibitor inform me what should be done when the tail feathers, or any of them are broken ? Should they be pulled out ? If so, how long is it before they grow again ? And does it ever, or often, happen that black feathers become white ? — E. II. B. A. BLACK GAME. Like your correspondent, " Y. B. A. Z.," may I be permitted through your Journal to advocate the claims of another neg- lected class of fowls ? Why is it that the Black Game are not more encouraged at the principal shows ? Birmingham, as in the case of the Malays, is the only place that offers them a refuge. Many of the leading shows give classes for Black lieds, Brown Beds, and Duckwings, and in those cases the Piles are their chief opponents in the " Any other variety " class, but even then the Blacks are nowhere. They do not deserve to be such outcasts. Can the Piles be so much their superior that they should always carry off the palm ? It cannot he their unfitness for table. From my own experience as a breeder of Black Game for several years, I can testify to their excellence on that score, both for flavour and quickly-acquired weight. I speak on behalf of the breeders and admirers of Black Game, who are far more numerous than is generally supposed ; and I feel certain if some of the leading shows would follow the example of Birmingham and open a class for them, the funds would not suffer, and they would do everything for a most deserving class of fowls. I quite think with " Y. B. A. Z.," that every known breed of fowls should, if possible, be represented at all the large shows. — W. G. W. A CAUTION To parties having poultry, Pigeons, dogs, &c, for sale. Hav- ing lately been victimised by different parties writing to me January 13, 1870. ] JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. lor dogs, fowls, &c, promising to pay back carriage in the event of their not suiting, I think it only my duty to caution the public against the following places : — Whitehaven, Bristol, Nottingham, Hull, Kingsland, London ; and Shields. In each case they give a reference, and promise to pay back carriage if not approved of ; bat in each case they have nothing to say against the article sent until applied to for payment. They have then in each case sent them back carriage unpaid, and in a wretched condition. I write this to caution the public against sending anything until they have received a post-office order for the amount. In each instance when I have stated the case to the parties referred to for reference, they say, " Well, I could not believe they would have acted in such a manner." — A Victim. [In every case a post-office order payable ten days after date should be pre-forwarded. Both parties are then secure. Man- chester again may be added to the list given by our correspon- dent. Another correspondent, despite our repeated warnings, sent money for Newfoundland pups which were never sent. We would add that naming referees is not to be depended upon unless the referees are applied to. Let no one be thrown off their guard by such references. We have been named as referees by intending cheats of whom we knew nothing. — Eds.] BRISTOL POULTRY SHOW. It is well known to everyone who has seen it that the Drill Hall at Clifton is one of the buildings best suited in the whole kingdom for a poultry show, and as most of the Managing Committee have had long experience in poultry, perhaps few shows can boast of the elements needful to success more than Bristol can. Considering the large number of shows that take place about this season, and as 1870 in this respect promises to outvie all previous years, it is highly satis- factory to find an entry of 1100 pens, which have rarely been Bur- passed in general quality, as the greater portion of those pens exhibited had been successful prize-winners at previous meetings. We noticed, however, particularly that not a few of the very best pens showed symptoms of exhaustion from over-exhibition, and it is evidently bad policy for owners interested in breeding early chickens from their best fowls, to thus tax their physical powers to such an extent, and the result as to progeny can only be disappointment. All the classes for Dorking fowls were well filled, but the want of condition, from repeated competition, in many naturally superior birds was painfully evident. The White Dorkings did not show so well as at some previous Bristol shows. Cochins were unquestionably good, for they constituted a perfect exhibition in themselves. Partridge- coloured were such as any amateur must admire, and the White, though not so numerous as might have been expected, were of first- rate quality. Beahmas were some of the heaviest classes in the Bristol Show, the Lights, however, were not praiseworthy, the bulk of them being sadly out of condition ; abundant amends were made by the Dark-feathered, for rarely, if ever, has there been a closer competi- tion. In Spanish fowls the Bristol Show of this year was not by any means behind its predecessors, the condition of most of those exhibited being really faultless, though the trimming of faces, even to an excess, was a matter to be regretted. In some pens every particle of feather between the comb and the eye had been purposely extracted, leaving each fowl, to any experienced eye, the very reverse of naturally perfect, a failing that much affected their position in prize-taking. Hamburghs were of excellent quaUty, and formed strong classes, but, unfortunately, here again trimming was resorted to, bnt unsuccessfully. Game were well worthy of note, the pens shown by Messrs. Fletcher and Mathew being, in colour, of the truest feather, and the plumage as perfect as to condition as possible. Polish were remarkably good, and as these fowls are always especial favourites they constituted one of the most admired features of the Show. We do not remember to have seen a better collection of Ducks, Geese, and Torfoo/s. and the Figeo?is throughout were far better than customary. The absence of diseased birds of any kind was a subject of general remark, and the attention shown to the birds throughout was perfect. Dorkings (Coloured).— Cocfc.— 1, 2, and Cup, J. Martin. 3, W. Bearpark. lie, W. Tippler, Duk. 3 Re-.v.vll, t helmsford; Hon. H. W. Fitzwiliiam, Went- worth WoodhouBe; W. Harvey, Sheffield. Cockerel,— 1, 2, and 3. L. Patton. Hillmore, Taunton. hc,3. B. Saunders, Taunton : .T.Martin, Claines, Worcester: A. Potts, Hoole Hall, Chester; M. Putnev. Dorking; W. Bearpark, Anderby Steeple. c, L. Patton. Bens.— I and 2, L. Patton. 3. ,1. White. Warlaby. he, Lieut.-Col. Lane, Bracknell, r. Mrs. M. Seamons, Aylesbury; W. Harvev. Pullets— \ and Cnp, J. Anderson, Meigle. 2, L. Patton. 3, X. G. Russet, he, H. Crossley; L. Patton: H. Lingwood. Barking, Needhain Market: A. Potts, c, Mrs. Hurt, Alderwaslev ; Rev. A. K. Cornwall. Bencombe. Dursley; M. Putney; N. G. Russel, Kington : L. Patton : J. Martin. Dorkings (Sflvi >'-'■" ■ '■ Cock or CockereU—1, R. Smalley. Lancaster. 2. P. E. Creswell, Hanworth. 3. D. Hardie, Sorbie. Hem or Pullets— 1 and 2, W. E. George, Stoke Bishop. 3, J. S. Lowndes. Avlesbury. Dorkings [White).— Cocfc or Cockerel.— -1, J. Robinson. Garstang. 2. Miss M. Fairhurst, Ormskirk. 3, O. E. Cresswell. Bern or Pullets.— I, J. RobinsOD. 2, H. Savile, Ollerton. 3, Mrs. M. Lucas, Cleeve. Cochins (Cinnamon and Buff'. — Cocfc.— 1. Mr,. E. White. Sheffield. 2, H. Mapplebeck. 3. J. sichel. he, J. Sichel: J. Poole. Cockerel.— 1 and Cup. Mrs. Burrell, Stoke Park, Ipswich. 2, W. A.Taylor. Manchester. 3, H. Mapplebeck. Birmingham, he, W. A. Taylor; R. Dawson: T. Stretch, Ormskirk. C.Mrs, Allsopp, Hindlip Hal). B. ns — 1,H. Mapplebeck. 2. W. A. Taylor. 3, H. Ling- wood, he, J. Cattell ; W. A. Burrell, Southwell ; ;H. Mapplebeck. c, Mrs Burrell. Pullets.— 1, H. Mapplebeck. 2, Mrs. Woodcock. 3, W. A. Taylor. he. A. Darbv. Bridgenerth; H. Mapplebeck ; Rev. C. Spencer, Attleborough. c, G. Heath ;' Mi-, J. Milward. Newton St. Loe ; J. Cattell, Birmingham ; J. H. Dawes, Birmingham ; J. Sichel, Timperley. Cochins (Brown and Partridge}.— Cock.— 1 and Cup. H. Crossley, Halifax- 2, J. White. 3, E. Tudman. he, J. K. Fowler, Aylesburv: H. Laue; Mrs. R- White ; T. Stretch. Cockerel.— 1, T. Stretch. 2.1C. Sidgwick. 3, W. A. Taylor he, G. Lamb, Compton; E. Tudman, Whitchurch; W. A. Taylor, c, J. K- Fowler. Hen..-.— 1 and Cup. H. Crossley. 2, W. A. Taylor. 3, H. Lingwood' Creeling, he, J. E. Rodbard. Wrington. Pullets— 1, T. Stretch. 2, W. A. Taylor. 3, E. Tudman. he, J. H. Dawes, c, J. H. Dawes; G. Hall. Kendal. Cochins (White).— Cock— 1, R. Smalley. 2, F. Brewer. Lostwithiel. 3, E. C. Boville, Wellington. Burton-on-Trent. Cockerel— 1. A. J. E. Swindell, Heath, land, Kniver. 2, F. Chase, Wvlde Green, Sutton Coldfield. 3, R. Brown, Cheadle Hulme. he, S. Felgate. Ipswich. Bens— I, B. Smalley. 2. J. Sichel. 3, G. Shrimpton. he, A. O. Worthington. Pullets.— 1, Mrs. A. Williamson- Queniborough Hall. 2, G. Shrimpton, Leighton Buzzard. 3, R. Smalley. he, G. Shrimpton ; R. Chase. Brahmas (Dark).— Cocfc.— 1 and Cnp. Hon. Miss n. Pennant. Ivnrhyn Castle, Bangor. 2. G. T. Whitehouse. 3, Mrs. Hurt. he. II. B. Morrell, Clyro ; Rev.E. Alder; R.W. Beachev: Mrs. Burrell. c, Mrs. Hurt ; J. H.Dawes. Cockerel— 1 and 2. Rev. .1. Bowen, Llangorse Vicarage. 3, A. 0. Worthington. lie, L. H. Ricketts. Baiiwell ; Mrs. Hint: Lout. -Col. Lane: A. O. Worthington, Burton- on-Trent; G. Hall; Mrs. Burrell; W.Harvey, c. Rev. E. Alder, Etwall Vicarage. Hens.— 1, Bev. J. Bowen, 2, Mrs. Hurt. 3. Hon. Miss D. Pennant. lie. Rev. E. Alder; G. F. WhiteloiUM*. Birmingham : H. Lingwood. Pullet ,.— 1, 2, and Cup, Mrs. Hurt. 3, H. B. Morrell. lie, H. Bellorell : L. Wright; Rev. J. Bowen; Rev. E. Alder; Mrs. Hurt; H. Lingwood; T. Pomfret, Houghton Lane, Preston ; Mrs. Burrell. c, L. H. Ricketts. Brahmas (Light).— Cocfc— 1 and Cup, A. O. Worthington. 2. Mrs. William- son 3 H M. "Mavnard. Holmewood. Isle of Wicht. lie. J. Pares. Postford, Guildford Cockerel.— 1, H. M. Mavnard. 2, Mrs. A. Williamson. 3, J. Pares. Hem —1 and Cup. F. Crook, Forest Hill. 2, A. O. Worthington. 3, II. Dowsett, Pleshey he H. M. Mavnard. Pullets— 1, F. Crook. 2, Mrs. A. Williamson. :;, C. F. Wilson, Baniev Manor, Totton. he, H. M. Maynard ; M. Leno.Markyate Street, c. H. M. Maynard. Spanish.- Cock.— £ Miss Hyde. 2, .1. H. Dawes. 3. Hon. Miss D. Pennant. Cockerel— 1 and Cup, H. Lane. Bristol. 2, E. Jones. 3, H. Beldon. he, H. Lane J. Barrv. Totterdown ; E.Jonea; B. Healing; Rev. E.Lascelles, Newton St. Loe. c. B. Jones. Clifton : T. Bamfield, Bristol. Bens.—l, Hon. Miss D. Pennant. 2. T. Bamneld. 3, Miss Hyde. lie. E. Jones; H. Lane. Pullets.— 1 and Cup, Mrs. Hyde. Bedminster. 2. Hon. Miss D. Pennant. 3, H. Lane. he, E. Jones; T. BamBeld; Rev. E. Lascelles. c, H. Lane; Hon. Mass D. French Fowxs.— Cocfc or Cockerel— 1, W. R. Park, Melrose (Creve-Cceur). 2,Hon. C. W. Fitzwiliiam (La Fleche). 3,R. B. Wood (Houdanl. lie.H. Wynd- ham.Wawne iCreve-CueuT); Hon. C. W. Fitzwiliiam; W. Blinkhorn (Creve- Cffiur): W. Harvey, c. G. A. Stephens. Dublin I La Heche): Hon. W. H. Fitzwiliiam (Creve-Cceur); J. G.Ross (Cn-ve-Cmur. iBens or Pullets) -1 W.H. Park. 2. G. A. Stephens (La Fleche). 3, Hill ft Co. he, H. Wyndham (Creye- Cceur); J. K. Fowler: Hon. C. W. Fitzwiliiam (La Fleche): J. G. Ross. Bath- ampton (Creve-Comr); R. B. Wood, Uttoxeter; J.J. Maiden (Creve-Cceur). c, Mrs. J. Fattisoii. Dorchester (Houdan). Hamburghs (Gold-spangledl.-Cocfc or Cockerel.- -1 and Cup, W . A. Hedy 2. T. Scholes, Hollinwood. ::. Miss C. E. Palmer. Warwick. lie, W. Blmkhorn ; T. Walker, jun., Denton; W. A. Hyde; H. Beldon, Qoitstock; 11. Pi, : Us, jun. Earbv, Skipton. - "■ J. Walker. Bens or Pullets— 1 and Cup. h! Beldon? '2,*W. A. Hvde. * 3. W. Blinkhorn. lie, W. A. Hyde ; J. Newton ; T. Walker, jun. c. W. de Winton, Durdham Down. Hamburghs iSilv.r-p.mglcd:.-ri.rl- ,o- Cr.cfcerel.-l. Miss F. .Browne. 2, Mm. J. Pattison. 3. H. Pickles, jun. he, D. Lord, Stacksteads ; W. A. Taylor; J. Arnold, inn.. Moselev. c. H. Beldon. Hem or Pull. to.— L D. Lord. 2, Miss E. Brown, 3. D. Lord, he, Miss E. Browne, Chardleigh Green; H. Beldon; J. HA^iBi-Sins (Gold-pencilled).— Cocfc or Cockerel— 1 and Cup. B. Bee, Goos- nan*. 2. J. Smith. 3. H. Beldon. In; W. R. Par):: J. Walker. Hens or Pullets— land Cnp, J. Walker. 2, W. Parr, Patncroft. 3,W.R.Park. c, H. Eeldon. , , Hamburghs (Silver-pencilled).— Cock or Cocker Walker. 3, Duke of Sutherland, Trentham. He 2, H. Pickles, ion. 3, H. Beldon. . Hamhdrghs Blackl.-Cocfc or Cockcrel-1 and Cup. Rev. W. Serjeantson, Acton Burnell. 2. D. Lord. 3, W. McMellon, Glossop. he s, Buttetheld, Keighlev; C. Sidg-viok. Kciglilev : J. M. Kilvcrt, Ludlow; C. i. Oopeman, Birmingham: T. Walker, jun. -Hen, or PulleU.-l and Cup. T.Walker jun. 2. Mason & Walker. 3. W. McMellon. he, J. M. Kilvert; Rev. W . Serjeantson ; C. Sidgwick: M. Rake. Bristol, c, D. Lord ; H. Beldon. Game (Black-breasted and other Reds).— Cocfc or Cockerel.— 1 Mid Cup, S. Matthew, Stowmarket. 2, J. Andrews, Worcester. 3. J. Fletcher. Stoneclough. lie. W. Boyes. Beverlev; G. Thomas, Bristol ; T^ Burgess, Whitchurch ; J. Forsyth; J. Friih. Cbatsworth. c, G. E. P. ach. Wellington. Salop. ffmiMf Pullks.-l and Cup, MissE. A. Crawford, Farnsluhl. J. S. Mat hews, stow, market. 3. J. Forsyth, lie. W. H Stagg, Netheravon ; J. Fletchei ; W. J. Pope, Biggleswade : W. Eoulton. Dalton-m-Furness (Brown Red); F. I aimer, Bristol; V. Boulton (Brown Red): H. Helyar Pendomer Rectory: T Mason, J.W. Jones. Malpas: T. Whirtaker. Melton Mowbray: 1. apt. G. Price. Taun. ton ; B. Consterdine. Littleborough : J. Jcker,. El ham. c, J. Fletcher, Game (Duckwings and other GreyB and Blues). -Cocfc or Cocfc«e'.-l. . H. Loe (Duckwingl. ?, S. Matthew. 3.W.Boyc8. lie, J. Fletcher (Duckwuig) N. Barton, Cablv Manor i Duckwing). e, J. Frith IDuekwing). Bens or Pullets - 1 J R Robinson (Duckwingl. 2, D. Young. .!. S. Ashworth. c, J. Fletcher (iju'ekw-ino) • N Barter Plymouth : G. S. Sainsbury, rj evizes. GAMTfan; othe^varietvi^-Cocfc or Cocke: el.-l , T. West (Pile). 2, H. C. and W .T""Masoh. Drichlington (Pile). 3, Rev. G. S. Cruwys. lie, S. Matthew; Rev. G. S. Cruwvs. Tivrton. e. .1. W. Thompson. Bn WeBt (PUel. 2. J.'Fnth i Pile). 3. M. B. Jarvis, Mansneld. . „, Cockerel.— 1 and Cup.W. Gamon. Chester. 2,M.Kicholls. PeeY.Moot Man MO.l.b-,,). ;:. II. Beldon he. J. Hinton .War- minster (Silver) ; W. Silvester. Sheffield (Silver) ; T. P. EJwards, Lyndhurs . Bens or Pull, fs.-l and Cnp. J. Hinton (Silver'. 2. Mis. J. M. Procter. 3, W. Harvev he T. P. Edwards : W. Silvester ; H. Bebbn. Anvotfer Distinct VARiETT.-Coefc or Coefceiel.-l. R. Loft Woodmansey (Sultans). 2. A. D. Payne (Malay). 3. H. J. Godfrey (Black Cochin) he Rev. A.G.Br.1ol,e.Ruvt,1nXI.TownsiMal:iyl;S.H.Stott,Rochdae:T.Hollis Read- ing: J. Watts, Birmingham: J. H. Aniory. e, Mrs. Wilkin 1 aduel M. Rake i TaDanes.) Hem or Pullets.— 1. Mrs. Burrell Silkies), a, J. watts. 3 R.Loft.T-^ Chamoisl: ('. F. Montrcsor. Stoke H.mse. slough Indian Game), c, J. W. Brown (Black Minorcasl : J. H. Amory ; T. Hollis : J. Hinton IMfTO-. . .. Game Bantams (Black-breasted and other Reds).-1. R Brownhe. RirkcaWy 2. J. Croslano, jun. 3. J. K.Robinson, he, J. Mayo Gloucester: E. Payne. CardiiT: W. F. Entwisle. Ckckheaton : J. VS . Morris ; J. Frith, c, B. O. Green- hill, Bridgewater ; Miss E. S. Cornwall. ei.j.,™.* Game Bantams (Any other vaiiety).-l and Cup, Mason u Charlesworth. 2. W. Adams (Duckwing). 3, J. W. Gates, lie. W. F. Kntw,-.le . Miss E. A. Crawford, c, J. Cr..ihmd. jun.. Wulo held IDuekwing); ?• Loe (Pile). Baktams (Gold and silver Sebrightsl.-l, Cup, and 3, M. Leno. 2, Bev. G. S. Cruwvs. Ik, T. C. Harrison, Hull; B. CGreenhUl. „ _ __, „ „ ,, „ Bantams (Black Clean-legged) .-1. E. Cam rn go. 2. ,T. Walker 3, Si K. Ashton.Mottram. lie, H. M. Maynard; S. S. Moseop, Long Sutton, i, T. C. ; E.Cambridge, Cotham. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January 13, 870 Bantams (WhitoCU-an-leggoil I.E. I'ritchard. 2,3.4 II. Ashton. 3, Rev. F Teark > > ■'■ niunbcrbtone. Game C> "'-• -• W. F. I - lmon, Red land (Black Red); J. Ander- Kl,i, ■ \v i: ■ Hill, r, W. Adams. M - M. tk-amons. 2, Mrs. Barrel!. 3, J. K. UnOfl -. ->, D. Hardie; J. K. G. Hone, Staph ton : \v. Stephana, c, G. N. HiiU'CTt. Chippenham. „, Indian*.— 1, Ci:p, and 2, S. Burn, Whitby. 3 and /ic, W.E. George. ■white (Mandarin). 2,C. Homfray, Glrn I ; . . ■ M. I. : beck ; C. N. Baker (Carolina.) ( . ■ i | Chinese); Rev. G. Hustler (StU- !.: . k (Grev). r. W. Tippler (Toulouse). J. Smith- Grantham (Cambi ,. Kew, Market Over- but. C,Mtb. M. I). Dunn. PIGEONS. ' Bine).— 1 and Cup, J. C. Ord, London, c, S. Harding, Fareham ; R. I ■ GroBham I: ■ \ . i ;. Ford, Weymouth ; R. Fulton. . f.-i— land far. R. Fulton (Mottles). 2; J. Fielding, jun. e,G. i •■• colouri .— 1 and c, T. D. Green. Saffron Walclen. 2. H. Yardley. r. 2. J. Thompson, rhc, J. B. Pindar. ■-, Mrs. Allen, Burnham ; H. M. Maynard (Yellow) ; J. B. Pindar, Harpurhey: C.Bulpin. (Any colourt— 1. C. Bulpin. 2, W. Harvey, he, W. R. Park; H. Yardlev; C.Eulpio. c, H. M. Maynard (White); H. Yardley. TnriipETF:r.s (Any colour).—!. !:. Fulton. 2. E. Horner, e, C. Bu'pin. — 3, R. Fulton. 2, J. Fielding, jun. fie, P. H. Jones, c, S. A. WvUie. E ast Monlsey (White). Ndkb.— 1 : ad 2, C. I' ill in. c.P. H.Jones. ^iiy colour).— 1, G. South. 2. K. Fulton, r, G.F.Smith: C.Bulpin. rlton (Black). 2.H.M. Maynard (Bin.- . [Any colour).— 1, H. Allsopp. Birmingham (Silver). 2, W. W. Grainger, Clifton tV Lowe (Blue), c, W. Harvey; G. South, London; W. Underwood, Birir.o^hrim (Blue). Antiveeps (Any colour).—], C. Bulpin. 3. E. Horner, he, H. M. 0 Ant othep. Distinct Vabiett.— 1, Rev. C. Spencer (Eremen). 2. S. A. WyBie Foreign/, c. H. Mapplebeck ; P. H. Jones, Fulham. In Poultry, Messrs. Hodson and. Hewitt judged the Dorkings, whilst Messrs. Dizon and Teebay did lite duty for the Hamburgh classes; afterwards, the Brahmas, Spanish, all the Game classes, and Game Bantams, were allotted to Messrs. Hewitt and Teebay ; the remaining classes being appointed to Messrs. Dixon and Hodson. Dr. Cottle, of Cheltenham, was the sole Judge of the Pigeons. AEEPJDEEX POULTRY SHOW. [From a Correspondent.) The Northern Poultry Club's fourth annual Exhibition was held in Aberdeen. December 31stand January 1st. There were 270 entries of poultry, and 123 of Pigeons. At former shows the entries have been more numerous, but this year the Broughtyferry and Paisley Shows being held on the same day no doubt kept back a number of exhibitors who ■would otherwise have come forward. Although the number from the south was smaller than usual, the entries from the northern counties, in which the Club specially aims at improving the various breeds, were quite equal to tbose on any former occasion. The general quality of the poultry, and the numbers in the classes most cultivated n the north, were equal to any ever seen there. The Pigeon Show was the large-t the Club has yet had, and the Judges and others interested in this section were unanimous in their declaration that this was, with the exception of Glasgow, the best display of Pouters they had yet seen brought together, and that it formed the most interesting part of the Exhibition. Much of the success of the Show was doubtless due to the attractive prize list, the Club being enabled through the generosity of their Honorary President. Sir George McPherson Grant, Bart., "of Ball in - dalloch, and other supporters, to offer no less than seven silver cups for the poultry section, and a silver cup and sis medals for the Pigeon section. I would recommend for the consideration of the Club whether it would not be better for them to alter the date of holding their Show from New Year's Day, so as not to clash with so many other shows. I am satisfied Kew Year's Day is not a good time for a show, and that a week or ten days earlier or later would be more suit- able, and ensure a larger number of entries. The Garni, birds occupy tbe place of honour in the prize list, and they formed a very fair Show, the cup for tbe best pen in the three classes going to a line pen of pullets shown by Mrs. Hendry. Some would have preferred an unnoticed pen, No. 16, belonging to Mr. Liveston, Forfar, as being tbe best pen in the class. As a rule, Game fowls never take a high place at an Aberdeen Show, but this year a considerable improvement on former shows was apparent. Spanish was the next class, and the cap and all the first prizes were easily won by Mr. Ridpath, Edinburgh, with birds of average merit. The Spanish as a fancy fowl seems declining, or making no improvement, in the north. I was glad to notice some new names coming well up, the birds shown by Mr. Bisset being well bred, but not sufficiently forward to take a first place in a well-contested show. The DorJemgat for which this district is now famed, have six classes assigned to them, and one cup. I have seen them more numerous, but never better. The cup was won by Mr. Raines, Stirling, in a keen contest with Mr. Clark, of Fochabers. The Judges were evidently partial to the Silver-Greys. In the Silver-Grey cock class, Mr. Williamson, Caskieben, carried ofl all the prizes with finely feathered and compact birds of great weight, and in first-class condition. The feet-prize hens of Mr. Meff were the heaviest pair in the Show. In the Dark Grey classes the birds shown by Mr. Gordon, of Manar, and Miss Lind, Fraserburgh, were cimens, and shown in faultless condition. So fine a collection of Dorkings has never before been shown here, and many birds of special merit had to be passed over without even a commenda- tion. Pen No. 7t>, belongu >,-, Meigle, which a few weeks before carried off a cup prize, here only came in third. I Chinas formed a small but well- contested class, tbe cup going to Mr. W. Meff for a very fine cockerel of great size, and the finest bird in the Show. The other prize-winners, as well as several unnoticed pens, were worthy of places in a well-contested were a large and excellent show, the prize cocks being heavy and well-marked birds. The cup in this class was won by Capt. Hunter, of Tillery, with a pair of magnificent hens ; he was hard pressed by Mr. Raines, Stirling, with his first-prize pen, cockerel and pullet. The Brahmas in this district o-re much of their superiority to the strain of high- classed birds introduced by Keith Jopp. Esq., the late respected President of the Club. the next class, were a fair show, and seem to be increasing in numbers. Samburghs were not so numerously represented as on some former occasions, but formed a fair show ; the cup in this class was won by a Gold-pencilled cock belonging to Mr. H. Pickles, one of the finest ever seen ; all the other prize-winners Wire birds of- fair merit. In the class for Any other Variety, the first place was assigned to James Gordon, Esq.. of Manar, for a pen of Black Hambnrghs ; the second to Mr. T. Douglas, for a very tine pair of White-crested Black Polands, a variety becoming very rare in the district. i were next in order, and formed one of the finest classes in the Show. The cup was awarded to Mr. Camp- bell, New Byth. for a small and handsome pen of Black Beds. It is highly creditable to Mr. Campbell to be able to compete successfully with such opponents as Mr. W. F. EntwisZe. The first-prize cock shown by this gentleman was one of the gamest little birds I have seen, although a little too big for my idea of a Bantam. The pen e McPherson Grant. Bart., deserved to be placed higher in the prize list. Ducks were scarcely so good as have been seen here. Turkeys and Geese were fairly represented, the first prize for the latter going to B. C. Urquhart, Esq., of Meldrum and Byth, for a large and beautiful pair of Toulouse. Pigeons. — On entering the Pigeon room, one was at once struck with the neatness of the arrangement and the compactness of the place. Tbe Pouters, which formed the finest portion of the Show, were ranged round the sides of the room in the pens (in the same way ow) belongingto the Club. The other varieties were placed on centre tables, the whole being draped with white cloth, giving the room a clean and tidy appearance. Pouters had ten classes assigned to there, five for cocks and five for hens. The prizes were divided between Messrs. Fulton, London ; Bruce. Dunfermline ; Meff and Hendry, Aberdeen. I was glad to see the local exhibitors taking such ion side by side with such birds as can be shown only by Mr. Fulton and Mr. Bruce : and should they continue to advance as much in the ne::t twelve months, they will be very hard to beat. The prize-winners were all birds of rare excellence, and in such a close competition many birds which at ordinary competitions would have taken places, had here to be passed over without even a notice. C i s were the next best in order, and finer birds than the prize-winners in both classes we have never seen exhibited. Fan- tails, which always form a large and attractive class at this Show, were as good and numerous as usual, Mr. Hendry justly taking the first place with a pair of small and neatly formed birds ; Mr. Meff coming in second and third with birds evidently of the same strain. The other varieties were all fairly represented, but call for no special remark. I must, however, take exception to the award of the Jndge in the class for Dragoons. Tbe pair shown by C. B. Fisher, Esq., which only tool: a second place should, without doubt, have been first, being finely developed, and possessed of the true style of a Dragoon. I have only to add that the arrangements seemed most perfect. I was glad to see the Show so well patronised by the public, and every- body going away with the impression that Pigeon -fan eying is not so foolish a thing after all. The following were the awards made : — Game.— Coc k».— 1, J. Thorn, New Deer. 2, P. Campbell, Oldwhat. New Deer. . Aberdeen. Hens.— I and Cup. Mrs. Hendry, Aberdeen. 2, Mrs. Meff. Buthrieaton, Aberdeen. 3. P. Campbell c,T- Douglas. Chichi ,:.-l,\\, Meldrum, Forfar. 2, J. Thom. 3. W. Anderson, Camou&ric Spanish.— Coeti—1, Master A. Ridpath, Edinburgh. 2. W. Meff. S, Mrs. Stronach, Sunnvbank, Aberdeen. Heit*.—1. Master A. Ridpath 2, W. Meff. 3, M. Setou. he' A. Catto. Olduieldrum. Chickens.— 1 and Cup, Master A. Bid- path. 2, W. Bisset. MugiemosB.near Aberdeen. D [Silver-Greyji— Cock.— 1, 2, and 3, A. F. Wil'.iamson, Caskieben i. Baines, Stirling. Ben--.— 1 andS, W. M ft j. A. F. Williamson. Chic) 1 and Cup, T.RaineB. 2,J.Elgar.N . outtB, Torphins. Dorkings (Any other colour).— 1, J. Gordon. Manar. Inverurie. 2, W. Meff. 3, D. Craseie, Stonehaven, c, D. GeUatl; : and 3, Miss H. R. Lind, Ladiesford, Fraserburgh. 2, A. Haggart, Leslie, Fireahire. fee, J. Murray. I ie, Monvmusk. Chickens.— 1 and % 3. Clark. CocHix-CniSA (Any colour).— Cock*.— I and Cup. •'■.Meff. 2. Mrs. Stronach, 3. Mrs. a. BE, Gray. c. Mrs. Hendrv. Hens.— 1 and -J. w. Meff. 3, A. Cowie. c. M. Seton ; Mrs. J. Taylor. Cftfckenfc— 1, F. B. SchoflelO. 2, W. Men". S,Mrs» Hendry. January 13, 1870. ] JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. Brahma Pootha (Any colour).— Cocks — 1. and c, Cflpt. A. C. Hunter, Tillery. ■2, J. H. Danes. 3. ft. C. Uniubart. he, W. Meff: T. Raines. Hens— 1 anil Cup. Capt. A. C. Hunter. 2, .1. G. Chalmers. 3, Mrs. Stronach. I 1, T. Kaiaes. 2.W.Meff. 3,J.H. Dawes, he, Capt. A. C. Hunter; Mrs.Leiqhton. i- HorDANS.— Cocks — 1 and 3, Mrs. J. M'Adam. 2, B. C. Urquhart. Hens.— 1 and 8, Mrs. J. M'Adam. 3. B. C. Urquhart. Hamburgh* (Golden or Silver-pencilled).— Cock.— 1 and Cup, H. Pickles, jun.. Earby, Bkipton. 2, F. E. Schofield. 3, Mrs. Scott, St. Mary's Orton. lie, A. Laing, Persley. Bens.— 1, ft. Normand, Kennoway. 2, A. Laing. 3, J. Brace- c. T. G. Morison. V\ oodaide. Hamm i:. —1, H. Pickles, jun. 2, Mrs. Brown. Crieff. 3, Mrs. Stronach. Hens — 1. H. Pickles, jun. 2, J. Wilson. 3, J. F_ Loversidge. Hamburghs (Silver-spangled).— Cocks. — 1. J. M. Campbell. 2, H. Pickles' '■■. J. Hoi-e. Hens.— 1, H. Pickles, jun. 2, J. M. Campbell. 3, G. Caithness, Jon- Carnoustie. Any other Variety not Previously Classed.— 1, J. Gordon (Black Ham- burghsi. 2. T.Douglas. 3..T. Thoin !. W. F. r i. c, W. Home, K . Game Bantams— 1 and Cup, .T.M. Campbell. 2, T. Raines, Stirling. 5, Sir G. Macpherson Grant, he. It. En v.-ulie, Kirkcaldy. Bantams (Any variety!.—], Master A. Frew, Kirkcaldy. 2, H. Pickles, jun 3,J.E]Kar. Ducks (Aylesbury).— 1. S. Ford. Enntly. 2, J. Thorn. 3, A. Haggart. he, A. Copland. Kintore. Bucks (Any other variety), LJ.Wili i, 2, A. Morrison. 3,J.Thom. Turkey?.— 1, W. An1). 2. Mi-sF.ooth. 3, L. Cruicksbank. Geese.— 1, B. C. I'rqnhart. 2. W. Bntcher. 3, Mrs. Leighton. he, Mrs. Daguid. Selllng Class— 1, J. Clark. 2. D. Gellatly. 3. A. F. 'Williamson (Silver Dorkings), licand c, Miss Booth iTnrkeys and Brahmas). PIGEONS. Poutebs (Black i— ( , .-] and'-'.W. MetT. 3, R. Fulton. Deptford. Hens.— 1 and he, B. Fulton. . . Hendry. Pouters [Wluii. :.'. Fulton. 3, W. Hendry, lie, J.Bruce. Htns.—l an.l 2.1:. Pulli D. ::. W. Men. flc, W. Hendry. Poutebs (Bine).— Cod .-1. 3. and he, E. Fulton. 2, W. Meff. Hens.— 1 and 3, W. Meff. 2 and c. R. Fulton. Pouters (Red).— Cocks.— 1, A. Wright. 2 and 3, R. Fnlton. Hens.— I and 2,B.Fnlton. 3, A. Wright Pouters (Any . ' 1'. Fultor-. 2. W. Hendrv. 3. W. Men*. Hens.— 1, A. Wright. 2 and 3. K. Fulton, he, W. Hendry. Carriers (Any colour) —Or!. -:.— 1 and 2, R. Fulton. S, J. Brnce. Hens.— 1 and 2, E. Fulton. 3 and he, J. Brnce. Tumblers (Short-faced Almonds, or any other colour).— 1 and 2. B. Fulton. 3, J. Bruce. Barbs (Any colour).— 3, Special prize for the best pair of Pigeons in the Show, and 2. R. Fulton. 3 and <: W. Meff. Fantails (Any colour).— 1. w. Hendry. 2 and 3,W. Meff. jACOBiNS(Anv colour'.— l.W. M.-ff. 2. R. Fulton. 3, J. Spence. Trumpeters (Any colour (.— 1 and 2, W. Meff. 3, J. Bruce. Tubbits (Any colourl — 1. R. Fulton. 2 and 3, W. MetT. Owls (Any colour).— 1, J. Spence. 2, A. Cowie. 3, J. Bruce. Dragoons (Any colour).— 1 and 3, W. Scott. stuiievwood. 2, Capt. Fisher. Tumblers, Beaeds, op. Balds ( Any colour).— 1 and 2, R. Fulton. 3. W. Meff Nuns (Any colour).— 1, W. Cheyne. Selkirk. 2, W. Harper. S. W. Meff. Any other Variety not Pkf.yp.i sly Classed.— 1 and 3, A. Cowie (Porcelain and Archangels).— 2, W. Scott (Antwerps). Cup for the Winner of most points— R. Fulton, London. Judges. — Poultry: Mr. Alexander Paterson, Airtirie. Pigeons: Mr. James Miller, Glasgow. SUNDERLAND AND WEAR POULTRY SHOW. This Society's fourth Show was held December Hist and January 1st. As a whole the display of poultry was highly creditable, and in some of the classes it would be difficult to beat several of the specimens. Those of special quality were the cup and first, and second prize Red (fame, and the cock in the third-prize pen. The whole of the Cochins and the single Ganu '''eels were exceedingly well shown. Among the Game Bantams were some perfect birds both in the pens and among single cocks, the males especially being perfect models of their larger relatives. Two first prizes were awarded for Duckwings, the extra prize being given to a pen, the hen in which was ill at the time of judging, but she having laid proved one of the best in the Show. Tho Black Bantams were also good, and the Sebrights of average quality. The Brahma Pootras were better than we expected, but the I/am- 6wrj^ were bad. Iu the " Variety Class " were exhibited Gueldres, Houdans, cross-breds, and Malays. The TurJoeys and Pi a J-'rd were shown in very large pens, and the birds could be well seen. Altogether the Show is in good hands, and it bids fair to become an important one. Game.— Black-breasted and other Reds.—1, 2, and Cup, J. T. French. 3 and he, W. Rogers, c, T. Clark; R. Hawkins; J. R. Holmes: T. Dent; D. Kay. Dvclttving at ! 1. T. Clark. 2, Buglass & Williamson, he, G. Allan. Ami other Vara hi— I. J. T. French. Spanish— 1, Buglass A: Williamson. 2, W. T. Wilton. 3, S. Hawk] , J, Dorkings— 1,W. . T.Wilton. 2, Miss Vaux. 3.J. Mullins. Cochin-Chinas.— 1, 2, 3, and Cup, G. H. Proctor, he, G. H. Proctor ; W. Bell. c, C. Knecht. Brahma Pootras— 1 and 3, J. Carrick. 2, G. Todd, he, J. Carriek: W. J. Wilton ; Eualass & Williamson. Hamrurghs.->Jjm!j/j(.i(.-1 and 2, W. Whitfield. 3, J. Hall. Pencilled.— 1,2,3, W. Whitfield. Polavds— 1 and Cup, J. Clerk [Silver Polands). 2 and he, H. Mulley (Black, White, and Silver-crf steil). 3, L'o .:)::-- oj William -on ' lolil.n PnlandBt. Any other Variety— 1. J. P. Holmes (GueldrcB). 2, C. J. Brines (Houdans). 3, T. Toft (Cross-bred I he. K. Hawkins (Malays): E. C.Robinson (Table FowP. Bantams.— Gome. Black-be. a-ted and other lied:.— I, 3. and Cap, W. Dixon. 2, D. Hunter, he. W. Ackroyd : T. Clark. Duckwing — 1, G. Mears. Extra 1, J. Barlow. 2, T. William. 3,1). Hunter. Any variety except BJael and iHicku-inos.—l, Rut-lass a Williamson (Lemon Pile). 2, J. Carrick (Brass backs). Bio. -1. R. Youll. 2, C. Kichardson. 3, W. Laing. 8ebrights.— land 2, R. Youll. Any other Variety.— I and 2, W.Clark (Booted White). Single Cocks. — Oome.—i, 2, and he, J. T. French. 3, W. Rogers. Any Variety but Game— 1, W. Bell. 2. H. Mull, v. 3, G. Fa. 1. son. (,'.■> 1 and Cnp, T. Maliam. 2. T. Ox), v. 3, w. Dixon. Bantam (Any variety bnt Game).— 1, J. Black. 2. W. Coulthard. 3, J. Clark. Ducks— Aylesbury.— 3, W. T. Wilton. Rouen,— 1, E. Hawkins. 2, C. Knecht. 3, W. T. Wilton. Selling Class.-7ic, T. Wilton (Rabbit-:: W. Lain? (Bantams): C. Knecht (White Cochin i : G. Mears'l White Coehim ; T. Clack (White Peruvian) : T.Soord (Muscovy, Drake, and Duck) ; J. Carrick (White Cochin and Brown Red Game Bantam). Judge. — Mr. E. Hatton, Pudsev, Leeds. BEDLINGTON POULTRY SHOW. This was held January 1st, and was well attended. The various breeds of poultry are much cultivated in the district, bnt the preference is given to Game and Game Bantams. In some of the classes there were some good birds, but the single Game cocks, the Black Red lam pallets, and the first-prize Brahma pullet, and second- prize Golden Poland in the single hen class, were the best. Of Ham- burghs, the first-prize Silver-spangled and the prize Pencilled birds were best. There were also some very creditable Spanish, Cochins, and Brahmas. CHICKENS. Cochin-Chun-a (Any variety).— I and he. R. Hinc. 2. S. Eevely. c, W. Swann. Beahjia Poutra (Any variety).— 1, R. Hine. 2, T. Thornton, c, J. Stalker; J. Bell. SPANisn (Any variety).— 1, J. Stalker. 2, G. Summerson. he, G. Summerson ; Mrs. Anderson; G. Scott, e. M. Gibson. Game.— Black Beds or other Beds— I, T, Nichol. 2. T. Appleby, he, G. Dowie; R. Ballantvne. c, R. Sharp; W.Fletcher. Duckwing or other Greys, —1, Taylor & Rutherford. 2, G. Bell. c. Laws & Muters : G. Laws : J. Brown; W. Lindsay. Any variety not before mentioned.— 1, V,'. pi- " >. 2,J.Gillis. Hameurghs. — BUverspa/ngled,— 1 and lie. C. Armstrong. 2, G. Stalker. c. G. Stalker: D. Chevne. Goldcn-spaualed.—l, W. Dixon. 2, G. Stalker. lied.— I, B. Blackburn. 2, D. Cheyne. lie. W.Hall. -'. W. John- son ; G. Johnson. Siher-iiencilled— 1, W.Hal). 2, R. Parsons, he, J. Martin. Any Variety not Before Mentioned.— 2, W. Swann. Game Bantams.— Black Beds or other Beds.—l, G. Dowie. 2, J. Douglas. he, G. Dowie: T. Cuthbertson; G.Jordan; W. Ramsay: J. Rntherford; T. P.evelv ; J. Thoburn : T. MarshalL c. G. Dvson. Any Vu I Honed.— 1, J. Dickenson. 2, W. Robson. he, G. Laws; T. Jeffrey; W. Bell; J. Leatheam ; W. Robson. c, G. Hedley : W. Robson. Any Vabtety Except Game.— 1, Tavlor & Rutherford. 2, J. Robson. he, E. Leslie, e, W. Reed ; J. Nesham ; T. Thornton. Any Variety— Cock or Cockerel— 1, Taylor i Rutherford. 2, M. Gibson. rhc, T. Swann. lie. J. Stalker ; B. Coe : Tavlor & Rutherford : C. Armstrong; 31. Mveroft ; R. Parsons, c, J. Lee : J. Tweddell; M. Mycrofi : Hen orPullet— 1. T. Thornton. 2, B, Parsons, she, T. Swann. , G. Stalker; Taylor & Rutherford; W. Percy, c, G. Bell; W. Lindsay: J. Stalker; M, Mycroft. Judge. — Mr. E. Hutton, Pudsey. FIFE AND KINROSS ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S SHOW. Tins was held in the Corn Exchange, Kirkcaldy, on January 3rd and dth. The following awards were made : — Game (Red).— 1, J. Stark, Crossgates. 2. Miss Anderson, Newburgh. 3. E. Stewart, Kelty. he, D. Herd, Clunv, Kirkcaldy. Chicken's.— 1, T.V. Allan, Musselburgh. 2, D. Stewart. 3, D. Herd, he, W. Meldrum, Forfar ; J. Ander- son ; H. Goodall. c, W. Beveridtre, Kirkcaldy. Game (Any other colour).— L H. Elaik, Kaitb. 2, R. Farmer, Kirkcaldy. 3, H. GoodaU. Chickens.— 1, J. Anderson. 2, S. Young, Kirkcaldy. 3, J. Blair, he, D. Harley, Edinburgh. SINGLE COCKS. Game (Any colour).— 1, J. Henderson, Newbigging. 2, D. Stewart, Forfar, 3, E. Stewart, Kelty. he, C. Jamieson, Forfar; J. Blair, Blairngone. c, H. Goodall, Kirkcaldy. Dorking (Any variety).— L A. Haggart, Leslie. 2, T. Raines, Stirling. 3, K. Tnllis, Markinch. he. J. Stocks. Kirkcaldy ; T. Raines, c, T. Raines. Cochin-Cbina.— 1, W. R. Park, Melrose. 2, W. Cheyne. 3, Mrs. Oswald, Dunnikier. Brahma Poott.a— 1, J. W. Morrison. 2, J. A. Dempster. Stirling. 3, T. Raines, he, J. M'Donald, CarnouBtie ; J. Meldrum, Kirkcaldy ; ft. Normamd, Kennoway. c, T. Raines. Spanish.— 1 and 3, R. Somerville, Edinburgh. 2, Master A. Rcdpath. c, J. Macaulav, Edinburgh. _ . Hamburgh (Spangled).— 1, E. Dickson, Selkirk. 2, H. Pickles, Earby. Skipton. 3, J. M'Andrew. Carnonstie. he, A. Penman, Cardenden. c, Mrs, Keddie, Cowdenbeath : R. Dickson. Hameurgh (Pencilled).— Cup and 1. H. Pickles, inn. 2, D. Norman. 3, A. Pratt. Kirkcaldy, he, A. Pratt; R. Thomson, Kirkcaldy: D. Normand; D. Penman ; W. R.Park. c, G.Paul, Kingkom ; J. H. Harriott, Kirkcaldy. Game Bantams il.vdsl.— 1, Master I). Brownlie, Kirkcaldy. 2. Master H. Brownlie. 3, W. Cheyne. he. W. Mabon, Jedburgh; J. Mitchell. Perth; Master W. Brownlie ; W. Scott, Jedburgh ; T. Kain.n. e. T. Fithie, Kirkcaldy. Game (Any other colour).— 1 and 2, Miss M. Brownlie. 3, W. Scott, Jed- burgh, he, Mrs. Henderson; J. Lessels, Boclilly; W. Greaves, Bradford. c, \\. dark, Jedburgh. Cochix-China.— 1, W. Cheyne, Selkirk. 2 and 3, Mrs. Oswald, he, W. E. Park. . , „ Brahma Pootra.— 1, T.Raines. 2, J. W. Morrison, Kirkcaldy. Brownlie, Kirkcaldy, he, J. W. Morrison : Mrs. K. Brownlie. 3, Mrs. E. Spanish— 1 and 2, R, Somerville. 3, Master A. Redpath. he, J. Macaulay. Hamburgh (Spanaled).- 1, G. Caithness, Carnonstie. 2, J. F. Loversidge, Newark-on-Trent. 3, H. Pickles, Jan. he, A. Simpson; J. M'Andrew; K. Dickson, Selkirk. Haairurgh (Pencilled).— 1, W. R. Park. 2, J. W. Will, Enrol. 3, J. Sibson, Carlisle, he, D. Normand. Game Bantams (Red).— 1, Miss G. Brownlie. 2. Master D. Lain™, Kirkcaldy. 3, T. Raines, he, J. Hervey, Jedburgh : Miss Goodall. „ . _ "- Loanheati Baktams (Any other variety).— 1, Miss J. M. Frew. 2. Master W. Brownlie. ?., A. T. Mills, he, D. Whitelaw, Musselburgh; Master A. Frew, c, J. A. Dempster. „. r . . -. „ , Selling Class (Anv breed).— 1, J. Stark (Game). 2, W. Linton, Selkiit (Hamburghs). 3, H. Connel. Kirkcaldy (Dorkings). c.B.Blaik. Ducks (Any breed).— 1, J. Sharp. 2, E. Dickie. Alva. 3, H. GoodaU. he, D. Penman ; J. Sharp. Pigeons.— Poutebs.— 1, J. Porteous. 2, G. Henderson, Pitlessie. 3, J. Ma- caulay, Edinburgh, be, J. M'Gill, Elie: M. Sa M'Gill. Carriers.— 1, J. Bruce, DrmfeiTnline. i JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January 13, 1870. I: K. Hejvie, Kirk-at.lv. 'J. 11. r.i'c-i-M'.ii, Melrose. 3, W. R. Park. Am .mii; \ ...ii, I. .1. Brace. 2, M. Sanderson (Barbs). ?.. R. w. Hark (Letz). he, J. Sponcc (Jncobinsl. e, A. I.n.-kliurt, KirkenMv i (tollers). Pouteb Cock.— Cup. A. Wlntonr. he, M. Sanderson, c, J. Porteous, Edinburgh. Carrjki: i i ' ; Iiiill. Canaihes.— ScoTcn Fancy.— Y'ellow Cocks.— 1, G. BLnnie, Perth. 2, J, Rutherford. Alloa. 3. W. Muirhcad, jun., Alloa. Buff Coek.-l, W. (lilmour, Alloa. 2. W. Muirhcad, jun. :;, .1. Sim, < ir.ihiun -'.mi. Vdlnv IIen.-l, J. Sim- Eon II. us.— 1 and 2, -T. Kemp. Yellow-Flecked Cocks.— 1, E. Aird. 2, J. Kemp. 8. D. Sh-.-ht. Buff-Flecked Cocks.— 1, G. Adams. Musselburgh. 2. J. Rutherford, All. -a. 3, .1. Rennet. Yellow-Flecked Hens.— 1, J. Lyall. 2. W Gilmour. 3. J. Rutherford. Buff-Flecked Hen.—], D. Dun can. 2, J. Suther. ford. 3, D. Mitchell. Goldfincu Mui.es (Yellow).— 1 and 2, Master D Laing 3, J. Trann, Dunfermline. Buff.— 1, Master D. Laing. 2 and 3, W. Kirk. Judges. — Poultry : Mr. R. Teebay, Fulwood, Preston. Pigeons .- Mr. J. H. Framo, Overton, Carluke. Canaries: Mr. G. Creig, Edinburgh ; and Mr. J. Mitchell, Perth. LEEK ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S SHOW. The third annual Exhibition of Cage Birds, Fowls, and Rabbits took place in the Temperance Hall, Leek, on December 29th. The Committee made choice of a very happy time for holding their Show, it being the annual fair day, on which particular occasion many Staffordshire lads and lasses assemble for the purpose of " hiring " for the future twelve months. In consequence of this influx into the town many delighted themselves with a visit to the Show room. There were several pens of Game Fowls exhibited, and the first honours were gained with a pen of Black-breasted Reds, belonging to Mr. C. Heath. Mr. W. Carter took a first prize with a pen of Black Spanish, and Mr. V. Poole took the first prize with a pen of Black Red Game Bantams. For a pen of Bantams, irrespective of breed, Mr. Wm. Tippler won the first prize. The Rabbits exhibited were good, and numbered about a dozen entries. The prize for the Rabbit having the greatest number of points was won by Mr. W. Hall, and the heaviest Rabbit belonging to Mr. Charles Keats gained first honours. The following are the prizes awarded to the Cage Birds : — CANAnres. — Belgians (Clear Yellow). — 1, J. Austin. 2, H. Austin. 3,J. Yates. Belgian* (Clear Buff).— ] and 2, J. Yates. Lizard (Golden-spangled).— 1, J. Yates. Lizards (Silver-spangled).— 1, J. Austin. 2. H. Austiu. Coppv or Crested— 1, J. Austin. 2, H. Austin. Norwich H'le.ir Y, How — 1. J. Yates 2. H. Austin. 3, "VY. Carter. 4, J. Hassells. N~orj;ich(C\ ir Buff).— 1, J. Yates 2,J.Austin. S,W. Carter. 4, J. Hassells. Norm ted .. ll.nv).— 1 and 2, J. Yates. 3, H. Austin. Norwich (Crested Buff ).— 1. T. l • i, : .i,..,n 1, S. Gaddings. Judge. — Mr. Geo. J. Barneshy, Derby. THE GLASGOW PIGEON SHOW (North British Coltjmearian Society's). (Continued from page 19.) THE POUTER CLASSES— Continued. Haying in our last reviewed the Blue Pied and Black Pied Pouters, we now claim attention for the Yellow Pied classes. Not many years ago Yellow Pied cocks were very scarce ; but the attention bestowed on this colour is now so fully rewarded that they may compete on level terms with any of the standard varieties. In a class of more than average merit, Mr. Montgomery took first prize, and also a high commendation with a slightly hog-backed bird— a fault always to be ■sedulously avoided, for no more disastrous defect can befall a Pouter. His unnoticed bird was very lengthy in limb, and had figured pro- minently in last year's prize list. Mr. Ruthven, the indefatigable Secretary, succeeded as second. And why may not secretaries in the hands of honourable judges compete for prizes'? To Mr. Ruthven on this occasion is due the credit of showing the best-coloured bird in the class ; a bird, too, in other respects comparing favourably with several of its competitors. The depth and metallic lustre of the colour were especially apparent in the hackle ; the markings were good, excepting a foul feather or two m the bib, but the limb was, perhaps, open to the exception, in common with several birds in this year's Show, of being a trifle short in the lower joint. It is refreshing to notice that a gentleman who, in the late plumage controversy rather sided with the non-plumage breeders, is himself coming to the front with notable colour and markings. Mr. Volckman claimed the third prize with a bird of extraordinary size and crop, but doing its properties no justice, being so terribly out of show. Like many large- cropped birds, he seemed too lazy to display himself, but stood sulkily on his bl'ock with pendant crop and milled feather till the last few hours of the Exhibition. His very stout stocking-hooted limbs, if somewhat short, are so well set and proportioned as to harmonise thoroughly with bis great size, and they carry his huge crop when fully inflated to advantage. Mr. Rose was so fortunate as to take the second prize in the young cock class with a hen— a thick coarse bird, gay in crop and weak in colour, but so far meritorious as succeeding against cocks. By far the best young cock in an otherwise meagre class was No. 83, shown by Mr. Ure — a very taking bird of extremely erect carriage, compact form, grooved back, and neat girth, with limbs of the right class, stocking-booted and nicely set, but somewhat short for his length of feather ; in colour fair, and bibbing good, but with a crop of inferior size and not starting sufficiently sharply from the breast. Several Yellow hens might be singled out for description ; but, briefly, the honours were allotted to Messrs. Montgomery, Volckman, M. Stuart, Wallace, and Ure. Mr. Ure'B first-prize young class bird (No. 89), we think, will prove to be a cock ; but by way of compen- sation his excellent and almost faultless specimen, No. 337 or 338, was not noticed. Some unaccountable mistake must have occurred in the judgment of the old class, Mr. Montgomery's comparatively inferior bird, No. 327, taking not only first prize, bnt the medal for the best hen in the Show. Thick-shouldered, bull-eyed, washy in colour, gay in crop, this bird was beaten by several in its own class, to say nothing of the many immeasurably superior hens throughout the Hall. We imagine that it was placed first quite by oversight or accident, and then on the old-fashioned notion, that all other things being equal, a Yellow, because of its scarcity, is the superior bird, it was allotted the medal without further reference. But colour is a relative question, being in- fluenced by fashion, supply, and demand. Yellow for the time has ceased to be scarce, and all things being equal, a Red or a Black would be entitled to the pre-eminence ; Red in particular standing much in need of revival, not merely for its own sake, but as a means of further improvement to the Yellow strains. (To be continued.) THE HIMALAYAN RABBIT. I do not set much store by Mr. Hudson's conclusion (see page 535 of last volume) that hi3 Indian friend was talking of Himalayan Rabbits ; certainly there is nothing to justify it in what he has published in his letter. And as to his Shanghai authority, even if specimens were brought thence and identi- fied with ours, they would only show that the breed existed there also, not that it was originally wild or indigenous. Truly wild it cannot be, for as far as I know there is no wild albino race of any animal, and the red eyes of this Rabbit show that it is a true, though imperfect albino, and it may possibly have been imported from England and become feral. However, I know well how little reliance is to be placed upon the evidence of the great majority of persons upon the similarity of breed ; and with the highly respectable family of the " No Eyes " any slightly pied white Rabbit would be "just the same kind of Rabbit as yours, you know." I should be glad if Sir. Hudson could procure a skin of one of these Shanghai Rabbits. I sus- pect it will turn out to be no Himalayan ; and even if the breeds be the same, their independent existence in China and England cannot disprove the fact that they are originally a cross between Chinchilla and Silver-Grey, as has been proved by experiment here. — Duck wing. DR. PREUSS ON FOUL BROOD AND INFECTION. (Continued from Vol. XVII., page 537.) After the foregoing brief remarks on the natural history of the most minute forms of fungus, we come to the important question, How can their operations be arrested when they become mischievous? It has been proved by the moBt careful investigations that at the boiling point, 100° C. (212° F.), every fungus becomes in- capable of budding or of propagating itself, and that it is indeed effectually killed. This fact is already well known and acted upon in househald economy. In order to preserve vege- tables, fruits, etc., we first cook them, and thus destroy every- thing like fungus-cells which may exist either in or near them. If the vessels containing them are now hermetically sealed, no new fungoid elements can enter, and the preserves are safe against fermentation and mildew. Hallier cites the following experiment, which proves irre- fragably that fermentation is conditional upon the presence of fungoid elements. He boils a solution of sugar with the ad- dition of some nitrogenous substance and pours it into two flask3. To the first nothing is added, to the second some fungoid elements only, and both bottles are hermetically closed. The first bottle remains perfectly clear, the second thickens, and fermentive fungus forms in and on the fluid, whilst the sugar becomes decomposed. Thus it is seen that the fungoid elements immediately commenced the process of reproduction in the second flask, which by their absence was rendered impossible in the first. January 13, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 37 Alcohol operates destructively on these lower forms of vege- tation by depriving them of water. Animal or vegetable sub- stances are, therefore, protected from the effects of fungi by being immersed in alcohol. Lastly, there are many ways, which will be described further on, in which these low fungoid forms may be destroyed, and which will in this manner check every process of fermentation and all putridity arising from it. Relying on these experiments and investigations, the theory nf foul brood may be briefly stated as follows : — Foul brood is the death and putrefaction of sealed and un- sealed brood. We distinguish the infectious from the non- infectious form. With non-infectious foul brood the bees die in the larval stage : they remain unsealed and dry up to a grey crust, which is tolerably easy of removal. This kind arises generally from the brood becoming chilled in cold weather, when the bees shrink together and leave the outer comba uncovered. Infectious and virulent foul brood first kills the bees when in the nymphoid stage, although, undoubtedly, they are diseased earlier. The sealed ohrysalis changes after a time into a brown paste or yeast like substance. The cell-cover sinks and shows generally a minute perforation. It is probable that this small hole is formed by escaping gases, which break through the cover at this place because it is here last closed, and this is, therefore, the weakest spot. We may readily satisfy ourselves that gases are developed in the cells during the fermentive or putrefactive process by keeping foul-broody combs by us for some time. Taken fresh from the hive the cells appear filled with matter ; after some days we find this either sunk to the bottom or covering only one side of the cells, which appear nearly empty. The foul-broody matter dries at last to a black crust, which rests on the sides of the cells and falls eventually to the ground. The Nature of Foul Brood. — Infectious foul brood does not consist of ordinary putrefaction*, but is conditional upon the presence of the smallest fungoid forms in billionfold numbers. These belong to the primary types of fungus, Micrococcus and Cryptococcus, which are related to each other. These fungi increase by division and by gemmation or budding to an im- to a single first cause. Let us examine their statements some- what more closely. Honey which has become fermented, especially the American and Polish cask-honey, is with one consent named by all writers as the chief cause of foul brood. In the harvesting of all these inferior products it is well known that the brood is not care- fully separated from the honey, and consequently a nitrogenous substance is added to it, additional moisture is speedily imbibed and thus is the fermentation process at once set on foot. Fun- goid elements floating by thousands in the air immediately take the form of Cryptococcus in this mixture ; these begin their increase, and with it fermentation. In this way is Cryp- tococcus carried into the hive. It has lately been attempted to bring forward a new theory of foul brood, founded on the proposition that it arises from decomposed pollen, which, being mixed with honey and given as food to the brood, kills it. It has also been stated as a great novelty that pollen contains nitrogen — a fact which has never been doubted. It is plainly enunciated by Dzierzon ("Rational Bee-keeping," page 29), when he says, " The bees also show a desire for food containing nitrogen and albumen, and such for them is pollen." But the fact that decomposed pollen may produce foul brood is also at all events not new. Kalteich says (Berlepsch, " The Bee and Its Culture," second edition, 1809, page 202), " Combs of last year diffused a foul smell ; they were damp, and the pollen was mildewed. I gave these combs to three strong colonies, and all three became foul and perished." The fact that decomposed pollen when mixed with honey produces foul brood may, as we shall readily perceive, be traced back to this : that if a nitrogenous substance be mingled with honey and water the conditions of fermentation are fulfilled ; the Cryptococcus, everywhere floating in the air, enters into and multiplies in it, and thus with the fermenting honey enters as food into the hive. Thus it amounts to no greater novelty than this, that fermenting honey produces foul brood.* Who ever doubted that bees and brood could be poisoned by fer- menting and spoilt honey ? It has been stated at the ccmmencement that not only the Cryptococcus, but also the allied smaller, and generally the measurable extent, and are destructive by their wonderful power smallest fungoid form, the Micrococcus, is met with, and mul of multiplication. They transform the nitrogenous body of the j tiplies in a billionfold manner in foul-broody cells. Most pro larva into themselves, consume it, and at last take its place The infectious character of the disease rests simply and entirely upon the transmission of these forms of fungus to other hives. Whether foul brood is or is not virulent and infectious is proved by inoculating experiments : — I extracted foul-broody matter from the cells with a little horn spatula, and put it into a small medicine phial filled with distilled water. After shaking the bottle until the matter was dissolved, I corked it and stood it upside down. In a few days the Micrococcus cells, which are heavier than water, sank to the bottom. I now loosened the cork and let a little of the liquor, which I had examined under the microscope and found to con- tain masses of Micrococcus, flow into a small vessel which had been repeatedly washed with distilled water. I then took from a Dzierzon hive a comb containing young larvas, marked with four pins a space comprising twenty-five cells, and with a fine hair-pencil put into each cell a portion of the liquid containing the fungus. The larva; developed and changed into chrysalids, eighteen of which became foul-broody, whilst in seven the in- oculating matter proved powerless, and healthy bees hatched out. This experiment can easily be repeated. + The Micrococcus and Cryptococcus which produce foul brood spring from higher and probably different mildew blights and fungoid organisations, which are not as yet clearly identified. The various causes of foul brood which have been stated by different writers, and which are for the most part undoubtedly well-founded, are by these microscopically-proved facts reduced * By ordinary putrefaction we understand a whole series of chemical processes, partly of a very complex character, which take place in organic substances. It is always a process of reduction. The elements separate and reunite in fresh combinations, as, for instance, hydrogen and nitro- gen become ammonia, &c. We understand decomposition to be a process of oxidation — the combination of oxygen with the elements already present. Ordinary putrefaction is quite distinct from the specific putre- faction produced by parasites. Specific*putrefaetion exists in milk-fever, and in the mucous membrane of the intestines during cholera. Ordinary putrefaction attacks bodies protected from the oxygen of the air —as for example in the grave— decomposition when they are exposed to the air. + Thoae who see nothing in foul brood beyond ordinary putrefaction, are perfectly unable to explain how the disease spreads from one hive to another. bably it is in the form of the contents of the spores of many fungoid and mildew formations that foul-brood fungus enters the hive. Whether all or only some of the fungoid and mildew forma- tions are capable of producing foul brood by the contents of their spores has yet to be investigated and established by scien- tific experiments. The culture of the discovered Micrococcus granules in the manner previously described will identify the mother plant. The theory that Micrococcus reaches the hive through the contents of fungus spores, explains many remarkable pheno- mena. Holler, of Schroth, 1CG0, page 25, says, "In many years the blossoms of trees are actually poisoned by dew and fog, so that the bees become ill." Hoffmann Brand says in the German Bee Journal, 1856, page 04, "The pollen appears greasy in foul-broody hives, and contains a kind of fermenta- tion, which arises from poisonous dews." Berlepsch says (2nd edition, page 203), " In a conversation which I had with Dzierzon in 1855, he was disponed to assent to the idea of poisonous dews when he said to me, ' I think I have frequently observed this in my own neighbourhood, especially during the time of the tree blossom, and foul brood may'well arise from it ; at least, these poisonous dews are mostly the cause of the so-called vertigo.' " What, then, are these poisonous dews and fogs? Nothing but the fall of fungoid mildew and fever spornles, which, multiplying billionfold, naturally float in the atmosphere. In many years these develope themselves in immense numbers as uni-cells — as, for example, the smut in earn (Uredo segetum) — and in this way every form may readily present itself. We may thus perceive that the observations of distinguished naturalists, however inexplicable they may at first appear, are in the end invariably confirmed by science. One instance among others, showing that dew and showers precipitate microscopic vegetable atoms to the earth, is afforded by the so-called sulphur rain. Many years ago, I had myself an opportunity of observing this phenomenon, and proved by microscopic examination that the supposed sulphur was nothing * The results of the commissio and every significance after this. t appointed to test this theory lose all 38 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. I January 13, 1870. but the pollen of the fir tree. There are but small plantations of firs in our neighbourhood, so that it appears that the pollen must have come from a considerable distance. It is not impossible that the spores of the ordinary brush- mildew may be capable of producing foul brood without having attained the Cryptococcua form by fermentation. It is true that mildew is "frequently found in hives, especially in the spring, whilst foul brood is comparatively of rare occurrence. Still, it is always suspicious, and the question can only be decided by experiment.— Dr. Pbbuss, Sanitdttrath, (To be continued.) OUR LETTER BOX. Costmitteemen Exhibiting.— We have so many letters on this subject that we must decline inserting any more. One letter "demands" our opinion, and. though not courteously asked, wo readily give it. The principle " I om l advocates is correct, for if committeemen did not exhibit one cause of suspicion of unfairness would be avoided, but if committeemen were not allowed to exhibit a large proportion of shows would not be held. It is a justified pride to excel in one's own neigh- bourhood, and most rare are the occasions whon a committeeman dares to trv to influence a judge, and quite as rare is the event of a judge being base'enouL'b to be so influenced. We havo seen a letter from "Egomet ' to Mr L Wright in an- w<-r to one from the latter. It disclaims all per- sonality, and we would have published both, for they do credit to each writer/if we had not been convinced that the controversy had better cease. Books (A. OX— There is no separate work on Game fowls by any one. "The Poultry Keepers' Manual" includes Game fowls, and has a coloured drawing of a Black-breasted Game cock and hen. It can be had from our office, price 7s. Gd. Paying Prizes {Jack).— If a poultry exhibition is conducted as it ought to be the prizes should be paid within a week. Many committees pay them during the show. As the secretary has not answered yonr letter, and the exhibition took place a month since, write to him again, and say that if yon are not paid forthwith you will sue him in the County Court, and if he does not reply satisfactorily carry out your threat. Whitehaven Poultry Show. — We are requested to state Jhat the second prize for young Spanish at this Show was awarded to Mr. P. H. Jones, of Fulham, and not to Mr. Brierley, whose birds were absent. Brahmas out of Condition {Dark Brahma).— Your feeding seems judicious, but your birds are evidently out of condition. Take the perch away for a day or two. Purge both the birds thoroughly, and give the cock a stimulant in the form of beer. You will also do well to give the cock camphor morning and evening, a pill the size of a garden pea for each dose. Breeding Silkies (Constant Reader).— Breed from the rose-combed, bearded, and crested birds. They should have metalhc-hlue faces, and blue skins and legs. Very good specimens should be five-clawed. Breeding Fowls for Egg-producing (Extra Cock).— "We advise you to keep either a Brahma or a Cochin cock. They are good stock-getters, very hardy, and do well in confinement. White Dorking Bantams [Dorking Bantam). — We have as yet seen none of them. They will be unquestionably curious, but we are not sure we shall admire them. We cannot reconcile to ourselves the merit of reducing to a fancy that which is an important feature in the valuable properties of a breed— viz . size. As yet only one Bantam has succeeded, except the Game, that is the Cochin, but either the monopolists wish to keep them to themselves, or they are difficult to keep up, for they do not seem to increase in numbers. Game Feathers (An Amateur). — There is nothing in the feathers to disqualify a bird shown in a class for "Black-breasted and other Reds." We speak as to colour The limp, long, and poor feather would hardly come from a first-prize bird, unless ho was successful where the com- petition was very small indeed. Redundancy of plumage, whether in hackles, saddle, or tail, is an evil in a Game cock. Pullets not Laying — Fowls' Dung as Manure (P. B. N.).— Your pullets must lay. Either they eat their eggs, or they are otherwise dis- posed of— that is, providing they have recovered from their diarrhoea. The snuffling is the result of the cold and changeable weather. Youmay advantageously alter the feeding by giving three meals per day— viz., barley in the morning, barley for one succeeding meal, barley meal for the other, changing according to convenience. At this time of year, when there is little natural food, you must feed three times a-day. Before we can possibly answer your letter we should know the age of the cock. If he was hatched in April or May he is quite fit to put with hens. At this time of year he sbou d not have more than four, but as the weather improves the number may be increased. The manure from fowls is unequalled for rose culture, and, like guano, excellent for most garden crops, when mixed with twice its quantity of earth. By itself it is strong enough to be injurious. Confining Hamburghb (C. F. W.).—Ii the space enclosed be small, a netting 8 feet high may enclose Hamburgh fowls, but if it be large they will assuredly fly over it. Cover the top. The Brahma cock will not be in any way injured. Hen's Intestines Swelled (Constant Subscriber).— All the symptoms yon mention can be produced by injury of the spine, difficulty in laying an egg, or stoppage of the bowele. The first and the last are bad cases and not worth trying to cure ; the second is easily treated. It merely requires to have a wing-feather dipped in oil and passed gently down the egg-passage till it meets the egg. This latter moves as soon as the feather touches it, and the passage being thoroughly lubricated the egg finds an easy exit. Do not attempt to assist nature' by giving just the idea of a squeeze or push ; the shell is very weak while in the bird, and if broken it makes all three cases hopeless, so far as cure is con- cerned. Points of Dark Brahma Pootras (Irish Subscriber).— Dark Brahmas Should have pea-combs and pencilled plumage, all except the neck, the latter black and white striped, no vulture-hocks, yellow legs and well feathered. The cocks should have pea-combs, black or black and white speckled breasts, light almost white hackle ami saddle, and black tails. Both should be large, and should have well-feathered yellow legs. Vnlture-hocks are feathers growing down below the knee-joint, and pro- jecting outwards. Long-faced Blue Beards (Antwerp).— The Short-faced Beards were bred from the L.ong-faced originally, as were all Short-faced Tumblers from their longer-faced brethren, but now for many years the two breeds have been quite distinct. We suspect a dash of Antwerp blood or Skinnum blood in the best flying Beards. They are rather coarse Pigeons, but useful. Blue Rock Doves (B. H. Creswell).—A.s you have hitherto tried in vain to procure these birds, an advertisement in our columns would bring them if they are to be had. Now is an excellent time to settle them, as they would breed directly. BEES (Id' hi). — As yon think the price of the hives you mention is too great, you could procure bees from some bee-keeping cottager at a cheaper rate. It must be borne in mind that inventors who have patented their inventions have been at great expense, to say nothing of the ingenuity and skill they have exercised. Good things are always expensive. Tortoise Dying (Idem). — We have kept many, but all soon died. Yonr treatment was what is always recommended. A few tortoises appear to live a long time, at least we have heard of such, but the life of the majority is in England but brief. Tying Comes in Frames.— "Will 'J. B.,' of Morton, please to say how he tied combs firmly into frames'? as I have always used thin slips of wood and tacks, but think string better if the combs can be tied firmly as it could be more easily removed. — R. H.'' Early Broods of Canaries tF. TearU).—" Snch instances of early nidification are not unusual. Where birds are kept in a ionm in which a tolerably warm temperature is maintained— in a kitchen for instance, they are suro to become ' fresh,' at or about the close of the year, hens in particular. Mr. Nicholson, Inspector of the Sunderland Constabulary, has at the present time five young ones more than a fortnight old, line lusty birds; a ben sitting on four full eggs, nud a third sitting on two. For my own part I do not wish to see any young ones till the hens can see to feed at five or six o'clock in the morning. — W. A. Blakston." Breeding Parroquets (Old Boh Ridley).— In a cage nearly twice as large as, and similar to a Canary's breeding-cage, with a wire front only, place at one end a rough box covered with dry moss to represent an old stump. Have a hole large enough to allow the birds easy access ; place a small tray or half a cocoa-nut shell inside, containing the nest already shaped, composed of dry moss, grass, and wool, similar to that which Canaries build with, with some loose in th^cage, or in lieu of a box the outer shell of a cocoa-nut (the thick fibre part after the nut has been taken out), with a hole cut in one side large enough to admit the bird. Place the cage in a rotired situation. The food should consist of Canary seed, millet, and oats mixed; also green food, such as groundsel, water- cresses, and chickweed, occasionally. When they have young add boiled egg and maw seed, and when long grass is in seed let them have a hunch of it hung up. We would advise their being put into the cage at once in der to get accustomed to it. Practical Work on Eee Culture (A Subscriber).— Taylor's "Bee- keeper's Manual," published by Groombridge & Sons. Our opinion of Mr. Pagden's pamphlet was fully stated in The Journal of Horticulture of May 6th, 1869. Thermometer in a Nutt's Hive (UiJinytoi^.—'WQ do not deem a ther- mometer at all essential to the successful working of a collateral hive. If the glass of the window be put in from the outside, the omission might probably be supplied without much difficulty; if otherwise, we think that l if successful, the job would entail more trouble than it is worth. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— Jasuabx 12. It is difficult to find any change worth noting, for all our operations are on a limited scale, and the only articles which change hands to any extent are the rough produce from the open ground. Among forced pro- duce may be mentioned Asparagus and Rhubarb. The Potato trade is dull at last week's prices. FRUIT. Apples * sieve S 0 to 5 0 Apricots doz. 0 0 0 0 Cherries lb. 0 0 0 0 Chestnuts bushel 8 0 14 0 Currants i sieve 0 0 0 0 Black do. 0 0 0 0 Figs doz. 0 0 0 0 Filberts lb. 0 6 10 Cobs lb. 0 6 0 9 Gooseberries quart 0 0 0 0 Grapes. Hothouse.... lb. 3 0 CO Lemons *H0u 6 0 10 0 MelonB each 2 0 8 0 s. d. s. d Mulberries quart 0 OtoO 0 Nectarines doz. 0 0 0 0 Oranges v* 100 Peaches doz. u Pears, kitchen doz. 2 dessert doz. 3 Pine Apples l.i. 3 Plums j sieve 0 Quinces doz. 0 Kasub.-rries lb. 0 strawberries... .... ...lb. 0 Walnuts bnsli.l 10 do 1*100 1 VEGETABLES. Artichokes doz. 3 OtoO 0 Asparagus V 100 10 0 0 0 Beans. Kidney do, Cabbage doz. Capsicums ^100 Carrots bunch Cauliflower doz. Celery bundle Coleworts..doz. bunches Cucumbers each pickling doz. Endive doz. Fennel bunch Garlic Leeks bunch Let'uee score Mushrooms pottle Mustard & Cress. .punnet 0 9 10 Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Radishes .. doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle . basket 2 0 3 0 lb. 0 0 0 C . bushel 2 0 3 0 doz. 0 0 0 0 January 20, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Month Day of Week. JANUARY 20—26, 1870. Average Tempera- ture near London. Rain in last 43 years. Sun Rises. Sun Sets. Rises. Moon Sets. Moon's Age. Clock Sun. Day of Year. 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Th F s Sun M Tn W Meeting of Royal and Linnean Societies, [8.30 p.m. s scnday after epiphany. An. Meet, of Entomological So., 7 p.m., and [Meet, of Royal Geographical So., 8 30 P.M. Meeting of the Society of Arts, 8 p.m. Day. 42 4 42.9 43.1 42.6 43.1 43.4 45.5 Night 3U.6 32.0 82.8 82.4 82.1 82.3 32.3 Mean. 36.5 87.5 37.7 87.5 37.6 37.9 38.9 15 ' 20 18 18 19 21 20 m. h. 56af7 65 7 64 7 53 7 52 7 51 7 50 7 m. h. I m. h. 26 af 4 I 14 8 28 4 \ 35 9 SO 4 1 54 10 82 4 morn. S3 4 14 0 34 4 31 1 36 4 48 2 m. h. 41 af 9 6 10 32 10 55 10 19 11 45 11 16 0 Dnvs. 18 19 20 21 c 23 24 11 19 11 36 11 52 12 8 12 22 12 38 12 49 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 From observations taken near London during the last forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 43 3- ; and it3 night temperature 32.0°. The greatest heat was 56=, on the 25th, 1846 ; and 27th, 1861 ; and the lowest cold 15°, on the 25th, 1855. The greatest fall of rain was 0.90 inch. AUCUBAS. AND THEIR CULTURE. HE old Aucuba japonica. with large, bold, yellowish-green leaves, blotched and dotted irregularly with yellow, is familiar to every- one ; it has long held a high position as a shrub, and as a gold-leaved one is inferior only to the Holly; and there is no other shrub with golden foliage that can be com- pared to it for general usefulness. Undoubt- edly the finest of all yellow or gold-variegated shrubs are the Hollies, but Hollies to do well require open or but very slightly shaded situations, whilst the Aucuba will grow almost anywhere and in any way. It will grow under the shade of large trees, forming a good- sized bush or shrub, where the Holly, Yew. Laurel, Privet, Rhododendron, and other evergreens have ceased to pre- serve their existence ; indeed, in this respect it excels all shrubs, always excepting the Periwinkles and the Ivy. I may here mention that Skimmia japonica under the shade of trees has beautiful dark-green leaves, and in winter is literally loaded with bunches of red berries, thriving in any confined shaded border. In the next place, the Aucuba having very fibrous though fleshy roots, may be transplanted at almost any period with safety, it being hardly possible to remove it without a good ball; and unless the roots are very much reduced in the endeavour to take away the soil or lighten the plant, it may be transplanted as well in May and throughout the summer as at any other time. It may be removed as often as we please, if only care be taken to preserve a ball, and supply the plant with water in dry weather. Old plants can be removed as readily, or even better, than young plants. On account of the facility with which this shrub can be frequently transplanted uninjured, it is, as Mr. Robson told us but recently, one of the very best for giving to flower beds and borders a furnished appearance in winter. Again. in smoky town gardens in which few evergreens thrive, I might almost say it luxuriates, but I shall rest content with stating that amidst smoke and dust it is almost the only evergreen that is able to keep pace with the times and place. Other rivals it may have, as Rhododendrons, which, though they withstand smoke quite as well, are not so enduring of wind, and in a border or group of deciduous trees and shrubs are about as useless as anything can be for underwood ; but there the Aucuba flourishes, and be- comes even more beautifully green. And it is not colour we need in town gardens, but Nature's eye-relieving green, for which every town denizen pants, and towards which he hastens as often as his means and pursuits will allow. I might enlarge still more on the merits of the Aucuba as a useful and ornamental shrub, but since the intro- duction of the male Aucuba. the old variety (for I cannot look upon any variegated-leaved plant as being other than a variety or sport from a green-leaved species i will have many rivals ; though as a free, vigorous, and distinct variety its place will not be easily taken, especially now that we are enabled to see it decked in rubies — not all winter, as some would have us believe, bearing clusters No. 160.— Vol. Xvrrr., New Semes of oblong, tolerably large, orange or red berries ; for up to Christmas they have scarcely any colour, and in a green state are no great ornament. About that time, however, the berries begin colouring, and up to June they enhance the plant's beauty. With the production of berries we have a succession of comparatively small growth, for the vital forces of the plant are concentrated on the per- fection of the berries ; the shoots are shorter, less strong, and shorter-jointed, and the leaves smaller, and not half so handsome. Like the Pear on the Quince, and the Apple on the Paradise stock, a sudden and in some cases early puberty shows itself to be the greatest of all checks to growth, and in no plant have I seen so decided an instance as in the Aucuba. As regards growth, and the beauty of an Aucuba's foliage, I think it would have been well had the male Aucubas been left for an indefinite time in Japan. But are the plants not more beautiful in berry ? Granting that they are so, it remains to be seen whether our feathered friends will not take the additional beauty we anticipate in the berried Aucuba. I feel tole- rably certain the berries must form a not unsavoury meal to the blackbird and others of the feathered tribe, and that our beautified Aucubas will be in future, as they are at present, pretty only as novelties in structures to which birds have not admission. Any danger there might he of the growth of the Aucuba being' interfered with by allowing the plants to bear an unlimited quantity of berries, can undoubtedly be prevented by going over the plants after flowering, and removing the seed vessels as done in the case of Rhododendrons and other plants. Whilst we could remove the seed vessels from plants which we wish to have clad with vigorous foliage, those on which berries are desired could be left without any removal of the seed vessels after flowering. The new varieties of Aucuba must be regarded as among the greatest of acquisitions. I see very little good in the introduction of the male variety merely on the ground that because we have it our old Aucuba will be beautified with berries. For reasons already given, I consider the Aucubas as shrubs we value for their foliage and free growth, and far more handsome when unberried than berried. There are other and far greater results to be looked for from the introduction of the male in addition to the female variety. In town gardens a want has long existed of a shrub of moderate growth to take a position occupied at present only by some dreary deciduous shrubs. Something is wanted to give warmth, and relieve the monotony of frowning deciduous shrubs, or the glaring white or red of town-garden surroundings. What is wanted is a shrub that in town gardens would be to them what Laurels are to gardens in the country. This I think We have in the green-leaved Aucubas. Some of them are of a bright green, vigorous, and handsome growth, and must in a few years find their way into every town garden ; and in those where the Rhododendron, from peculiarity of soil, does not grow, they will have a hearty welcome. Indeed, judging from what has already been accomplished with the new kinds, and. mainly by the introduction of the male No. 1112.— Vol. XLIIL, Old Series. a JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ January 20, 1870. variety, we may expect to find Aucubas forming quite a fea- ture of our future gardening, and especially town gardening. Already we have many beautiful varieties, both male and female, all of which seem to be equally hardy with the common sort, and I have no doubt of the new kinds receiving an equal share of our attention. The kinds that I have seen most of are : — .1 ..,. '. — Green leaves ; distinct and fine. Male. A. japoni mascu elegans. — Leavos of a plain green, with an irregular golden blotch in the centre, having a deeply-toothed margin. Male. A. japoti ' solor. — Large green leaves, with an irregular stripe of whitish yellow along the centre. TZ^. f. japo -Rather long narrow green leaves. Male. A.japonica limhata. — Leaves with a broad white stripe in the centre, equal in width to about one-third of the leaf ; the margin of the leaf green. It is by far the finest of all the variegated-leaved sorts. . — Leaves green, longer and narrower than in most varieties. It is of elegant growth, and one of the best of the green-leaved sorts. The leaves are deeply serrated. ' /' vudaica. — Leavos bold, serrated, and bright glossy green ; very free in growth. This and the preceding are in my opinion the (future ' Laurels of town gardens." A. japouva /'>,, *.,,:>. — Green leaves, being, perhaps, the original of the common variety, now known as A. maculata, and, like it, bearing a profusion of coral-red berries. i'.^S? A.japor, -- — Broad, plain green leaves, notched~with shallow teeth ; very distinct and handsome from foliage aloni A.j'iponi', Li'cta. — Leaves with a broad blotch of yellow in the centre, and an irregular margin of green ; edges coarsely serrated. Male. A.japonica vera. — Leaves of a bright dark green. Apparently a highly-ornamental shrub. A. japonica grandis. — Leaves very large, deeply and irregularly serrated, and of a beautiful dark green. Female. A.japonica marmorata, — Leaves deeply toothed, bright deep green, spotted all over with yellow ; very fine. Female. Excepting A. limbata, there is none of the variegated sorts equal to the old kind, and as a berry-bearer it is most prolific. All the varieties named are, however, well worthy of cultiva- tion ; and such green-leaved kinds a6 A. longifolia, himalaica, and grandis cannot, in my opinion, he too extensively propa- gated, as they are certain to be in great demand for town gardens. All Aucubas are readily increased from cuttings put in under a cold frame, from the end of August to the end of September, in sandy soil, and kept close, shaded, and protected from frost by a covering of mats in severe weather. The best cuttings are those of the current year's growth, with a small portion or heel of the two-year-old wood. By the following autumn they will be rooted, when they may be removed and planted. Any riot rooted may be again put in under the frame. They should have air in mild weather, drawing off the lights, but protection from heavy rains and from frost. During bright days keep on the lights, but shade and admit air by tilting the lights. After Apiil the lights may be withdrawn. Water as required in summer. Propagation by cuttings, answering as it does well for the old kind, is too slow a process for increasing the stock of the new varieties. These should be worked on the common kind. Every eye will make a plant in about half the time that we could hope for from a cutting of a length sufficient to form half a dozen grafts ; and when we find that half a dozen plants in place of one can thus be obtained, and in less time, no one can fail to see the advantage of grafting as compared to propagation by cuttings. The grafting is a very simple process. Place in 4 or 6-inch pots as many plants of the oom- mon Aucuba as are wanted. Their stems should be clean, and in thickness about half that of the little finger. Place them in a cold frame, and this being done early in September, the plants will be ready for grafting in six weeks, and will continue fit for use up to March. Being in a frame, the stocks are always in condition. The best time for operating is, probably, in autumn, after growth ceases, and the wood has become firm, and early in spring before the scions commence growth. The branch is cut into lengths of an eye each in a slanting direc- tion from the back of each eye or leaf, and about half an inch above it, preserving the top or growing point also for a graft after the shoot has been out up into as many lengths as there are eyes with joints far enough apart. An inch, or an inch and half, is quite long enough. Care must be taken of the leaf from each eye, or rather each leaf, at the base of which is a bud. The scions are put on the stocks quite close to the surface of the soil, and as shown in the accompanying wood- cut. This method is a sort of side-grafting, as the head of the stock is not cut away until the grafts show, by their growing, that the union is effected; then it is cut off close to the soion. This is done when the eye of the scion begins to grow. The scion is se- curely tied with a strip of matting, taking care that the barks of scion and stock meet each other exactly on one, if not both sides. Set the plants in a frame placed inside a house from which frost is excluded, but no more, and daub the light or lights with a size of whiting and milk, which will give an agreeable shade. Keep the lights closed, and see that the plants have water as required. Do not give any air, or but a very little, in case of damp, until the scions begin to grow ; then by degrees ad- mit air, increasing the amount with the growth, and hardening-off gradu- ally. The grafts will make good plants in a year. Plants obtainedby graft- ing are just as good as those from cuttings, and when they are planted out the junction of the stock and scion should be co- vered with soil, and in due course a mass of fibres will be pn d iced from that part. Grafting, then, is not only the most speedy means of obtaining a stock of the new sorts, but on their own roots — strong, vigorous plants, and very many more of them. Producing berries, as the female varieties do freely, it is from these that we may look for new varieties, both green-leaved and variegated. The seeds are usually ripe in April or May. They may then be separated from the pulp, placed in dry sand for a few days, and afterwards sown in good, rich, light soil, cover- ing them from one-half to three-quarters of an inch with fine sandy soil. Set the pots in a cool greenhouse, cold pit, or frame, protecting them from sun by shading, and using mats as a covering in severe weather, the soil being kept moist, but not saturated. In the course of a year the plants will appear. When large enough to handle they may be potted-off and con- tinued in a cold greenhouse until established, and then planted out in the open ground, though they will grow more freely kept under glass for a time ; or planting out may be deferred until they become strong. However, as hardy plants, the less pampered they are the better. The novelty of treating them as pot plants will soon wear out. To save space, the berries may be kept in damp sand in a flower pot until the February after gathering, and may then be sown. The rage at present is all for berried Aucubas, which cer- tainly are fine ornaments for the greenhouse when bearing good clusters of their coral red berries. They are in season for decorative purposes from midwinter to spring, and from the great substance of the leaves they will stand in a cold room longer than many others, whilst in cold halls and rooms, and those not overlight, Aucubas are very useful, as tender plants cannot be placed there without injury, whereas the Aucuba will bear a three-months' sojourn without any great, if any, injury. Flowering, as the male does, several weeks or months before the female plant, we have to resort to artificial fer- tilisation. The female plants that are showing largely for flower should be taken up early in spring, or as they com- mence swelling the buds, and be placed in pots sufficiently large to hold their roots without cramping. They should then be set in a light, airy position in a cool house or pit. This will cause the female flowers to expand earlier, and the male plants being retarded by keeping them in a cool place, the January 20, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. & pollen may not be too much in advance of the female flowers. All that is necessary is to place the male plant in flower by the side of the female. One male will be sufficient for a good-sized houseful of female plants. It will not, however, be unwise, though not absolutely necessary, to fertilise the female flowers with those of the male. To do this the pollen of the male should be collected on a dry day, as it ripens, on sheets of clean white paper, and the fertilisation of the female flowers may be effected with a eamel's-hair pencil. This ought not to be attempted until the flowers are fully expanded. After fer- tilisation, when danger from frost is past, the plants should be plunged out of doors in an open, sheltered situation, returning them to the greenhouse or other cool house if wanted for orna- mental purposes, say in the beginning of November. If the female plants are not in flower when the pollen is ripe, all we have to do is to collect the pollen on clean white paper, place it in the sun for a few hours, keep it in a cool, dry place until the female flowers expand, and then use it. The pollen will keep for twelve months at least, if not longer ; prac- tically, thus males flowering in the greenhouse or out of doors in December, or early in the year, may be kept for the purpose of fertilisation until the females in the open ground are flower- ing in April or later. — G. Abbe*. POTATOES FOE SETS. [" L. W." must forgive us for not answering his question before, but we waited for a reply from a good authority, and the following is his answer.] I advise." L. W." to adopt a preparation for his seed Pota- toes which I strictly follow myself, and have for many years and many times recommended in these pages — namely, at lifting-time let him select medium-sized tubers of the sorts. Those we may consider as being scarcely arrived at their per- fectly mealy ripeness I have proved answer best as sets. Let them lay exposed on dry ground (in the shade preferably, for a hot sun will bake and blotch them as if with disease), till they become slightly greened ; and during this process, if they be turned once they will become greened equally all over. They should then be stored away, from that time till the day on which they are to be planted, npon wooden slabs formed into plat- forms. These may consist of old doors with laths nailed round their edges to secure the tubers from rolling off, as they are placed upon them in single layer3. These slabs, or doors, should be placed in a dry cellar, outhouse, or loft secure from frost, where a subdued light can gain admittance, and in a temperature averaging about 40°, the cooler the better, pro- vided it is kept above the freezing-point. When frosts prevail the tubers should be covered with matting, straw, or some- thing to insure their safety. About three weeks before planting time, possibly sooner, a3 that will depend entirely on the lowest degree of temperature, with light, in which the Potatoes have been kept, every eye or shoot, excepting the most prominent one situated nearest the crown of each tuber, should be carved out to the very base with a penknife, which will not only prevent an injurious amount of foliage afterwards, but will meet the very old- fashioned idea, still much resorted to in the north, of " snick- ing " off a piece from the base of each set before planting. If this be done the tubers when placed in the soil will already have healthy young shoots, almost as sturdy as one's little finger, as firmly attached as the limpet to the rock, and incapable of be- coming detached, unless by the roughest treatment. From this single sprout three or four sturdy stems will branch out, and bear a fine and an even-sized abundant crop, with a flourishing though not an over-luxuriant foliage; thus amply compensating for the extra care and trouble, besides the advantage of insuring the maturity of the crop some three weeks sooner than the usual enervated sets can be made to do. Common sense, one would hope, must show almost anyone that the seed-sets treated as above are far more to be depended upon than those usually committed to the soil, after having been tumbled about any- where, probably from the time they were taken up till they are " chucked " into the soil again with scarcely a tithe of their natural stamina, on account of the " sproutings " they have undergone, and possibly to be then slashed into pieces, and placed in furrows with raw dung. The seed Potatoes prepared as above may be planted later by fully three weeks, as no time is lost, in consequence of their having young shoots which are ready to begin to cater with the roots at once. The young shoots begin seeking for the light of day immediately after the sets are planted, which is not the case with sets placed in the soil without shoots, and by so much we avoid the evil of planting too early in cold, wet, back- ward soils, situations, and seasons. Further, by reason of the shoots which we know of, we avoid altogether the possibility of the " club ". on shootless tubers. We must not, however, shut our eyes to extensive breadths, or to where circumstances alter cases. The motto of one of our best Potato cultivators, the Rev. W. K Radclyffe, is repeated to me in a letter which I have just received from him—" Early planting, early ripeners, and late keepers,'' than which no advice could be better if tbe frosts in the ides of May could be warded off. " Ah ! there's the rub." If I were to plant my main crop of Potatoes about the 17th of the present month ^January), which Mr. Radclyffe informs me he intends doing, there would be nine chances out of ten of my crop being killed down by frost in the " lap of May." Sevenfold irijury would thus be done to me in consequence of the forwardness of the haulm arising from early planting. Thrice I have had my Potato tops killed "black down" in June. In southern counties, warm situa- tions, and light and sandy soils, and in a climate, such as Mr. Radclyfie's beautiful Dorsetshire, plant early by all means, and then, of course, previously germinated sets in the way that I have stated above could not be ready, nor would it matter ; but even in this case I would leave but a couple of eye3 to each tuber, and pull away one of the shoots as soon as it appeared above ground, provided both of them pushed healthy and strong. No, I dare not plant till the first or second week in April, nor eventually let the foliage take its chance uncovered from soil, without great anxiety, until the second week in May is past, and then they grow rapidly. Therefore, I say, Plant early if you can or dare do so, and always " early ripeners and late keepers ;" and from what many people have seen, and others have heard, I do not think I may be called an unsuccessful cultivator of the Potato. — Koberi Fehn. PITMASTON DUCHESS PEAR. I have frequently been tempted to write to you with reference to a most excellent Pear which I met with quite by accident, and which, I think, is not generally known, but I read in your paper of January Cth an account of the Pitmaston Duchess, and I believe it to be the same Pear. I was staying at Malvern some three or four years ago in November, and I bought some Pears of unusual size and flavour ; they had tender melting flesh, and, indeed, possessed all the good qua- lities of a Pear of the highest class. I inquired the name of it from the fruiterer, and he replied that it had no name, but as it had been raised by Mr. Williams, he himself distinguished it as " Williams's Goliath." I was so well satisfied with the qualities of the Pear, which resembled Marie Louise more than any other, that I asked the owner of the trees to sell me some. I bought two, for which I paid rather highly ; but one was a large tree — a standard, at least 8 feet high. They were planted very late in spring, but the large tree, to my delight, broke out in one large sheet of bloom. It was impossible the tree could carry many Pears that year, but four came to ma- turity. The next year it bore a few, and they were very large, and of exquisite flavour. This last season the tree was covered with bloom, but the late frosts in this county (Cheshire), killed the bloom on most of the standard Pear trees. This suffered badly, but matured a few Pears, and I considered them quite equal to Marie Louise, and far better than any other Pear I can grow in this climate. I tried to buy more trees, but my correspondent at Malvern told me he had sold all his stock to Messrs. Smith, of Worcester, and J. believe they have named the Pear " Duchess Improved," or Pitmaston Duchess. I have given away hundreds of grafts, and believe growers of it will agree with me that it quite justifies all the encomiums you have passed upon it. — F. H. C. A HINT FOR YOUNG GARDENERS. I was very much pleased to read the chapter for young gardeners in your issue of the 30th ult., when I saw the ques- tion, "What are you doing these winter evenings'?" Allow me to add that one thing is not properly looked after by young men, and that is keeping an account of their work. Doing so I find very useful. One of Blackwood's " Scribbling Diaries " costs only Is., and I would advise every young man to have one, and keep it properly, writing down every night the work 12 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Jannary 20, 1870. of the day. It|is all needed for after-knowledge. Let na each try to maintain the standard of horticulture, and work with a will, looking to those above us to lead us on. We in our turn, when they shall have fulfilled their mission, may take their places ; but let us hope that the leading horticulturists may long be spared us, and to write their experience in " our Journal." — W. R. T., Howie*. A NEW WARM FRAME. When the scribbling fit is upon me, which generally happens when my wife is from home, I often think if there is anything I can tell the readers of " our Journal " that is likely to be of interest to them. One of my friends tells me that certainly no knowledge will die with me, for I tell all I know. Never mind : if anyone is pleased with what I write, that is enough ; to impart an idea is the next best thing to receiving one, as to see a hungry man eat is the pleasure which is most nearly allied to eating when one is hungry. I have two new frames which so perfectly answer their pur- pose that I think some will be glad to have their attention directed to them. The lights are hung on pegs in place of hinges, so that they can be taken off to paint or for any other purpose. Those who know how often hinges break and rust through, and how inconvenient it is to paint fast lights, will see the advantage of this mode of hanging them. A 4-inch pipe runs quite round each frame, connected with a hothouse, and furnished with a valve, so the plants are secure from frost. The frames are filled with cocoa-nut refuse a foot in thickness, in which the plants are plunged to the rims of the pots. But the greatest improvement is that each frame is furnished with a moveable ridge, so that ventilation can be given instantly without opening a light. Though my frames are each 100 feet long, a few turns of a wheel will lift each ridge with the greatest ease. The advantages are obvious. The plants are near the glass, and can receive air without cold draughts of wind blow- ing upon them. Then, again, the pots being plunged in cocoa- nut fibre, there is no evaporation from the pot sides, and they do not want water once a-fortnight, except a few plunged close to the pipes. The saving of labour during a long winter is more than most people can imagine who do not know what it is to water carefully thousands of plants, or even to open and shut the lights of such large frames. But this saving of labour is not the chief advantage ; the increased health and beauty of the plants are so apparent that the fact is remarked by all who see them. Tricolor Pelargoniums look more as if it were summer than midwinter, and green-leaved varieties are as bushy and as green as though they were growing in open beds. There is nothing in this arrangement which is protected by patent, though several features are quite new, particularly the simple means of raising the ridge, aud I shall be happy to show them to any one.— J. R. Pearson, Chilwcll. NEW,' MODE OP SETTING BOILERS. Several boilers in Sheffield have been Bet upon a new plan. By a simple arrangement of fire-clay plates, says the Sheffield Independent, so managed as not to contract the capacity of the flue at any single point, the gases, after being thoroughly inter- mixed, are at four successive stages in their progress through the flue, thrown in thin streams against the surface of the boiler. No part of the gaBes can escape this repeated forcible contact with the boiler, and in the process the heat they contain is so thoroughly extracted and absorbed that the result obtained, as proved by careful tests, is the evaporation of nearly 12 lbs. of water for every single pound of fuel, common boiler slack being used. This gives a large saving of fuel as compared with the best modes of setting previously in use. The patentees, we understand, guarantee a saving of 25 per cent. The apparatus has the additional advantage of being an effective smoke-con- sumer. The plan is applicable to any class of boiler, can be applied without unseating boilers already fixed, and the plates being of fire-clay, the cost is so moderate as to be very soon recouped by the saving of fuel. cases are placed on their sides, or upside down. The flowers are placed in water, none of which is spilled, nor are the flowers displaced. Exhibition and Travelling Case for Flowers. — We are informed that Mr. W. E. Chapman, of Llandudno, has provision- ally patented a very useful case called " Chapman's Multum-iu- parvo Exhibition and Transmission Cut Flower Packing Case." Its advantages are that flowers can be arranged for exhibition, and sent by rail or carrier, without beiDg JLjured, eveu if the ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. January 10th. Fruit Committee. — Rev. George Kemp in the chair. Prizes were offered for the best three dishes of kitchen Apples. There were eight competitors. The first prize was awarded to Mr. Parsons, of Danesbury, for large and handsome specimens of Blenheim Pippin, Dumelow's Seedling, aud Bnrr Knot. Mr. Earley, of Digswell, was second with Gooseberry Apple, Dumelow's Seedling, and Dredge's Fame. The other exhibitors were Mr. Mills, of Wycombe Abbey, who sent M<>re de Menage, Dumelow's Seedling, and Waltham Abhey Seedling. Mr. S. Ford, Leonardslee; Mr. Garland, Kiilerton, Devon; Mr. Cos, of Redleaf ; Mr. Parsons, Acton Green ; |and Mr. Stephen- son, of Leigh Hill, Eases. Mr. Gardiner, of Eatington Park, Strat- ford-on-Avon, sent three dishes of dessert Apples. In the class for kitchen Pears the competitors were Mr. Gardiner, Mr. Ford, Mr. Garland, Mr. Hobbs, Thames Bank, Great Marlow. The first prize was awarded to Mr. Koss, Welford Park, for Uvedale's St. Germain and Catillac, and the second to Mr. Hobbs for Catillac. Mr. "William Paul sent a basket containing about fifty specimens of dessert Pears in fine condition, and all very true to name, to which a special certificate was awarded. Mr. Sidney Ford sent a dish of Knight's Monarch Pear, grown on a pyramid at Leonardslee, Hors- ham. The flavour was excellent, though the fruit was scarcely ripe. Mr. Ford also exhibited fruit of two little-known varieties of Apples — the White aud the Red Gilliflower, the latter quite distinct from the Cornish GiUiflower. A seedling Apple was exhibited by Mr. Willison, of Whitby, which the Committee did not consider of sufficient merit to secure an award. Mr. Miles, of Wycombe Abbey, exhibited fruit of the highly-ornamental Solanuin betaceum, and a dish of Lemons. Mr. Meredith, of Garstang, sent a basket of Muscat of Alexandria, Alicante, and Lady Downe's Grapes, of great beauty, exhibiting much skill both in culture and keeping, the fruit being of great merit in every respect. To these a special certificate was awarded. Mr. Fowler, of Harewootl, sent a dish of Muscat of Alexandria Grapes from an old Vine eighty years old, now existing in the garden there, and which annually bears between four hundred and five hundred] bunches. The fruit exhibited had been ripe since September, and was shown in so good condition as to receive a special certificate. Mr. Gilbert, of Burghley, near Stamford, sent a frait of true Smooth-leaved Cayenne Pine, produced on what is called the cutting- down principle. Mr. Sharpe, of Tangleymere, Guildford, sent a Pine Apple from Bahia, the flavour of which was considered good, but a3 the fruit was long over-ripe, it was evidently much gone. Mr. Sheppard, of Wolverstoue Park, sent a cross between Brnssels Sprouts and Couve Tronckuda, which did not meet with the approval of the Committee. Mr. Melville, of Dalmeny Park, sent four ex- amples of his Imperial Hybrid Scotch Green, which was highly com- mended by the Committee as a valuable winter and late spring vege- table. Messrs. Carter & Cu., of Holborn, exhibited a collection of five varieties of Beet, and thirty-four varieties of Potatoes, grown in their trial grounds at Forest Hill. Floral Committee. — Rev. J. Dis in the chair. On this occasion prizes were offered for the best nine Ivies in pots. There were three exhibitors — namely, Mr. C. Turner, of Slough ; Mr. William Paul, of Waltham Cross ; and Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son, of St. John's Wood. Mr. Turner sent very neatly trained plants beautifully clothed with foliage, trained for the most part as tall cones. The kinds were Hedera Helix major, with small silver-veined leaves; H.H. minor with still smaller leaves, but otherwise resembling those of the pre- ceding ; H. marmorata minor, with small leaves marbled with pale yellow ; H. elegantissima, with small foliage irregularly bordered with rose colour and yellow ; H. grantlifolia arborescens, a large-leaved tree- Ivy ; H. grandifolia latifolia mueulata, the leaves extensively mottled and 6plashed with cream yellow ; H. algeriensis, with large, vigorous, pale green leaves ; H. lucida, with beautiful, Bhining, dark green leaves, but bright green near the principal veins ; and H. lobata major, with very distinctly lobed foliage. Mr. W. Paul had H. lati- folia maculata ; H. Ra-gneriana, a most valuable dark-leaved kind; Ra^gneriana arborescens, having a stem like a tree ; H. japonica, the leaves variously edged and marked with white or pale cream colour; H. canariensis aurea, with some of the leaves entirely yellow, others with but a small patch of green, whilst others, again, are entirely green, but a charming and most effective variety ; H. algeriensis va- riegata, with white-variegated foliage ; H. rhombea variegata, the leaves small, with a narrow white edging; H. arborescens baccata lntea, the berries still in a green state ; and H. taurica, a very neat small-leaved kind. From Messrs. E. G. Henderson came H. Helix rhomboidea, H. algeriensis arborea, H. japonica variegata, H. canariensis marmo- rata; H. dentata, apparently of vigorous growth, and having large leaves; arborescens alba lutescens, a fine yellow variegated kind with rather small leaves ; arborescens latifolia striata, with dark green foliage, blotched, splashed, or marked with broken streaks of golden yellow; H. Helix marginata alba robusta, edged more or less broadly with cream white; aud H. Helix minor marmorata elegans, with minute January 20, 1870 ] JODBNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. marbled leaves tinned with red. MeBsre. E. G. Henderson also con- tributed a very extensive and interesting collection, containing many beautiful and curious varieties. The first prize was awarded to Mr. Turner, and the second to Mr. W. Paul. A third prize was given to Messrs. E. G. Henderson. Prizes were also offered for the best and second best collections of nine hardy Conifers. Messrs. Veitch, who were the only exhibitors, had the first prize for the following— viz., Cryptomeria elegaus, very handsome; Sciadopitys verticillata ; a fine specimen of Thujopsis dolabrata ; Picea magnifies, with glaucous foliage, and branching horizontally ; Picea bracteata ; Retinospora plumosa, filifera, and obtusa nana nurea, the laet of dwarf compact growth, and having beautiful golden variegation ; and Juniperus rigida. Messrs. Veitch sent, in addition, Retinospora lycopodioides, very beautiful, resembling, as its name implies, a Lycopod ; R. obtusa aurea, Thujopsis Stan- dishii. Thuja Vervaeniana, cinnamon-coloured, and Abies polita. Of Orchids, Messrs. Veitch sent a magnificent collection, in which were fine specimens of Cypripedium villosum, Phajus irroratus, Cattleyas, Lycaste Skinneri, Ladia anceps with ten spikes, Saccolabium gigan- teum, with two very fine racemes ; Angrsecnm sesquipedale, Barkeria Skinneri, Odontoglossumscordatum,Warneri,pulehellum ; Cypripedium pardinum, Ladia alba, &c. Mr. Denning, gardener to Lord Londes- borough, Grimston Park, Tadcaster, also exhibited a magnificent col- lection, most conspicuous in which was Ladia anceps Barkeri^with a score of spikes of its richly-coloured flower, this noble specimen filling a pan about 21 feet in diameter ; Calanthe vestita rubra, with a very fine spike ; Odontoglossum cristatum, Oncidium lencochilum, Calanthe vestita rosea, Calanthe Veitehii, with two fine spikes and a smaller one, most beautiful in colour ; L;elia furfuracea, very splendid in colour ; Odontoglossum Alexandra-, with a noble spike of large and beautifully- marked flowers ; Lycaste Skinneri, very fine ; Oncidium leopardinuni, rich brown with a yellow lip, very striking ; Cypripedium insigne, with eight flowers, very fine and rich in colour ; Lnslia albida and L. autum- nalis ; Saccolabiums ; Oncidium Kramerianum, with one flower, but that 3.1 inches across, and extremely rich in colour. Mr." Williams, of Holloway, sent a large specimen of Anselha africana with large and handsome spikes, Angrrecum eburneum virens, also a fine specimen with five spikes, Odontoglossum luteum pur- pureum, Angrascuru sesquipedale, Cypripedium biflorum, and Bolbo- plyllum nilgherriense ; also cut flowers of fine varieties of Ladias, Cattleyas, and Lycaste Skinneri. Mr. Burnett, gardener to W. Terry, Esq., Peterborough House, Fulham, exhibited Angrsceum sesquipedale with very fine flowers, white, and like waxwork. Mr. Parsons, Danesbury Park, sent a very fine specimen of Odonto- glossum Rossii with six blossoms. From Mr. Wilson, gardener to W. Marshall, Esq., Clay Hill, Enfield, came also a collection of beautiful cat blooms of several varieties of Cattleyas. Messrs. Veitch exhibited along with their Orchid collection a fine plant of Lapageria alba. Mr. Williams, of Holloway, had a collection of his very ornamental hybrid Solanums loaded with fruit, but this, not being as yet sufficiently coloured, the plants were not so effective as they will be hereafter, showy as some of them were. Mr. Green, gar- dener to W. Wilson Saunders, Esq., Reigate, contributed a small collec- tion of interesting plants, among which were Cissus porphyrophylluB, Dieffenbachia Wallisii, an Anthurium with deeply-lobed leaves, and another of similar character, but with very narrow lobes ; Maranta setosa, with very handsome foliage shining like silk, dark green ; Anemone capensis, with Parsley-like foliage, and long-stalked pale lilac flowers ; Philodendron crinipes, remarkable for the moss-like covering of the leafstalks ; and a fine variety of Odontoglossum Cer- vantesii. Mr. Turner sent baskets of Mrs. Headley, Golden Tricolor Pelargonium, most beautifully coloured. From Mr. Wiggins, gardener to W. Beck, Esq., Isleworth, came an extensive and fine collection of Cyclamens ; likewise one of Chinese Primulas, with large and finely-coloured flowers, both of the ordinary and Fern-leaved kinds. Mr. Edmonds, Hayes Nursery, also sent a nice collection. Mr. Welch, Parkfield House, Hillingdon, sent a most beautifully coloured Cyclamen, named Kermesinum. Messrs. Francis, of Hertford, exhibited photographs and a portion of the branches of a seedling Picea ; and Mr. Aldred, Kilburn, Beed- ling Variegated Pelargoniums and a seedling Primula. From Mr. W. Paul came a small collection of Laurels, among which were Cerasus LaurocerasuB rotundifolia, with roundish obovate leaves ; C. colchica, which has been frequently noticed in these pages as a very desirable kind ; C. Laurocerasus parvifolia, with very small and narrow lanceolate leaves, and a seedling variety just the opposite, having remarkably large leaves. Messrs. E. G. Henderson sent, in addition, a small collection of Camellias with variegated leaves. First-class certificates were awarded for the following : — To Mr. Welch, Hillingdon, for Cyclamen persicum kermesinum ; Mr. Wilson, gardener to W. Marshall, Esq., for Cattleya Triamei Atalanta, Cattleya Trianon Venus, C. Triansei Io, and C. Penelope ; and to Mr. Donning, gardener to Lord Londesborongh.for Oncidium leopardinum. Second- class certificates were awarded to Mr. W. Paul, for Cerasus Lauro- eerasua rotundifolia. Special certificates were awarded to Mr. Wigging, gardener to W. Beck, Esq., for a collection of Cyclamens, and for a collection of Primulas ; Messrs. Veitch, collection of Orchids ; Mr. Denning, gardener to Lord Londesborough, for Ladia anceps, Ladia furfuracea, and a collection of Orchids ; to Messrs. E. G. Henderson, for a collection of Ivies ; to Mr. Terry, gardener to W. Burnett, Esq., Fulham, for a specimen plant of Angrrecum sesquipedale ; to Mr. Williams, Holloway, for a collection of Orchids ; to Mr. Edmonds, for a collection of Primulas ; and to Mr. Parsons, Danesbury Park, for Odontoglossum Rossii. General Meeting. — J. Bateman, Esq., F.R.S., in the chair. After the election of twenty-one new Fellows, and the announcement of the Committee awards, the Rev. M.J. Berkeley, in addressing the meeting, directed attention in the first place to Anemone capensis, from Mr. Wilson Saunders's gardener, which, he said, had a curious suffrnti- cose habit ; and he took the opportunity to intuition what he supposed to be a mere variety of Anemone apennina called A. blanda now in flower at Chiswick. Philodendron crinipes, from the same gentleman, was the next subject of remark, and it was stated that the curious covering of the leafstalks, which might be supposed to be of the nature of adventitious roots if examined attentively, partook more of that of leaves. Cissus porphyrophyllns was the next plant which came under notice, but though generally believed to bo a Cissus, it was extremely like a Piper. It hail never yet, so far as he was aware, been known to flower in this country. Messrs. Francis & Co. had sent part of a branch of the usual form of Picea lasiocarpa, and of a seedling from it like P. nobilis, but in the absence of cones it was almost impossible to distinguish Conifers with certainty, though one of the committee- men stated he was able to do so with considerable certainty by scent. It was, however, certain that, as stated on a previous occasion, the leaves of young plants differ from those of plants which are mature, and the probability was that the difference observable in the seedling was due merely to its being a young state of Picea lasiocarpa. The colour of the Conifers exhibited by Messrs. Veitch then claimed atten- tion, and it was remarked that tho browuness they exhibited was not uncommon at this season, and though nothing certain was known as to the cause, he believed the change in colour to be owing to an altera- tion in the chlorophyl. Mr. Berkeley next drew attention to a Parsnip brought by Mr. Earley, which, in consequence of the manure having been mixed with the soil near the surface, instead of being worked down into it, had turned aside laterally when it came to the manure ; audDr. Voelcker, in connection with this subject, stated at the Scientific Committee that where liquid manure had been applied he knew an instance of Beetroot curling up to the surface instead of descending. With regard to the fruit shown, his impression of Solanuin betaceum, or Guisados, was that it was beautiful and quite as good as a Brinjal, although one of the Committee had compared it to putrid oysters. There was also a kind of Pine Apple from abroad, which to his raid was incomparable as regards flavour. In conclusion, Mr. Berkeley referred to Mr. W. Paul's Laurel which received a certificate, as likely to be extremely useful and a great improvement on the common Laurel, the fault of which is that it is so apt to become straggling, whilst the new one appears to be more compact. Mr. Bateman regretted that the dingy afternoon did not permit of the full beauty of the Orchids being appreciated, but they were exhi- bited in far greater beauty, and, indeed, in far greater number than at any previous meeting so early in the season. Five-sixths of them belonged to the cool-house section— that is, those from Mexico and Peru, although there were some notable exceptions. Mr. Bateman then reviewed the most remarkable of those exhibited, especially notic- ing the cut blooms of Cattleyas which came from Mr. Marshall's gar- dens ; but these, beautifnl and distinct as they were, only formed a small portion of the varieties known, and which had become so nume- rous that he (Mr. Batemanl considered they ought to have some special encouragement, and he had therefore determined to oner a prize of £5 for the beat collection of cut Cattleyas shown at the first January meeting next year, on the condition that the blooms should become the property of the Society for distribution among the After noticing Ada aurantiaca and one or two more Orchids, Mr. Bateman said he had himself had experience of Conifers becoming brown in winter, and cautioned gardeners against being too hasty in cutting down or taking up plants exhibiting such symptoms. After expressing his satisfaction that the change of the day of meeting, from Tuesday to Wednesday, had been attended with no diminution in the number of plants exhibited, nor in the attendance at the meeting, the Chairman closed tho proceedings by announcing that the next ordinary eeting would take place on February 16th. ay be useful here to add, as the Society's schedule is not as yet generally in the hands of the gardening public, that at the February meeting prizes are offered, in addition to certificates for New Plants, Flowers, Fruits, and Vegetables, for the following subjects— TO, m Class 1, for six Chinese Primulas, distinct ; in Class 2, for three Drely- tras, in bloom ; in Class 3, for six Lycastes, in bloom ; in Class 4, for winter dessert of Apples and Pears, three dishes of each (prizes offered by the Rev. G. Kemp) ; in Class 5, for dessert Apples, three dishes ; and in Class 6, for dessert Pears, three dishes classes are open both to nurserymen and amateurs. The above Are Sparrows Destructive to Garden Crops ?— " Nature " reports the results oi some inteiestiug experiments made by 44 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January 20, 1870. Professor Giebel, of Halle, with the object of ascertaining the correctness of the popular notion that sparrows are destructive birds, feeding chiefly on Grapes and stone fruit. He found on examining the intestines of seventy-three young sparrows, between the ISth of April and the 24th of June last, that forty- six of them had fed exclusively on insects (beotles, caterpillars, <&c), and seven only exclusively on 6tone fruit, the rest having all mure or less fed on insects. An examination of forty-six old sparrows gave similar results ; three only were fruit-eaters and the rest chiefly insect-eaters. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING. The first meeting of the present year was held at Bnrlinpton Honse, on the 3rd of January, the President, Mr. H. W. Bates, being in the chair. The Secretary aunonnced that Messrs. Schiodte, of Copen- hagen, and Von Siebold, of Munich, had been selected by the Council to fill up the vacancies in the list of honorary foreign members. A fifth part of the " Transactions " of the Society, published in 1869, was upon the table. Mr. F. Bond exhibited specimens of the large Locnst, Acrydium peregrinum, of which other examples had been previously exhibited ; one specimen had been taken at Brighton, and as many as thirty in the neighbourhood of Plymouth. It was remarked that this particular species is not a native of Europe, but of the East, and hence the singularity of so many individuals having found their way to this country. The Rev. Leonard Jenyns exhibited a species of Aphodius which had been voided by a Hottentot (proof of the filthy habits of these people), and also an apparently undescribed species of Elater of small size found floating in a cup of tea. Mr. Hewitson exhibited a magnificent collection of Butterflies, captured by Mr. Buckley on the eastern slopes of the Andes, and in the valley of the Napo, in Ecuador. Not fewer than 136 new species were contained in the collection, although Mr. Buckley had only been fourteen months absent from England. Mr. Buckley stated that a few only of the species had been taken on both tides of the Andes. Professor Westwood exhibited a singular specimen of the Orange- tip Butterfly (P. Cardamines), from the collection of Dr. Boisduval, of Paris, in which the fore wings exhibited a mixture of the colours and markings of both sexes. Mr. Quarritch, bookseller, exhibited a specimen of what he miscalled a bookworm, which proved to be a species of Lepisuia, and requested information as to its history and the means for its destruction. Professor Westwood in reply stated that the bookworm is the larva of Anobium striatum, and that a com- mittee having been appointed to investigate its ravages, a report had been recently published by the authorities at South Kensington giving all the required particulars. Mr. A. Muller exhibited photographs of three specimens of Abax parallelus in which the strhe of the elytra were distorted, also of a Thanaeimus formicarius with the fascia? of the elytra confluent. The following memoirs were read : — 1, Descriptions of new British species of May Flies, Ephemerida;, by the Rev. A. Eaton. 2, De- scriptions of new Australian species of Lucanida?, by Professor West- wood. 3, The Genera of Coleopterous Insects, treated chronologically, in which the works of entomological writers from 1736 to 1810 were reviewed with reference to the establishment of new genera of Beetles. 4, A Monograph on Catasarcus, an extensive genus of Weevils in- habiting New Holland, of which a large number of new species had been recently brought to this country by Mr. Du Bonlay, from Western Australia. ACCLIMATATION OF FOREST TREES. Considerable advance has been made of recent years in France in introducing hardy foreign trees and shrubs suitable to the climate ; and with a fair amount of success, many natives of warmer climates being found to stand the winters in the southern departments. The Eucalyptus globulus has given the best results iu the department of the Var, where it has resisted the malign influences of the mistral or north-west wind. It is described as growing with ten times the rapidity of the Oak, and being remarkably well adapted for the re- clothing of denuded mountains. The Bamboos introduced at Tours, Macon, and Angers, have prospered marvellously, and have survived not only the last winter, but the much more severe cold of the previous season. Several species of Bamboo flourish even in the climate of Paris in the open air, where they may be seen in the Gardens of the Acclimatation Soeietv in tho I Bois de Boulogne, and in several private gardens. — (Nature.) the ripening of the leaves in' autumn. 3rd, Healthiness. 4th, Cleanliness, characterised by a persistency of foliage during summer, freedom from fading flowers, and exemption from the attacks of insects. — (Horticulturist.) Shade Teees.— Some of the principal qualities that a tree should possess to render it suitable for street planting are the following : — 1st, A compact stateliness and symmetry of growth as distinguished from a wide-spreading or pendent form. 2nd, An ample supply of expansive foliage, of early spring verdure, and rich and varied in the colours and tints assumed during PORTRAITS OF PLANTS, FLOWERS, and FRUITS. Dahlia mrERiALis (Imperial Dahlia). Nat. ord., Composi'ae. Linn., Syngenesia Superflua. — This magnificent plant is a native of Mexico. It is a shrub in size, from 12 to 18 feet high. Flowers white, base of petals crimson. — (Bot. Mag., t. 5813.) Jeedonia indica (Indian Jerdonia). Xa t. ord., Didymocarpea». Linn., Didynamia Augiospermia. Native of the Neilgherry Hills. — It is a small stove plant, with dark leaves regularly stained with white; flowers pale, like lilac. — (Ibid., t. 5814.) Phal.bnopsis Paeishii (Rev. C. H. Parish's Phalfenopsis). Nat. ord., Orchidacefe. Linn., Gjnandria Monandria. Native of Burmah. — Flowers white, with purple-blotched lip. Very small.— (Ibid., t. 5815.) Antigonon lepioptjs (Slender-stemmed Antigonon). Nat. ord., Polygonaceae. Linn., Monadelphia Octandria. Native of Mexico and West Indian Islands. — A slender stove climber, rivalling Bougainvillea. Flowers crimson. — {Ibid., t. 5816.) Cuccmis angceia (West Indian Gherkin). Nat. ord., Cncnr- bitacese. Linn., Moncecia Triandria. Probably a native of Africa, though now cultivated in the West Indies. — Commonly found in West Indian pickles. Flowers white ; fruit oval, prickly.— (Ibid., t. 5817.) Kose Princess ChiUtian. — "This has been so frequently before the public that we need do no more, in this place, than describe the colour of the flowers, and the character of the plant. The colour ranges from deep salmon to rosy peach, according to the age of the blossoms, and holds on clear and bright to the last. There is a peculiar and beautiful gloss on the face of the petals which the pencil of the artist cannot por- tray, and which gives it distinctness. The flowers are very large, double enough, globular in the bud state, and finely cupped when expanded ; and it gives forth these flowers con- tinuously and abundantly from June to November. The growth is robust, the constitution hardy, and the foliage and habit dis- tinct and of a pleasing character. " This promises to be a good exhibition Rose when taken in a young state, and a erand Rose for the garden at all times. Mr. William Paul, of Waltham Cross, is the introducer of this novelty, which, we learn, will be distributed from his nurseries in May next. Three first-class certificates have been awarded to the Princess Christian during the year 1869 — one by the Royal Horticultural Society, one by the Royal Botanic Society, and one at the Crystal Palace Rose Show.'' — (Florist and Pomo- logut, 3 s., iii., 1.) FLUE HEAT. Is reference to heat by flues or pipes, the subject of late articles in your Journal, I will venture a project of my own. I intend to construct a hot-air chamber (a brick-and-tile oven), heated by a furnace beneath the chamber, with air-tight furnace and ash-pit doors, save ventilating valves, to regulate the slow combustion of coke, the fuel I shall use. My intention is to conduct the he8t, or hot air, from the chamber or oven through a vinery, like water, by piping perforated at distances of 6 feet for the escape of heat into the vinery, so as to mingle with and rarefy the air of the vinery, ventilated Blightly by top lights, so as to keep up a gentle interior circulation of warm air. My purpose, of course, is to procure heat by a con- tinuous stream from the chamber or oven and slow-combustion furnace (the smoke being carried off by its own chimney) without smell or smoke, and to supersede water boilers and pipes, which at beBt are troublesome. I may or may not succeed, but I shall try to conduct heat or hot air on the hypoeaust principle, and perhaps some horti- cultural engineer may, if practicable, adopt the suggestion. — Reader. [For a small vinery we should be quite content with such a chamber heated by a furnace, as you propose, acting on the Polmaise system. We do not see how you are to supersede " troublesome pipes," if you are to use pipes to conduct the hot air from the chimney to the farther end of the house. We are a little doubtful of the proposed plan of perforating these pipes every 6 feet to let the heated air into the house. We fear the heated air would escape at the first and second per- January 20, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 45 forated places. We have tried a little in the same way, but we would prefer one opening, at the farther end of the piping from the chamber. You say nothing of the heated air being fresh. This you could secure by taking a small pipe to the bottom of the chamber from the external air. Without perfo- rations, if the pipe become hot, it would heat the air near it and thus prevent a stagnant atmosphere. You may moisten this heated air as it comes out of the chamber. If you depend merely on tne air of the house there is one suggestion more we would make — take vour heating pipe from as near the top of the chamber as possible, and have an opening nearly as large close to the bottom, that cold air may euter as the heated air goes out. If you use perforated pipes, be so kind as to let us know the results.] BOILERS AND BOILING. I did not expect to convert Mr. Woolfield to my own views, and, therefore, am not surprised that he does not agree with my reasoning. I think, however, the discussion of the subject is likely to do good, as many persons have very mistaken notions as to the motive power in heating by an ordinary hot- water apparatus, and I am glad that Mr. Woolfield agrees with me in thinking it well to ventilate the subject. To return once more to the question as to heat applied at the top of a boiler, I do not rely in the least on conduction from one particle of water to another. I know the conducting power of water to be very small, but your readers must bear in mind that the water in a heating apparatus is in constant cir- culation, and when in motion the particles of water are con- stantly changing position ; it is not true, then, that only a small layer of water is acted upon by the upper surface of a saddle boiler, because a fresh current is constantly supplied, and the heat is constantly acting on fresh particles. The law of conduction of heat from one particle of water to another hardly comes into play at all, as I consider the water is heated by actual contact with the heated sides of the boiler, and there- fore by conduction from the iron itself. Mr. Woolfield has mistaken my meaning in thinking I meant that the laws of conduction, convection, or radiation were different in one case to another. I may not have expressed my meaning carefully enough ; I only meant that the conditions under which the water is heated are altered. In an ordinary boiler by the side of a fire the water is in a state of rest, and if heat is applied by a flue on the upper surface it has to act through a stratum of air, unless the boiler is sufficiently full for the water to touch the top, in which case any heat from the surface would act by conduction alone, and would be very inefficient, but still would have more effect than when the boiler was only partially filled. In a steam boiler heat applied to the surface of the boiler has to act through a stratum of steam, which is a much worse conductor of heat than water, and little better than air ; and I have no doubt it is true that if a cylindrical boiler for gene- rating steam were entirety surrounded by fire it would evaporate very little more than if only the under surface were exposed to the action. The heat applied at the top of the boiler, there- fore, in the three cases acts — in the horticultural boiler directly on the water in motion by direct conduction from the iron ; in the second through a stratum of air, which is a very bad con- ductor of heat ; in the third through steam. Again, I do not consider that water in a horticultural boiler is heated by convection in the same way as water in a boiler by a kitchen fire or a kettle on the fire top, because in the case of the kettle the heated water from the bottom and sides rises, and cold water falls t) take its place, till all is heated to the game degree. In a horticultural boiler the heated water, as I pointed out in my last, rises directly and passes off up the flow pipe, cold water being supplied by the return pipe from below ; and as, in an ordinary saddle boiler, the sides and top seldom contain more than a 3{-inch stratum of water in a constant state of motion, I do not think that water ever descends from above as in a kettle to supply the place of heated particles of water that are rising. It is my belief, which Mr. Woolfield has not at all shaken, that the water in a horticultural boiler is almost entirely heated by direct conduction from the iron — a first-class conductor of heat — and not by convection or conduc- tion of heat from one portion or particle of water to another ; and I am still of opinion that the heated exterior surfaces of a boiler have nearly as much effect as the interior. The argument from the box 6 feet high and 1 foot square heated from above or below has very little to do with the case. I am perfectly aware that only the upper stratum of water would be heated, or at all events that it would take a long time for the water to be much heated by conduction if the fire were applied in such a case as this to the top only ; besides which, as there could be no current of air to the bottom of the fire, the heat from the fire itself would be very feeble. I have had this argument brought before me often in talking the matter oeer, and I rather expected it would be brought before me again. I simply answer, it does not apply in the least to hor- ticultural boilers, but it does to steam and ordinary boilers. Mr. Woolfield rather begs the question when he says all scien- tific men agree with him, and tries to put me in the invidious position of asserting my own individual opinion in the face of science. All I endeavour to maintain is, that there is a pre- conceived notion, contrary to scientific facts, that the heat applied from above in horticultural boilers is of no use, nearly all experiments having been made on water in a state of equi- librium and not in motion. If the motion of water in a small pipe is as free from friction as in a large pipe, all I can say is, that the laws of hydrostatics are changed since I was at college some twenty years ago. Next about the comparative advantages of 4 and 2-inch pipes. It will take 100Q feet of 2-inch pipes to do the work of 500 feet of 4-inch pipes, as far as the radiation of heat is concerned. The water in every foot of the 2-inch pipes is cooled down by radi- ation twice as fast as the water in the 4-inch pipes in giving out the same amount of heat, and therefore the whole water in the 1000 feet of 2-inch pipe is cooled down four times as much as in the 4-inch pipe. I am aware that the 500 feet of 4-inch pipe will contain twice as much water, but I maintain that the water after traversing 1000 feet of 2-inch pipe returns to the boiler much colder than it does through 500 feet of 4-inch pipe ; and though the rapidity of the flow is increased, yet the water remains a shorter time in the boiler, and as it returns colder it requires a greater amount of fire to keep up the heat, though it will be more quickly heated in the first instance, and for night work there can be no comparison in the efficiency of a 2-inch and a 4-inch pipe. Now. anyone who has very much to do with boiler fires must know that when it is necessary to keep up a bright fire there is much more waste of heat through the heated gases passing up the chimney, and I am certain that it will require more attention to the fire, and a greater consumption of fuel, to keep up the heat in a boiler when heat is radiated off through 1000 feet of 2-inch pipe than it will to keep up the heat when it is radiated off through 500 feet of 4-inch pipe. The specific heat of water — that is, its capability of containing heat, is greater than that of any known substance ; the specific heat, therefore, of 500 feet of 4-inch pipe is double that of 1000 feet of 2-inch piping. Water parts with its heat slowly, but gives off its heat more rapidly when at a high temperature than when at a lower point ; as, therefore, the water in passing through 2 inch pipes gives off its heat, it becomes less effi- cacious in heatiDg a house according to the length of pipe which it has traversed. So that I cannot see any one advan- tage that a 2-inch pipe has over a 4-inch one ; and the larger the quantity of pipe there is to deal with the greater is the disadvantage of the 2-inch over the 4-inch pipe. A cubic foot of water at 60° weighs about 61 lbs. 10 ozs. ; when heated to boiling point it weighs about 59 lbs. 5 ozs. But water gets more rapidly light the nearer it approaches the boiling point : Thus 1000 parts of water at boiling point when cooled 36° F. below 212' become 986, at 68° 960. Now, as the difference of weight between cold water and heated water represents the force of the current or motive power in pipes, and as 12 feet of 4-inch pipes contain about a cubic foot of water, while it takes 48 feet nearly of 2-inch pipe to contain the same amount, I consider the motive power in the larger pipe to be the greater. Mr. Woolfield says with regard to the radiation of heat from glass in windy weather, it is better to take into account the cold j air entering by crevices, and provide more pipe accordingly. ' I consider the air entering through the laps of glass has very little to do with the question. It is a very common expression to speak of cold striking through, as if cold were a definite thing of itself ; but I need hardly say that cold is an indefinite term, and when we speak of one thing being colder than another it merely means that it contains less heat. Now, glass houses are cooled down chiefly by radiation — that is, the heat inside is given off to heat the air in contact with the glass outside, and it is here where wind plays an important part. Air is a very bad conductor of heat, but heat radiates very rapidly through it, and on a windy night a fresh layer of colder air is constantly coming in contact with the glass and takes 16 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January 20, 1870". the heat away ; on a still night the air next the glasa ia heated by the radiation, and prevents the glasa from cooling so rapidly. Mr. Woolfield is of course correct in saying it ia always better to have plenty of piping, and I have no doubt Mr. Hood's rules may give a sufficiency. I only pointed out that the rules given laid down certain things aa fixed quantities which must in their nature be constantly varying, such as 125° (the excess of the temperature of the pipe above the surrounding air), and again 222, the number of feet of air raised 1° per minute for every foot of pipe, &c. These quantities must necessarily depend on the heat of the pipe, which cannot be constant, and the radiating power of the external air, which also cannot be constant. I will not, however, enter upon this topic any more, and must apologise for having trespassed so much on the patience of those of your readers who have followed me thus far. At all events I am glad that Mr. Woolfield allows it does good to turn the heated gases over boilers, although on the lesser ground of preventing loss of heat. I think many of your readers will agree with me that it also adds to the heat, — C. P. Peach. P.S. — I forgot to anawer Mr. Woolfield's query about the size of the boiler I am using. It is an ordinary saddle, 18 inches high, 22 wide, and 2-1 long, exterior measure ; it is about 14 inches high in the interior, 14 inches wide, and contains nearly 6 feet interior surface, and about 7i exterior, including the top. The sidea being about 7 inchea in vertical height before the curve commences, would give 4| Bquare feet of Bide flue without the top. PABANEPHELIUS UNIFLORUS. Papp. " Fob this interesting plant, here figured for the first time, our I the ground, and forming with its leaves a rosette on the surface, gardens are indebted to Mr. Wilson Saunders, to whom seeds in the manner of Cnicus acaulis of our pastures and meadows, of it were sent by Mr. Farris, from the mountains of Peru. It | or the Carlina acaulis of our herbaceous collections, is perfectly new to this country, and will, no doubt, become a permanent orna- ment in plant collections. The plant belongs to the natural order Composite, sub- order Tubuli- ilorse. Its gene- ric character is flower heads many - flowered, heterogamous. Florets of the ray uniseriate, ligulate, pistil- late, with the five long sterile filaments pro- truding ; those of the disk tubu- lar, hermaphro- < dite. Involucre ( of many series of imbricated scales, the in- terior ones nar- \ rowest. Recep- tacle shortly hairy. Corollas villous ; those of the ray ligulate, ■with a long tube and oblong three- toothed li- gula ; those of the disk tubular, the limbs five- parted, in oblong lobes, shorter than the tube, erect. Style of J7> the disk tumid at ^C~~- the base, deeply Cr ^v two -cleft, with £x long revolute, densely-hispid branches ; that of the ray with short branches. Seed-nut oval furrowed, gla- brous, concave a the apex, swollen at the base. Pappus in many series ; seta?, equal, rigid, hispid. There is but one species of this genus, that which we now figure. It is a dwarf herbaceous perennial, growing close to The leaves are of a dark green colour on the upper surface ; the under sur- face white with pale green veins, contrasting well with the fine, large, golden- yellow composite flowers about 3 inches across, giving a lively appearance in midwinter when other fljwers are scarce. The seeds are sown early in spring, thinly in a well-drained pot, and placed in a cool pit near the glass and moderately wa- tered ; as soon as the plants are large enough they are potted singly in smaU pots, placed a- gain in a pit, and allowed plenty of air. When the plants be- come establish- ed, as soon as the pots are weU filled with roots, they are to be repotted into larger pots in a mixture of good turfy loam and peat, adding a small portion of well-decayed manure, after which they are placed in the open garden fully exposed to sun and air dur- ing the summer months. In au- tumn they are to be removed to a cool airy greenhouse near the glass, where the flowers soon begin to expand, and last a considerable length of time in perfection. This plant has, we believe, not hitherto been known in Eng- January 20, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. land in a living state, and it is now in full bloom in the garden of Mr. W. Wilson Saunders, at Reigate. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. The Gladiolus Exhibition at the Royal Horticultural Society's Meeting, on the 17th of August, promises well. In- tending subscribers to the fund for prizes should at once de- clare their intention to Mr. Richards, Royal Horticultural Gardens, South Kensington, so that the amount of the prizes may be determined. A prize for the best six English seedlings is intended. The following subscriptions are promised : — Mr. Vincent Stnekey, Lang port Mr. Marshall, Taunton MM. Vilmorin-Audrienjr & Co M. Sonchet £ s. : & Sons 1 1 M. Eugene Verdi M. Charles Verdier z u Messrs. Kelwav & Sons 2 2 Messrs. Paul & Son 2 2 Mr. Bunyard 1 0 It has been stated in some of the daily papers that a legacy of £2000 has been bequeathed to the Royal Horti- cultural Society, but we cannot learn that it is known officially. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. The time has now arrived to commence operations in earnest, and one of the first steps is to plan-out every inch of ground, if possible for the whole year. Laths should be written upon and placed at the heads of the quarters, descriptive of the kind of crop, the manuring, and what crop is to follow. It is necessary, also, in order to follow up a systematic rotation of crops, to keep a cropping-book corresponding with the labels. Most persons will have laid-in their stock of seeds for the year. The remaining stock of laBt year should be thoroughly examined, all the seeds deemed safe for the current season reserved, and some mixed with the new samples. A little Cauliflower seed and a pinch of Brown Cos Lettuce should be sown in boxes and placed in a house at work ; also some White Spanish and Portugal Onions, to be transplanted on highly- manured ground. Sow a little Parsley, some eaily d^varf Cabbage of the Vanark or Nonpareil varieties, a little Rjund Spinach, and a pinch of Early Dutch Turnip on a warm slope. A plot of ground should be forthwith appropriated to slopes. It is strange that gardeners do not avail themselves to a larger- extent of the great advantages offered by sloping surfaces. The slopes should, of course, run east and west, and are most convenient when about 3 feet G inches wide. They should, if possible, he near the frame ground, as many of the crops grown upon them, as Radish, Horn Carrots, and early Lettuces, will require occasional covering with litter and frequent attention. Slopes of this kind, after carrying their spring and early summer crops, will be suitable for autumn ones, more especially for Endive and autumn Carrots, or for raising the stock of winter Lettuces. The sooner Asparagus beds are manured and soiled the better. Plant Horseradish, Sea-kale, and Jerusalem Artichokes as soon as possible. FRUIT GARDEN. Follow up nailing and pruning except in the case of Fig and Apricot trees ; cover the latter in good time to protect the blossom. When that is to be readily distinguished finish the pruning of these also. Make cuttings of choice Gooseberries, Currants, &c, taking care to pick out the buds at the lower end of the shoot in order to avoid suckers. Let all Apple trees infeBted with insects have a thorough cleaning and wash- ing, either with Gishurst compound or with soap and hot water. Apple and Pear trees may even be syringed with water of the temperature of 160°. A few Strawberries may now be pushed forward, but do not drive them too fast or the blossoms are apt to become blind. During mild weather those in frames for succession should have plenty of air in the day, but at night the lights should be put on in order to secure them against frost, and as soon as the blossom buds of the Apiicot can be distinguished, the eggs of the caterpillar which so much infests it in the leaf should be hunted for and destroyed. Tbey are deposited in circular groups on the branches, are about the size of a Parsnip seed and look somewhat like it, having the appearance of being pasted. flower garden. Those who have alterations to accomplish this spring in the way of planting and ground work must now lose no time. In planting large shrubs it is an excellent praotice to half fill the holes intended for the plant or tree with the rakings of the pleasure grounds, which may be reserved in heaps in back places for that purpose. This imparts to the plants an un- usual degree of luxuriance, and of a most enduring character. Re-arrange masses of what are known as American plants ; some of the delicate Azaleas, &3., are frequently overgrown and injured by the grosser Rhododendrons. Biennals may be planted in flower borders or beds. Look over bulbous plants ; stir amongst them and protect them if necessary. Grass lawns will now be much benefited by a thorough rolling, as also gravel walks. Examine all belts at the outskirts of the kitchen garden or otherwise. Remove deciduous trees where they injure the best evergreens, and introduce Hollies or trees of a permanent character in blanks ; stake newly-planted trees carefully, the harm done from want of this is immense. Pro- cure Rose stocks, and plant them in lines in highly-manured ground in the kitchen reserve garden. The Boursault is under- stood to be one of the beBt stocks for early Roses. Many col- lections of Tulips are now so forward that unless protected in some of the ways recommended the results will be serious to the embryo blooms, which, though below the surface, will certainly be more or less injured by the action of the weather. Ranunculus beds may be thrown up in ridges of about 4 inches, so that the lower part of the bed may be allowed to remain undisturbed. By this means advantage can be taken of a fine day, should the weather prove fickle about the 14th of Fe- bruary, as when suffered to lie in this state the surface soil becomes sooner dry, and by simply raking level is immediately ready for putting in the roots. Polyanthus seed may now be sown in pans. Some florists start them in a slight heat, and when up gradually harden them. Look well after Car- nations in pots; those on beds will require protection in exposed situations. Attend to preserving cleanliness, water- ing, &c. greenhouse and conservatory. Liquid manures are great fertilisers if they are used in a perfectly clear state. Everyone, therefore, who is desirous of carrying out high cultivation should not only provide a stock immediately, but adopt a plan by which it can always be obtained with ease and comfort. Soot water is, no doubt, of considerable value when clarified, and when mixed with urine and guano water will furnish all that can be desired in this respect. Use it in a perfectly clear state and weak ; by the latter is meant clear water merely tinged in colour. Used beyond a certain strength, it will assuredly paralyse the action of 'the root it was intended to invigorate; used in a turbid state, it will close the soil against the atmosphere, for which it becomes a very poor compensation. All manual operations in the conservatory should, of course, be performed as early in the morning as possible, in order that the family may enjoy their rambles amongst the plants without obstruction, in a sweet atmosphere and on very clean floors. Orange trees in tubs are liable to a black fungus on the leaves, having the ap- pearance of soot ; this should be thoroughly cleared away at all times, more especially now. Some soapsuds, warm, applied with a sponge are very good, and a little sulphur may be mixed with them. Decaying flowers or unsightly plants should be instantly removed and their places filled with superior articles brought from other departments. This structure, where proper means are allowed, should now be in the highest perfection, and the hybrid Rhododendrons, Camellias, See., should make a fine display. Large plants of the above that have been some time in their pots or tubs will require much water— more than people commonly imagine. Use tepid liquid manure. A few of the most forward Azaleas intended for blooming early may now be placed where they can have a temperature of from 50° to 53°. Water carefully when necessary, and in mild weather ventilate freely. Cinerarias require careful attention as regards watering. Do not place them so closely together as to touch one another, and be sure to keep them secure from frost. Chinese Primroses in bloom should be introduced into the conservatory, and others brought on as their beauty fades. The bright yellow Primrose-like blossoms of the hardy Jas- minum nudiflorum have such a cheerful aspect at this time, when flowers are scarce, tbat a few plants of it Bhould be kept in pots for in-door decoration : when intermixed with green- leaved plants they have a fine effect. Specimen Pelargoniums intended for flowering in May should be placed as near the glass as possible ; let the temperature at night be about 50 . Solanum capsicastmm, together with S. pseudo-Capsicum, and other sorts bearing small, round, bright-coloured fruit, are very useful at this season for decorative purposes. See, there- ■1- JOOKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AXD COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January 20, lb70. fore, that those in conspicuous situations do not suffer from want of water. STOVE. Proceed with repotting Orchids, taking them in the order in which they bud. Keep the plants well elevated, and use plenty of charcoal in lumps of considerable size, fastening the whole at last so that the plants cannot be loosened by agitation. Sphagnum or other moss pegged on the top makes a very good finish. Keep Stanhopeas very high ; indeed, pots are quite unfit for them. Syringe plants on blocks occasionally. Den- drobiums should have a rather dry yet warm atmosphere, and will require watering at the roots. — W. Kease. DOIXGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Hehe the work has been small, owing to the soil being so wet, and having but little ground at liberty to dig, trench, or ridge. Ridged-up ground, to be used for early Potatoes out of doors, Peas, Beans, &c, as soon as it is a little drier; very little is gained by sowing when the ground is wet. Took up all the Parsnips, that we might have the ground at liberty for trenching and digging, and will take up a part of our • that we may have a space ready for cross-trenching, so as to mix the manure of the beds, ultimately to be dug and levelled for the earliest Onions. Of our Celery, all in beds, the man says he has not seen a bolted nor a decayed head this season. Y?e protected the tops a little in the most severe- frost, and after the sharpest frost removed every bit of decayed leaf that showed itself. After the end of this month it will often be found that Celery will keep very well, and a long time, if raised carefully with balls, wetted at bottom, and the heads placed rather thickly together, and packed with ashes, ipnrt. mill Practice of Gardening ' descriptions of each variety. " The Science and Practice of Gardening explains all horticultural proceedings, and details the reasons which should guide them. Tropsolum tricolorum (P.. S., Motley}.— The index is for the second volume of 1869, and on page '213 of that volume is the culture of T. trico- lorum. Tenant's Bight to Remove a Geeexhocse and Shrubs (B. A.).— We have repeatedly stated that before building or planting it is best to have a written agreement as to what the tenant shall be entitled to re- move. If such an agreement does not exist, the tenant has no right to remove any plant, shrub, or tree that he has planted. As to a green- house, if he attaches it to a wall he has no right to remove it, though he might take away the moveable sashes. ErickworK, sr.ch as yon would require for setting a boiler and forming a chimney, are not removable without the landlord's consent ; but all the glasswork of a Paxtonian or other greenhouse structure may rest merely on a layer of bricks, and may all be removed at any time. Such a structure might be heated by a gas or other moveable stove, with an iron tube for a chimney, which would also be removable. Diamant Traube {Reuben Oates). — We do not know where you can purchase a plsnt of this Grape. It is cultivated in the garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, at Chiswick. All nurserymen ought to grow it. Select Flowers {Inquirer).— Ot Japanese Chrysanthemums: Auran- tlum, Comet, Dr. Masters. Hero of Magdala, James Salter. Nagasaki Violet, Prince Satsuma, Red Dragon, Diamio, and Wizard. Large-fioicered Chrysanthemums: Beverley, General Slade, Fingal, Golden Beverley, Guernsey Nugget, John Salter, Julie Lagravere, Mr. Wyness, Mrs. G. Rundle, Prince Alfred, Prince of W»les, Princess of Wales. Pompons: Bob, Golden Aurore, Lilac Cedo Nulli, lizzie Holmes, Prince Victor, White Trevenna. American Papers (TT.).— Apply to Messrs. SamDSon, Low, & Co., Fleet Street. Gladioluses tn Pots.— J. -", rr wi'l oblige some correspondents by naming about a dozen cheap varieties which Bucceed under pot-culture. Hygrometer (G. P.).— Many other articles besides the awns of the "animated Oat" indicate changes in the humidity of the air, but such intimation is not sufficient for the gardener ; he needs an instrument telling the actual amount of the changes. Spots in Pelargonium Leaves preventives of this spot appear to us to be as certain to keep it away as the opposite treatment will be sure to bring it on. 1, Keeping the soil dryish instead of moist in winter and spring, and, if possible, choosing a bright sunny day to give what little water would be necessary, and spilling as little as possible. 2, Setting the plants on a dry, solid substance.be it wood, slate, or stone, with air beneath as well as above the shelves, platform, &c, in- stead of standing the plants on beds of earth, ashes, &c. For extra fine plants it is a good plan to set the pot on the bottom of another pot re- versed. 3, Keeping the atmosphere sweet, airy, and rather dry, instead of moist, close, and stagnant. 4, Giving air so early that all the foliage should be dry before the sun shines much upon it. Roses (St. Edmunds).— We should recommend the following in addition to what you have, though we should have been able to have given you a better answer if you had told us how many more you had room for White.— Baronne de Maynard and Mdlle. Bonnaire. blmk.— Souvenir de Malmaison. Satin Pink.— Baroness de Rothschild and Atel Grand. Lilac Pint.— Marguerite de St. Amand. Pink— Princess Mary of Cambridge and M. Noman. Cerise. — Jules Margottin. John Hopper, and Madame C. Crapelet. P.ed to Dark Red.— Senatenr Vaisse, Alfred Colomh, Madame Victor Verdier. Pierre Netting. Duke of Edinburgh, and Xavier Olibo. Marechal Niel and Celine Forestier. In a good mixed garden soil they will do best on Manetti as dwarfs, care being taken to plant the collar of the Roses at least 3 inches under ground. Utilising Chamber Slops {H. W. 23.).— It is not safe to use them undiluted to flowering plants, but they may advantageously be poured between the rows of Cauliflowers and other kitchen-garden crops in summer. The strength of this form of liquid manure varies so consider- ably, sometimes the slops being little beyond urine and soapy solutions, and at others very little of either, that it is very difficult to give instruc- tions how to use them. If like the former, the slops should be diluted with six times their bulk of water ; if like the latter, they will not require dilution. Careful investigation and judgment must be exercised. Spent Hops fop. Mulching Sira-.veep.p.ies {Idem), — You may use them as you propose as a mulching to keep the fruit clean. They are no more manuring than any other description of decaying or decayed vegetable matter, as leaves, grass, ic. ; but by preventing evaporation they keep the soil moister than it would otherwise be. They make when a foot to 18 inches thick an excellent fermenting material for hotbeds. Tacsonia Van-Volxeni and Plumeaoo capensis (H. F.).— Both will succeed in a glazed passage not exposed to draughts, and on that account kept too low in temperature, and the evaporation rapid or the atmosphere too dry. All they require is sufficient heat to exclude frost. Management of Vines IF,". S. D.).— We have a dim recollection of your case. We do not consider that two 3-inch pipes on each side of a span-roofed vinery 13 feet wide are sufficient for anything like forcing, but still that piping at the sides and one end ought to keep out more than 5' of frost— that is. when the thermometer is at 27 . We think it ought to keep out frost when the outside temperature is down to 10 or la°, or even lower, in a quiet night. We think it is very likely that, as you say, the pipe3 have sunk unequally, and that would greatly impede the circulation. The large stones on which the pipes rest would have pre- vented that, except for the moving-about of the ground ; but with the help of a small level it is easy to make such small pipes level by means of pieces of tiles and slates beneath them. If the pipes have a cistern at the farther end they will do on the level, but better still if for the 21 feet in length in the house they rise gradually, say 3 or 4 inches to the extreme end ; and, if there is no cistern, have an open air-pipe there, say a small gp.s-pipe, one tnd passing through the pipe to the water, and the other end going out of the house 2 or 3 feet higher, and the end bent down. This slight rise is more necessary, ~s the boiler, a small one, is 22 feet from the vinery. You do not say how it is used, but if not used at all the pipes should be placed packed in nonconducting materials ; or if in an open chamber, then the chamber should open into the vinery, so that the heat given off there should go into the vinery. A small opening near the boiler would thus secure fresh heated air to the vinery. These matters attended to, we have no doubt you will obtain more heat from your pipes. For all great works in houses it is important to have piers "to receive the joints of the pipes to prevent them moving. For want of them we are frequently obliged to fresh level some of ours. As far as we can judge, your treatment of the vinery since you have had charge of it has been quite correct ; still, with the border all inside, we are sometimes apt to err on the side of dryness of the soil, because if we wish the Grapes to hang long we can scarcely have the soil on the surface too dry ; and, just as in your case, when the house is to be filled with bedding plants, &c, in winter, it is quite as well not to have the soil beneatb them soakingwet. as it renders more fire heat necessary. Hence, if the Grapes in such a house were cut, say, in October, it would be good policy to clean the house, give a moderate watering so as to reach the roots, and either have the surface rather dry or a little dry surfacing added before the bulk of the plants were introduced. Let it never be forgotten that when a vinery has to serve many purposes you must not be content with thinking of one thing alone. Hence in such a hotise as yours, that has to suit various purposes, the giving as much water and top-dressing in the autumn as would prevent the roots suffering from dryness, and another watering of manure water a fortnight or so before you increased the temperature of the house to break the Vines, and that water tepid, would, so far as autumn and spring were concerned, have been sufficient, and the last watering would not at all affect the pot plants injuriously, as the sun would be gaining power and more air could be given. Lastly, there are many modes for arriving at one definite result, but then it is often requisite to adhere to one mode, and not to mix several. Of the correctness of the advice given by your employer's friend we need say no more than that the man of the greatest intelligence and the most extended practical observation and experience is ever the most diffident of himself and the most charitable towards others. You ara placed in one of those circumstances which many a young intelligent man finds very trving, and in which he can only keep himself right by a mixture of firmness and prudence. In this respect we question if yon should not have carried out in its entirety the advice given. In that respect you should have let it be clearly understood that you would have no responsibility forthe result, that you would faithfully work asadvised, but that the credit of success and failure should alike be given to the ad- viser. With Vines so weak, we should not have objected to dressing the surface with pure cow dung, though we might have demurred to "iving so much as three cartloads, or twenty large barrowloads of such wet, cold stuff as you represent, or at least would have preferred washing the virtu-s out of'it into the soil by degrees, instead of drenching it at once with two thousand gallons of cold water, as soon as the Vines were pruned, and when the roots were comparatively inactive. We think that as a gardener feeling somewhat responsible, you acted prudently m rn'vin" six hundred gallons of water instead of the two thousand, for ~y -n that quantity is more than we should have thought of giving at one time under the circumstances. But, then, from this exercise of pru- dence yon take the most of the responsibility on your own shoulders, and if the Vines next season are not everything to be desired, the ad- viser has the power to say, " It could not be otherwise, as you did not carry ont my specific directions." Onr general advice in all such cases is Take no responsibility when you merely carry out the plans of others ; but if these must be carried out, let it be seen that you do so faithfully, and conscientiously. Every experienced reader can jodge of your case. The floor of the span-roofed house will be 21 feet by 13 feet, and we pre- sume all that is border for the Vines, the roots being all inside. We will pass by the three loads of pure wet cow dung. You have given to every square foot of surface, something like nine quarts of cold water. To the space you tught, according to your adviser, to have giv--Theway in which we apply S?h S ■ » f P0W?ei *t0 Pei1?' and 0ther eeeila' is to damP tbe seeds Sfi^iiE *ir Shghti ^riDk'1DS of water' then I'1""* * ^w pinches SlS?-it °J,erf !th?m' T-1, tllr11 the 90e*s backwards and forwards with a flat stick until their outsides are coloured. When a very little water is used, very little of the red powder will colour the needs. Heating an Orchard House (An Amateur).— Of course, when you 1 orchard house, you take away its distinctive and make it a hothouse. There is no the soil, furthi with a heat of 45 \ raising it gradually in ten days to 50 , and in a fort- night more to 66°, and not raising the temperature higher until the plants are in bloom ; then for a short time from 66° to 60°, with a rise from sunshine. When the night temperaturo will stand at from 55: to 60°i you will need no more fire heat. Potting Peach, Cherry Trees, Ac. (T. J. M.) —If yon want fruit this summer, then we would say. Do not repot. Make the hole in the bottom of the pot a little larger, and then set it in a larger pot with some soil in the bottom of it. As the pots are now so full of roots, have some zinc or tin rims made— say 2 inches deep, or take some turf, cutting the mere grass as thin as possible, and then taking up what is beneath l.J inch deep. Cut this turf without grass into pieces 2J inches wide, make a rim with that above the rim of the pot, and top dress inside with rich com- post. In lieu of a larger pot to set your pots inside as above, these will not bo wanted, if you can set your pots 2 or 3 inches in the ground. If you pot now there is a great risk of the bloom not setting, or the young fruit dropping. If any of your trees should throw their fruit after letting them alone, as advised above, then you can repot with safety. Those which bear you may repot after gathering the fruit, giving them as much of the autumn as possible to fill the pots with roois. The trees that are not pruned would require pruning buck pretty freely, according to the strength of the shoots, hut taking care to reserve a sufficiency of flower- buds. Try, too, and make sure of a wood-bud to cut back to. In planting your young Vines, we would leave as much wood as would take them up to the wire of the rafter, and leave a couple of buds there ; all the other buds on the shoot downwards had better be rubbed off after planting. In general, of the two buds left, it will be best to retain only the one bud that comes away strongest, or both may be left, and the weaker shoot stopped when It is 18 inches long, the main one being encouraged to grow. Central Plant {Carlo).— We have no doubt that Centaurea baby- lonica would suit your purpose. We would recommend as easy to raise and very effective, Zea japonic i variegata for the centre, or if something more tall and majestic were wanted, Zea Caragua, a giant Haize. The first named is very prettv, but in exposed places it is easily discoloured. Then for tho four corner's, but a little farther iu than you show, we would have two plants of Kiciuus Obermanii, and two of Ricinus borbonensis. These are Castor Oil Plants with tine massive foliage, and free growth. If you wished each plant separate, then we would say. Ricinus Obermanii, borbonensis, macrocarpus. aud sanguineus. Such Cannas as discolor, zebrina, Warscewiczii. Krelagei discolor, &c, but these are not so easy to have strong by the middle of May, as the above. The Hemp plant. Cannabis gigantea. would make a good centre. Besides the above, the following would suit— Aralia papyrifera, Chenopodium atriplicis, Melian- thes major, Wigandia caracassana, &c, but the Ricinus will be the most easily brought to a good size. Sow in a hotbed. Pitching Tubs (C. IT.).— The insides of the tubs must not be pitched or painted, but left as they are. Tho only good it would do would be pre- venting the wood decaying, but that apparent benefit wou'd be entirely counterbalanced by the injury done the roots by the pitch or paint. Slate tubs are better than wooden'ones, and not only more durable, but there is no fungus, as there sometimes is owing to the decay of the wood of the tubs. We have known wooden tubs lined with slates cut to suit, hut we do not perceive their utility. Mushroom Beds (Fungus).— The bed made up about two months ago ought to have produced* by this time, but as you say it was spawned at 60°, probably the spawn has not spread ; and that you have no Mushrooms is not surprising as the beds are situated in a cold shed. To have Mush- rooms in winter a temperature of 55: is necessary. Examine the bed, and if the spawn haB spread you may yet have a good supply of Mnshrooma irom the bed first made up. If the bed be dry a gentle sprinkling with water at 75° would, no doubt, bring them forward. We have known beds late iu bearing ultimately afford excellent crops. It is premature to pro- nounce for or against a bed made five weeks, but you may ascertain whether the spawn has spread or not. Keep the bed well covered with dry hay so as to exclude frost and cold. The plants enclosed are, we think— 1, Goniophlebium stibaurieu'atum, a good basket Fern ; 2, Maiden- hair Fern ; 3, Cyauotis vittata or Tradescantia zebrina. Stones for Fernery (Pteris tremula).— The masses used for the fernery in Hyde Park are the melted scorise from some iron-smelting works. We recommend you to inquire at an iron foundry or glass-smelt- ing works. Berries of Solanum capsicasteum.— " T. L. C." wishes to be in- formed whether the berries of the Solanum capsicastrum are poisonous ; he has been told by a nurseryman that they are so, and as he has a young family who would have free access to the plants, he wonld be glad to have, no doubt, upon tho subject. Being red wo believe that they are not poisonous, but we shall be obliged by reliable information. Names of Fruits (E. C. S.).—\ and 2, Easter Bearre: 3 and 6, No Pins Meuris; 4. Winter Greening; 7, Beurrede Ranee. [A Working Man). —The Pear is Winter Nelifl, and the Apple Beauty of Kent. Names of Plants (G. W. B.).— Ruscus aculeatus. It would probably succeed in your Camden Road garden. (A Sub, J. Martin. 2. \V. Ecarrark. 8. F. Parlett. iie. Mrs. M. Seamons, AyleBbury: J. Clitt. Dorking: J. Frost. Parham : L. Patton. Bishop's Hull, Taunton ; J. Ivery * Son, Dorking, c. Mrs. F. S. Arkwright, Sutton Scarsdale ; M. Putney. Bens. -I and ! Ion Poultry Salesmen'* Cup for Dorkings, in Classes 2. 4. 6. J. Clift. 2, F. Parlett. 3. H. Lingwood. he, .1. i 'lift : Ivory and Sou; L. Patton: I). C. Campbell. Brentwood ; F. Kipping. Maidstone, e, C. Turner; H. Humphrey ; ,t. Frost : L. Patton : M. I'utr:ev. Dorking Lime Works. Dorkings (Silver-Grey).— tV.-A-s.— 1,W. H. Deuison. '2. Miss Hales, Canter- bury. 3 aud he. T. Raines. Bridge Hautjh, Stirling, c, O. E. CresBwel), Hanworth Rectory. Bene.—l, YV. H. Denison, Wot, urn Sands. 2, C. Turner, Great Baddow. 3. J. B. Plnmntrc. Gorlnestone. he and r. T. Raines. Dorkinos (White).— Cocks.— 1, W. Woodhouse. West Winch. 2, G. Cubitt, M.P., Dorking. 3, J. Robinson. Garstang. he. .1. Chuvce, Atherstone. Hens. —1, .7. Rolonsou. 2. .T. choyee. 3, Miss Si. Fairhurst. Ormskirk. Cochins [Cinnamon a:cl Buff) — C,,e/,'s.— Mr. .1. ' . s'evens' Cup acd 1, H. Mapplebeek. 2. Capt. II. I lea ron. Worsle v. Manchester. 3. w. A. Taylor, Man- chester, he, W. .a. Biirnel). Southwell. Notts; W. A. Taylor; H. Mapplebeek Birmingham: H. Lmgwoorl. Barking, Neeclham Mariat; Mrs. F.urrell. Bens' —1 and "Land and Water" Cup, W. A.Taylor. 2, H. Mapplebeek. .:. H. Ling- wood. he, H. Mapplebeek : W. A. Bui-ncll : Rev. G. Gilbert, els v. or ; J. Catlsll Birmingham; Mrs. Bun-ell. e, Mrs. Woodcock: D. Young. Cochins (Brown and Partridgel-Corte-l, W. A. Taylor. 2. J. Stephens, WalsalL 3, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Hen». - 1 and Partridge Cochin- breeders' Cup, W. A. Taylor. 2, E. Tudman, Whitchurch. 3, J. K. Fowler c. H. Lingwood. Cochins (White),.— Coela— 1, Mrs. Williamson. 2, F. W. Zurhorst, Dublin. 5' W' E-George, Stoke Bishop. Be ns.—l, F. W. Zurhorst. 2, W. E. George. 3, Mrs. Williamson. Brahmas (Darki.-Cort-s.-l, F. James, Peckham Eye. 2. J. H. Cuff. Holloway. 3,Mrs.Hnrt. he. Hon. Miss D. Pennant. Is nrhvn f . '. . Bang,.r • J. H Dawes Birmingham; B. Dowsett, Fleshy; Mrs. R. White, Shircbrook, Sheffield.' c, Mrs. Asllev. Aldeiwasley : l'"ii. Miss D. Pennant : c. Homfray, Glen Hske Ben:— I and Mr. Rol,ms,,i,'s Cup, H. Lingwood. 2. Mrs. Hurt. 3, H Line, wood. he. Mrs. Burt : Mrs. E. Wilkinson, c, Hon. Miss D. Pennant • G Palfrejnian. jun.: Mrs. Bunell. -»-•., «. Brahmas (Light).— Cdcfes.—l and Mr. Lewis's Cup, A. O. Worthin^ton 2 P Crowley, Croydon. 3, H. M. Maynard. he. .Mrs. Williamson; F. CrookTH- M Mavnard :H. Dowsett ,.: Ede. I r, / -1 and Brahma-breeders- Cup H. M. Maynard, Holmewood, Bvde. 2 and he. Mrs. WilliamBon. 3, F. S^L'i1; &J? rsiTg™Pr : MissHal.s. Be,,' -1.2. and Mr.Pares's Cup, F. Crook. EoreetBill. B, P. Crowley, ftc, Mrs. Williamson: H. Dowsett; A. O Worth' ington: F. Crook; Miss Hales, e, P. Crowlev; H. Dowsett. Newbitt. Epworth. he, Hon. Miss D. Pennant ; T. C. i E. Newbitt ; P. H. Jones, J w"? ;H•,,Br'rfI,• D,5rl/'S'1 :, F; Jam,es,;V>' EaITy' V™eT Kennington Lane c.W.R.Bull; Howard & Nichols : W. Woodhouse: E.Jones. lino-land Spamsh-breedcisCiip. F. c,,r'sc, Mai.Monc. 2. Hon. Miss 1>. Pennant. 3, H Lane, he, F. Waller. Wood Green ; H. Br.. wn; Hon Miss D. Pennant ; Mis Hyde; E. Jones: T. C. & E. Novel itt. e. W. Bacon. Tottenham I 'mm Bead. HourjANS.-Corf-s.-], w. O. Ouibell. N.v.ark. 2. J. Drewrv. ::' W Drin" Favershani. he, Mrs. Pattison. Maldon: II Brown; P. Crowl'ev. Bens— IP n"iZiy\, VT,' "■ <""1;'11' x "' Ti"1'1"' ' helmsford. he. P. Crowley ;V. O.Qmbell; Hills i c,,.. Brit-hlon. c. Mr-, Pattison. »ey,». French (Any other ..no ..,.-■ Cocke.— 1 and Messrs. Cassell's Prize. W. 0 J?v£,eVCr ,Tefre'ir\ 2' Hon' c- W' Fitzwmiain. ::. W. Bartford. Ayiesbury a^ele",Cfflmi '"■• F-A- I-'tt-. Newcro-s i ;.-.,., '.,.,,,-1 : F.W. Zurhorst (La WeSe)' kl\ W- Zurhorst ICr, v, -C„ an. 11. ns.-l, Hon. C. W FitzwUliant WW. 0°^acrfv^mf. SChe)' 2'J' K' F0Wler' S' Hi"8 & C° (La Flieh°>- c,S* wllGHu 'de. Ashton- undcr-Lyne. 2. Mason i- Walker, Denton. 3, J. Rollmson. c.L Wren, //riw.-l. W.A.Hyde. 2, J. Rollnson. 3. T. Penfold HAMBrrr.n iMly, r-paniiL-di.- Coci-s.-l, Mrs. Pattison. 2 and S, Miss e7 iTJi^V "'■ H' BcWoo. Goitstock. e. G. Johnson. Farnham. Bens.. -1 1 and 3, Miss E. Browne. 2. H. Beldon. lie. Mrs. Pattison. Maldon w?/me™ghs (Golden-pencilled).-Cocis.-l. F. Pittis, jun., Newport, Isle of Sowl'es2' 3?w!k°. Tfctaer 3' H' Bel-gricmed)^-CocA-«.-l, H. Beldon. 2, Mrs. Allsopp, Hind- HHMr;3 'TS,"', "'" l.H.B«Mon. 2,Mrs.Allsopp. s, Mrs. BuVrell. BS^R»™f la'kV "."'■;■'" '■':"'-W.S. ,;,:,..„.,:,. 'let,,,, Burnell. 2, W Colfef Tjfwatts. ' BmgIey- Scr«.-1, Mason 4 Walker. 2, W. 3 JiFl^tBh1erCk^a^'i!5edh' "d 2. S. Matthew, Stowmnrket. R ififi r "• ^'^cclnugli. /„■. H. M. Julian. Hull : J. .Teken. e, S. Matthew • 8^J.Holiaudan Ke' &""-1- W- J- I'"P'' Biggleswade. 2,'g. Matthew: w?^?E /,Bri"?r geas).-Co<*..--l, G. R. Smith. Scarborough. 2 and 8, J Sa.S';Ml"b:T' tfr««.-l. J. R. smith. 2, J. W 1. I!. :-.. o = S E IDuckwina and any other yarietyl.-c :,-,, .-1, J. Fletcher (Duckwing) 2^S. Matthew (Dnekyvmg). 3. H. M. Julian Hmekwing). he, .7. Fie Cher (Duel '- wing); Rev. G L. Cruwyv. Tiverton (Duckwieg). Bens.-l w H Mitche] Moseley (DuokwingJ. 2. .1. Philpott (Duckwing). J, w. n. raitcnell, Polish (Black, with White Crest).— Cocks.-l and S, D Mnt'on » T P K^hldS,:Liun?t"'St- '",,T '' Ea™4»i W.Gamonr'chesU? °'T:'De'an lS,,y;,iV'Gl,,°n' «■ ' <.-l and 2, T. P. Edwards. 3. I). Mutton. «SS fHo,A5yD-0,,,,er ™riety>.--<;ocbl.-l and c. G. C. Adkins. Btaningham (TR.ei' 2,'e.Pi ?■ , onr>8- 8- W. Gamon SUver). he. Q. c. AdkSs^itveflTK J. Reeves (Golden), ffiaw.— land Extra 1,6. C. A,;; ., S:H.,l ■> w Wo,,,' house.(Silver) he, G. C Adkins (Silvei , : I: H. Jones. ,-. G. c. Adkins (Silver) Any other Distinct Variety.— 1 and Mr T. n I ,. , d, r '., Priis h i Si..; OBlackCoch,.,. , B.LOK (Sultans' :■.'.., .';: . ■K™e ,y",r A°:la Y'V,?1'*'- C" D- Payne (Malay): Rev. A. G. Brooke, Burton XI Towns (Malay) : J. W. Aylesford (Cuckoo Dorking R. Moss, WestbouSe Park Crosland. Jan.. Wakefield, c, W. Morris. B< n . he.— Moullie. . B . Game Bant.ims (Dni kwing and any other variety).— Coefca— 1, Miss E. Craw- ford. Farnsiield (Duckwing). 2 and Ac, J. Allen (Pile). 3, MissE. H. Entwisle (Duckwing). Hens.— I, J. Crosland, jun. 2, J. AUcn (Pile). S. W. S. Forrest, Greenhithe (Duckwing). Bantams (Black).-l, C. Cambridge. 2, W. A. Tavlor. 3, T. C. & E. Newbitt. he, P. Crowley; H. Draycott. Humberetone : H. M. Mavnard. c. A. StorTar. Bantams (Any other distinct variety), - 1, Rev. G. S. Crnwvs. 2, W. B. Tegetmeier (Rumplcss). 3, P. Collins isiiver-Iaced Sebright), he. R. Rothwell, Epping (Japan Imported) ; G. Howes, Longstowe, Caxtox (White Dorking.) SEl-nrao Cl.ASS.—Cocfo.—l. Howard .. Nichols ISpanish). 2. J. Dove, Moul- ton (Bull Cochins). 3, Mrs. Williamson (Whi e i oehln). 4. Miss Story (Par. ridge Cochin). )«\ G. H. Mapplebeek ; P. I'Anson : Miss E. Browne (Silver-spangle,' Hambnrgb! : J. Norman, Coleloster H oloured and Silver-Grey Dorlangs); P. Collins, Iiaventry (lolden-spangled Hamhurgh); H. Brown (Dark Brahmas) ; F. Brewer, Lostwilhiel (Houdau); T Brown [Spanish); Mrs. Bnrrell. c, Mrs. Blay (Houdan): W. A. Tailor: \V. Birch. Fan, aele, Coventry; J. K. Fowler (Doi king); L. Shaw Partridge Cochin): T. J. Saltmarsh, Chelms- ford (Partridge Cochin I. Bene.—l, F. Parlett (Coloured Dorkings). 2, Mrs. Barrel!. 3, Howard & Nichols (Spanish'. ■!. J. Jektn. Eltham (Black-1, roasted Bed Game), do. Miss E. Browne (Spanish): Rev. G. Gilbert: H. Dowsett (Dark and Light Brahmas) ; H. Humphrey , Coloured Dorking, : W. E. George (Silver-spangled Hamburglis); 1.. Patton ic, loured Iioriungsi; Mrs.F. Crook (Light Brahmas). c, Rev. F. s. Tiddeman (Black Red Game Bantams); W. A. Taylor; .T. Dove (Partridge Co, ■hull : E. Shaw , Partridge CochinB). Ducks (Aylesbury).— 1 and 2. J. K. Fowler. 3, Mrs. M. Seamons. he, C. Turner ; Mrs. Pattison ; Mrs. Seamons. Dicks (Rouen).— 1. W. H. Denison. 2, Mrs. E. Wheatley. 3. J. K. Fowler. he, W. Gamou. c. H. Dowsett : II. Humphrey; L. Patton. Ducks (Any other variety).— 1. M. Leno (Carolina! 2. F. Pittis. jun., New- port, Isle of White (Black East Indian!. 3, C. Homfray (Mandarin). «c, W. E, George (Black East Indian). Geese (Any variety).— I, J. E. Fowler. 2 and 3, G. Hustler, Sti.lingfleet, fork(Grey). he, Major-Gen. H. ;>. de Bathe. Chichester (Stbastopol). Mrs. H. Seamons ; J. K. Fowler; c. Homfray (Spanish.) Turkeys (Any ran 1, I :- i 1, (Cambridge). 2. Mrs. A. Grey (Cam- bridge). 3, M. Kew. he, Rev. N. J. Ridley (Cambridge); Rev. G. Gilbert (Cambridge). PIGEONS. Pouters (Bluc-ried).- ' : .-1 and 8. R. Fulton, Deptford. 2, F. Gresham, Shefford. Sf,.. '.-1,2, am: ,-, F. Creshani. S.R.Fulton. _ . Pouters (Black, Red, or Yellow-pied).— Cocks.— 1 and "Journal of Horti- cnlture" Cup for best Bloc . Bed, or Yellow-pied Pouter in Classes 62 and 63, F. Gresham. 2, R. Fulton. ;;. Capt. II. Heaton. c. P. H. Jones. Fulham; R. Fulton; A. H. Stewart. Ben .■.— 1, R. Fnlton. .'. Capt. H. Heaton. 8, G. Sturgess, Leicester, c, F. Gresham; R. Fulton. Pouters (Any other colour).— Cocks. — 1 and Cup, A. H. Stewart. 2, F. Gresham. 3, W. Volckn an, Bishopsgate Street, e, G. Sturgess. Hf nj.— 1, K. Fulton. 2, A. H. Stewart. :, G. sturgess. c. A. Heath. ( alne : Mrs. Ladd. Carriers (Black).-Coc'ts— 1 and National Peristeronic society's Cup for Black or Dun Carrier, in Classes 6P. 6T. 68, i 8, F. T. V, iltabire, Croydon. 2, J. C. Ord. Pimlico. ,3, R. Fulton. Sent.-: and .-, E. Fnlton. 2. G. S. Hoekey, Durdbam Down. 3, G. C. Holt. Carriers (Dun).— Cocke— 1 and 2, J. C. Ord. S,T. Wiltshire, c, G. S. Hockey. Bent.— 1, F.E. Else. 2, J. Phillpotts. 3. R. Fnlton. e, F. T. Wiltshire. Carriers (Any other colour).— 1, R. Fulton. 2, J. C. Ord. 3, J. Watts, King's Heath, Birmingham. Carriers.— I'ouro?. — !, 2, and Mr. Hedley's Cup for best pair of Young Carriers, and Mr. Ese.uil.ir:: : Cue. F. T. Wiltshire, c, F. T. Wiltshire; G. S. Hockey ; G. C. Holt. Tumblers (Almond).— 1, 2. and Citv Colnmharian Society's Cup, F. T. Wilt- shire. 3, E. Fulton, c. J. Ford ; B. Fnlton : !•'. T. \\ iltabire. Tumblers (Baldheade).— 1. J. Fielding. Rochdale. 2 and 3, J. H. Esden, Hammersmith. Tumblers (Beards).-l, W. H. C. Oates, Besthorpe. 2, G. Sault. 3, W. Squire. Tumblers (Any other variety. Short-faced I.— 1, R. Fulton. 2 aud 3, J. Ford, London (Kit- s. I Babes (Black orDnn).— 1,2, and 3. R.Fulton, c, W. Massey. Bares lAnyother colour).—], p. H. Jones. 2, J. Firth, jun., Dewsbury. 8,W. Massey (Redl. c, Capt. H. Heaton. Barbs— Young.— 1 and Mr. Hedley's Cup for Barbs. E. Walker. 2 and Extra Prize, Capt. H. Heaton. 3, J. H. Frame, Overton, Carluke, c. Rev. A. G. Brooke. Jacobins (Bed or Yellow).— 1. R. Fulton. 2, G. South. London. 3. B. W. Richardson, Beverley, he, E..E. M. Rovds. r.T.C.iE. Newbitt, Epworth. Jacobins (Any other colour).- 1. 2, and he. E. E. M. l: yds. Rochdale. F.'.ntails.-L J. Sharp. Johnstone. 2. T. C. ft E. Newbitt. 3, J. C. Ord. he, J. Sharp, c, R.Fulton; H. Yardley, Birmingham. Nuxs.— 1, 2, and 3, W. Bankes. Runcorn. hc.C. F. Staunton. Trumpeters (Black or Mottled).— 1, E. Fulton. 2 and he, J. Firth, jun., Dewsbury. 3, E. Horner. Trumpeters (Any other colour).— 1 and 2, W. C. Oates. 3 and he. R. Fulton. Ov.ls (English). -1 and Mr. Tegetuieier's Prize, P. H. Jones. 2 and 3, F. Sale, Derby, he, C. Bulpin; Capt. H. Heaton. „_. _ . Owls (Foreign).— 1, R. Fulton. 2, J. Fielding, jun. 3, S. A. Wylhe, East Monlsey. Turlits— 1. W. Eankes, 2, A. A. Vender Meersch. Forest Hill. 3, E. Bern- rose. Derby, he. R. Fulton ; J. C. Ord : E. Bemrose. „ „ , Magpies— 1, P. H.Jones. 2. H. Yardlev. 3. Rev. A. G. Brooke, he. F. Sale. Dragoons (Blue or Silver).— 1 and the' "Field " Cup for the best pair of Dragoons, G. South. 2, J.Holland. 3, H. Yardlev. he. F. Bemrose ; J. PhiUpots. 'Any other colour).- 1. J. C. Ord. 2. J. Watts. 3. F. E. Else, Ilavsivater. /,,-. G. South : V,7. Volckman. Antwebps.— 1. F. Sale. 2, J. J. Bradley. Binuingham. 8, E. Horner, Harewoofl, Any other Variety. — 1 and the '"Field'' Cup. S. A. Wyllie. 2. Lady F. Bnshby. 8, W. Bankes. 4, W. Tegetmeier. he, H. Mapplebeek; P. H. Jones : — Davies : J. Watts; E.Horner; G. Sturgess. Selling Class. — 1, J. Hawlev. 2. 4. and i-lie. J. Ford, London. 3, S. A. Wyllie. he and c, J. Ovens, Walworth Road. B tvtvEonoN op Four Pairs (Exclusive of Carriers, Pouters, and Tumblers).— 1 and Messrs. Baily's Cup, P. H.Jones (White Owls, Trumpeters. Fantails, Barbs or Jacks). 2, R. Fulton. 8. G. South iBlue, Yellow, White, and Red Dragoons), vhe, J. Hawley, Binglcv : c. Bulpin. Bridgwater, he, W. Bankes, Runcorn (Nuns, Turbits. Brunettes, and Fantails); S. A. Wyllie (.Jacobins, Foreign Imported, German Toys, and Archangels). Cup for the best pen of Pigeons in the Show, given by Mr. Esnuilant, Mr. Wiltshire (Carriers). Judges. — ForPmdtn/: Messrs. E. Hewitt, R. Tecbay, and J. H. Smith. For Pigeons: Messrs. J. Percival and E. Corker. HANLEY POULTRY SHOW. This Show, held on the 11th, 12th, and 13th inst.. was notable for the quality of the stock shown in all departments. The Game classes January 20, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTA' . . GARDENER. were a hard task to the Judges, owing to competition being uncom- monly close. The Cochin-Ohinas were also a great feature of the Exhibition, as well as the Hambnrghs and Pohnids, and the Bantams, Ducks, Geese, and Turkey* were quite up to the mark. The extra prize for Ducks was won by a very handsome pair of Roueus ; that for Drakes by a very large Aylesbury. Of Pigeons there was also a very good display, those most note- worthy being the Blue Pouter cock in the second-prize pair (shown, however, with a bad hen), the Black Jacobins, and the winning Trum- peters. The first-prize Nuns were well shown and perfect in mark- ing, and the Yellow Turbits, to which the first prize was awarded, were the pink of perfection. Magpies were small and good, with Reds first, and Blacks second ; and the first-prize Blue Antwerps were almost the most perfect pair we ever saw. Of Cage Birds, the winning Belgians were grand high-school-looking fellows, and the Copples of immense size. On looking at the winners in the Norwich classes, one became impressed with the next to futility of attempting to improve the colour, as that was intensely brilliant. Lizards were also good, and extremely handsome in both classes, and the moultedLiunets were most perfect. Dorkings. — Coloured, except 8ilver-Gi —Cock.— I, Extra, and lie, Mrs. Arkwright, Sutton Scarsdale, CI esterfleld. 2, .T. Stott, Healey. S, Hon. H. W. Fitzwilhain, Wentworth Woodhouse. fiV<:.s.-l, Extra, and 2, Mrs. Arkwright. 8. Rev. J. Bartrum, Great Berkhainpstead. Any oilier Variety.— Cock.— I, With- held. 2, V. K. Dearden, Nantwich. 3, Mrs. E. Williains, Henllya Berriew. Hens— 1, V. K. Dearden. 2 and 3, Mrs. E. Willi Spanish.— Cock— 1, J. Walker, Wolverhampton. 2, H. Beldon. Goitstock. 8, H.F.Cooper, sen., Walsall. CockereL—1, i. Walker. 5. H. Beldon. 3, Ton- kin & Tuckey, Bristol, he, E. Fell. Cobri.ige; J. Mansell, Longton. c. -T. F. Dixon, Cetgrave : J. Walker, Bursleui ; J. F. Sillitoe, Wolverhampton. Hens. —1, C. W. Biierley. Middleton, near Manchester. 2, H. Beldon. 3, J. Mansell he, N. Cook, Chow-bent ; J. Stephens, c, Hon. Miss Douglas Pennant, Penrhyn Castle, Bangor. Cochtn-Ciuna — Cinnamon and Bitff.-Coek.-l and2. H. Mapplebeck. Extra 2, J. Sichel, Tknperley. he. W. Sandy ; H. Mappplebeck : F. Bennett, Shiffnal. c. Mrs. Whit ■'. shirebrook, Sheffield. Hrm.—l, J. Sichel. 2, H. Mapplebeck. 3, J. Catt.il. Birmingham. . F. Wright, Swanwick Hayes, Alfreton: Mrs. Woo.b ■ 1' X Mapplebeck. Blown and Partridge- feathered.— Cock— 1 an Taylor, Manchester. 2, Miss Story, Derby. 3, E.Tudnrm. Y, 1:. B. Wood. Uttoxeter. c, J. Stephens. Hen«— 1 and Extra, W. A. Taylor. 2 and 3, E. Tudman. he, R. B. Wood : T. M. Deny. Gedney ; J. Stephens. Brahma Pootra.— Dark.— Cock.— 1, A. O. Worthington. 2, — Heath, Nant- wich. 3, G. Bradford, Hanley. he, T. Sherratt, Knypersley; Hon. Miss Douglas Pennant: J. Dawes. Birmingham; Mrs. White. Hens.— 1, A. O. Worthington. 2, .T. Pickles. Birkdale, Soothport. 3. J. Heath, he, H. Ling- wood. Creeting, Needkam Market: R. Minnitt. inn., Heale". near Roehiale: W. Whitelev, Sheffield. Light.— Cock.— 1 and 2. A. 0. Worthington. 3. W. Whiteley. Sheffield, he. H. Dowsett, Pleshey. fi" I .—1. A. O. Worthington. 2, H. Beldon. S, W. Whiteley. he, J. Pares, Postford, Guildford; C. Morris: H. Dowsett. Polish (Any variety).— Cock.—l and 2, H. Beldon. 3. J. S. Senior, Batley Carr, Dewsbury. he. W. Silvester, Sheffield. Hrm.—l and 3, H. Beldon. 2, J. S. Senior, he. J. Heath : W. Gamon, Chester. Greve-Cosurs.— Cock.— 1. C. H. Smith. 2, C. Morris, he, H. Wvndham. Wawne; Hon. H. W. Fitzwiluam. Hens— 1, C. Morris. 2, R. B. Wood, he, E. Pritchard, Tettenhall. Wolverhampton. Houdans.— Cock.— 1, R. B. Wood. 2, L. Biney, Manchester. 3, W. O. Quibell, Newark- nn-Trcnt. he, W. Dring, Faversham. e, B. Brown, Cheadle Holme; W. O. Quibell. Hens— 1, C. Morris. 2. R. B. Wood. 3, L, Biney. he. W. o. Quibell. LaFleche — Cock— 2, Hon. C. W. Fit: ■-..■. illia; H .— 1, Hon. C. W. Fitz- william. 2. Rev. N. J. Ridley. Game (Black-breasted Bed).— Cock.— 1 raid Extra. J. Fletcher, Steneclough. 2, W. BoyeB, Beverley. 3. G. Bagnall, Draycott. Cockerel.— 1 and Extra, J. Fletcher. 2, G. Bagnall. 3, G. Heaford, Loughborough, lie. E. Bell. Burton- on-Trent; S. Matthew, Stowmarket : G. Bagnall. Hen.— 1 and Extra, J. Fletcher. 2, S. Matthew. S, G. Bagnall. lie, G. Bagnall; Mrs. ArkwngM ; B. Jarvis. Game (Brown and other Reds).— Cock.— 1. T. Burgess. Burleydam. 2, W. J. Cope, BarnBl"y. 3, B. Jarvis. he, .T. Fletcher; C. W. Brierley. Cockerel — 1. C. Minors, Suibury, Derby. 2. W. < iaiiy. antwich. 3. Duke of Sutherland, Trentham. he, C. Minors: T. Dvson. Hen— 1, J. Fletcher. 2, B. Jarvis. S, R. Ashley. Nantwich. he. C. W. Brierley: T. Burgess. Game (Duckwings and other Greys and Blues).— Cock.—l, J. Fletcher. Sand he, Duke of Sutherland. 3. C. W. Brierley. Cockerel.— 1, J. Fletcher. 2. B. Jarvis. S.S.Matthews, he. Duke of Sutherland : J. Cope, Barnslev; E. Winwood, Worcester. Hen.— 1, R. Ashlev. 2. Duke of Sutherland. *3, J. Fletcher, he, H. Beldon. Game (Any other variety!.- Cock.—l and 3, B. Jarvis. 2, S. Matthews. Hen. — 1, J. Fletcher. 2. r.. Jarvis. Hambuhghs (Black).— Cock.— 1, Duke of Sutherland. 2. F. Bennett, Shiffnal, Salop. 3, J. H.Howe, he, Bev. W. Serjeantson, Acton Buruell Rectory : w. Green, Keighley. Hens.— 1, E. Brough, Leek. 2. E. Bailey, Breadsall, near Derby. 3. Duke of Sutherland, its, F. W.-ight, Swanwiek Haves, Alfreton ; 3. H. Howe. Hamburghs (Golden-spangled).— Cock.— 1. H. Pickles, jun. 2, T. Boulton, Handford. 3, Duke of Sutherland, he, H, Beldon; E. Brierley : J. Howe. Bem.—l and Extra, J. H. Howe. 2. H. Beldon. 3. J. Buckley. Taunton, Ash- ton-under.Lyne. he, S. A: R. Ashton, Mottram ; H. Bagshaw, Uttoxeter ; J. H. Howe; S. Smith, Northowram, Halifax ; T. Blakeman. Hamburgh? (Silver-spangled!.— Coel\—l and Extra, Duke of Sutherland. 2,J. H.Howe. 9, S. A. Cooper, jun., WalBall. lie, H. Pickles, jun. Hem — 1, W. Bairstow, Feanicliff, Bingley. 2, J. H. Howe. 3, J. Walker. Birstwith, Kipley he, H. Beldon ; A. Lurtlam ; Duke of Sutherland : H. Pickles, jun. HAMP.cr.GHS (Golden-pencilledi.— Cock.— 1, H. Pickles, jun. 2, H. Beldon. S, W. K. Tickner. Ipswich, he, J. Walker ; Duke of Sutherland ; S. Lord. Bot- toms, Rochdale: D. Broughton, Barnoldswick, Colne; S. Smith, c, Duke of Sutherland. Hens— 1, J. Walker. 2, G. Swift. Fulford Stone. 3, W. K. Tickner. Hamburghs (Silver-pencilled).— Coek.—l, H. Pickles, jun. 2, Duke of Suther- land. 3, . I. Walker, he, H. Beldon : Duke of Sutherland. Hem.— 1. H. Beldon. 2, Duke of Sutherland. 3. J. Walker, he, Duke of Sutherland ; H. Pickles, jun. Game Bantams i Black-breasted Redl.— Cock.— 1, B. Jarvis. 2, H. Beldon. 3, J. Adkins, jun.. Walsall, he, ,7. H. Howe ; A. H. Jubb. Halifax. Hens— 1, R. Swift, Southwell, Notts. 2, H. Beldon. 3. H. G. Marsden. he, B. JarviB. Game Bantams (Any other variety).— 1 and Extra. B. Jarvis. 2, H. Beldon. 8, G. & C. Furness, Accrington. Hens. — 1 and Extra, J. Sichel, Tunperley. 2, J. Palmer, Longford, Coventry. 3. H. Beldon. Bantams (.Any variety except Gamel— 1, H. Beldon. 2, Mrs. F. S. Arkwright. S, W. A. Taylor. Ducks (Roueni.— Druke.— 1, J. F. Dixon. Cotgrave. 2, J. Mellor, Stalling, ton. Stone. 3, Duke of Sutherland, he. T. Wootten. Mapperlev. Ducks.— 1, J. White, Netherton. Wakefield. 2, Duke of Sutherland. S. G. Bagnall, Dray- cott, Cheadle. he, J. White F. E. Richardson, Bratnshall, Uttoxeter. Stonehouse, Whitbv. Ducks.— 1 and 2, Mrs. M. Seamons. 3, C. Havers. Ducks (Any other variety). — Drake.— 1, C. W. Brierley. 2. C. N. Baker, Chelsea. 3, S. Burn, h . A. O. Worthington : S. a R. Ashton : C. W. Brierley; J.H.Howe:(- is— 1, C. N.Baker. 2, A. O. Worthington (Brown Call Ducks), s. C. V. Geese (White).— Can ll . .— h. E. Leech. 2. G. Hustler, Stillingfieet. 3, J. Lycett. Geese— 1, G. Hustler, Stiliingftect. 2, E. Leech, Rochdale. 3, J. Lveett. Geese IGrev and Mottled).— Gander.— 1, E. Leech. 2, Mrs. M. Seamons. 8,S.H. Stott. lie, J. Lycett. Geese,— 1, E. Leech. 2, G. Hustler. S.G.Bagnall. lie, J. Lycett. Turkeys.— Cock— 1. W. Galley. 2. E. Leach. 8. C. Wragge, Uttoxeter. Hens.— 1 and 2, F. E. biehardson, Uttoxeter. 3, E. Leach. Selling Class.— 1. J. Mansel, Longton. 2, E. Daniels, Oakamoor. 3. Duke of Sutherland, he, H. Stariner ; M. L. Poynton, Knypersley Gardens, Con- gleton; B. Linbert. Derbv: Duke of Sutherland; C. Heath. Hoole End, near Leek; T.Boulton, Hanford ; J.F.Dixe-n; J. Palmer. Longford. Coventry; W. Gordow, Butterton Park. Newcastle; G. Swift, Fulford. Stone; J. Walker, Wolverhampton ; H. Cook, Chowbent : H. Beldon. c, F. Cooper, Hanley. Prize to the E : ibitor gaining the greatest number of prizes for Poultry, H. Beldon. PIGEONS. Tohblebs (Almond).— 1, J. Hawley, Bingley. Tumblers (Anv other variety).— 1, J. Hawley. 2, .1. Fielding. )un.. Rochdale lie, F. S. Arkwright. •'. J. 6.1 ice. Nantwich ; H. Yardley, Birmingham. Carriers.— 1, E. Walker, Leicester. 2, R. Hart, Newcastle, Staffordshire. Pouters.— 1. J. Ha wlev. 2. W. Gamon. Chester, lie, W. Gamon; W. Robin- son, Northwich. c, V.". Silvester, Sheffield. Balds. -1 and 2. .T. Fielding, jun. Beards.— 1. J. Fielding, jun. 2. G. South, London, he, J. Hawley. Runts.— 1 and l. H. Yardley. Jacobins.— 1, J. W. Canuan, Bradford. 2, J. Hawley. he, Mrs. F. Easton, Hull. c. G. Smith. , , _ _.. Fan-tails — 1, J. IIswl ■-■'. 2, C. Baker. Atherstone. lie, C.Baker; G. South; H. Yardlev. , ., Tbojipetees.— 1, J. Hi v. lev. 2 and lic.W. Gamon. e, T. Kobson, Penlmdge. .Hawley. 2. J. W. Cannan. lie, J. Fielding ; H. Yardley ; G. S. Kuxs— l.M 2. J. Hawley. lie' Mrs. A. B. Bailey, Shooter's Hill, Longton: H. 1 ,.,,,_. ... Turbits— 1. E. ; rose, Derby. 2, T. Robson, Penkridge. lie, J. Fielding, jun.; W. 11 - A.B.Bailey; H. Yardley. Barbs.— 1 and 2. J. Fi. :ng, jun. lie J. W. Cannan: G. South. Db -1 ' Crewe. 2. J. Hawlev. 3, W. Gamon. vhe, .1. Bat- well, he, G. rell. e, H. Yardley; F. S. Arkwright : R.Weston; T. Emery. She!;.. :•'. "11. ,. Girlington, Bradford. 2, W. Robinson, he, C. Baker, c, J. Hawley: A. Bailey: G. South; H. Yardley. Antwesps.-I. J. Ha.'.l-y. 2, F. S. Arkwright. tide, J. W. Cannan. c, H. Yardley: J. S. Senior. .— i. J. T. Lishman. 2, W. Robinson, vhc, H. Yardley. 7ic, J. Hawley; H. V 1 Exhi aing the greatest number of Prizes, J. Hawley. CAGE BIRDS. , Belgian Canary.—' ' Fellow.— 1 and 2. W. WaiTen. Macclesfield, vhc, S. Bridgwood. Longton. 1 ' r Buff— l,_J._Turaer, Birmingha , J. N. Harrison, Beipe£™w7waiTen. 1 . . .•■ d.—l, T. Emery, a, W.Warren. 1/0, w. Warren; T. F.merv. „ , , Yellow.— 1 and 2, Bemrose & Ornie. lie, Moore and Wynne, Northampton. Clear Buff— land 2. Bemrose & On Derbyr' 'v'arie 'gated.— 1 and2, Moore*& W*5rnne. rlic, J. Bexson ; Bemrose and Lizard— Jbnoiie— 1,T. Emerv. 2ande, W.Warren, rlie, J. Bexson. Grey. —1 and vhc, W. Warren. 2, T. Emery, he, J. Bexson. Pled Mule (Yellow).— 1, Moore i Wvnne. 2. Mrs. F. S. Arkwright. Goldfinch.— 1. Moore & Wynne. 2, J. N. Harrison, vhc, E. Hamptman ; W. Warren, he, Mrs. Piercy. . „ , n „ fl Mule (Bred in the Potteries).— IVIloio.—l, J. Unwin. Hanley. 2, H. Green, She ;.,n. £.. it— I and lie, W. Clav. Stoke. 2, T. Lowndes. Hanley. Linnet (Brown, moulted in the house).— 1. -1. N. Harrison. 2, J. Knapper. pile, A. Boon: S. Bridgwood. Longton: W. Casey. Northwood. Prize to Exhibitor gaining the greatest number o( prizes in the Belgian antt Norwich classes. W. Wamer. . . Prize to Exhibitor gaining the greatest number of prizes, in the Lizard, Mule, and Linnet classes, Moore & WyDne. RABBITS. i -1. D. Dudlev, jun., Tipton. 2, W. Pratt, Birmingham. Lop-eared. ,St. John's W 1. London. 2, A. H. Easton, Hull. Silver-Grey.— 1. E. E. M. Rovds. Rochdale. 2, J. Sykes, Rochdale, lie. S. G. Hudson, H11U. Any Variety (Irrespective of Length of Ears, or Weight).— 1, S. Steele, Derby. 2, C. King, lie, J. Quick ; W. Elbs, Newcastle, Staffordshire. jUTl E3__ Poultry : Rev. T. O'Grady. Hognaston Vicarage, Ash- bourne ; Eev. G. F. Hodson, North Petherton ; Mr. James Dixon, North Park, Clayton, Bradford ; Mr. T. Chaloner, Barlbrough, Chester- field. Pigeons: Mr. E. Hnttcn, Pndsey. Leeds. Cage Birds : Mr. G. J. Bamesby, Derby. Babbits: Mr. S. Johnson, Etroria. BARROW POULTRY SHOW. This took [place on the 14th and loth inst., when the following awards were made : — Special PRizES.-Game Cock (Any colour).-l, T. Mason, Lancaster. 2, J, Poole, Ulverston. 3. W. Boyes, Beverley. Chickens.— 1 and 2. J. rletcher. Manchester. lic.W. Boulton; J. Brough: J. Moreton. Game Bantams {Any colour). -1. T. Sharpies. Rawtenstall. 2, E. Hudson. Ulverston. lie, G. Noble. Selling Class.— I.U.W. Ulingworth. Leeds. 2. J. W. R. Tyson. Dalton. 3, W. Q. Mulligan, Belfast. 4. E. Fearon, Whitehaven. .,„-_, Spanish (Black).-l. C. W. Brierley. Manchester. 2. H. Beldon, Bingley. Dorkings (Any colour).— 1, T. Brider, Skipton. 2, R. D. Holt, Windermere. he, J. H. Wil6on. _ „-^.i*- „* o T GAME.-Black-brensfeii and other Reds.-l.J. Hodgson, YWnttrngton. 2. J. Fletcher, Manchester, lie, C. W. Brierley: T. Mason. Duckwtngt and other Greys and Bines.— 1. W. Boyes. Beverley. 2. J. E. Robinson. Sunderland. he, J. H. Wilson. Any other Variety.— 1, -T. Fletcher. 2. G. i- C. Furness, Accrington. Pullets (Any variety).-l, T. Mason. 2, W. Boulton, Furness CcfcHiN-CHlNA.-Ciimonioii and Buff.-l, J. Pool, DTverston. 2, E. Fearon. Whitehaven, lie. J. Cowman, e, J. H. Dawes: and T.^Ashburner.^ =-~ hitehaven. lie. J. Cowman, e, J. H. Dawes: and -r. Asin.unier. a> «■<• ~,id Partridge— 1 and Cup, T. Stretch, Ormskirk. 2, J. H. Dawes. Wmte.- 1, R. Smalley. 2. J. Weeks, lie, T. A. Asiibum.-r : .1. Pool : S. Sherwin. Brahma Pootra l.Vivcolour).— 1, C. W. Brierley. 2,J.H.Dawes. lie, Dalzel and Armstrong ; H. W. Brimton. 54 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January 20, 1670. BaanBOns.-r.edden-peneilled.— l.H. Bclilon. 2. S. Burn. Whitby. Silver- ;,, nettled ) II IVkli-K. '2. H. Ui'Mun. e. T. H. lteclman. Soldo — 1 H Kt'M'in '2. W. A. Hv.lr. Ashton-timkT-Lvne. he. H. Picklea. Silver- >pililnied.—l ami Cup. H. Ui-'M..n. 2. H. Stninw.rtli, Burnley. Asv OTH1 B In iiM i 1:1:11:11- 1, H. Beldon. 2, J. Pool, he, J. \Viltin; J. OiJEBivrilli- 1, T. Sliarplcn. 2, J. Statter. lie, G. Noble ; H. J. Nichol- BaKTiM (Any variety).— 1,M. Leno, Dnnstable. 2, H. Beldon. lie, S. & K. Ashli.ii: .J. Whit.' : T. C. Harris., n; J. Cope: J. Poole. W. H. Buteh.-r. Preston. 2. s. H. Snilt. lir, R. B. Hudson ; C. F Wordsworth: J. Hunt ; W. Banlton. r, T. Hunter. ,.„._, . TTrkess.— 1, J. Fox. 2, S. stiiTwiii, Whitehaven, he, J. Hunt; E. Leech; 'ltrt-Ka.'— i.C. W. Brierlev. 2. A. Dickinson. Whitehaven, he, E. Leech ; W. G. Mulliitan ; H. Beldon ; J. J. Wall. in. Ant, -haey.-V B. H. Hill. 2, J. Cow- man, lie. M. Hnrri».u.: .1. Ili.nl: E. Fearon. Bail Indum—h S. Burn. 2 and he. Rev. W. s.-rj-antson. e, S. Burn. Any other Variety.— \, C. W. Brierley. 2 and he, M. Leno. Local. Prizes.— Game-Black nr Brown Bed).— 1. .1. nnnt. Barrow. 2, W. Myers, UlveiBt..n. r.ii.l-, nv 1. J. Hunt. 2. E. Wuo.lluirne. Ann other Variety. —1, J. Pool. 2,R. Heaton. Oinitf: Bontams.— 1. J. Hum. 2. J. Pool. PlOKONB.— Carrim (Anv colonr).-l, .1. 4 W. Towerson, Eoremont. 2, T. PreBt.m. lie. H. Yardlev; J. Chadwiek. I'.oif. i'-' Vuy e.dour).— 1, T. Asbburner. Barrow. 2. H. Yardlev. TVmblen (Any variety).— 1 and 2. T. Asr.burner. Jitcobint.-l and '2, J. .t W. Towerson. Jnt.r. rj.i .Any ..,!.. nn.-l J. Vuice. 2. T. Cock. Bnrt»— 1. W. Bonltim. Fumess Ahliey. 2, .1. Cliadwick. Owls (Any colour) — 1. J. & W. TuwerBoo. 2. J. Clialwnk. Fttntails (Any colour).— 1. J. Chadwlck. 2. H. Yardlev. Vraaoons (Any colour).— 1, T. Ashburner. 2, H. Yardlev. Any other loit.n, I Von, in —1 and 2, T. Ashburner. Cas-abies — Belgian— Yellow.-!. 2. and he. .1. Hunt. e. J. Jloffatt. B;i#.— land 2, J. Hunt. fce.J.Moftatt. Mnle.-l, M.Minnikin. 2. W. Bradley. /ic.T. Cockerton. l'...|,i.W.-l.ll'»' or Burl.— 1. .1. Bouli.m. 2, J. N. Harrison. he, J. P. Bell. e. T. Cockerton. Lizard |.;.ll and Silver-spancled) — 1. J- Moffatt. 2. T. Cockerton. In-, J. Lambert, c. T. Cockerton. Common Yellow. 1 and 2. .1. HiU. m „ „ „ , . Goldfisch.-I, W. Bradley. 2. J. Hill. Ac, W.Bradley, c, T. Cockerton. Jodges : — Poultry: Mr. James Hindsou. Liverpool. Pigi ons : Mr. S. Handley, Pendleton, Manchester. Canaries: Mr.A. Benson, White- haven. CORK AND SOUTH OF IRELAND POULTRY SHOW. The tenth annual Exhibition was held in the Athenrcnm, Cork, on the .r)th and 6th inst., when the following awards were made : — Dokkin..*.— (hey.— 1 and 2, A. E. Ussher. Sihei-llrey.— Chickens.— 1 and 2. T. O'Gradv. Bandon. Coloured.— L Mrs. Hay, Spike Island. 2, R. P. Williams. c.J. C. Cooper, Limerick. Cltickt i, ..— 1. 2, and c, Mrs. Hay. White or other Variety.— 1, Miss Perry, Cork. 2 and e, Countess of Bandon, Castle Bernard. Brahma?.— Dark.— 1, ,T. C. Cooper. 2 and he, A. E. Ussher, Campbire, Cap- poquiu. e. T. Babindour.— I and vbc, F. H, elder [Pied and Lizard). 2. T. Babington. he. M. MVarthv. e. H. Atkins, Cork. Crested (Any colour). — 1, J. B. Body, Cork. 2, Miss M. Dowling. 3.— 1, W. P. Harris. ! Hodder. he, J. Dowd . __ Linnet Mules.—], F. Hodder. 2, J. Dowd. he, M. M'Carthy. c, W. E. O'Hea. Linnets— \ and 2, P. Keating, he, F. Hodder. c, F. Russell. ■1 and 2, Master J. Dowling. ■1 and 2, R. Jones, Cork, he, J. Dowd. c, P. Keating. Blackbirds.— 1 and 2. W. M'Grath, Cork. Thrushes.— 1 and 2, P. Kinnealy, Cork, he and c, W. Waters. Judges. — Poultry and Pigeons: Mr. P. H. Jones, Fnlham. Song Birds : Mr. A. Parker, Cork. J. Pike (Blue). NEWCASTLE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S SHOW. The annual exhibition of this Society toot place in the Corn Ex- change, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, on the 13th and 14th inst. The entries numbered 3(J9, and although clashing with the Crystal Palace Show, to which a great portion of the south country birds were sent, it com- prised a really good collection, nearly all the classes being well re- presented. The Corn Exchange is large, well ventilated, and nnusually well adapted for such a show ; the temperature, too, was judiciously regulated, and under the able management of Mr. Blenkinsop, the Honorary Secretary, the comfort of the various specimens was ensured. Carru rs were fairly represented, rive classes being allotted to them ; the Blacks were most worthy of notice. Pouters were more numerous, having nine classes ; the Blues were especially good. The same may be said of the White cocks. One of the special prizes, a silver cup, was awarded to a remarkably fine Blue cock belonging to local exhi- bitors, Messrs. Thompson & Simpson, who also took the first position with a splendid hen of the same colour. These birds were, we under- stand, bred from draughts from the stock of a famed Scotch fancier, and do ample credit to the enterprise of their owners. Mr. Fielding had the special prize presented by Mr. George Fawdon, of Gateshead, awarded to his first-prize Almond-:, in a close competition with Mr. C. Vaux, who exhibited a very good pair. In the other class of Short- faced Tumblers, Black, Mottles, and Yellows took the prizes. Several pens were obviously passed over. Barbs were good. Mr. Fulton gained first and the silver cup special prize with a pair of fine Blacks ; the pen contained an extraordinarily good hen. Mr. Horner's second Blacks also deserve mention ; the cock, however, requires a better mate, of which he is well worthy. Jacobins were a large class, odd eyes prevailing in many pens. Beds were first ; Yellows second ; good Blacks, Whites, and Reds receiving high commendation. In Fantails an even, medium-sized, good-tailed pair was placed first, and a small pair of fine-actioned Whites was second; the hen, however, was rather deficient in tail. Ou-Is had two classes — Foreign and English. In the former, Mr. Fielding's Whites added another to their long list of prizes by taking first. The second pen of Blues contained a capital cock. In the Trumpeter class Mr. Van Haans- bergen took the lead with a pair of Light Mottles, the ground and flights black, and capital in rose and feet. The " Any other variety " class contained nothing particularly striking. A good pair of White Trumpeters took first in the selling class. Red Turbits were second, and both were speedily claimed. Cabbiers (Anv colour).-! and he, K. Fnlton, Deptford. 2, E. Horner, Hare- wood, c, W. R. & H. 0. Bl.--nkin<;op, Newcastle. Poutfes (Any colour).— I, E. Horner. 2, R. Fulton, he, F. D.Wood, Edin- burgh (Yellow)'; A. AV right, Edinburgh. Almond Triiiii kks iSh-iit-fan.-ili.-l aii-1 SprCKil. -T. FirhlniL', j un„ Rochdale. 2, C. Vaux. he, W. B. Van Haansbergen: J. Baxter, Newcastle; H. Adams, Beverley ; R. Fultnn ; W. R. & H. O. Blenkinsop. Babes* (Any culour).— 1 and Cup, R. Fulton. 2, E. Horner, he, W. B. Van Haanshfrgi.-n. New cast It* ; R.Fulton; E. Horner. Carriers (Black). — Cock.~l. E. Horner. 2, R. Fnlton. he, R. Fulton; Thompson Sl Simpson, Newcastle ; W. B.A H. 0. Blenkinsop; E. Homer, c, J. Watts ,King'B Heath. Hen— I, ¥■. Homer. 2. R. Fulton, he, T. W. Kilburn, Bishop Auckland. (Dun, or any other colour except Black).— Cock.—l, R. Fulton. 2, W. Harvey. Sheffield, he. E. Homer, c, J. Watts. Hen.—\, R. Fulton. 'J. i.. Smith. London, he, W. R. & II. O. Blenkinsop. I'mir.Rs il;lu-ki. <'■■•:);. -1, \Y. U. Van I hi lid -1mt-j, n. _'. I.'. Fnlton, Ho\.~ 1, E. Homer. 2. W. B. Van Haansbergen. (White).— Cocfc.— 1, W. Harvey, 2, E. Horner, he. T. W. Kilbum ; H. Brown. Sheffield, c, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Hen.-l, E. Homer. 2, W. Harvey, he, M. Sanderson, c. T. Rule. Durham. iRIupi.— Cock.— 1 and Cup. Thompson ,V Simpson. S.W.'Wiii- tour. Edinburgh, he, S. Rohson. Ferrybridge ; R. Fulton ; Thompson & Simpson. Hen.— 1. Thompson & Simpson. •-, E. Homer, he. R. Fulton. (Any other colour).— Cock.— 1, J. Bell (Red). 2, W. B. Van Haanbbergen (Ash), he. W. B. Van Haanebertren (Redl; R. Fulton (Yellow); J. Guthrie, Hexham (Mealy). Hen— I, S. Rohsun (bed). *_!. A. Wricht. Edinburgh (Yellow), he, W. Harvey; R. Fulton (Yellow), c, H. Brown (Red). Tumblers (Short -faced, anv colour except Almonds).— 1, R. Minnitt, jun. 2, J. Fielding, jun. he. F. Graham : H. Adams ; R. Fnlton. Jacobins.— 1 and 2, E. Homer, he, W. B. Van Haansbergen ; J. E. Spence; R. Fulton; Mrs. Craven. Tcrbits.— 1, J. Fielding, jun. 2, E. Horner, he. W. B. Van Haansbergen; W. Petric; E. Horner: C. Vaux, Sunderland, e. T. W. Kilbum; T. Rule. Fantails.— 1. E. Horner. 2. W. Harvev. he, F. Graham, Birkenhead; H. Yardlev; J.Walker: J. F. Loveraidge, Newark; T. Rule. Trumpeters.— 1, W. B. Van Haansbergen. 2, E. Homer, he, W. H. C. Oates, Besthorpe; J. Cundale, Hewick, Ripon. Owls.— Foreign.— 1, J. Fielding, jun. 2, F. Key. he, J. Fielding, jun.; A. January 20, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 55 Dove, York ; W. E. & H. O. Blenkinsop. English.— 1, J. J. Wilson, Darlington. t, W. R, & H. O. Blenkinsop. Tumbleks (Common).— 1, W. Harvey. 2, H. Morrow (Balds). Jtc, W. Petrie (Yellow); E.Horner, c , H. Yardley. (■Dragoons.— 1, F. Graham. 2, S. N. Challoner, Newcastle, he, W. Harvey; J. Percivall, Peckham ; M-MoGnire, Wert sherburn. Any other Vabiety.— 1, W. Harvey. 2. T. W. Kilburn (Swiss), he, J. Field- ing, jun. ; W. U. Van Haannl>tTi."'n H'.lHL'k Nuns); H. Yardley; J. Cundale ; J. Watts (Maine and Swallows); W. K. & H. O. Blenkinsop (Magpies); E. Horner. Selling Class.— 1, W. H. C. Oates (White Trumpeters). 2 and 3, R. Whitr CAGE BIRDS. Belgians.— Clear iYeUow.— 1, R. Forsvth, Edinburgh. 2. J. Baxter, New- castle. Clear Buff.— I, J. N.Harrison. 2, T. Bennett. Variegated or Marked. —1. J. Baxter, Seaton Burn, Belper. Glasgow Dons.— Clear TeUow.—l, J. Stewart, Newcastle. 2, W. Clark, New- castle. Clear Bu'T. — l, W. Clark. 2. .1. Soulshv, Newcastle. Goldfinch Mules.— Yellow.— 1 and 2, J. Baxter. Buff.— 1 and 2, J. Baxter. Linnet Mules.— 1 and 2, J. Baxter. NoawicH.— Ch ar Yelljir.—i. Moore & Wynnp, Northampton. 2, Irons and Gayton, Northampton. Clear Buff.—}, I.ons A Gayton. 2, Moore & Wynne. Variegated or Marke*l.—l, Moore A Wynne. 2, J. Bexson, Derby. Cinnamon.— Jonque.—l, J. Bexson. 2, J. Smart, Newcastle. Buff,—l, J. Bihd : ! Me -1, Moore &. Wynne. Jodges. — Pigeons: Mr. T. J. Charlton, Bradford; and Mr. G. Fletcher, York. Canaries : Mr. T. Lowrey, Gateshead Low Fell. THK GLASGOW PIGEON SHOW (North British Columbarian Society's). {Continued from page 36.) THE POUTER CLASSES— Continued. In our resnmed report of last week (interrupted by the heavy demands on our columns) we reminded our readers that the Yellow Pied strain from an inferior condition had rapidly risen to an equality with the other standard classes. No department, indeed, illustrates more emphatically the resources, perseverance, and skill of the modern Pouter-fancier; and if in some degree it shares the common failing in regard to plumage, it is for the most part a defect accidentally derived, rather than a purposed infringement of sound principles of breeding. Solidity of colour has ever been sought, and most properly, through the Red strains, on the purity of which very much depends. Valuable, however, as this cross is to the Yellows, and in its degree to the Reds also, it is especially liable to deterioration from its re- actionary and diluting effect on the Red, unless due precautions be taken to support the Red blood in fulness and richness. In the haste to obtain Yellow in quantity rather than quality, such precautions have sometimes been neglected : hence colour has not always kept pace with other notable improvements in this class, and is not so determined in tone a3 it might have been had onr friends contented ihemselvt a with fewer but more trenchant matches. While recording with congratulations the advanced position of the Yellow class, we may, speaking generally, ascribe the occasional weakness of tint and frequent ashiness of feather to the neglect of Red blood, or its use in an impoverished or a polluted state. By a natural transition this brings us to the allied strains, and to the consideration of that pollu- tion which, accidentally to the Yellow Pied fancier, and beyond his responsibility, has marred his labours, and to this section of our re- port we invite serious attention. The weak point of the Show was decidedly the Red Pieds. Present- ing little that was exceptionable on the score of the structural pro- perties, as compared with the other classes, our remarks may be addressed with the more purpose to the one distinctive feature — colour. In this particular Mr. Montgomery's birds — heretofore so great, and although still above the general average of excellence — were equalled if not surpassed by a single specimen (No. 193), exhibited by Mr. D. Stewart. Notwithstanding the unusual depth and richness of its hue, this bird was probably overlooked by the majority of visitors, it being much out of condition. Ranking next, but of only comparative merit, may be placed the first-prize hen of Mr. Volckman. Viewed, how- ever, as a whole, the Red classes were almost a burlesque in the de- partment in question, every possible imperfection tainting the feather. Even in the best a whitish grizzled effect too often asserted itself, whilst the inferior specimens donned coats so questionable that only the largest-hearted courtesy would dare to pronounce them Reds. Instead of a solid unmingled colour, a weak composite effect prevailed, and sound red gave place to a pale, washed-out, spurious ground tint, dappled, chequered, and shaded by every possible degree of ashen- leaden dullness. This deterioration is much to be regretted, for in Reds, perhaps, more than in any class there is a scope, we think, for much variety of taste and gradation of tint. Providing in each case a simple, and not an amalgam is produced, such gradations might include many shades pure in effect, from a soft, rich, downy colour to a deep lustrous red, brightened throughout the feather, and especially in the hackle, by glancing tints of green, purple, and gold. Such a gamut of colours is occasionally observable in the best Jacobins, but only at rare intervals In the Pouter classes. The present decadence of colour ia not altogether a blameable matter, for the necessity of breeding Yellows over to Reds has occa* sioned a dilution of the red blood, which careful matching may rectify. Yellows, however, may safely be allowed for a season or two to take their chance unassisted, in order that by mating the best Reds together the red colour may be renovated and intensified. Yellows, indeed, will be the gainers by this policy, for when again crossed over to such improved red their own coats will be the brighter and richer. As in the Blacks, so in the Reds, much mischief may be traced to the Blue cross ; not that the Red Pied fancier of to-day is ever guilty of a proceeding so monstrous. So extremely dominant, however, is the Blue or Blue Mealy blood when once infused into a strain, that for generations after its use, or rather misuse, it will continue to assert itself, and in the case under review the evidences of mistakes, probably dating back many years, are almost as apparent now as if the mischief had only been perpetrated yesterday. Such a cross could only have been designed for the purpose of strengthening the Rod strains on the side of the structural properties — size, shape, &c. ; bnt it is worthy of especial note that any gain in this direction is probably more than counterbalanced by the injury occasioned to another cross in every re- spect more legitimate, and good alike for structure and plumage — viz., the cross of Red to Black. The true effect of this cross in Pouters is so impaired that it cannot just now be fully realised. Instead of being a cross from pure red to pure black, it is too frequently only a cross from disguised blue to disguised bine (or including blue on one side or the other), with results fully maintaining that grey ashen dull effect peculiar to the Blue or Blue-Mealy admixture. Disappointment should therefore take into account the extreme tendency of Blue blood to reappear by reversion, notwithstanding its dilution through many generations. There can be hut little doubt that the cross of really pure red and black would be inestimable in the department of structure, while in plumage it would help in time to relieve the Black Pieds from foul thigh feathers, and would possibly be a means of establishing brilliant and highly burnished colours. Of what advan- tage, may we inquire, is "one-Bided breeding," or the culture of one set of properties at the expense of another? Fanciers (!) of this type may at least learn that the "more-haste" is but a ''worse-speed" method after all, imposing on the artistic breeder an amount of undoing labour which might be spared him, and which would be the better devoted to the attainment of higher standards, and the develop- ment, by legitimate means, of pure unsullied pedigrees. The conservative policy we indicated as so necessary for the Black Pieds is even more imperative in the case of the Red strains. It will be the careful selection of the very few for a high standard that will renovate this department, rather than the mating of the many inferior specimens with which our lofts are overcrowded. Purity, always purity, must be the watchword, and Blue blood must be rejected with the utmost inflexibility, no matter in what form it present itself, or how- ever diluted, for it stays not with the Red strains, but through them imports its pollution into the Yellow, to the great disadvantage of that delicate but advancing colour. The White classes brought out some very handsome birds, and, alas ! some very dirty ones also. Now, while we can thoroughly sympathise with fanciers in smoke-polluted towns in their very natural craving for the clean, the chaste, and the innocent — so fitly emblema- tised by " spotless white " — yet we submit that the selection of white varieties rather aggravates than ameliorates the disadvantages under which they strive. And although this craving may be solaced by the insertion of sweet suggestive names in the Society's catalogue — " Snow- drop," " Snowffake," and the like — we further suggest that " Chimney Sweep" or " Scavenger," in many cases, would have been more ap- plicable. The successful exhibitors taking first prizes were Messrs. D. Stewart, Ure, and Sanderson ; and taking inferior awards, Messrs. Sanderson, Montgomery, Ure, Ruthven, M. Stuart, Volckman, Wallace, Hnie, Bruce, and Rose. In the absence of plumage points the attention of the breeder is confined exclusively to the structural properties ; but notwithstanding this concentration of aim, we do not as yet find the Whites as a class exhibiting any superiority of size or structure over the Pied depart- ments— a fact the more remarkable since strength may legitimately be derived from every quarter bythe judicious ciossto colour. Colour, however, has been too often used as a mere economising of the pair- ing, regardless of the principle that a very clear gain on the side of strength, size, or symmetry alone justifies the expedient in question, and that unless the selection for these cardinal ends is most choice and severe, the class will not only remain unprogressive, but will become hampered by numberless grizzles and splashes. The stand- ard, in short, is purely structural ; all the possibilities of the true Pouter lines and carriage should therefore be found to perfection in the White variety — the small meek-looking head, gently cushioned on a boldly defined and globular crop ; the neat body, compact shoulder, grooved back, and slender girth ; the long and delicate flights just meeting over a well-formed and lengthy tail ; and, greatest point of all, the tall, closely set, proportioned limbs, gracefully ele- vating and poising the symmetrical body-structure. That such beauty of form should have enticed so many fanciers to the Pouter classes cannot be surprising, enhanced, as it is, by a familiar and playful carriage, erect yet pliant, and abounding in the utmost variety of elegant gesture. With this feeble resume of cardinal properties (common to all the Pouter varieties, and well represented at the Glasgow Show), we prefer 56 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January 20, 1870. to conclude onr present article, leist onr Pouter friends may imagine we are only fanciers of colour and markings ; leaving the irregular classes for fitter discussion under the head of " Pouter Classification," on which we shall in our next offer a few observations. Meantime, it will only be just to record that in addition to the gentlemen already named by ns. Messrs. Grant, A. Frame, Arbuckle, Meff, and Wad- dell, appeared as prizetakers. (To be continued. ) the superiority that is claimed for them over the native bees, but my experience has been that when compared with the hybrids as honey-gatherers they are hardly equal. I find my hybrid colonies are generally better supplied with winter stores than either the Italian or black bees, while they give me more surplus honey. — J. H. Thomas (in Toronto Globe.) SKY TUMBLERS. Permit me to say a few words in answer to some remarks respecting my having the old and original Sky Tumbler. What is stated by " Eve Wi ra ebb," whoever he may be, is quite true. I have been a fancier of these Pigeons ever .-incemy childhood, and have kept them for upwards of twenty years, and I have sent young ones to all parts of the world. Our exhibitors appear to have lost eight of this breed. There are all colours, feather-legged and clear, aud they are a very peculiarly-built bird, resembling the Swallow very much— rivet-faced, broad- chested, small and compact little creatures, with very strong nights, shooting back when drawn out as if I y a spring. They ought to be fed upon nothing but small Iadiari corn, and occa- sionally a little hemp ?eed, a piece of rock salt always kept for them to peck at, and small gravel mixed with a little old lime. I am willing at any time to give information respecting how to breed them, and how they ought to be trained for flying. Do not buy a bird from anyone unless you see it fly, and then judge for yourself. I only hope to see more fanciers of thi3 variety than there have been of late years. The breed is scarce, having fallen into neglect for the short-faced, short birds, almost exclusively. I have frequently let my birds fly for time — say not under five hours, to alight upon any place, and very nearly always in sight, excepting when dark clouds pass, as these birds fly beyond them, and are lost for a few minutes. I am open to fly " Old Bob Ridley's" Pigeons merely for pleasure. I shall only fly thirteen youDg ones, twelve weeks old, and if they do not "beat his hollow " I will forfeit them. I am willing to let any gentleman see them do their work, but only for pleasure, and will fly my flook against any flock, providing they have not been bred from mine. These birds ought never be allowed to go to nest from the 30th of September till the 20th of February, as the breed will become quite weak in consequence of over-breeding. Many years ago, when first commencing with these birds, I was often taken in, and never could get the proper breed. My present breed was brought from America by myself, and they were taken over there by one of the oldest Pigeon-fanciers who be- longed to Liverpool. — W. Crook, Stcansea, S. Wales. PRIZE CUPS FOR CANARIES. Allot? me to inform intending subscribers to the cup fund at the Crystal Palace Bird Show, that I have received sufficient for a cup for London fancies, thanks to the manner in which the breeders of that variety have subscribed ; but Norwich, Lizard, and Cinnamon classes are still not half filled. I would urge the admirers of these classes most strongly not to hesitate, but to come forward like men, and not let it be said that & few gentlemen, like the exhibitors of London fancies, can subscribe sufficient for a cup, when the exhibitors of Norwich birds, whose names are legion, stand aloof. — Howahth Ashton, Pole- 'hli! Hall, Prestwick. HALF-BRED ITALIAN versus NATIVE BEES. The question, whether half-bred Italian bees are preferable to our native bees, is often asked me. My answer is, Yes. I consider them even better than the pure Italians. Every bee- keeper will find it to his advantage to purchase a stock of pure Italians, or introduce into his apiary an Italian queen or two. It is not to be expected that every bee-keeper will take interest enough in bee-keeping to Italianise all his stocks, and keep only pure Italians. Neither is it necessary that he should do so. The object of introducing Italian bees is to improve the stock, and as hybrids are really more profitable than pure bees, it is only necessary to introduce Italians until the stock is thoroughly hybridised throughout the country. It may appear strange, after all that has been said in favour of pure Italians, to say that hybrids are really more profitable, yet such is my opinion. Not that Italians are not deserving of all OUR LETTER BOX. *,' Many answers, reports, &c, are unavoidably postponed until next week. Books {S. Butterworih). — No such books as you mention exist. Tbo names on the title refer to the departments of our Journal. Dropsy in Hens (H. B.). — There is something wrong in your feeding. Dropsy in fowls is the result of old age, or of forced laying caused by unnatural and stimulating food, or of disease of the laying organs. There can be no natural cause for the prevalence of dropsy in a yard. Confine your food to barley and barleymeal. Houdan Pullets Laving Intermittingly {Black Bantam).— Your caso is not a common one ; either the fowls lay and you do not find the eggs, or your feeding is not good enough. Barleymeal in the morning and whole corn in the evening is not fund enough to keep fowls in laying condition in such weather as we have had lately. They must have three meals eTery day, and if you want regular laying an occasional " bonne bouche " will be useful. Mating Golden-pencilled Hamrurghs (A 8ub*eribert II. S.). — Yon must breed according to your requirements. If deficient in markings choose dark birds ; if overdone and mossy, choose light ones. In either and every case you must so form the new alliance as to introduce the quality in which the produce of the old are deficient. Put the light cocks to dark pullets, and vice vend. Hatching Spanish Early IE. O. if.).— We do not set our own Spanish eggs as early as this, but we see no objection to it. Our difficulty at this time is to get sittiDg hens. It has always been a tradition that Spanish should be hatched in April or May : but if it suited our purpose we should have no misgivings in setting them now. Our notion of warmth is that it should be supplied by food ; the colder the weather the better the food, and the more frequent the feeding. Tail of Silver-spangled Hamburgh Cock ( W. if. B.) —The tail- that is, all the sickle and principal feathers of a Silver-spangled Ham- burgh cock's tail, should be white with a black spot at the end of each. Poultry Staggering and Dying (Clodhopper). — Apoplexy killed them, caused by their being overfed. txive ground oats or barleymeil as their evening food, and whole barley in the morning. Feed only twice daily, and give them no Indian corn. Sky Tumblers (St. Edmunds). — See what Mr. Crook says in onr Journal to-day. Rock Doves.—" Eingoff" wishes to be informed where he can obtain these. Nutt's Hive (Amateur). — Write to Messrs. Neighbour or Mr. Pettit, who advertise in our Journal. They will send you lists of prices. The Almanack will not be repntliBhed. Painting Hives (L. H).— No actual injury will ensue to the bees from painting the hive whilst it is inhabited, although the advisability of doing it at all may, perhaps, be questioned. Double sides to a hive are doubt- less advantageous; but would not the same end be more conveniently attained by the adoption of a separate outer covering either of wood or straw ? COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— January 19. Business 'has rather improved, and a more steady character is im- parted to the transactions with the provincial markets. Prices, however, have bnt slightly advanced, there being large stocks in hand, and im- portations are heavy. Potato trade dull, great complaint of blight in Apples i sieve Apricots doz. Cherries lb. Chestnuts bushel Currants J sieve Black do. Figs doz. Filberts lb. Cobs lb. Gooseberries quart Grapes, Hothouse.... lb. Lemons %HO0 Melons each 0 0 0 0 Mulberries quart 0 Nectarines doe. 0 Oranffcs $M00 6 Peaches doz. 0 Pears, kitchen doz. 3 dessert doz. 3 Pine Apples lb. 5 Raspberries lb. strawberries lb. 0 Walnuts bushel 10 do $H00 1 0 0 0 0 "VEGETABLES. , Kidney do. Broad bushel Beet, Bed doz. Broccoli bundle Brussels Sprouts. .$ sieve Cabbage doz. Capsicums ^-100 Carrots bunch Cauliflower doz. Celery bundle ColewortB..doz. bunches Cucumbers each pickling doz. Endive doz. Fennel bunch Garlic lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish .... handle Leeks bunch Lettuce score Mushrooms pottle Mustard & Cress, .punnet 0 2 0 0 SO 4 0 Parsle . Parsnips doz. Peas quart 0 9 10 Radishes ..doz.bnnche Rhubarb bundle Savoys. doz. Sea-kale basket Shallots lb. Spinach bushel Vegetable Marrows. .doz. 0 0 0 6 January 27, 1870. ) JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day M.mth Day of Week. JAN. 27— FEB. 2, 1870. Averago Tempera- ture near London. Rain in 43 years. Sun Sun Sets. Moon RiseB. Moon Sets. **„„„>„ 1 Clock m'",n » before A"0, Sun. Day of Year. 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 Th F S Son M To W Meeting of Roval and Zoological Societies, Length of night 15h. 8m. [8.30 p.m. 4 Sunday after Epiphany. Hilary Term6 ends. Twilight ends 6.44 p.m. Meeting of Society of Arts, 8 P.M. Day. 44 fi 45.8 456 44.7 44.M 44.4 44.6 l.'iuht. 31.2 30.8 81.5 82.2 80.9 82.8 31.5 Mean. 37.9 88.3 38.5 88.5 87.9 38.2 38.0 Days. 20 21 18 22 20 14 21 m. h. 49af7 48 7 46 7 45 7 4S 7 41 7 40 7 m. h. 88 af 4 40 4 42 4 44 4 46 4 48 4 49 4 m. h. 3 4 18 5 13 6 4 5 45 7 20 8 46 8 m. h. 54 af 0 36 1 29 2 30 3 36 4 43 5 50 6 Dave. | ro. e. 25 13 2 26 13 IS 27 18 24 28 1 13 34 • j 13 48 1 13 52 2 13 59 27 28 29 30 81 32 33 From observations taken near London during the last forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 44 9°; and its night temperature 31.4'. The greatest heat was 07°, on the [29th, 1863 ; and the lowest cold 8°, on the 80th, 1807. The greateBt fall of rain was 0.70 inch. RIDGE-ANDTRENCH SYSTEM OF GROWING POTATOES. NEVER like to own that I have been busy, for if so, what would the public care ? But I must state the fact now, because it is the cause of my having kept " A Subscriber, but a Novice," so long waiting for an answer to his letter, in which he asks for a detail of my mode of cultivating the Potato. The system of growing Potatoes which I have adopted and written about for seventeen years, with the latest improvements upon it, I will now state for the information of your correspondent, and, perhaps, of others. It is worthy of note, in the first place, that I have grown Potatoes on the same site for twenty-three years, but I never could succeed in growing a handsome sample or a fine-flavoured crop till I had felt my way into what I have always named the ridge-and- trench plan. It is admirably adapted for rich heavy loams, clays, and wet soils. It would answer " A Subscriber's " purpose exactly, and it does especially well with me on this rich garden loam, overshadowed with trees. I never use fresh manure at the planting of Potatoes. To insure the economical working of the soil, I have adopted a sort of third course, two-thirds of the ground being bastard or half-trenched before the middle of March, by degrees as opportunities occur — namely, as the crops of the Cabbage tribe are cleared from the ground ; and then, far preferably to dung, I use quicklime fresh from the kiln, at the rate of about fifteen bushels to the rood, placing it in half-bushel heaps equally over the soil in fine dry weather two or three days before I intend plant- ing. Immediately after the heaps of lime are distri- buted, I pour about a half-gallon of water on each from the rose of a watering pot, and at once completely cover the lime with the surrounding soil ; as it slakes and bursts in white powdery heads from the sides of the heaps, I shovel over them more soil till the bursting ceases, which will prevent the caustic properties of the lime being lost, and serve as a guide to inform us that the lumps are dissolved, and that the lime is ready to be evenly dis- tributed over the surface of the ground. The soil should then be at once worked about .'i inches in depth with a scratch trident, or be pointed over with one of Parkes's 3teel forks to about the same depth, but not deeper, as lime is sure to fight its way downwards of its own accord, too quickly if anything. The same may be said of cinder ashes ; but I am no friend to cinders, excepting on strong clay land, and even then for garden ground I take care to use only the finest siftings from them. Coarse cinders are cold hungry applications, and far better adapted for use in a well-drawing stove or furnace. Wood ashes are excel- lent given at the rate of about ten bushels to a rood — I am a regular customer to a neighbour who burns nothing else but wood — so are soot and salt at the rate of about ten bushels of soot and one hundredweight of salt to a quarter of an acre ; likewise mortar rubbish in almost any quantity. These top-dressings are, of course, most No. 401.— Vol. XVIU., New Series. advantageously administered, when they can be procured, alternately. The other third of the ground mentioned we shall sup- pose to be occupied early in autumn with the main crop of Potatoes ; it should, as soon as they are aken up, be thoroughly trenched, if it has been half- trenched twice before— that is, merely had the shovellings cast on the top of the first spit of soil dug out. and the bottom, or subsoil, forked over, broken, and left there, the ground being thus. to a great extent, subjected to the ameliorating influences ot the atmosphere. It is always best to avoid raising to the surface a full-spit-deep of subsoil which has not been dis- turbed for a generation, or probably never before ; for then a poor crop, or scarcely any crop at all, must be expected for a year or two. Therefore, provided our third com- partment has undergone the half-trenchings, thoroughly trench it whilst the sun is in full power as soon as pos- sible after the ground is cleared of the Potatoes. It is of the first consequence to know that trenching, or, in fact, moving the soil in any way for cultural purposes, should preferably be done during dry hot weather, in order to secure the beneficial results to the soil which arise from the action of the atmosphere. Never on any considera- tion persuade yourself to carry out these operations, or to trundle manure over the land during a rainy time, or when the ground is wet, or to trench down lumps of soil when the ground is frozen. Well, during the dry hot days of autumn, I manure my third portion after the following manner. We hear much about earth closets and house sewage now-a-days as being something new and difficult to deal with ; but it is no new thing for me to say that one of our sewage tanks, and our earth closets here, have been in use for upwards of twenty years ; and the first liquid-manure tank 1 caused to be made was formed thirty-six years ago. We have two sewage tanks here at present— I require another— the sediment from which is cleared out once a- year, and mixed with road-scrapings, along with the contents of the earth-closet pits, in a large opening dug in a back yard for the pur- pose. To all this are added, as the process goes on, the contents of the mixen, an agglomeration consisting of the refuse from the garden, a decayed hotbed, chiefly of rotten leaves, and all the sweepings and refuse that are to be collected from a house and grounds in a country- town suburb, the goodness of wliich has been carefully preserved by constant siftings over with dry earth or fine cinder ashes during the collection of the mass. This mixture is wheeled on to the ground as the trenching proceeds, and no more of it at a time than can be worked into the soil during the next few hours; for this reason— this muck pie of mine, although not particularly offensive to the smell, is by no means inviting to the eye when lying in heaps about this garden, which is partly overlooked by the living-room windows. Besides, having been most anxious through many months to retain the ammonia in it, would it be consistent now to spread it over a large space of ground to allow the air to unlock the precious gases, when one knows how highly beneficial those gases are as fer- tilisers, and that by quickly locking them up in the soil we No. 1113.-VOI.. XL11I., OLO. Series. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January 27, 1870. thereby pave all the valuable properties of the manure ? I cay locking tbem up, which is bad logic, for in point of fact bury dung as deeply as yon will the ammoniaoal gases will sooner or later struggle upwards, and this very feature, one would think, ought to induce us to endeavour to hurry it into the ground Tit) nt a lr 'tnent's loss of time. Without being ana- lytical chemists, some notion of the loss may be gained by procuring pure smelling salt? from the druggist, and causing them to evaporate on a plate placed before a bright fire. Something very much like this roust soon take place when the son pours down its heat on fresh stable or farmyard manure as a maximum, and deodorised mauure as a minimum, when spread out for days upon the surface of the land — aye, even in winter, let alone violent storms of rain, which are apt on hard- beaten surfaces, where the ground lies inclined, to wash away to the nearest outlet much of the fertilising matters from the dung, and, alternating with sun and wind, leaving it at last with few other properties than those of very respectable old thatch. We will now suppose our ground thoroughly trenched, with the manure well mixed throughout the whole body of the soil, and the bottom spit uppermost, to be acted on by the frosts of winter ; then in due time this is the compartment on which 1 prefer to apply the quicklime to attack the stubborn, slow- decaying remnants of the refuse and the inorganic substances which, perhaps, have been lying buried and unproductive for ages. For all light sandy soils worked on the above principle I recommend the flat system of planting Potatoes to be prac- tised us early as possible — say in the beginning of February, using a dibble, and planting 7 inches deep, afterwards slightly scarifying the ground between the rows to keep down weeds and let in the air. Never mould up ; and for store Potatoes, which should be of the sorts which ripen early and keep late, allow 3 feet 6 inches between the rows in garden soil. Pota- toes wLich produce gross foliage are also more suitable for light sandy soils than those with meagre tope, and a tnber that will form deep eyes in a rich loam will appear slallow-eyed from a light land ; so much so, sometimes, that the variety will be scarcely recognisable by a judge at the show-table. Flavour, too, becomes strangely altered. I could grow the same variety in this garden partly on flat untouched ground, and partly on the ridge-and-trench system, which I am about to explain; those produced by the latter plan should gain me a first- class certificate when cooked, and those grown on the flat would be passed over as unworthy of being eaten, strong, and ill-flavoured, which lands me at the chief point of "Sub- scriber's" inquiry. The first or second week in April is time enough for him to plant. I infer from hiB letter that our soils are much alike. For first early Potatoes allow 30 inches between the rows, and for store sorts quite 42 iuchts, and do not be afraid of these distances, premising.of course, that the ground has been trenched. Measure out the widths by stretching two garden lines where two rows of sets are to be, and then place the seed tubers upon the surface of the soil along the lines, at 1 foot set from set for the early kinds, and at. least 15 inches apart for the late sorts. Then readjust ihe lines between the two rows of sets at an inch or two wider than a Parkes's 6teel fork — never use a spade on good holding soil — so as to afford a guide in casting out the soil, which eventually will form a trench between two ridges. When the soil is of a very tenacious nature a spade may be used to make a cat rather slopingly inwards close to and inside the lines, to relieve the soil from the shoulders of the trench, and make the appearance more even to the eye ; but I scarcely ever adopt the practice now, as I find the tines of the fork perform this part nearly equally efficiently as one proceeds, and it saves time and trampling unnecessarily over the ground. Now force the fork about half the length of its tines into the soil, and cast the soil alternately right and left ; not plump over the sets, as that would displace them, and possibly break off the young shoots with which they are already provided, as previously advised upon, but as far from them as the edges of the ridge will allow, so that the seed Potatoes will then appear as if lying in a hollow. Tbe " crumbs," which are directly afterwards shovelled out, must be made gently to take a central position over the sets, and to cover them about 3 inches deep without injury to the young shoots ; and in lieu of piling up these ridges at once to their proper height (as a superincumbent weight of earth, iu consequence of the ground being recently trenched and loose, might cause, during the first wet weather, a troublesome displacement of the sides of the trenches), let them remain for another fortnight or so. After- wards when they are more settled, or the young green tops of the sets are to be seen just peeping up, then is the time to cover another half-depth with the fork as before ; but oover over the growing shoots about an inch or so at this operation, and shovel out the final " crumbs" at any other period quite over the growing foliage when a frost is likely to occur during the night, and so on, eventually forming the ridges with good 6 inch-broad tops, when they may be considered in a fit state to be left to themselves. They may be so left, with the excep- tion of pulliug up a few weeds from them when necessary, until the Potatoes are ready to take un, though the mind of the worker must at once begin to think how the trenches may be occupied most profitably with the Cabbage tribe. I plant Brussels Sprouts between the early Potatoes, and Broccolis for succession between the 42 inch ridges. The soil is well soaked occasionally, as soon as the Potatoes are lifted, with sewage from the tanks ; and along the centres of the ridges, 3 feet apart, between the Brussels Sprouts, rows of Early Stone Turnips may be sown daily, as the early Potatoes are cleared off, with a fair chance of seeming some nice sweet Turnips to be drawn when small, so as not to crowd their neighbours. The Broccolis may not appear so even or quite so " stocky " as when planted on a piece of ground especially prepared, but they soon become strong and improve in appear- ance when the Potatoes are gone. I have a fine piece at this moment, although many would scarcely believe I had secured a fine crop of tubers from between them during their infancy. I have also had a full supply of Brussels Sprouts for the last two months on the plan recommended. I trust the above system may suit " Subsckibee's " ideas, and assist him towards " nice Potatoes," and further, furnish his soil with every substance that will be required to produce them from generation to generation, without ransacking the world from " Indus to the Pole." If the question should be asked. How about the phosphates ? I would point out to him a tub where every bone is collected after the cook's manipulations, and then to a hard flagstone and the back of a hatchet ! I will conclude with the names and descriptions of those varieties of Potatoes which I exhibited at South Kensington on the 21st of September, and which I consider fully up to the requirements of the present day. Hogg's Early Coldstream. — A good household or market variety, excellirrg for earliness in gaining firmness and flavour ; suitable for frame work, for garden, or for field culture if the ground is good. Dickson's (Chester) Premier.— Without doubt the greatest- yielding early Potato for market and general household con- sumption, and as an exhibition sort there is none to surpass it. This variety may be substituted for the market or the servants' hall by Myatt's Early Prolific ; but the " coming Potato " to plsce them both, as well as Rivers' Royal Ashleaf ?iors de com- bat, is Yeitch's Improved Ashleaf, excepting Dickson's Premier .- the exhibition table. r.nyal Ashleaf.— Ihe best of its class, to be easily and cheaply had at present, for early market and household use, coming in directly after Myatt's Prolific; of excellent flavour, though yellowish in flesh. Suitable for garden or field culture. Early Emperor, alias Emperor Napoleon. — A good second early round red sort for the market or tbe household ; of excel- lent, flavour, though yellowish in its flesh. Suitable for garden or field cultivation ; for the latter preferably, provided the soil of tbe garden is a rich loam, as in this case the sort is apt to throw gross haulms, and the Potatoes to become diseased. Daiiitrec's Seedling (Roun i).— This is an improved early Regent, and scarcely to be distinguished from the Dalmahoy, except by boiling, when Daintree's sort will be found to be ready for the table some eight minutes sooner than the Dal- mahoy. First-rate, both of tbem, for market, household, or the parlour table, aDd suitable for garden or field culture. Wheeler. Milky White.— A good second early Potato, excel- lent for the parlour table on account of its good looks, and al- ways appreciated by ladies, though I complain of it, and I have frequently heard it complained of by gentlemen, as lacking flavour. A good household variety, and suitable for garden cultivation. Paterson's Scotch Blue.— A very prolific, and a good white- lit -lied blue-skinned variety. A second early for market and household use ; garden or field culture, more especially for the garden. Dean's Waterloo Kidney. — A capital market, household, or parlour-table kind, suitable for either garden or field culture ; a great yielder, and, I presume, a seedling from Wheeler's January 20, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 59 Milky White, which it much resembles in its flesh. Mr. Dain- tree has a new seedling resembling it in every respect, except- ing that this new variety — Daintree's Biker's Dozen — cracks its ekin a little more daring its progress towards matnrity. I have written " Baker's Dozen," because, when Mr. Daintree, Fendrayton, near St. Ives, Hunts, sent the sort for me to try, two years ago, he said " he had a great opinion of it," and re- quested me to give it a name. There were thirteen tnbers in the package, so I have named his variety the Biker's Dozen. Harris's Imperial Kidney (Catbnsh St Son). — A capital prolific market or household Potato, and suitable for garden or field culture. It comes a little too pyriform in shape to please me, although the sample that Mr. Cutbush presented to me was a white blunt-nosed kidney of the handsomest type. There can be no mistake about its capability of producing a very heavy crop. Almond's Yorkshire Hero. — A prolific andexcellent late-keep- ing Potato, suitable for either garden or field culture, and at the top of the list for fHvour, and as being suitable for market, household, or the parlour table ; albeit a little too dry in its eating to please the extreme palates of a few. It is the best strain of the Lapstons Kidney family, and it is of the hybrid class raised by Mr. Thomas Almond, by the modern method of grafting the eye of one Potato in the tuber of another. If this variety cannot he obtained, substitute for it Haigh's original Cobbler's Lapstone, which, I doubt, will be found even more difficult to procure. The family are as prolific as rabbits, and when chosen by natural selection, which has been much resorted to, the younger branches are mostly of a quality sufficient to be thought worthy of keeping : hence there are innumerable varie- ties of it, but onlv one that I know excels the original, and it is the Yorkshire Hero. Gryffe Castle Repent, the " King of the class Regents." — This excellent variety was raised in Renfrewshire, and sent to me by a "Brother Bee-keeper," amongst other famous north- country Potatoes, in a bar-and-frame Stewarton hive. I never knew him nor his name through these pages, but the world has been told often enough how I have utilised the hive, and all about the Potatoes, but I think the raiser of this ex- cellent Potato has never advertised it up to its worth. I sect it to the Rev. W. F. Radclyffe, and both with him and myself it ranks highest in the Regent class. Walker's Second Early Regent and the old York Regent are the other sorts-to be pre- ferred in lieu of it. Field cultivation only. New American lied is also a Regent. It is a great cropper, and a stain of rose-colour predominates in blotches throughout its flesh when cooked ; but it may lose this feature by about February ; and it is not fair, generally speaking, to cook the Regent class for correct judgment till that period. This va- riety is a great cropper, and suitable for field cultivation only. It will quite supersede the American Rose in our English climate and soil. Paterson's Victoria. — Although no favourite of mine, on account of its tendency to subtuberate, it is yet a good field Potato, and well suited for the market table or the servants' hall. Like my Onwards, it will suit the north better than our southern counties. — Roeeet Fenn. SHOULD WE TRY TO IMITATE THE NATIVE CLIMATE OF AN EXOTIC? "G. S.," in a note upon hygrometers (see page 23), says that in addition to these we also want information "as to the dry- ness of the countries whose productions we grow." Without presuming for one moment to differ from " G. S." as to the desirability of every cultivator carrying that knowledge about with him, I hope I may be allowed to question the propriety of our attempting to copy exactly the climates of other countries in the cultivation of exotic fruits and plants. One substantial reason why we should not is our sheer inability to do so suc- cessfully. If we suppose that the Vine, for instance, has one particular combination of light, heat, and moisture which is best for it, and that the proper quantity of this combination pre- dominates in those countries of which it is a native, then our policy manifestly is to produce a facsimile of these climates if we can ; but if we fail to supply the due quantity of any one of these agents — and we do and always must fail in the case of light — then it is certainly not consistent to set the climate of these countries before ns as models in regard to the other two question whether the natural climatic condition of any country is always the best possible for its natural productions. In other words, suppose that some one species is known to be indigenous to only one country in the world, are we, therefore, debarred from thinking that in other countries and under very different circumstances it might attain an equal if not a more perfect degree of development ? Taking Astrachan as one of the native habitats of the Vine, and where Humboldt asserts, as quoted by " G. S.," the finest Grapes in the world are pro- duced, here is an epitome of its climate taken from one of our standard works, " The climate of Astrachan is one of extremes." " A dry and parching heat prevails in summer, when the thermometer frequently stands at 100° even in the shade, yet the nights are in general nipping, and the winds deposit the saline particles with which the air is charged in such profusion, that every object appears veiled in the morn- ing with hoar frost. Autumn is of short duration ; the winter colds, when the north wind blows, sink the quicksilver to 30° below zero." " Humboldt, indeed, reports (in his ' Climatology of Asia '), that finer Grapes do not exist even in Italy or the Canaries than in Astrachan ; but these, as well as other fruit and vegetables, however fine to the eye, are watery and insipid to the palate. The wine which is produced here is of equally indifferent quality." It is also a native of Syria, and in some districts is extensively cultivated, yet recent travellers tell us that in point of size the Grapes are greatly inferior to those grown in this country, and that the Grapes of Damascus, 25 and 30 lbs. in weight, are myths. If transported to any of these countries with all their appliances and means to boot, I think it is very problematical if " G. S." or Mr. Meredith, of Gareton, or Mr. Johnston, of Glamis, could grow Grapes one whit better, if so well, as where they are. A most sensitive hygrometer was invented by Mr. Adie, of Edinburgh, which I think would suit " G. S." It is com- posed of a small bag made of the internal membrane of the common Reed (Phragmites communis), and fitted like a bulb to the lower end of a thermometer tube. It is then filled with quicksilver, which rises and falls in the tube agreeably to the rapid and very sensible changes that take place in the con- traction and expansion of the membrane from the humidity or dryness of the air. The sensibility of this membrane far exceeds that of catgut. — Ayrshire Gardener. But apart from that altogether, I think it is at least an open THE ANTIRRHINUM AS A DECORATIVE PLANT. In these days, when tho almost-universal cry is for novelty, many old-fashioned plants — not the less valuable because old- fashioned — are pushed aside in a spirit of forgetfulness of the good service done in times past, to make way for new and un- tried plants, the nature of whose service in the flower garden is at least involved in doubt. One of these old-fashioned plants is the Antirrhinum, of which it is not too much to say that it is one of the most useful summer-blooming plants far the mixed border. I was forcibly reminded of the beauty of the Antirrhinum as a border plant when visiting the gardens of tho Archiepiscopal Palace at Armagh, Ireland, dining the past summer. Mr. Welch, the gardener, had large patches of it to cut from, as well as fine bushes growing singly in the I borders, and to state that they were masses of bloom is only barely describing their appearance. Scarcely anywhere else in Ireland did such a sight meet my eyes ; and how seldom is such a pleasant floricultural vision witnessed in England ! The striped flowers among Mr. Welch's collection were particularly striking, and while they were much more varied in character than one could well have supposed, in nearly every instance the novelly of character was allied to those dearly-cbeiished desiderata of the florist — size, substance, and form. Mr. Welch said they represented a strain he had obtained from Scotland a few years since, and in his hands the strain had not gone backwards. Notwithstanding, then, the reli the Antirrhinum to comparative obscurity by the professional florist, it is yet being looked after in certain nooks and corners, and when it emerges again from its obscurity, and challenges public attention, as it most assuredly will in the not distant future, it will be clothed in such rharms] that it will attract our 1 jve, and command our admiration. And now, taking a long ni^ht. westward, I come to'another plaee where the Antirrhinum finds a generous home during the period of exile. From East Stonehouee, near Plymouth, I received in 1868, and again in September laBt, a box of charm- fiO JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January 27, 1870. ing flowers so pretty, so distinct, and so varied, tliat I found my- self contemplating them with an admiration far beyond in degree what I could feel for Scarlet Pelargoniums, yellow Cal- ceolarias, and blue Lobelias, however adroitly the colours might be arranged in a floral picture. Perhaps my regard was mixed with some compassion for the banished flowers ; still, they were well worthy of admiration. Mr. James Cox, who sent me these, ia weak in striped flowers, but strong as a hardy Norseman with self-coloured aud white-tubed flowers. I re- ceived flowers from the lateral shoots only, and I could not help thinking what must the flowers from the main shoots have been:' Iu describing the Antirrhinum, the old florists who loved it and petted it as they did their Auriculas, Tulips, ifcc, used to speak of the tube, the npper lip or cap, the lower lip, aud the throat and palate, or that part of the flower where the throat and lip met. One type of Mr. Cox's flowers had pure white tubes and showy crimson lips, with a bar of fiery orange along the palate. In some cases there was a margin of fiery orauge along the edge of the lower lip or lappet, and though this appeared to be very pretty indeed, I am not quite certain that one of the old strict school of florists would have allowed it, ou the ground that it imparted to the flowers a con- fused appearance. Some had pale creamy tubes, with a tint of delicate rose spread over them, and more thickly on the lips. There was an amount of variation in these, too, for they dif- fered in the depth of roseate sheen, some being very delicate, others having a much deeper flush, and some approaching a clear rose hue. A few striped flowers were in the batch. The most distinct was a pale primrose-coloured flower, striped with broad flakes of rose. I think Mr. Cox deserves great credit for his care of the Antirrhinum, and the fine flowers he produces from seed. But it is as a decorative plant for the flower border that I wish more particularly to speak of the Antirrhinum. What splendid masses of gay flowers they yield ! in fact, they are so prodigal of bloom, that every lateral shoot furnishes most nn- grudgingly its quota of flowers. In most instances the fine rich colours ot the Antirrhinum contrast well with the deep green foliage of evergreens and other plants, among which they are placed in a mixed border. A few plants once obtained, then propagation, both by cuttings and seeds, is an easy and interesting process. The method generally pursued to increase them is to take cuttings in August, and place them round the edges of well-drained pots in a close, cool frame. With very little attention they will root, after which they should be inured to the weather by giving air as the plants will bear it. They can be left in the--e pots till spring in a cold frame, and if kept tolerably dry will neither suffer from frost nor mildew. In April they can be planted out in prepared blooming beds or in borders, or, if it is convenient to do so, potted-oil singly in March, and planted out in May to bloom. In case of the stock of plants falling short, the tops of the plants potted singly may be taken off and Btruck in a week in gentle heat, and these will cotne in well for later blooming in September. These plants can be raised from seed, and a sowing should be made in August in pans, the plants pricked-off into boxes for wintering when large enough, and planted out in the spring to bloom. Antirrhinums should be grown in a deep, rich soil that has been previously well manured, and there they will flourish and bring forth abundant and fine flowers. In some large kitchen gardens it is the practice to plant out beds of Stcck?, Asters, &c, for cut flowers; to these the An- tirrhinum should be added for its freedom and duration of bloom. Grown in beds one realises more fully its rich beautv, gorgeous colours and fantastic markings being mingled with aehcata and chaste hues. The value of its service who shall measure ? but all will be disposed to agree that something can be said in favour of that homely flower— the Snapdragon,— Via. degree due to the store room being too warm. All Pear- fanciers know that a good store room, with a north aspect and proper provision for fresh air, combined with security against frost, is essential if Pears are to be sent to table in prime condition. — E. M. B. A. We have the Easter Beurre here growing as an espalier, also against a wall with an exposed western aspect, somewhat shaded by an Oak tree, and in both cases the result is much the same. In quantity there is about half a crop, and in quality not more than half of the fruit are what we consider first-rate, or fit to send to table ; the remaining portion of the fruit, though good to eat, being somewhat blotched and dark in colour. A few of the fruit are liable to decay in places before becoming quite ripe, and should any remain till a little over-ripe, some turn mealy, as mentioned by " G. S." I Bhould certainly prefer the exposed west wall to the espalier, if the Bhade were removed. This place is about twelve miles north- west of York. I also found this Pear at Hatchford, in Surrey, twenty miles south-west of London, in the gardens I had then charge of, belonging to the late Dowager Countess of Ellesmere ; on es- palier trees it was in every way much the same as above described, perhaps a little more fruitful. The trees in both places, as regards bearing, are all that can be desired. From my experience, the great drawback of this Pear is the small quantity ever in good order for the table; and I am strongly inclined to think that in both places it requires a wall having an aspect lying between south-east and south-west in order to bring it to perfection in quantity, and such an aspect is, per- haps, moBt wanted here. — W. Wallis, Kirby Hall, York. EASTER BEURRE PEAR. I have an Easter Beurre Pear tree on a south-east wall, and I can assure " G. S." that my experience of it has been any- thing but unfavourable. It is just coming into full bearing and both m 1808 and 18G9 I had an excellent crop. Not only were the Pears of large size (the workmen engaged in building olose by did not allow them to be too thick on the tree), but the flavour likewise was excellent. The onlv fault I had to find was that the fruit ripened sooner than"l wished, some requiring to be eaten at the end of November, instead of re- maining; until March. This fault, however, was in some DIAGONAL PEACH AND PEAR CORDONS. It is now sixteen years since my patriarchal Teach cordons were first planted, and as I pruned them the other day the following thoughts arose : — Sixteen years ! — half a generation of men ; in such a period of time experience, to be profitable, must be acquired. After so long a date there can be little doubting. When these dia- gonals were first planted, how many, and what kind of orchard houses were there in England ? Even half sixteen years ago such a small orchard house as I have just planned for a friend would have been scouted. Nevertheless, in what was last autumn but a mere back yard, there are now fine bearing Peaches in pots, such as Early Beatrice and Early Rivers, un- known far less than half sixteen years ago, and fine diagonals obtained ready to bear a crop. Jnly and October Peaches and Nectarines, finer than in Paris, in an unpromising back yard ! And last week Mr. Rivers wrote to mo of his favourite orchard house, a heated one I think, 80 feet long, and having diagonal Peach cordons on the back wall, with pots in the borders. Such a combination cannot be matched in all the old-fashioned and expensive forcing Peach houses, nor in any of the now-existing ones. Tet when my patriarchs were planted the very name, now general and chosen by myself, of " diagonal " was unknown in this country, for the simple rea- son that there was no single pure cordon, such as mine are, even on the open wall, much less in orchard houses. At that date only M. Dubrenil's " first system of oblique cordon" was practised, and that on a very small scale in France, and not :it all popular then ; nor was M. Grin's close pinching then known or published, he being engaged in perfecting it. These patriarchal Peach trees were first adapted to Dubrenil's system, but considering it a loss of space, on the first report of M. Grin's close pinching of the shoots I combined the two systems, and gradually developed the whole into the " alternate system," which is now pretty well known and practised. I am going to try a modification of Dubrenil's first system, which has long shoots, by laying-in two very long shoots on each spur on the open well, pruning alternately ; and I hope to obtain a sufficient development of tree to secure vigour for out- door work. My friend, Mr. Radclyffe, is doing much the same, and, no doubt, will do well, as he understands the matter. As to diagonal Pear cordons, nothing can be better adapted for the open wall. Some, double-worked, procured from Mr. Rivers, obtained here first prizes their first year of bearing and second of planting. Some of the sorts were Summer Beurre' d'Aremberg, which is as good as the later kind ; Huyshe'e Prince Consort (double-worked, which must not be forgotten), January 27, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. fil a magnificent fruit ; General Todtleben, large and aromatic, with rose-coloured flesh ; Marie Guise, a March Pear, very fine, still in the fruit room, and many others, these being what I thought the best. There can be no comparison as to amount of crop between these diagonal and horizontal cordons, as is evident from the development, and diagonals are as easy — nay, far easier to prune. Diagonals are being generally adopted in this islaod, as they have been so successful in our gardens. — T. Brehaut, Richmond House, Guernsey. GARDENS AND GARDENING AROUND HAMBURG.— No. 3. CONSUL SCHUTTE'S, FLOTTBECK, HOLSTEIN. This is a neat little place of a few acres, the principal fea- tures of which consist in the cultivation of hardy fruits. Apple and Pear trees are cultivated to a good extent, and great attention is paid to tbeir training and other management. The collection of pyramidal Pear trees, from 6 to 12 feet in height, was all that could be desired, and well laden with fruit, the varieties which seemed to succeed best being our own pets, Louise Bonne of Jersey and Marie Louise. Some trellises, about 5 feet in height, were finely covered with Pear trees, planted about 2 feet apart, and trained up to single, or sometimes to two stems, at an angle of 45°, a sort of "cordon oblique," as the French would call it. These, spurred-in somewhat closely, were very perfect examples, and looked extremely well, the trees in most cases being well covered with fruit. Apple trees trained in the same fashion did not look so well. Round the edgings of the walks were planted Apple trees from 3 to 4 feet apart, and trained as cordons, some of the trees being full of fruit, and extremely pretty they looked, carefully tended as they were here. It is worthy of remark that those grafted on the French Paradise succeed better than those on the ordi- nary stock. We remarked the difference between one line and another, and Herr Wundell, the obergartner, stated that it was owing to the variety of stock ; that he had always observed Apples grafted on the French Paradise come into bearing much sooner than those on the common Dutch Paradise. The French Paradise is, in fact, the favourite Apple stock in this part of northern Germany, which, be it remembered, is much colder in winter than any part of England. We also observed here a very creditable houseful of Grapes, much better than is generally to be seen out of our own beloved land. CONSUL WESSELHOEFT'3, TEUFELSBRUCKE, ALTONA. This is another place greatly celebrated, and justly so, about Hamburg for its fruit culture. Here it is hothouse fruits — Grapes, Peaches, &c, which form the chief feature ; and we feel bound to say that we have in very few instances on the Continent seen better examples of Grapes than we saw here, vieing in many respects with our English productions. The situation of the gardens is somewhat low, which is in the first place disadvantageous to Vine culture. Herr Wessel- hiieft has, as far as we remember, three vineries in all, in which we observed examples of all our approved English sorts, and many of them doing remarkably well, all trained and treated on the most approved principles, or according to the dictum of The Journal of Horticulture, of which Herr Wesselhiieft is a constant reader. Some examples of Muscat Hamburgh were especially fine ; Muscat of Alexandria, how- ever, was almost a failure on the planted-out Vines, every bunch having shanked, and it always does so we were told, while other varieties in the same house succeed so well. We attributed the cause of thi3 to irregularity of heat or moisture about the roots while the fruit was progressing. The same variety in a pot was very good, as likewise some other examples of Vines in pots. Herr Wesselhoeft obtained a gold cup at the great Show for an exhibition of fourteen varieties of Grapes. We next find ourselves in a very neat and airy span-roofed orchard house, devoted principally to Peaches, i-c, and on one side of this house, plunged out of doors, was a large quantity of pretty little Apple trees in pots, bearing magnificent crops of very handsome fruit. The trees were of the bush form, about i feet high, worked on the French Paradise stock. The examples of White Calville (Calville Blanche), &c, were very fine, such as would have delighted a Rivers. In the grounds were a very fine lot of pyramidal Pear trees, bearing, however, we were 3orry to see, bnt very little fruit, the leaves nearly destroyed by the ravages of some insect. The various flower beds were also filled with the usual display and well attended to, every- thing betokening the employment of much care and a sound knowledge of the business on the part of Herr Wesselhoeft, who, we believe, is his own gardener. PALMAILLE 22, THE RESIDENCE OF HERR POTS BAUR, ALTONA. This is a small villa garden, lying off the principal street of Altona, which has an air of considerable grandeur about it through its great width and the fine lines of trees along both sides of it. The obergartner at this place is Mr. Hinrichs, an old Chiswick man, and to him we are indebted, for the most part, in accompanying us to the various places for a great por- tion of the information we were enabled to acquire. Here Mr. Hinrichs is adopting many of our English modes of gar- dening, especially in respect to Grape culture, and although the Vines are yet young, they promise well. The garden lies high on the side of a steep bank, so that gardening is carried on with difficulty. It is very tastefully laid out, we believe by Herr JurgenB, the great landscape gardener of Hamburg. In the houses we observed some nice examples of a plant not much known amongst us, yet very suitable for autumnal decoration of the conservatory — viz., Scutellaria Mociniana or majestica, a Justicia-looking plant. Here also Mr. Hinrichs had some fine plants of Torenia asiatica perfectly covered with bloom, standing in pots along the edges of the walks. But the chief ornament is the collection of Orange trees in tubs, which were awarded the gold medal at the great Exhibition. FLOTTBECK PARK, HOLSTEIN, THE SEAT OF FRAO SENATOR JENISCH. This is a noble demesne of considerable extent. It is what we would call in England one of our fine old places, with a history attached— a history, too, of gardening. During the life of the late lamented Senator in years gone by, before gar- dening had become quite so popular as it is now, the gardons at Flottbeck and its talented gardener, M. Kramer, had become celebrated throughout the Continent and also in this country. The place is altogether old and venerable, the park surrounding the mansion spacious and varied, with some tine old Oak treeB of great size. The gardens are old, and the houses old, their number being great, and some of them very lofty and large. The Palm stove, in the centre of the long range, when it was erected must have been considered a fine building, and it would be so still with a little burnishing-up. The collection of plants in the houses here is so extensive, so varied, that to describe them would be impossible. It is like a great private botanical garden, and, indeed, there are many botanical gar- dens which do not possess a tithe of the number of plants. Here we found many old plants which we had almost forgotten, and many we had never seen, and the new and rare plants of the Lindens and Veitches were here also. One of M. Kramer's sons is at present a plant-collector in Japan, whence he has sent home, whilst employed by Messrs. Veitch, many fine plants. M. Kramer was the largest exhibitor of plants at Hamburg, and obtained the greatest number of prizes, and in his collections were some admirably-grown specimens of fine-foliaged plants, Palms, Ferns, Orcbids, &c. Conspicuous amongst the great mass of plants here — conspicuous to us, perhaps, because we seldom see them in this country, were the finely-flowered specimens of Hsemantbus cinnabarinus and puniceus. The large glowing scarlet umbel -like flower-heads of these plants were truly magnificent ; the former is superior to the latter, being dwarfer, larger, and more Bhowy. Tbey seem to flower under the younger M. Kramer's care with the greatest ease. It is a plant we recommend our gardeners to take to. Amongst others we noticed Aphelandra Roezliana, with its beautiful silvery leaf, doing well, Curcuma rubricaulis and Roscoeana, useful decorative plants, lasting such a long time in flower; also Alocasia Jenning9ii, a fine plant 2 feet across ; Alooasia metallica, Veitchii, &c. ; very large plants of Caladiums, Sanchezia nobilis, and the new Coleuses 6 feet in diameter. The collection of Orchids is likewise very extensive, and in good condition, bnt especially so that of the Anffictoohils, which were very rich. What a pity these plants are so little looked after now. Here also we found Sarracenia purpurea grow- ing like a very weed in the cold frames, in some places half smothered with chickweed, and yet as vigorous and healthy as need be. Who can refuse to cultivate this pretty and inter- esting plant ? Here, again, we found our wonder, Disa grandi- flora, in all its grandeur, and fully finer than those already noticed, many of M. Kramer's plants bearing six, seven, and 62 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January 27, 1870. eight flowers on a single stem. The cultivation of this plant seems with oar German friends the most easy thing in the world, requiring, as they say, scarcely any attention. M. F. Kramer kindly promised to send us an exact account of his method of treatment for publication in these pages, so that if this should meet his eye it will, perhaps, serve to remind him of hie obligation to our readers. A plant of Selaginella arborea attracted our notice somewhat by its intense depth of colouring — almost crimson. We were informed that, the plant had been treated to some doEes of salt and superphosphate of lime. If this was a genuine case of colouring through the agency of these substances, the subject is worthy of further trial and investigation. We noticed Yitis Thnnbergii atropurpurea, with its deep crimson foliage, as a very ornamental plant. We may note also, as an important fact, that M. F. Kramer had secured a sport from Teleianthera paronychioides, indistinguishable from — indeed, exactly the same as, T. amabilis sent out by Messrs. Verschaffelt a few years ago. In the kitchen garden some lines of espalier Pear trees were very heavily laden with very fine fruit, and throughout the place there reigned an air of good, sound, practical gardening, reflecting credit on the talented chiefs. BOOTH & CO.'S NURSERY, HAMBURG. This is situate close to Flottbeck on the opposite side of the road, and is of very great extent, but now being much dis- membered through the erection of a residence in one part of the grounds for one of the partners of the firm. This is a very old-established nursery of world-wide popularity, contain- ing a mo6t enormous collection of varieties of all hardy forest and ornamental trees and shrub3. Here the grafting of Oaks, Aoers, Elms, &c, has been and still is carried on to a great extent. In the grounds were many fine and very interesting plants, seldom to be seen or even heard of elsewhere. It is a pity they should be so much neglected. A noble speci- men of Quercus Robur variegata, upwards of 49 feet in height, attracted our attention — by far the largest and most beautifully variegated Oak we had ever seen, and a perfect tree. Auother tree, Acer puWerulentum, was very striking and unique in its character. We have notes of many others which, however, it is needless to repeat here. A hedge or screen, 3 feet in height, of the different varieties of Clematis, in full flower in front of the manager's cottage, formed a gorgeous sight, being one mass of lovely bloom ; Clematis Jackmanni proved by far the most attractive, and in contrast to this the white C. florida (double). There is a great extent of glass ; the houses are, however, now becoming very old, and are not very handsome. They contained a fine and well-grown collection of Palms, Camellias, and general stove plants ; also an immense number of Vines in pots. In the flower beds iu front were masses of Cannas in great vigour, amongst which, conspicuous by its height and the bright yellow blossoms, we observ'ed a variety named Premices de Nice, which we recommend. Like soldiers in line, along the front of the principal range of glass, were a great number of very handsome regularly-formed standard Bay trees in tubs, which had a very stately appearance. These are plants always grown and seen better on the Continent than in this country. TRAINING PEACH TREES UPRIGHT. Your correspondent, " J. G.," seems to be "rather sceptical" as to the success of upright-trained Peach trees. I am not surprised that he should be so if he imagined that Peach trees, when trained upiigbt, should be pruned in precisely the same manner as the Pear or the Cherry. May not a fruit tree have its brandies trained upright, and yet receive that treatment which is most suitable to its habit and growth? If you look at a Peach tree trained after that method which gardeners in general delight to adopt, you will perceive that one or more branches about the centre of the tree will be trained upright, and that these branches will be just as fruitful as any other portion of the tree. If a portion of a Peach tree may be suc- cessfully trained upright, why not the whole tree? Eight years ago, as I was watching my gardener re-arrange the branches of a large fan-trained Peach tree, I put to him this very question. His reply in effect was, " I can't say why it should not be done, and I should very much like to try the experiment." Accordingly, an Early York Peach was obtained. It was intended to carry this tree up with three branches of equal strength. However, tLe right and left branches took the lead, and reached the top of a 12-feet wall in 18G8. These were trained after the herring-bone plan, so well described by Mr. Radclyffe in the pages of " our Journal," and they just occupy a yard of wall in length. The centre shoot was kept down, and it supplied the base of the tree with bearing wood. Last year this tree gave forty-five fine fruit without exhibiting the slightest signs of exhaustion, and it appears to be quite prepared to do as much or more this Beason. I dare not allow the fan-trained trees to bear so largely, because they have only one set of roots to sustain their wide expanse ; while the double cordon possesses roots equal almost to any strain you might put upon their energies. The rule to be observed in thinning fan-trained Peach trees is to leave one fruit for each square foot of wall occupied by the tree. This is quite a sufficient crop for the tree to carry annually, if fine high-flavoured fruit are desired. This rule allows of thirty-six Peaches for each yard in length of a 12-feet wall ; but an upright-trained tree possesses such ample root power that it is able to support uninjured a larger crop — say from fifty to sixty fruit. What an enormous crop this would be, three hundred fruit from 6 yards of wall in length ! The upright training of the Peach tree possesses these advantages : — 1st, The wall is completely covered with fruit-bearing branches in six or seven years. 2mdly, A larger crop can be obtained year by year than by any other mode of training. 3rdly, It enables those who have but a limited extent of wall to grow early, midseason, and late Peaches, and so have a suit- able succession of this most exquisite fruit. — C. M. (To be continued.) ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. The Council have the satisfaction of announcing that ar- rangements have been made with Her Majesty's Commissioners for the Exhibition of 1851 (in connection with the proposed an- nual International Exhibitions to be held by the Commission) for the completion of the gardens and arcades, without entail- ing any liability on the Society. The Commissioners will also construct conservatories on the upper arcades, by which the first floor of their permanent exhibition buildings to be erected on the annexes adjoining the central arcades will be put into direct communication with the Society's conservatory. These works will be completed before the 1st of May, 1871, the date fixed for the first of the series of International Exhi- bitions. The exhibitions will consist solely of objects which have some special interest or recommendation ; and while pictures and other attractive works of art will form part of each exhibition, selected manufactured objects, of a few classes only, will be admitted in any one of the series, so as to extend this branch of the exhibition over a sufficient number of years to allow time for improvement before the same class of objects is again brought forward. Whilst these exhibitions will be held in connection with the gardens of the Society, which will participate in any profits that may arise from the exhibitions, not onlv will the present rights and privileges of the Fellows be maintained, but con- siderable advantages over the public, as respects admission to the exhibition itself, will be given to them. Another subject in which the Fellows are interested, and may look for informa- tion from the Council, is the progress of the Royal Albert Hall. By means of it the Society hope to obtain an additional ac- cess to the garden, and better accommodation for their shows, meetings, library, reading-room, &c, and they cannot but feel that the prosperity of the garden, and to some extent that of the Society itself, must be materially influenced by the suc- cess which may attend this and the other undertakings, which Her Majesty's Commissioners have entered upon on their es- tate. The Council have therefore pleasure in informing the Fellows that the building is proceeding with rapidity and success, and that there is no doubt that it will be finished and ready for opening by the same time as the new exhibition buildings on the annexes. PROTECTION FOR SMALL BIRDS. I wish some of the able contributors to " our Journal " would write in favour of protection for small birds. Can the very numerous admirers of British songsters be aware of the oruel system carried on by tramping birdcatcbers from Man- chester and other large towns? They come here (Hereford) three times in the course of the year — viz., early in spring, January 27, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEK. breeding time, and autumn. I appeal to the ladies, just to imagine a nestf ul of young Goldfinches starving through the old birds being caught, or, if one only is eaught the young die just the same, their remaining parent pining miserably away ; and all just to enable some tramping vagabond to get intoxioated on his route. I must do respectable dealers the justice to say, I think as a rule they do not encourage birdcatching in nesting- time — at least, I hope not. If farmers were alive to their own interests they would not allow the destruction on their lands of such a pretty and useful bird as the Goldfinch. Surely little birds are as worthy of protection as terriers' tails and ears, to trim which is declared by law to be " cruelty to animals."— C, Hereford. [We, and many able contributors, have pleaded for small birds. Goldfinches and all other soft-billed birds are more than harmless, for they live either upon instets or the seeds of weeds. Even Bullfinches, Tomtits, and other bud-destroyers do good in the same way at some seasons of the year, and the econo- mical, reasonable practice would be to have some persons employed to scare them away during the bud-opening period in spring.] LIST OF PLANTS IN FLOWER DURING DECEMBER. c. 11. Nepeia violacea Myosotis alpestria Schizostylis coccinea per^iine Asnhoilelua luteus Alyssum eaxatile compactum Clematis Jackmann Nignli.i hispanioa Dianthus deltoides Marie Pare superbns Plumbago capensis Primula acaulis 4. Teucrium lacidam Vinoa herbacea arge.ntea Helleborus niger Icetidaa Ammobium alatuin Tritoma Uvaria Antirrhinum majua Leptoaiphon densifloraa Viacaria splendena LoboJia Erinna Aeter chmensis Sedum cagrulenm Malva mobchiita ChryBautbemums various Phlox Drummondi Reseda odorata 7. Achillea compacta b errata Agathaea cceleBtis variegata Delphinium Barlowii Campanula carpatica garganica Aaperula oJorata Calandnnia umbellata Astrantia major Betonica stricla Erinus alpiims Hieracium alpinum Aster Amelluri Cydonia jaioiiica Ajuga genevenBU reptana variegata Pentalemon coccmeum 11. Cichorium Eudivia Verbena venosa Viltadenia trilobata Obeliscaria pulcherrima Phlox Counteaa of Home Daphne Laureola Erica carnea Rose Bourbon Queen Hamamelia virginioa Kerria j^iponica Caliimpclia acabra Omphalodes verna Statice Armeria Ranunculus repena StHU;u.'Hs HpcciOBH Tanacetuin volgare Thymus ufficinalis Veronica incana spicata d: one of the first to bring the Chrysanthemum before the Lon- don public, and boasted that last year's show was the best he had ever had. He has been the means of promoting nearly all the Chrysanthemum Societies round London, and some in various parts of the country, and by encouraging a taste for flowers he effected much good amongst the working classes in the metropolis, and especially in the ragged schools. He waB the author of a work on the culture of the Chrysanthemum, first published in 1857, and he was also a contributor to various gardening journals. In Mr. Broome we have lost a most friendly contributor, and many will miss a kindly companion. Death of Mr. Broome. — We regret, in common with many others, to learn that Mr. S. Broome, gardener at the Inner Temple, died of apoplexy on the morning of Saturday, the 22nd inst. He was born on the 29th June, 1806, at Weston- under-Lizard, Staffordshire, and served his apprenticeship in the gardens of the Earl of Bradford. Afterwards he came to London, to the Temple, where he continued gar- dener for thirty-eight years — that is, until his death. He was RENDLE'S PLANT PROTECTORS. In your impression of the 13th inst. there is a letter signed ,' C. P. Peach." He does not say that 1-inch boards are better than earthenware ; he cannot say that. All Mr. Peach says is that the inch boards are cheaper. How does he prove that they are cheaper ? His lowest price is Is. 2d. per foot with boarding 1 inch in width, fixed up with wire and staples. My price for a 10-feet length is 10s.— W. E. Bendle. [Here this subject must close, except in our advertising columns. — Eds.] WINTER-FLOWERING ORCHIDS.— No. 2. Odontoolossums. The collectors who have been for some years past exploring the high mountain ranges of Mexico, Peru, New Granada, and Central America, have largely increased and enriched our collections, both by the introduction of new species of this genus and the reintroduction of some very beautiful kinds which had been lost to cultivation through unskilful treatment. Many species of Odontoglossum are found growing at an alti- tude of 7-8000 feet, or even more. Such being the case, it is but natural to infer they cannot require great fire heat ; thus in growing this and other genera from similar habitats, the great drawback to an Orchid house, as it used to be understood — namely, unbearable heat, is entirely removed. Odontoglossums, with but few exceptions, succeed well in a temperature of from 40° to 55° during the winter months, and in summer the nearer the thermometer can be keot to 65° or 70° the better; at no period of the year should they be sub- jected to a dry atmosphere, but by a judicious application of water, a moist and cool, but quiet, atmosphere should be maintained; plenty of fresh air must circulate through the house, but avoid draughts and rough currents of wind. During summer the direct rays of the sun must be kept from them, and to meet their requirements in the most effectual manner a house with a northern aspect is preferable to any other, for in a house thus situated a cool, moist air can be maintained, even in the hot parching days which we sometimes experience in the summer, at which time, of course, no fire is necessary. In a house facing the north I have grown many species and varieties of this and other genera with great suc- cess at the temperatures given above, and, saving in very cold nights in winter, some of the ventilators have been open day and night all the year round. Iu potting Odontoglots, drain the pots well, and for potting material use only good, sweet sphagnum moss and fibrous peat, which may have a small portion of sharp silver sand mixed with it with advantage. Special care should also be taken to keep the pseudo^ bulbs well above the rims of the pots, and their bases clear of the soil, so that young growths do not get buried or rotted just after starting, which, of course, is their most tender age. In a state of nature they are not so buried, for so loosely do they grow amongst the moss upon the forest trees, that a lasso skilfully thrown will bring down vast quantities at each time. Several more species than those noticed here are winter bloomers, but the best are given. Those which are omitted are either uninteresting, or such as I have not considered per- manent in their habit of producing their flowers at this par- ticular season. Odontoglossum grande. — One of the best known, and cer- tainly the most showy of the whole genus ; it is usually con- sidered an autumn-flowering kind, but, fortunately, amongst the great quantities which have been imported a variety has appeared which, flowering from the old or fully-formed growth, gives us its charming blooms during December and January. The pseudo-bulbs are dark heavy green, supporting a pair of broad coriaceous leaves of nearly the same colour. Scape fri JOUKNAL OF HOi'iTICULTDKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. ( Jimnnry 27, 1870. erect, bearing from three to six or more flowers, which are oftentimes fi inches in diameter; the ground colour of the sepals is orange yellow, barred the entire length with rich chestnut brown ; petals bright brown, broadly tipped with orange yellow ; the lip is large, white, barred and Bpotted with brown. It is a magnificent species, a native of Guatemala. Odontoulossum Alexandre. — The honour of introducing this splendid new species is due to Mr. Weir, the then collector for the Royal Horticultural Society, and no more fitting plant could be dedicated to our lovely Princess. As a species it is nearly allied to 0. rescatorei, but, besides other differences, up to the present time it has shown no disposition to produce a branching flower-spike, which is a marked character of that plant. The pseudo-bulbs are smooth, ovate, slightly flattened, dark green, oftentimes tinged with red. The leaves are usually two in number, linear-lanceolate and pointed, erect, about a base. It is a veritable gem, and very easily managed. Native of Mexico. Odontoc.lossum Cervajjtesii. — In habit of growth this plant resembles the preceding. The sepals and petals are rose- coloured, and barred with reddish spots ; the lip is somewhat heart-shaped, and destitute of the spots of 0. membranaceum, to which, however, it is very closely allied. It is a native of Mexico. Odontoglossum maculatcm. — This is a dwarf, compact- growing kind, with oblong-compressed pseudo- bulbs, and sup- ports but one leaf, which is oblong-lanceolate and somewhat sharp-pointed, light green in colour. The racemes incline to be pendulous, some 10 inches in length, and bear from six to twelve flowers, which vary in the brightness of their markings ; the sepals and petals are brown inside, marked with greenish yellow ; the lip iB heart-shaped, white, or sometimes greenish foot long, and dark green in colour. Eaceme bearing from six | yellow, dotted with brown. Native of Mexico. to twelve flowers, which are some 2 or 3 inches in diameter. Sepals and petals pure waxy white, the edges undulated ; the lip very variable in Bhape, white, spotted with golden brown, and stained with yellow at the base and crest. It is an abun- dant flowerer, and very easily managed. Native of New Granada, about Bogota, at 8000 feet altitude. Odontoglossum Blentii. — This, by some authorities, is con- sidered worthy of specific rank, but, according to my judgment, it can only be a variety. Whichever is the correct view, how- ever, matters little to the cultivator. It resembles the pre- ceding in every re- spect, saving that the sepals and petals are tinged with rose, and, as well as the lip, spot- ted with rich brownish purple. There are se- veral named varieties of these plants, all of which are well worthy of cul- tivation for winter de- coration. Native of New Granada, at the same altitude as 0. Alex- andra:. Odontoglossum tri- umphans. — At present very rare in collections. The growth is some- what like 0. luteo-pur- pureum, yet distinct from that plant. The flowers are upwards of 3 inches in diameter ; the sepals and petals are banded with dark brown upon a rich yellow ground ; the lip is some- times white, or tinged with yellow, with a few brown blotches. Native of New Granada. Odontoglossum bic- toniense. — Although this species is not among the most brilliant-co- loured of its tribe, it is, nevertheless, an abundant bloomer. The pseudo-bulbs are 3 or [ flowered Odontoglossum luteo-i-uri-ckeum.— In the colour of its flowers and their markings this kind varies considerably, and several of the more peculiar have distinct names. The pseudo- bulbs are about 4 inches in length, somewhat ovate, and bear a pair of sharp-pointed, sword-shaped leaveB, some 10 or 12 inches long. The sepals and petals are oblong-lanceolate and sharp-pointed, rich chocolate brown inside, tipped with yellow ; the lip is pinduriform (in some varieties much fringed), white in front, blotched at the base with the same colour as the sepals and petals. This is a very fine species, and an abundant bloomer : it Odontoglossom Infileay grows at 7-8000 feet altitude in New Gra- nada. Odontoglossum In- sleayi. — The leaves and pseudo-bulbs of this plant are similar to those of 0. grande ; the flower, however (repre- sented in the accompa- nying engraving), espe- cially the lip, is very dis- tinct. Sepals and petals oblong, pale greenish yellow, barred through- out their entire length with bands of reddish brown ; lip narrow, Blightly turned back, bright yellow, and bor- dered with red spots. Its gay flowers are ex- tremely ornamental in winter. Native of Mex- ico. Odontoglossum Ros- su.— There are many varieties of this species, some are magnificent, and all are very beauti- ful. It is a dwarf-grow- ing plant, with ovate pseudo-bulbs, flattened at both edges, bearing a politary leaf. The scape is from one to three- The sepals and petals are yellowish white, the 4 inches long, somewhat flattened, and bear two or three Bword- | former streaked and spotted their entire length with reddish shaped, bright green leaves. The flower-spike is erect, about ; brown, whilst in the latter they are only barred part of their 2 feetin length, half of which is naked ; the sepals and petals are ; length, and that is at the base ; lip large, two-lobed in front, usually light green, spotted and barred with brown of various j ami pure white. This lovely plant is a native of Mexico. shades ; the lip is white, shaded with rose or purple. It i Odontoglossum fulchellum. — There are several varieties continues a long time in perfection, and is well adapted for | of this riant ; aB a matter of course everyone will select the wreaths for the hair. This plant is foundin Guatemala at ' largest-flowered. The pseudo-bulbs are oblong, flattened, and considerable elevations. | bear a pair of narrow, linear-lanceolate leaves, about a foot in Odontoglossum membranaceum. — A beautiful dwarf-growing j length, and dark green. The scape is erect, about as long plant which delights in a moist, cool atmosphere, and is well | as the leaves, supporting its delicately-fragrant snow-white adapted for growing in miniature hanging-baskets. The flowers, which are stained at the base with orange. It lasts pseudo-bulbs are small, pale green, supporting a solitary ob long-acute leaf of the same colour. The scape is radical, bearing from two to five flowers, which are delicately Bcented ; the sepals and petals are somewhat oval-obloDg, creamy white, with tranBver6e lines of reddish spots at their base ; lip large, a long time in full beauty, and is one of the most chaste of the genus. Odontoglossum Krameri. — A most distinct species, and being named after an old acquaintance it possesses much inter- est in my eyes. It is not usually considered a winter-bloomer. white, with a yellow claw, and faintly streaked with red at the | but I have seen it in fine flower in December. In shape the January 27, 1870. ] JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE. 65 paeado-bulbs and leaves resemble Trichopilia suavis, bat in- stead of being dark, heavy green in colour, and leathery in texture, as in that plant, they are light or yellowish green, and the leaf somewhat thin. The spike is drooping, and the flowers, although not large, are very handsome, being yellowish white in the sepals and petals. The lip is faint violet, with a double crescent- shaped line of brown near the base, where it is tinged with yellow. It is a native of Costa Bica, and suc- ceeds best if treated to a little more heat than recommended for the other species. — Experto Crede . This THE ATMOMETRO-HYGROMETER. instrument is designed to give, in a simple, accurate, and practical form, the information desirable as to the tempera ture and moisture of the atmosphere, and also the rate of evapor- ation from any moist surface. It consists of a combination of two instruments — 1, The wet and dry bulb thermometers, or what is known as Mason's hygrometer ; and 2, another instru- ment (not so well known), called an atmometer, invented by the late Professor Leslie, of Edinburgh. The following is the construction of the new instrument :— A pair of sensitive thermometers, having thin cylindrical bulbs, are fixed on a stand, in an inverted position, as shown in the woodcut; this position of the thermometer bulbs gives more perfect isolation from the temperature of the resting-place and surrounding bodies affecting their indications ; they are fixed sufficiently apart so as not to affect each other. One of Leslie's thin pcrous clay bulbs is fitted to the frame, so as to cover and enclose the bulb of one of the thermometers. In the centre of the stand, between the thermometers, a small glass-tube reser- voir for water is fixed ; a thread of cotton wick reaching to the bottom of this tube is conveyed to and rests upon the porous bulb, which is thus kept continuously supplied with moisture by capillary attraction. The bulb of the thermometer thus en- closed is cooled by the evaporation of water from the surface of the porous clay bulb, in the same way and to the same extent as if it were covered with wet muslin in the ordinary way, and gives, by inspection, all the indications of the wet-bulb ther- mometer ; these, with the indications of the dry-bulb one, form together Mason's hygrometer. From the indications of this in- strument, as is well known, and by the use of Glaisher's " Hy- grometrical Tables," the dew point and state of the air as to moisture are easily obtained and determined. The glass-tube reservoir in the centre of the stand is furnished with a graduated scale. Each degree of water in the tube is equal to one-thousandth part of an inch of depth of water on the evaporat- ing surface or area of the porous ball. These degrees are accurately determined, upon the plan recom- mended by Leslie, for atmometrical degrees. The scale of degrees reads from (0) zero, at the top, downwards — .01, .02, .03, and so on ; ten of these atmometrical degrees, marked .01, are equal to one-hundredth part of an inch of depth of water on the evaporating surface or area of the porous ball ; twenty of these atmometrical degrees marked .02, are equal to one-fiftieth of an inch of depth of water on the area of the evaporating surface ; one hundred of these atmometrical degrees, marked .10, are equal to one-tenth of an inch of depth of water on the surface, and so on. By successive ob- servations of the levef of the water in the reservoir with the scale on it, the rate of evaporation is shown. Should these ob- servations be made and noted daily, then the daily atmometrical degrees added together give weekly, monthly, and yearly, the depth of water evaporated, or the amount of the drainage by the atmosphere from wet or humid surfaces. The evaporation of water goes on in nature unceasingly from every moist surface with varying rapidity, according to the dry- ness and temperature of the air. Leslie, however, proved "that it is always proportioned to the extent of the humid surface ;" and also, "that as much water evaporates when the exhaling area of the evaporating surface appears almost dry, as when it glistens with abundant moisture." If the area, then, of a wet or humid surface and the atmometrical degrees be known, the quantity of water evaporated in a given time is easily calculated. Rule — Multiply the num- ber of square inches of the surface by the atmometrical degrees, and the result is the answer in cubic inches of water, which are easily resolved into measure or weight. Example. — -Suppose the atmometer has indicated .05 in a day, required the quantity of water evaporated from a pond or marsh of the area of an acre - Answer — 1131 gallons, or 5 tons. As a rule, it will be near enough for almost any purpose to reckon the rate of 1 ton per acre for every 10° (.01) of the atmometer. Wind has a great effect in increasing the amount of evapor- ation. Leslie found from the indications of an atmometer kept in a still place, compared with one exposed, that they became a measure of the rate of the wind. From these things it is evident that atmometrical observations are as interesting and instructive as those of the rain gauge; indeed, the rainfall of any district is uninstructive unless the amount of evaporation be at the same time determined and given. To set the instrument in operation the cap of the reservoir is removed by the bayonet-joint, the tube filled to (0) zero on its scale ; and the thread of cotton wick and also the porous bulb are wetted. Care must be taken not to dirty or grease the porous bulb. [The foregoing was sent to us by Mr. Shearer, of Yester Gardens, with the accompanying note : — "This instrument, I think, is that which your correspondent, ' T. H. D.,' requires. I have had it in use here for two years, and consider it of great importance. It is just as necessary as the thermometer, if not more so. I am well aware that experience will soon make anyone acquainted with the proper temperature required in a house for the full development of any plant without looking what the degree of heat is on the thermometer, and also how far the air is charged with moisture by the feeling it produces on the observer ; but we have nothing to guide us what the temperature or the bygrometric state of the atmosphere has been during our absence, except a registering thermometer, and we have now the means with this atmometro-hygrometer, telling us at all times the quantity of moisture which has been evaporated either by night or by" day, and, of course, the temperature at the time it is examined, on the same instrument. Every gardener should have one of these instruments standing out in the garden as well, to tell him when he may sow seeds, or plant out tender plants, or when he should water out-door plants. It would soon point out how absurd the system is of watering plants in all kinds of days, or nearly at all hours, as is sometimes practised. What a loss of beat must take place when a plant is watered on a day during which rapid evaporation has been going on, and which this in- strument indicates at once. In the summer of 1868 our instru- ment here, out in the open field, showed us that in one day nearly 40 tons of water had been evaporated from an acre. Had that acre been covered with a wet cloth I cannot say how much would have been evaporated from the soil in the time— perhaps not much less, or even more had the soil been stirred during the time, as is often done both in gardening and fanning. " It was these facts which made Mr. Stevenson construct the instrument referred to. He had previously adapted it to an in- strument which he constructed for the Marquis of Tweedale, my employer, which registers every ten minutes the temperature of the wet and dry bulb, the barometer, and the rain that falls. It is driven by clockwork, stands in the centre of a field, and has been going for two years. The markings are small dots on thin paper, and the thin paper is laid on thick paper with lines show- ing the temperature, &c, and the hours. It is the first of the kind that has ever been erected. There is a somewhat similar instrument at Kew, but the markings are photographed, and it requires a room and gas, while this does in the optn field."] PROTECTION versus NON-PROTECTION. In many cases protection encourages all kinds of depredators, and but for severe weather we should often be better without it. For instance, I have fine banks and beds of Endive and Lettuce not at all injured as yet by frost, but some under old sashes and mats when it is very cold, are more or less injured, the crisp hearts being eaten out by rats and mice. All such protection seems to whet the curiosity of depredators, and they seem to fancy that that muBt be better and more valuable to them on which they see extra care bestowed ; thus I have not yet noticed a Strawberry plant grown in the open air, or even JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. t Jnnoary 27, 1670. jjn poU exposed to the open air, touched ; bnt many splendid plants have been eaten over, and rendered useless, over which mi old nosh was placed to screen them a little from the wet. Even as respects Crocuses, of which mice are so fond, I have ! '.u'l those ia tie open air but little injured, but the other night mice chared some fine potsful just coming into bloom, oatinK the flower-stems and buds, and then dealing out and demolishing the roots. We suspect that in this case bdth crasB and field mioe had been present, as our common garden mouse does not often meddle with bulbs and corms after the head has so far grown. After catching and destroying myriads, we still have more than enough. In the frosty Eights they would soon have made wrecks of young trees and shrubs, as ,vo. but for washing them to the height of a foot otihi with a mixture of soot, lime, and cow dung, thin enough to be quickly applied with an old syringe. Mice are almost as good at this work as a herd of deer, which will feed and grow fat on the bark and the young wood of trees, and even, as in the case of the Laurel, if the bark and the young wocd be bitter and disagreeable. In such cases the more nursed and protected the plants are by our kindness, the more likely will they be to suffer from such attacks. There is, however, a sort of natural protection that often helps to save young plants, if not always, at least generally, from such depredators, also from the severity of frost — namely, the protection of weeds. We can almost imagine a sagacious mouse reasoning in this way — " Ah ! these can be of little value, or the gardener would have given them more care and attention." At any rate, among others I will mention two facts. Some time ago I took up and potted some Collinsia hicolor to secure early blooms from it, as thus treated it makes a pretty early-flowering plant, and is good for cut flowers. These plants in pots were put under the protection of a light, and almost every plant is cut down to the surface of the pot. Quite near them the same kind of plants, with a fair allowance of weeds among them, without any protection, are untouched. Near these are some healthy patches of young Lettuces, sown late in autumn for early spring planting. A part had been oleared of weeds, and the surface of the ground had been stirred a little with a pointed stick. A part had been left to themselves, the plants thickly showing the points of their leaves through a carpetiug of Chickweed, &z. The first well- cared-for lot suffered a little from the frost, but much more from having the hearts nipped out by mice. The second un- cared-for lot does not seem to have been touched or injured in any way. Thus there may at times be an advantage in care- lessness and slovenliness. But for the Chickweed and the car- peting of snow I might have been induced in the sharpest frost to have stuck a few green twigs among them as a little protection. — E. F. OF THE LAWS OF SEX IN PLANTS. [The following paper was read by Mr. Thomas Meehan, Editor of the (American) " Gardeners' Monthly," before the American Association for the Advancement of Science.] In my paper on Adnation of Conifers (see vol. xvii., page 438), I believe I established the fact that the stronger and more vigorous the axial or stem growth, the greater was the cohesion of the leaves with the stem. By following the same line of observation I have discovered some facts which seem to me to afford strong probability that similar laws of vigour and vitality govern the production of seeds in plants. If we examine Norway Spruces when they are in blossom in the spting, we find the male flowers are only borne on the weakest shoots. The female flowers, which ultimately become cones, only appear on the most vigorous branches. As the tree grows these strong shoots become weaker, by the growth of others above them making it shadier, or by the" diversion of food to other channels, and thus as these shoots become weaker, we find them losing the power of producing female flowers; and the law in this instance seems very clear that with a weakened vitality covte.; an increased power to bear mate flowers, and that Only in the best conditions of venetati re vigour are female Howtn produced. 0 be Arbor Vita?, the Juniper, the Pine— in fact all the different genera of Conifers that I have been able to examine — exhibit the fame phenomena ; but the Larch will afford a particularly interesting illustration. When the shoots of the Larch have a vigorous elongating power, the leaves cohere with the stem. Only fcliaceous awns give the appearance of leaves. When they lack vigour, lose the power of axial elongation, true leaves, without awns, appear in verticils, at the baso of what might have been a shoot. Every one is familiar with these clusters of true leaves on the Larch. In the matter of sex, an examina- tion of the tree will show the following grades of vigour : — First, a very vigorous growth on toward maturity, or the uge necessary to commence the reproductive processes. The reproductive age is less vigorous. Taking a branch about to bear flowers, we find somewhat -vigorous 6ide branches, with the usual foliaceous awns. The next year some of the buds along theso side branches again branch, bat the evidently weaker buds make only spurs with leaf verticils. As these processes go on year after year the vertioirs become, of course, shaded by the new growth, and get weaker in consequence, and thus, in the third year, some of these verticils commence to produce female flowers, or a few of the -very weakest may bear male ones. Bnt only in the fourth or fifth year, when vitality in the spurs is nearly exhausted, do male flowers appear in very great abun- dance. Indeed, the production of male flowers is the expiring effort of life in these Larch spurs. They bear male flowers I and die. What is true of Coniferac seems also to exist in all monoecious plants. In the Amentacea- the male flowers appear at the first expansion cf the leaf buds in spring, as if they were partly I formed during the last flickerings of vegetative force the fall before, but a vigorous growth is necessary before the female flower appears. In Corylus, Carpinus, Quercus, Juglann, Alnus, and, I believe, all the common forms of this tribe, wo find the female flowers only at or near the apex, or first great I wave of spring growth, as if it were the culmination of vigour j which produced tbem, instead of the decline, as in the male. Some of these plants make Eeveral waves of growth a-yeor, eaeh successively declining in vigour, and thus the cones do not appear on the apex of the young shoot, but on the apex of the j first and strongest wave. This beautiful illustration of the I connection of vigour with the sexes can be seen particularly in ! Pinus pungens, P. inops, P. mitis, P. rigida. and perhaps some others. In the Larch end White Spruce for instance, a second wave will often start after the cone has commenced forming, and the singular appearance is presented of a shoot growing out of the apex of the cone. These varying waves can be seen in Cyper- aceaj, sometimes placing the male and sometimes the female at the apex of the culm, but always the female in the greatest line of vigour. I do not know of any case where the sexes are separate on the same plant, that extra vigour does not always accompany the production of the female, and an evidently weakened vitality the male parts. Mere vigour, however, will not always indicate the degree of vitality. The Pinus Mugho seldom exceeds 10 feet high, and its shoots are not nearly as vigorous as its near relative, Pinna sylvestris ; and yet it commences its bearing age by a free and vigorous production of female flowers. But power of endurance is a high test of vitality, and an alpine farm should possess this in a high degree. In its relation to sex this form cf vital force will also have an interest. The -vitality of a tree is always more or less injured by transplanting. Sometimes it is so injured that it never pushes into leaf again. It always pushes out later than if it had not been moved, and in proportion to the injury to the vitality is the lateness of pushing. Clearly, then, earliness of pushing forth leaves is a test of vigorous vitality. Now, some Norway Spruces push forth earlier than others. There is as much as two weeks' difference between them, and it is remarkable that those which push out the earliest — may we not say those which have the highest powers of vitality ? — are most productive of female blossoms. Arbori- culturists may make good use of this fact. Norway Spruces, which have a drooping habit, are the cone-hearing forms. No way has before been discovered to detect them until they get to a bearing age. Now it will be seen, the earliest to push forth in the spring will be cone-bearing or weeping trees. It is not so easy to see the influence of vigour or ether forms of vitality, as affecting the sexes in hermaphrodite plants as in monoecious cnes, yet here there are some remarkable facts of a similar character. In some flowers the forces which govern the male and female portion respectively seem nearly equally balanced. Then we have a perfect hermaphrodite — one with the stamens and pistils perfect, and one communicating its in- fluences to the other — a self-fertilising flower. Irrmany species, however, we notice a tendency to break up this balance. It becomes either a pistillate or a staminate, either by the sup- pression or greater development of one force or the other. If the force is id the female direction it begins by requiring the J:uuiarj 27, 1870. I JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 67 pollen from gome other power to fertilise itself ; if in the male direction, by increasing the number of stamens, or converting the stamens into petals. The interest for ns in this sexual question is to note that just in proportion as the sexes diverge in this manner, in just the same ratio do vigour and strong vitality follow the female in the one case, and weakness the male in the other. Dj the male direction, for instance, when the flower becomes double by the conversion of stamens into petals, or the number of either increased, growth is never so strong, and life is more endangered. Double Camellias, Roses, Peaches, and other things have to be grafted on single ones, in order to get more vigorous-growing plants, and every florist know3 how much more difficult it is to get roots from a doable- flowered cutting than from a single one. Sometimes the male principle, which loves to exhibit itself in the gay colouring of the petals, seems to influence the leaves also ; and they also become coloured or variegated ; and here we see also a weakened vitality follows. Variegated Box, Variegated Euonymus, or any of similar character, never grow so freely, or endure the winter's cold or the extremes of climate like the green- leaved forms. On the other hand, when the balance goes over in the female interest, we see it characterised by greater vigour than before. It has long been noted that pistillate varieties of Strawberries are more prolific of fruit; but this rule is not always good, as sometimes the runners, which are parts of the feminine system — a form of viviparous flower shootB, in fact, regulate the amount of fruit. Bat it is a fact universal, I believe, in its application, that the production of runners and fruit combined is always accompanied by a vigorous vitality. So in Viola, Trhere we have female influence variously ex- pressed, from the underground stolon or creeping runner, which reproduces without impregnation, to the apetelous flowers, which mature abundant seeds on the smallest possible quantity of pollen, up to the perfectly favoured hermaphrodite flowers of spring — all regular grades of one identical female principle, in contrast with those species which maintain throughout a closer connection with the male principle, by maintaining pure hermaphrodite flowers through their whole stages — we find those possessed of the highest type of vitality which are evidently the most under the laws of female influence. In a brief paper like this it is not my purpose to introduce more of the facts I have observed than will sustain the theory I have advanced. I do not wish to urge it for adoption ; my object is to excite investigation on the part of other observeis, who will, I think, find everywhere about them that, wherever the reproductive forces are at all in operation, it is the highest types of vitality only which take on the female form. I have confined myself to sex in plants, botany being my special study. Do the same laws prevail in the animal world ? I think they do. But this being out of my more favourite province I dare not discuss it, but content myself with the bare suggestion. — Thomas Meehan. GARDENERS' EXAMINATIONS. The following are the names of those who took nei and the number of marks obtained, December 7th and Btb, sit the Royal Horticultural Society's examination of gardeners : — Cbarlee Barley, Royal Horticul- tural Society, Chiswick George Downtoo, ditto George Haskine, ditto Alfred Jones, ditto *Alfred Eradley, Elthatn Charles Eoswell, Denbies, Dork- ing "W. Read, Royal Gardens, Kew . Walter Davis, New Hampton . . Robert Mearns, Royal Gardens, Kew George Payne, ditto R.J. Lynch, ditto 1 This candidate Floriculture. Certificates. Marks. Certificates. , Marts. 2nd class 1st class 3rd class 2nd class 2nd class 2nd class 2nd class 1st class 2ni class 800 1st class 990 3rd class 653 3rd class 500 1st class ' 9-5 1st class 1st olass . 1st class j 1050 3rd claen | 580 2nd class | 760 1st class llai) examined for the Associateship. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. 1 The following premiums have been placed at the disposal of the Society of Arts, for the term of seven years, by Dr. Septiucs Piesse, F.C.S :— 1, A premium of £5, for 1 lb. of otto of Bergamot, of the value of 16s. or more in the London market, being the produce of plants (Citrus bergamiu) grown in Australia, New Zealand, Natal, any of the British West India Islands, or any other British colony or dependency. 2, A premium of £5, for 1 oz. of otto of Roses, of the value cf 20s. or more in the London market, being th9 produce of any vamty of Roses grown together in one plantation in Australia, New Zealand, Natal, any of the British West India Islands, or any other British colony or dependency. 3, A premium of £10, for a canister of enflowered butter or fat, so scented with any kind or sort of rl jwer, either by infusion or enflenrage, or by means of these processes jointly, of the weight of 3 lbs. or more, and of tie vaiae of 6s. per lb. in London; the said butter or fit to be enflowered or infused with flowers grown for tLe purpose in Australia, New Zealand, Natal, any of the British West India Islands, or any other British colony or dependency. The Conncil of the Royal Horticultural Society have decided that the Scientific, the Fruit, and the Floral Committees shall in future be elected for one year only, and that at the end of every year the functions of the existing Com- mittees will cease. New Committees will be chosen, and old members will be eligible for re-election. This will effectually remove the feeling of irritation which has frequently been ex- pressed by individual members having to retire to make rocm for others whom the Council may have thought it desirable to add to the number. There seems to be an erroneous impression abroad that the Essays for Ma. Egerton Hueeard, jtjs.'s, Prizes are each to be printed on a sheet before they are sent in for com- petition. It is only the successful essays which are wfterwarth to be printed in that convenient form when the award has been made. — — Two more parts of Mr. Wilson Saunders' "Rei'i '.:lm Botanicum " have appeared, of which we shall give a note shortly. Major R. Trevor Clarke has offered two prizes of £10 and £5 to the exhibitor, whether amateur or nurseryman, who may during the year 1871 obtain the largest number o; marks for specimen plants illustrative of the phenomena of hybridi- sation, exhibited at the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society. The plants are, if passible, to be accompanied by both parents, and these may be shown as cut specimeLs m water. The subjects to which the greatest importance will be attached are — 1, Crosses hitherto unattempted ; 2. Results cf great horticultural excellence; 3, Results of great botanical or physiological interest, as, for instance, between supposed genera or distant species ; 4, Results well illustrating the ttl> cts of hybridisation; o, Plants raised by the exhibitor; 6, Diffi- cult or supposed impossible nnions ; 7, For the largest meri- torious exhibitor of hybrid plants during the season of 1870. Plants may be shown as cut specimens where removal of the whole plant is impracticable. WORK FOR THE WEEK. kitchen garden. Plant Box edgings where requisite, and thoroughly drain any portion of the garden where water remains Btagnai t. Where water is apt to stand on the surface after heavy ntiu-, try to improve the texture of the soil by a dressing of sand, ashes, lime rubbish, charcoal dust, &c. Plant Horseradish, if not already done ; trench it deeply in, placing manure at tbe bottom of the trench. If the early Peas thrust their heads above ground, throw a few handsful of sawdust in a ridge over them. This will not do, however, when their leaves are expanded. For next year's forcing plant Sea-kale and Rhubarb itnme rich trenched ground; throw a hillock of old tan, ashes, cr sand, round each crown, to coax them on through the vicissi- tudes of the weather in February and March. Set hand- glasses for Cauliflowers in pots, placing one pot in each angle, the soil should be well soaked with liquid manure pr< Sow Tomatoes in heat, also Sweet Bazil, Sweet Marjoram &o. fruit gaeden. If any transplanting of fruit trees has yet to be done this season, it should be seen to at once, also prepare ground in- tended to be planted with young trees, and spare no pains nor expense to have this properly done. Make snre of thorough drainage, and where the subsoil is unkind it should be removeil. replacing it with some good fresh loam. Pruning and nailiDg should be persevered in whenever the weather is favourable. Any treci which are to be grafted in the spring may be headeil- down, but leave the branches sufficiently long to allow an inch JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January 27, 1870. ov two more to be taken off at the time of grafting, when a clean out should be made. Fresh-planted orchard trees should be securely staked, using a little hay or moss at the tie to pre- serve the bark. In making fruit-tree borders, particularly for the finer kinds against walls, fresh turfy loam is required, therefore have it in readiness. The only addition should be road scrapings, or something similar, for the Peacb and Apricot, where the loam is heavy ; use loam itself for Cherries and Plums, and add a small quantity of rotten cow dung for Pear trees, but not if the loam is rich. Dust over on damp mornings with soot and lime Gooseberries and other bush fruit attacked by birds. Two or three dressings will be suffi- cient to preserve the buds of these useful fruits. Where the stock of fruit trees in pots is prepared for forcing the advantages of a deep pit with a bed of leaves will be apparent ; the slight bottom heat thus afforded will be found beneficial in setting the roots in action. Cherries and Raspberries are the most impatient of heat, and should be brought forward in a very low temperature, and unless they are required very early they will succeed better when started later. Peach trees should be started with a top heat ranging between 40° and 00°, with a gentle syringing daily, and air according to the state of the weather. Here they may remain till they are nearly in bloom, when a drier atmosphere being necessary, they may be re- moved to vacant shelves or stages in any house at work, where a moderate heat is kept up. FLOWER GARDEN. Where any beds or borders require a dressing of fresh soil, this should be provided, in order to have it in readiness to wheel on when the weather is favourable. Fresh soil, as formerly stated, is, in most cases, preferable as a dressing for flower-beds, manuring which is apt to cause too luxuriant a growth for a first-rate display of flowers. On soils that are naturally poor, however, and when neither fresh soil nor de- cayed leaves can be had, a moderate dressing of well-rotted farmyard manure will be useful ; but this should be well mixed with the soil to the full depth of the bed, and not carelessly •tnmed in and left in lumps near the surface, for in this case a gross habit of growth would be promoted early in the season, and as the principal part of the roots would be near the sur- face in the manure, the plants would soon feel the effects of dry weather, whereas if the manure is well incorporated with the soil to the depth of about 18 inches, no ordinary amount of dry weather will injure the plants after they are once fairly established. Wherever there is a large extent of mixed shrub- bery some care is necessary to prevent the stronger- growing bushes from overgrowing the weaker ones, and it will be found better every few years to lift and replant the former, than to prune them severely, for doing so, by inducing the growth of luxuriant wood, prevents profuse blooming. Never allow a margin of bare earth to intervene betwixt the grass and the plants ; any interval should be covered with low-growing plants, as Periwinkles and others of similar habit, and the plants over the remaining space should be made to cover as much of the border as possible. The pruning of the more common kinds of Roses may now be done ; should, however, a part of the Pro- vence, Moss, and other summer-flowering kinds be required to bloom late, reserve a portion till April for that purpose. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. When it is found necessary to water the beds in the con- servatory, choose a fine morning for the operation, and give enough to well moisten the soil, using lukewarm water for the purpose ; and be careful to guard against damp for a few days afterwards, by giving air, or, when this cannot be done, use sufficient fire heat to secure a gentle circulation of the atmo- sphere. Go carefully over the plants every morning, and re- move any decaying leaves or flowers as soon as they are per- ceptible ; for no amount of floral display will render a house agreeable nnless accompanied by cleanliness and neatness. In the arrangement of plants strive to produce as good an effect as possible, by a judicious contrast of colour and form. The larger kinds of Ferns, and some dwarf Palms, have often a good effect when skilfully introduced among flowering plants. See that Ericas have due attention as to water, and above all give a free circulation of air day and night. Epacrises, Correas, Polygalas, Acacias, &c, will now begin to blossom freely ; let them all be carefully watered. The Acacias enjoy much moisture. Pelargoniums which are rather early showing bud, and cramped in pots, may soon have a shift. These shifts, for general garden- ing purposes, are best given to a few at a time successively. Keep up a regular succession in the show house, by bringing forward stock as wanted. Roses, both dwarf and standard, Honey- suckles, Hybrid Rhododendrons, and Azaleas, with a host of other plants, will enable cultivators, in addition to the usual occupants of the houses, to make a good show. Hyacinths, Narcissuses, Tulips, Lily of the Valley, and other plants of the same class, must be duly forwarded as wanted. STOVE. A few Achimenes and Gloxinias should be set to work for an early display, choosing those that have been the longest at rest. It would be a good maxim to date the commencement of their resting at all times on their labels, for, where these plants are grown in a long succession, it is important to know such matters. Achimenes set at rest last August will be found more readily excited to a kindly growth than those put to rest in No- vember. Some potsful of Gesnera zebrina first in flower should soon be induced to rest for early work next autumn. This is easily accomplished by withholding water, and keeping the foliage still exposed to the light. The above should, if possible, have a bottom heat of from 70° to 80° when set growing. Some of the Orchids which are commencing growth, if very dry, may have a little water applied at the roots ; this must be done cau- tiously, the best way is to apply the water round the sides of the pot, and by no means to saturate the 3oil round the collar. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. The frosty mornings, and even frosty days without sun, gave us an excellent opportunity for wheeling manure, rubbish heaps, &c. It is much better to have a clean barrow-wheel than not. This object is to a great extent secured by having a little long litter scattered thinly near the manure heap, as then the wheel passes off clean, and scarcely leaves a mark where it goes. It is always advisable whilst doing work to avoid making more. We have known before now one day of wheeling requiring the greater part of another day to make walks and paths all right again. No better weather could be had for digging, trenching, and turning over again roughly the ground that had been ridged up. Talk as we may, there is no pulveriser and sweetener equal to a good sharp frost, and the more loosely we leave the soil the better will the frost penetrate into every cranny and crevice. This is quite a different affair from the frost, if severe enough, penetrating to great depths by free radiation and con- duction ; but for a limited depth, and as a pulveriser, frost acts most effectually when the soil is rough and loose, so that though free radiation, &c, be somewhat impeded, the keen frosty air finds its way into every opening however small. As a mere pulveriser, then, we consider that in economy no agent is equal to a sharp frost acting on land roughly turned up. As a sweet- ener of what is lumpy, sour, and acrid, the most severe frost in December and January acts but a very secondary part to the cold winds but bright suns of March and April. Lime. — Having the chance, we gave a dressing of lime to a border and bank intended for Potatoes, turning the ridges after throwing the lime upon them, so as to give it a better chance to act. Most stiff soils resting upon clay would be greatly benefited even by a dressing of chalk. That, however, tells merely as a mechanical calcareous agent. Lime which is at all fresh and quick will do this as well ultimately, but at first it will do much to render insoluble organised material soluble and ready to be absorbed, and taken into the system of plants. There is hardly an old kitchen garden that has received a fair allowance of manure, that would not be greatly benefited by a moderate dressing of fresh lime incorporated with the soil. In poor, hungry land, where there is nothing to decompose, the application of quicklime would be of little benefit, unless there were a great scarcity of calcareous matter, and in this case chalk and marl would be as effectual and cheaper than the lime. In old gardens, owing to the abundance of humus from old hotbed dung and rotten tree leaves, a dressing of lime well incorporated with the soil will often be as effective aa when it is applied to a boggy soil, rendered almost barren pre- viously by the astringency of decaying vegetable matter. We can recollect several cases in old gardens where Carrots were a most desirable crop, but where it was almost impossible to obtain anything like a good crop ; but when such ground was ridged up early in autumn, had a fair application of burnt lime, and was turned several times before the end of March, the crops of Carrots were to be looked at and admired. Thero are many old gardens where lime and a little fresh soil would be more benefioial than heavy manuring. It is true " Dung January 27, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 09 makes the Barley grow,'' and many thing3 besides, but it is quite possible to make land, and plants too, " dung sick." There are some soils so hnngry, that you can scarcely over- drees them, as a heavy manuring this year will scarcely leave a vestige of its presence in the next. For all gardens long dunged every year, and showing when turned up the marks of previous manurings, a lime-dressing will be of great importance in bringing into activity what was comparatively inert and in- soluble. Burnt rubbish, burnt clay, sods, &c, do not act in this way so well as lime. There is, however, generally more really nutritive matter in such burnt ashes. In very poor, hungry land, unless there be astringent acid organised ma- terial to sweeten and decompose, we should not think of using quicklime to any extent. In our younger days we noticed much done in the way of paring and burning grass lands for the purpose of improving them, and rendering tbem more fertile. Where at the same time a redundancy of water was got rid of, and the Rushes and rough tussocks were thus disposed of by a smothered burning, and there was a good thickness of soil, the spreading of the ashes, and manuring and cultivation for two or three years before laying the ground down in grass, had a great effect in improving the character of the herbage, and rendering the soil more productive. But we have seen very thin lands, above gravel and clay, so pared and burned to their great detriment and loss, as most of what was valuable in the soil was sent upwards to the clouds, and years of manuring would be required before the ground would obtain what little fertile staple surface it had before burning. In two or three cases some fresh-burnt lime was added on spreading the ashes, and hardly any plan could have been more wasteful, as there was nothing whatever left on which the lime could act beneficially, and more especially as there was enough of sand and calcareous matter in the soil already. It is when there i3 a superabundance of organised material in an effete or sour astringent state, that quicklime acts most beneficially. In poor, stiff, close soils, scarce of calcareous matter (and no soil will long remain fertile without it), mild lime, or even common chalk, would be more useful as a dressing. Mushrooms. — Put in material for another bed in the Mush- room house. We and others have said so much about Mush- rooms lately, that we would have passed the matter but for one circumstance. Our heap, perhaps nearly three-quarters horse droppings, owing to so much wet on the exposed dunghill before we brought it into an open shed, was rather wet to heat itself dryish when thrown together, without wasting more than we should like. A heap of very dry soil lying in the same shed wa3 therefore mixed with it, which helped to dry it ; but after all the mixture was just suitable for the last layer of 3 or 4 inches on the surface of a bed, but it was too compact to form a bed entirely, as the heat would be apt to be too strong at first and not continuous enough. More dry, long, littery material was therefore mixed with it in layers, so that when well beaten the bed should be firm, and yet not be too compact all through, as then the yield, though good at first, is not so continuous. We left some of the shortest of this valu- able heap unused to be mixed up with other material, shorter, wetter, but fresher and richer still ; and if no other mode, such as dry short litter, present itself, we shall resort to an old mode of ours — namely, get a truss or two of wheat straw, cut it into 2 or 3-inch lengths, and then mix it with the dung. Where Mushroom beds are to be made all the winter through, some dry litter which has been stored up would answer equally well. When we had access in summer to long stable dung which we did not particularly want, we have shaken it well, dried the longest, and stacked it, when it became valuable for the above purpose, and for protecting pits and frames. Such help soon makes wet material dry enough, and without the trouble of keeping and turning droppings long in sheds. When beds are made in the autumn such care is not required ; but where a continuous supply of Mushrooms is needed, though we have had beds made in autumn, and left those unearthed that were not wanted for months afterwards, and succeeded tolerably well, we must say we prefer just making the beds bit by bit at a time, spawning as soon as fit, and earthingup rather soon afterwards. By the above mode, even in the dullest and wettest months in winter, the material may be made suffi- ciently dry without wasting its nutritive properties. As already stated, we do not like the material too dry, but we like some open unwasted fibre in it to keep up a long gentle fermentation. We recollect a large Mushroom house on the Oldaker system — as good as any for shallow beds. The horse droppings, of whiijh there was no stint, were turned and dried, and turned and dried again and again in summer and autumn, until there was little more nutritive matter left than if the mass had been as much sawdust. This was beaten firmly into shallow beds, shortly afterwards spawned, and then only earthed some six or seven weeks before Mushrooms were wanted. There were Mushrooms, it is true, but never by pecks, not to speak of bushels, and no cook had to complain of being unable to fry them because they were so thick and fleshy. It may be a pre- judice of ours, but for anything like continuous gathering we prefer frequent bed-making and earthing-over not long after the bed is spawned, so that when the spawn has taken hold of the dung it shall likewise begin to find its way through the soil. In beds long spawned, instead of lj inch or 2 inches of earth, we would be satisfied with a sprinkling of earth and a watering. For general purposes the directions lately given, though short, were ample.— R. F. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS In the Suburbs of London for the week ending January 25tb. BAROMETES. Wind. DiT Air. Earth. Rain. Max. Min. Max. Min. I ft. 2 ft. Wed. . 19 30.416 30.372 38 25 41 40 E. .00 Thnr3. . iill S0.316 30.240 34 29 41 40 E. .00 Pri. .. 21 80.219 30.178 34 26 41 40 N.E. .00 Sat. .. 22 30.281 30.260 38 30 40 39 N. .00 Snn. . 2S 30.285 30.267 41 30 40 39 N.E. .00 Mon. . 24 30.284 30.267 42 £7 40 39 N E. .00 TU63. 25 m.. 30.321 30.280 39 15 40 38 E. .00 Me 30.803 30.266 38.00 26.43 40.43 39.29 0.00 19.— Overcast ; foggy, cold wind ; densely overcast, cold wind. 20.— Frosty air; overcast; densely overcast. 21. — Overcast, frosty ; overcast ; cloudy and cold. 22. — OvercaBt; densely overcast; cold wind. 23.— Densely overcast; tine, but cloudy; clear. 24.— Overcast ; densely overcast ; clear and cold. 25.— Clear and fine ; very fine ; fine, sharp frost. TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Carter & Co., 237, 238, and 261, High Holborn. London, W.C.— Garter's Gardeners' and Farmers' Vade Mecumfor 1870. James Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, King's Road, Chelsea, S.W. — Catalogue of Garden and Flower Seeds, die, for 1870. — List of Gladiolus. B. S. Williams, Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Upper Holloway, London, N. — Descriptive Catalogue of Flower, Vegetable, a ' tural Heeds, die., for 1870. Butler & McCnlloch, Covent Garden Market, London, W.C. — Spring Catalogue of Seeds for the Kitchen o.nd. Flower Garden, dec. Charles Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough. — Catalogue of Seeds for the Kitchen, tlie Flower Garden, and the Farm. Wheeler & Son, Gloucester. — Wheeler & Son's " Little Bool:," or Select Seed List. H. Cannell, Station Road, Woolwich. — Illustrated Flo:.- ' for 1870 : Select Descriptive List of Fuchsias, Pelargov < benas, tic. Smith & Simons, 36 and 38, Howard Street, St. Enoch Square. Glasgow. — Smith &• Simons' Cultural Guide and Desert;' I W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, Loudon, N.— Catalogw of I . '.able, Flat ter, and Farm Seeds. D-ck Radclyffe & Co., 129, High Holborn, W.C— Catalogue of i ','■'■, Agricultural, and Flower Seeds, tic. Barr & Sngden, 12, King Street, Covent Garden, London. — Desa >■ tr ii v, i Catalogue of Choice Seeds for Flower and Kitchen Gardens. James Dickson & Sons, 102, Eastgate Street, Chester. — Catalogue of Vegetable and Flower Seals, die. — Catalogue of Forest Tree;, Conifers, Evergreens, Fruit Trees, die. George John Child, Bradford Nursery, Shipley, and 43, Darley Street, Bradford. — General Nursery Catalogue. D. Gold McKay, Sudbury, Suffolk. — Catalogue of Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Gladioli, and Spring Flowers. Robert Parker, Exotic Nursery, Tooting, Surrey. — Catalogue, of Agricultural, Flower, and Vegetable Seeds, Miscellaneous Bedding Plants. Fruit Trees, die. T. Bunyard & Sons, Maidstone and Ashford, Kent— Am iptive Catalogue of Vegetable, Flower, and Agricultural Seeds. F. & A. Dickson, 106, Eastgate Street, Chester.— Catalogue of Vegetable and Flower Seeds for 1870. Downie, Laird, & Laing, Stanstead Park, Forest Hill, London, S. E., and 17, Frederick Street, Edinburgh. — Catalogue of Garden. Fo . , av.d Agricultural Seeds, dee. JOURNAL OF HORTICI-LTDBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. I January 37, 1870. TO CORRESPONDENTS. * •*« reoucstthat no one will write privately to any of the ' Sres^ndcntsof the "Journal of Horticulture , Co.Uge Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing tney are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense All ZXnications should therefore be addressed . ; The Editors of the Journal of Horticulture, etc., 171, *««* We al8"ereS°?natLeSPondents will not mix up on the We s me sheet questions relating to Gardening and te on TWtrv and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them an swerd7 promptly and conveniently, hut write them on "rparate communications. Also never to send more than N.B.'-Vanr^i^rur'main unanswered until next Manctti stocks Bhallow, so as to be alle to » . k Y may Gr.Tmor.nsES, Prize «. (W.^^.-The parties you mention may refer to some 1^™ »' ^*™ ^.^ eg pcS MX e« ofU of ^species. Tiitwo yon mention are iiliko in composition. , Wholesale Seedsmen (D. E.).-We can only refer yon to those who advertise in our columns ^^ Rubus nCT^D8w'°-»S7^%„e mfde ?Sm its berries is purchasable S°En7andtaMes^lorrtnnmlrMa8on, or Messrs. Neighbour might m- '°SrP«r™ » ■.»""» <*>-**. first l"0* Vhe fault H96° WmmmmmMm SillSSHotp^SSi *Ste?»l»-tta' ass. s^aXg&^-^ngt^he shovels, is -rly^good.or Shad 'become carbonated lime it would be an efficient manure r^TTv Kennedy Fig Tree Bake at the Bottom (A Poor Lady).— tbestem.bringtbe .opd^wn to Martnefc ^ calculated to give 5S«S5sLfcffi=SRK5SB3 vigour as possible to tbe shoots from the base. Em, „„ mosses (Htm).— Miss Plues" " Rambles in Search of Mosses can be had post-free from our office if yon enclose twenty-six postage stamps with your address. Utilising Wool Washings (H. A B.).-The wash con aimng m every fortv Billions after one, 50 lbs. of grease, sheep's dung, and sand 1- IBs. or IrrtLtoJ «°rf:t for manure to farmers or nurserymen m a liquid state as * w m only W 'or the labour where it can be run on the ground by drains orhoso-lhat is, distributed without horse or manual power The best use lhat could be made of the wash would be te add it as yon propose to the straw and dung from your three horses, and so form a solid manure by mixing with soil, chaff, or any other kind of refuse vegetable matter. We do not think you would be able to make it profit- able otherwise than by using it yourself. Violet Culture (J. W. i.).-Several good articles have appeared on Violet culture, but we may have something more to add on the subject in in earlv number, thoush we hope some of our correspondents will state their experience, particularly of the new varieties, tree Violets, and pot culture. Increasing Greenhouse Temperature [Clodhopper). -The ; house being chiefly filled with seedling Pelargoniums, with Primulas, bulbs, and Rones which you wish to flower early, and containing but few other rdants' yon may now raise the temperature within a fortnight to 45 from ire i he it at night it being presumed that the temperature has hitherto averaged id at night for the past fortnight ; and in the course of another tortniaht the temperature may be raised to 50 '-at night, and at the end of another fortnight to 55' at night, which is the highest temperature they ought to be subjected to from hre heat, and for our part except for snecial ourposes we should not exceed 50 . By day, upon the tempera- tures named " r se may be allowed ol 5° on dull days, 10 on those which a" clS with occasional clear in'ervtls, and from 15° to 20= with sea „„,,„.„ .. „:r SvrincinK may now bo jractised, excopt in very dn'l and ver? c-old wether a^about 9 A .a. and 8 P.M., keeping up a n lieSe degree of moisture within the house, so as to secure free growth. Gold-edged Seedling Auricula (E. .^)--J^ green-edged seedhng "cutting Down Cyanopbyllum magnificum lBatr*\-ll ■™f£t *« soil if plunged in a hotlied, and covered with a glass , and the eyes may good plant, but that is very seldom the case. Ctimferb for Covering an ARCH (Mar»).-For permanent plants w< suTmer There is no evergreen climber suitable except Ivy, winch we think you would not like. Seedling Pear Fruiting (E. Jf.).-The fruiting of these two years old would not be retarded by transplanting last autumn. .It they should be grafted or budded on stocks of another kind. furnished for fruiting. , . , .... Plants foe Pheasant Cover (Irish SubscWoar^-Berbens Auui.ohnm. Canadian Gooseberry, Hazel, common Holly, Evergreen Privet, Oval- leaved Privet XiSum ovalifolium), Snowberry, and Yew are all good, leayeo i-rivei l^VMV*". , . rt8 o! your clay covert. For the bog which is well adapted for sowing in open spaces and near game coverts, for cover and food for game. t?ttif Heat instead of Dung Heat (JIT. E. T.).-You op not say what i^^SeSs^^s Due— mat is, y- '"b ■ % T thi -ase g or g inches wide would be sum- anl Sar9 nbwhicn°we pi"* ^ OrSJ upr.ght drain pipes we?e"eft near the flue to let heat up and to pour water down. ■d „,„,„ w.t, Tuffs (H F B.).— Merely to forward work.it IB ad- ^".^■^^.ioXs-pSeS As to washing or painting ?UdS fo^itfet" toe soouer°t isTone the Lore effectually will the young rectfa^Ttfe tggsSOb°en"cluded from the air-the chief use of such washing and painting. the heat a little longer in .m e nouri3hing principles of which i"?" SS t tJ!fPVe0e^nWeaw^uldeno0t,under^uch circumstances. would wash in by degrees. We would not, under such circumstances, use cold water if we could avoid it. ■d „„„ 1^™,- „r Halifax) — The boiler-stove you allude to will suit n?akeaf hltle d8ust ^jff£fi&W*& !»« TthT^nte bUn°tbf ft SSSd'the retoe, ' be bett«, tho\igh the bulk of the stove- !?"£ l! in Tthehoute if you could feed it trom the outside, or have a applies to Grapes that are re iiuiie ■ orf the floor in Raseberry-cane T^T^JonT^^ b^hTv^grhe'vines thin on the roof. ,hutt «BSdit" may ^Town infgreennonsef or in a warm situation out January 27, 1S70. 1 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. of doors, if protected by coverings from frosi and wet, l>y tarpaulins or glass. Gbape = IF K S. S.).— The Grape ffiillade uiusque is an excellent, one, well worth growing. The Schiraz is also a Sne Grape, but the bunches are loose, and do not invariably set well. Pbbn Cases (Amateur).— You may see them advertised Incur columns ; they are the same as plant cases. Heating Bl A Gas Stove (7*. C.).— A small greenhouse is readily heated by one. All the foim3 and particulars aie in No. 341 ot this Journal. You can have it post-free if you enclose four postage stamps with your address. Shading toe Roses, and Exhibiting Them m.—\, J. W. Thompson. 2 and 3. J. Hodgson, Whit- tin»ton, Burton, he, J. Mashiter; T. Mason, Green Ayre ; J. H. Wilson, Hamburg h.s (SilTer-epangled).— 1 and 3, D. Lord, Stacksteads. 2, H. Beldon. he, H. Pickle?, jnn.. Earby. Hambdbghs (Gol lenspangled).— 1 and Cud, H. Belden. 2, Miss C. E. Palmer, Ligbthorne, Warwick, he, J. Ugden, Hollinwood; H. Maxtor, Dentun. c, J. Bucklnv, Taunton. Aehton-under-Lyne. Hambdrgbs (Silver-pencilled).— 1, H. Pickles, jnn. 2, H. Beldon. S, W. Iff. Hambubghs (Golden-pencilled).— 1, J. Walker. 2, H. Pickles, jnn. 8, H. Beldon. he, W. P. Abbot, Melrose : J. Robinson, Garstang; S. Barn. Dorkivgr (Coloured, any variety).— 1 and Cup. J. Copplc. 3. 1. Rngden,- Farby. 3, R- D. Holt. Windermeie. he, R. Smailey, Lancaster, c, J. Robin- eon GarstanT; J. White, Warlaby, Northallerton. Chickens.— 1, J. White. 2 Mihb Milne, Kelso. 3. D. Gel'atly. Mcigle. he. F. Scott, Stainton ; W.W- Rnttlidge, Storth End; Mrs. T. W. L. Hind, Kendal; J. Robinson, e, E. Anni tag**, Kendal; T. L. Jackbon, Langholm. J J. Berry: O. B. Proctor, Durham, r. Miss Aglionby. Hawkshead. Cochin-china. (Brown and Partridge-feathered). — 1, T. Stretch, Ormskirk. 2, J. Maf-hiter. 3, A.H. Muuric \ Wrtxham. Cochin-china (Wnite) -1 and 2. R. Smailey. 3. G. H. Proctor. Spanish ( Black) — 1 and Cup, H. Btddon. 9, T. J. Harrison, Kendal. 3, J. Leeming, Proughton, Preston, he, J. H. Dawes, BeihmaPootras.— 1, J. H. Pickles, Sonthport 2. E. Leech. Rochdile. Extra ■> J H Dawes. 2, BffiBS Aglionby. c, Distil & Armstrong. Whitehaven. ' \*\ oth B Distinct V-RiBTv not Previ-hsly Mentioned, except Bantams. — 1 and 2. H. Beldon. 3, W. R. Park, MelroBe. Bt'ck-breasted and other Reds).— I, J. Crosland, jnn. 2, W. B. Jeffries. 3. G. Dowie. fcc. W. Hodgson, Darli gton. „ w ™ Gm«e Bantams (Any otherTariety).— LUellingham & Gill, Burnley. 2.W.F. Entwisle. 3, Miss Aglionby. ■ Bantams (Any other Variety except GnmM.— 1 and 2. M. Leno. Dunstable. 3, H. Beldon, he, J. Cope.BarnBl^y. c, S. & R. Ashton, Mottram. Ducks (Whitf ).— 1 and R. Withheld. 2, W. Slonehouse. Whitby. Di-cks (Houen)— 1 and Cup, C. W. brierley. 2, A. Woods. Sefton. 3, Mrs. Waller, Kendal, he, B. Shepherd; W. Willison, Kendal; R. S. Willison; R. DncaMAny variety).— 1 and 2, C. W. Brierley. 3, M. Leno. he, S. & R. Ashton ; S. Burn, Wbitby ; M. Leno. SINGLE COCKS. Game —1 H M. Julian. 2, E. Aykroyd. 3. C. W. Brierley. 4. F. Sales, Crowle" he J. Fle'cher: H. Belden. Cockerel.— I, F. Sales. 2, T. Mason. 3 E Swaimnn. 3, J. OMfield. e, T. Dyson, Halifax. Game Bantams.— 1. T. Sharpies, Rnwtenstall. 2. J. Crosland, jud., Wake- field. 3. E. Hudson, Ulveretoue. lie, J. S. Butler; W. B, Jeffries, Ipswich; G. Dowie, Eedlington. LOCAL CLASSES. G*me (\nv variety).— Chickens— 1 Cup. and 8, Graham & Robinson. 2, J. Barrow jun'.,KendaL c, EL Lei^hion. PuUtt.-l and 2, J. Barrow, Jan. 3, Capt. Braithwaite, btaveley. he, Graham &RobinB©n. January 27, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 75 Haaeburghs (Any vnriety).— Chickens.— -1, T. Stuart, Staveley. 2, G. Maw. 3, W. M. Mann, he, W. Dol ton ; W. M. Mann. Spanish (Black) —CfttW«w.—l and 2, T. J. Harrison. 3. G. 0. Wilson. Doreixgs (Any variety).— Chickens.— 1 and 2, R» D. Holt, "Windermere. 3, E. Armitaue, Kendal. Bantams (\dv variety):- Chickens— I, Gelderd & Barrow, Kendal. 2, Hall and Heywood, Kendal. 8, T. Taylor, Kendal. Docks (Any variety).- Oucklinas.—l ami y, R, WiJlison. S.T. Taylor, he, 3. W.Fawcett; A. Suan ; J. J. Waller, Kendal, e, J. J. Walter. Crosbbred Barndoor.— 1, W. W. Ruitlidge. 2, J. ,T. Waller. 3. J. Winskill. Turkeys — l, T. J. Harrison, Kendal. 2, Mrs. Bindloss. 3, C. W. Wilson. Geese.— 1 and 2,R. Rawlinson. 3, Mrs. T. N. Clarke. PIGEONS. Carrier— 1. J. & W. Towerson, Fgremont. 2, T. Stretch, it? W. Jackson; T. Kew ; T. Preston : -J. & W. Towerson. Tumblers (Almond).— 1, H. Ynrdl-y, Birmingham. Tumblers (Any variety).— 1, T. Kew. 2, J. Fielding, ion., Rochdale, he, H. Yardley; T. Kew. Owls.— land 2.. J. Fielding, jun. Re, J. W.Edga ; J. & W. Towerson. Pouter oh Cropper.— 1 and he, T. Kew. 2, H. Yardley. Barbs.— 1, W. Jackson. 2. -T. Fielding, jun. Fantails— 1. J. W. Edge. 2. H. Yardley. Tubbits — 1, J. & W. Towerson. 2. J. w". Edw. Jacobins.— l. w. Jaekson. 9, J. & W. Tow r* on. Any other Vauietv.— 1, J. Fielding, jun. 2, T. Kew. Judges. — J. H. Smith, Esq., Skelton Grange, for all classes of Game and Game Bantams; Jas. Dixon, Esq., North Park, Bradford, for all other classes. NENTHEAD POULTRY SHOW. The following awards were made at this show, held on the 14th inst. : — Game.— Black-breasted and other Be els — 1 and he, Walton &Rntherford. 2. J. Stephenson, Nenthead. (Good Class). Chickens.— 1, W. Walton, Cocklake. 2, T. Henderson, Craig Nonk. c, J. Stephenson; W. &. T. Brown, Nenthead. (Bad Class). Any other Variety.— \, W. Walton. (Grand Duckwing Cock). 2, T. Davidson. Longtown. Chickens.— 1, W. Walton. 2, W. &T. Brown, c, W. Craig, Garrigill. Hamburghs.— Golden-s-.pannh-d.~- 2, A. Watson & C. Litell. Chickens.— 1, G. Purvis. 2, A. Watson &.O. I-itell. Golden-pencill d.—l, M. Ridley. Chickens.— 1, J. Stephenson. 2. M. Ridlev. e, J. Stephenson ; M. Ridley. Silver-spangled. 2, Walton ft Uatherfor" d.-\. 3. S 1, M. Ridley. 2, T. Raisbeek, Nenthead, Dorkings (Auv colour).— 1. D.Walton, TTrul^ll (Grey). 2. Walton & Ruther- ford, vhe, J. Hilton, c, M. Ridley. Chickens.—], W. Richardson. 2, D.Walton. Spanish.— 1. T. Storev. Alston. 2, W. Thompson, Nenthead, c, J. Little, Alston. Chickens —1 and 2, T. Storey, c. T. Bam; T. W. Dickinson. Polastpb.— 1, J. Chanplow. 2, J. & R. W alton. Game Bantam-.— l. J. Percivat 2, W. Graham, c, W. Walton. Chv-kcns.— 1, G. Wilkinson. 2, J. Percival. he, W. Hodoinson, Wearshead. c, W. Keenly. Alston. Cochin-Chin a.— 1 and he T. W. Dickinson. 2, J. Dickenson. Any Variety— Hens.— 1, W. & T. Brown. 2 and c, Walton & Rutherford. he, T. W. Dickinson. Any other Variety Gnthrie. Hexham. Ducss.— 1, D. Walton. 2, J. Hornsby. lie, 3. Kindred ; J. Armstrong, Nent- Named.— 1, T. W. Dickinson. 2. M. Ridley, he, 3. . Pryho Carriers.- head. Pigeons— Pouters.— \, 3. Guthrie. 2. W. Gran; , 1, J. Guthrie. 2, G. Adamson. Any other Variety.— I, G. Adameon, Graham. Cage Birds. -Belgian Canary.— I, J.&R, Walton, (flood). 2, T Wilkinson. Standhope. Lizards (Golden and Silver-Bpangled). — 1, R. Walton. 2, T. marked.— 1 and he, f. Wilkinson. 2, W. Hetherington. B>tfi-marked~—i, T. Wilkinson. 2, P. Swindle. Ac, R. Walton, stmuhopc. Green.— 1, J. Richard- son. 2, G Purvis, he. T. Wilkinson. Dun.— I, G. Purvis. S.W.Thomp- son, he, P. Swindle; W. Graham, c, T. Wilkinson. Couple.— i, R, Walton. 2, P. Swindle, he, T. Wilkinson; B. Walton. c,J. & R. Walton. Goi&ftnch.- 1. T. Wilkinson. Mule.— 1, R. Walton. 2, J. Sanderson. Bullfine':. -l and 2, T. Wilkinson, he. W. Hetherington, Nenthead. Extra Prize.— Babbits.— 2, T. Kirsopp, Loaning. Judge.— Mr. E. Hatton, Pudsey. NEWARK POULTRY SHOW. The Show held on the 20th and 21st inst. very far exceeded the highest anticipations formed of it, although it took place at the same time as a number of our largest shows. Many of the best birds which were forwarded from the Crystal Palace Show arrived too late for competition, and some not at all. Amongst these were Mr. Royda' Jacobins, entered for the cup, which through some mistake were sent to Rochdale instead of to Newark, though Mr. Roydshad sent particular instructions, and Newark labels to be attached to the hampers. The weather, though cold, was fine and pleasant, and the attendance very good. Grey Dorkings headed the list, and here Mrs. Arkwright added another silver cup to her previous trophies. The Spanish throughout were remarkably good, Mr. Dixon aud Messrs. Newbitt being the respective winners. Buff Cochins were excellent, Mr. Cattell being firBt, and Mr. Mapplebeck second. A pen of beautifully shown White Cochins were the successful ones in the " Variety " Cochin class, Partridge-feathered taking the second and third positions. Brahmas were good, but overshown. Mrs. Hurt was first with a grand pen ; but the cock in this lady's second pen was so sadly overshown that it could not stand up without leaning against the back, wirewoik, or sides of its pen. Game fowls were very good, the Duckwings being better than usual. The Frencli fowls were well represented. Hamburghs might have been better, most of them being overshown. The Bantams throughout were particularly good ; and the classes for Turkey*, whether as to single cocks or pairs of hens, have as a whole been rarely, if ever, excelled. The Pigeons formed very strong and good classes, and the majority were exhibited in fir&t-rate condition. They were placed in the gallery of the Corn Exchange, and this portion of the Show was densely filled with a very fashionable company. The number of pens claimed at their catalogue prices was greatly in advance of that at former annual meetings at Newark. Doejongs.— 1 and Cup, Mrs. F. S. Arkwright. 2. Rev. E. Bartrum. he, T. F A. Hum. by ; G. Andrews, c. 3. Elgar. Spanish— land Cup, J. F. Dixon. 2 and a, T. C&F.Newhit'. lie, J.Walker; Tonkin & Tuckey ; C. Howard ; T. 0. & E. Newbitt ; Burch & Boulter; J. Lam- H. Bradwell. he, F. F. Anderson ; H. Lingwood ; W. A. Burnell; A. Darby ; W. Sanday ; C. Banbery. Any other Varirty.—], s. Deacon, jun. 2, J. White. 3, T. Stretch, c II. Lin ff wood : Miss Storv ; Mrs. A. Woodcock (Cuokoo). Brahmas— 1, Mrs. A. Hurt. 2, H. Dowsett. 3, J. Hart. fee W. Whiteley; C. TindaJl. e, G. C. B.Hart. Game.— Blue l;-h>; a* Led and other Beds.— I and Cup, C. Chaloner. 2. Mrs. H. Mason. 3, J. Fletcher. 4, R. Swift, he, G Donbleday ; S. Beighton. c, J. Eaton. Duckwings.—], H. Loe. % J. H. Braawell. 3. Mrs. H. Mason. 4, A. J. Sw ft. he, Mrs. E. Winwood; W. J. Cope, c, — Bridges ; C. Blyton : C. Chaloner. Any other Variety.— 1, H. C. & W. J. Mason. 2 and 4, W. Smith, jun. 3, R. &H. Walker. Cock.— Prize, C. Chaloner. he. Miss A. E. Crawford. Hamburghs.— Gold-Spangled.— 1 and Cnp, T. Walker, jun. 2, T. Blakeman. 3, J. Laming. fic.T.Mav; H. Pickles, jun. Bilver-spanoled — i, W. Bairstow. 2, H. Pickles, jun. 3. J.H.Howe. Ac J. WahVr ; J. Smatley; J. Laming, c, S. S. Mossop. Gold-pcneilhd — 1..T. Wnlker. 2, Bnrch & Boulter, ft, D.Normand. Silver-pencilled.— I, J. Laming. 2, J. Walker. 8, H. Pickles, jnn. c, T. Hanson. Black— 1, T. Walker, jun. 2. Rev. W. Serjeantson. 3, J. Mansell. FRENcn Varieties.— 1. C. H. Smiih (Creve-Ccenrs). 2. Mrs. J. Jross. AC, H. Wyndham (Creve-Cceurs) ; J. Elgar (Imponedl; W. O Quibel] (Houdans). AN* other Distinct Variety of Fowl— 1, W. Silvester (Silver Poland). 2 W. K. Patrick. 3, G. W\ Boothhy (Golden Poland), he, G. W. Boothby (Silver Poland); W. H. Tomlinson (Padue Chamois). Bantams.- Game, Black-breasted, and other Beds.— 1 and Cnp, W. F. Entwisle. 2 and 3, H. Shumach. 4, T. Barker, he, G. Donbleday; W. B. Jeffries; J. T(iml nwon ; J. Bembridge ; Miss E. A. Crawford: Master C. Crossland : S. Beish'on; A. J. Swift, c, R.Brownlic : Miss E. A. Crawford. Game, any other variety.— ], W. Knight. 2, J. Tomlinson. s, Miss E. A. Crawford, he, H. Shnmafk; J.Eaton; S. Deacon, jun. c, W.Parker; J. W.Oates; w. Brownlie. Cock.—}. G. R. Pearson. 2, G. D;ift. he, M. Kew ; W. Charter. White, clean- legged.— 1,S.&R Ashton. 3, H. Draycoit. 3, Rev. F. Tearle. he, E. Pntchard. Black, clean-legged —1 and Cup, J. Walker. 2, S. & R. Ashton. 3, J. Cockroft. he. T. C.Harrison; F.B.Riley; J. Laming; S. S. Mossop. Any oilier Variety . —J, Master A. Frew (Sebrights). 2. H. Drayott. 3, M.Leno. he, Mrs. F. S. Arkwright; T. C. Harrison ; J. White ; M. Leno; Mrs. A. Woodcock (Japanese); Rev.G.F. Hodson (Sebrights), Turkey.— Cock—}, G. R. Pearsrn. 2, G. Daft, he, M. Kew; W. Charter Bens.—], G. Daft. 2, M. Kew. h; Mrs. J. Mayhew : G. R. Pearson ; T. M. Derry Seu-ing Class ( An v variety),— ^in-jh: (Jock.— 1, W. F. check] ^y (Puff Cochins) 2, G. Coope (Black Red Game Bantum). 3, J. Walker (Spanish). 4, J. Hornsby (Grey Dorkings), he, J. F. Dixon : S. Robson ; Miss .t. Milward ; T. C. & E. Kewbitt; H Jennings ; J. White ; C. Ranberv ; J. Hornsby. c, W. A. Burnell: R. W. Richardson; W. Parker; J.J.Waller; .1. Hornsby. Two Hens— 1, W.A. Burnell. 2. J. Walker. 3. G. Clark. 4. W. Eearpark. ' he, W. A. Burnell; H. Sturmer; A. Darby; E. Turton ; J. Elgar; J.J.Wallar; W. O. Quibell. c, J. Hornsby. PIGEONS. Carrier —Cock.— Cup. J. Thompson. 2, E. Walker, vhe, 3. C. Ord. he, W. Masse y; J. Watts, e. E. T. Dew; J. F. White; W. R. & H. O. Blenkinsop. Hen.— 1. J. C. Ord. 2, W. T.MeteaU'e. fcfl-W.Massey. c. E. Walker; J. Watts- Pouteic-Coc/;.— 1, H. Snowden. 2,J.Thompson. c, H. Yardley; J.Walker. Ben — 1, S. Robson. 2. G. Sturg. Tumblers. — Almond. — l.F. Kev. id 2, J. Fielding, jun. he, J. Elg; . Fielding, jun. Any other Variety.— he, Miss F. Eastern ; T. Jacobins. — Cup, R. W. Richardson. 2 G. stnrgi C. & E. Newbitt ; W. R. Van HaanBbere;en ; M. A. Craven ; E. Brown ; T. Rule. c, W. B. Van Haansbergen ; J. Thompson. Owls.— 1,F. Key. 2, J. Fielding, jun. he, A. Dove; C. Banbery. c, R. D. Borne; W. P. & H, O. Blenkinsop. Trumpeters.— 1, 2, and 3, W. id. C. Gates, he, W. B. Van Haansbergen. e, S. Robson. Fantails.— 1, T. C. & E. Newbitt. 2, G. Sturgess. ?,, W. H. Tomlinson. he, W. H. C. Oaes; J. Walker ; O. E. Cresswell; H. Yardley; J.Walker. e.W. H. Tomlinson. Tureits.—I, O. E. Cresswell. 2, J. Fielding, jun. 3, F. W. Metcalfe, he, W. R. Van Haansbergen. c, H. Yardley. Any other Distinct Vartetv.— 1, J. C. Ord (Blaffpiea). 2, W. H. C. Oates. S. G. H. Withington. lie, J. F. White (Sailors), c. Miss F. S. Arkwri ht (Ant. werps and White Dragoons); W. B. Van Haansbergen (Nuns); J. Cundale; J. Thompson. The Poultry classes were judged by Messrs. Hewitt and Teebay ; and the Pigeons by Mr. Tegetmeier. SUNDERLAND ORNITHOLOGICAL SHOW. The following are the awards made at this Show, held on the 19th, 20th, aud 21st inst. ; but we must defer further details till next week. The All-Eogland Silver-Cup was won by Mr. John Young with thirty-six points, Mr. Rutterbein? second, thirty-two, and Mr. Howarth Ashton third, with thirty. Mr. Young also won the Local Silver Cup, and the Silver Cup for the best Goldfinch and Canary Mule presented by Charles Taylor, Esq., Vice-President. Norwich (Clear Yellow). — 1 and 2. Benrrose & Orme. 3, W. Walter. viic. Be-mrose & Orme : W. Wal'r-r. he, W Barwell. C, E. Stansfield. Norwich (Clear Buff) —1, W. Barwell. 2 and 3. Bemrose & Orme. vhe, H. Croxail: J.B*-xson. he, Moore & Wynn ; W. Walter, c, Moore & W^nn. Norwich (Evenly-marked Yellow). — 1 and vhe. J. Besson. 2 and he, Moore andWvnn. 3, J. Horrell. c, W. L. Peloe ; W. Jeram. '■"*' • 1 Norwich (Rvenly-marked Bnff)— 1. s. Banting. 2, G. Shiel. 3, Moore and Wynn. vhe, W. Walter, he, W. L. Beloe ; Moore & Wynn. c, W. L. Beloe. Norwich (Ticked and Unevenly-marked Yellow)— 1 and 3, Mooie & Wynn. 2, Irons & Gavton. vhe, S. Bunting : W. Walter, c, T. Wales. 1 Norwich (Ticked aud Unevenly-marked Buff).— 1, Bemrose A Oraio. 2, J. Bex^on. 8, W. Walter, vhe, Bemrose & Orme ; Moure & Wynn. c, 3. Besson. Norwich (fivenly-marked crested Yellow).—], J. HurreU. 2 and c, Moore and Wynn. 3, G. shiel. vhe, W. Olarkeou ; G. Shiel. he, 3. Rotter. Norwich (Evenly-marked ('rested Buffi— 1, J. Young. 2, 3, and ftc,"Moore and Wynn. vhe, E. StamfieM ; LronB & Gayton. Norwich (Any other class of Cres'ed Yellow).— 1. G. Shiel [2, 3. .Young. S, s. Eunting. vhe, S. Bunting; S. Tomes, c, J. R utter. W?V--'~ Norwich (Any other class ofCreated Buff).— 1, G. ShieL 2and 9hc,'3. Young. 3, J. Rutler. he, Moore & Wynn ; S. Tomee. e, G. Shiel ; W. Barwell.; JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January 27. 1870. Bklohn — Clear IVJIoie -1.2. and S,J. Rutter. rtt,G.T«fV»on.l ; J, Putter ..'IV,. Workc; .T. Rutter. <•■■!. Ilnff.—t, 2,3. rnr.and lie. J. Rutter. Tir':- , ■ varkei YelUne. I. 2. and 8, J. Rutter. Ii, . H. AbMo ii Kii :t. . . Scotch cnly-marked Bnff.—l, 2, 3, and vlic, 3. '1 :. II. Donald. 2, W. Alcxnnder. 3 and vhe, .1. .1. Sonljbr. c it Buff.—1. W. Olnrk. % 3. S.mluby. 3. R. ii, 1 c, 3. Breanlees. Tucked Yellow— 1,3. Mair. 2, C.Smith. -. he, 3. Greenlee*: T. w. Work,-. Flecked Buff. -1, J. Mair I. Greenlees. ; /.r, J. Robson : J. Greenlees. ■How).— 1, J. Bexson. 2, E. Mills. S.Moore 4 Wynn. lie, Moore Ii ; J. Yo 2 and 3, J. Young, rlic, E. Mills, lie, S. CrNNAMON (Buffl.-l. 3. Sex B '. Uoore & Wvnn. CnntAMON (Variegated). — 1. T. English. 2, E. Stansfield. 3, J. Hurrell. i-lir. W. I. Beloo: S. Tomes. /..-. I.'. Hawinan; Moore ,' \V\-nn. Liz inn. -tlddcu-spanvh;! -1 and 2. H. A-h'on. ::, Stephens .': Barton. ,!:■ u. Til.-kiiiiod. ft", J. Tavlor: W. Needier -M-.-r. „.,„„/.•,(. -i . H \ • S, Stephens ftBnrton. s. J. N. Harrison, i-i,,-. l:. i \.\\ ,,,,i •, .- ',. -,..- < i. Qri . in— 1. G. Atkinson. 2. J. Young, .i. \v. Sn.» n Stantfil Id. '*. Stephens & Bnrton. I30y, exhibited In/ T. :> ,.'.. .••. .V ,-o.-'. »fl Brd; b«l thepriae wot ■■>■ thheld "i eonwgueriv ,»'' /... exhiintinn ^tinned birds in c;,i.<»c« l'l. 21). oud />•' le'j' i .if In' allineed aaaii I . e rial, ' . - ni", ni;!,.' ; Ihowe). Canary Any other variety). —1. J. N*. Harrison. 2. J. Ratter. 3. H. Ashton Cippyl. Wic, Irons .i Gavton. lie, H. Ashton (Coppv); Mrs. Johnson Crested Belgian). MnLB^Cfcor Da J Ooldftnel;.— 1.2. 3, and Silver Caps for best Goldfinch and Mule in the Show. .T. Young. Emilumn ke .' 1. Ilo.e i„,.V " .d eft... H. Ashton. , H. on" fte. K. Robinson. Erenln-markedBuff inr. 9 and c. H. Ashton. Wic. Rev. V. War, I irlvj :;olIii,„l,.-l, G. Shiel. 2. .7. Yountr. fte, R. Simpson; W. Buhner, r. E. Stalls- .— 1. R. HawTnan. 2, H. Ashton. 3, J. Young. hurting; E. Stansfield. Linnet— 1, a. shiel. . H. Ashton; J. Young. Aw other v.. ge).—l, W. Walter. 2, Moore ,5. Wynn. 3, E. Stans- 1 and . K. stanslield (Buillioch and Goldlinchl. 2. H. Ashton ili lllfinch aud Goldfinch). Srx Norwich (In one c: Bold. Srx Belgians (In one c Srx Scotch Fancy (In Greenlees. Six Ctxxajjoh (In one cagei.-l and 2, 3. Young. S. H. Ashton. Srx Lizahds (In one cage).— 1. H. Ashton. 2 and 3, J. Y'oung. Sn Miles lln one cage). — 1, J. Young. 2, H. Ashton. 3, E. Stansfield. il W. Yeld. he, W. Laing. Linnet— 1, S. Bunting. 2. L. Billcliff. 3. W. Barwell. British Biros (Any other variety).— 1, W. Walter I Bullfinch). 2, W. W. Yeld iBntmhletinch). Foreign Bird (Any Virginian Nightingale). 3, R. Harker (Virginian Nightingah Judges. — Mr. T. Clark, Sunderland; and Mr. R. L. Wallace, Betwbk. i 2. W. Walter (Pintail Nonpareil, and DUMFRIES AND MAXWELL-TOWN POULTRY AND BIRD SHOW. This, the eleventh annual competition, was held on the ISth and l'.'th in the Mechanics' Hall. The Show, both as regards the number of entries and superior quality, was the best that has taken place in Dumfries. The Committee deserve the highest credit for sneh an excellent show ; and to the Secretary, Mr. John Maxwell, whose zeal and efforts to secure a first- class competition have been unwearied, both the exhibitors and the public are much indebted. The entries were ; — Large Poultry. . 147 Bantams 30 66 I Cage Birds 65 103 l 1370. 1'29 The adult Game were of moderate qnality in both classes, but the chickens gave evidence of their being overshown. The Silver-Grey Dorking hens were very good in colour, but most of the cocks faulty in that respect, being flecked with white on the breast and fluff. The chickens were an improvement on the old birds. Among Dark Greys of both ages were some heavy-framed birds. The Spanish were not so good as we expected, though the hens were, as a rule, superior to the cocks, which, a'though allowed to win, bore remarkable evidence of the trimmer's manipulations. The first-prize Buff Cochins were good in all points, bnt the first-prize chickens were bad. The White Cochins were a fine display tnl shown in excellent condition. Brahma Pant, -us were tolerably good, the second-prize chickens being of the Light^ variety, and very sound Ln colour. Of Hamburgh*, the Silver and Gold varieties were shown in one class, and most of the prizes were won by the Scotch exhibitors. The entries, however, call for a division of these varieties. Ducks, both Aylesbury and Ronen, were very large and good, but we thought too little attention had been paid to the quality of the bills. A beautiful pair of Pintails was first in the " Variety rlu'ss." The Laced. Black, and White Bantams were all well represented in their respective classes, and the Game were heavy in entries, bnt in the Reds there were very few well-marked pairs, but the Duckwin"s, though large, were good in colour. There were some good Pigeons in most of the classes, but the entries were not numerous. The Ponters and Carriers were good, the Fantails of average merit, and the Jacobins poor. The Canary department was of special interest and presented a very pretty Bight. The whole of the classes were devoted to the Scotch Fancy, which bear great evidence of their Belgian paternity. The Goldfinch Mules were good, and the Goldfinches most splendid. The prize-sheets were executed with a promptness and precision worthy of being copied at some of our leading English showB. Game— Black Redl, Blacks, and nthrr Reda and Bluet.— 1, D. Hardie, Sorbie. 2 and c.J. Brough. Carlisle, he. J. Carlisle. Earbv. CaicA-eiw.— 1. D. Hardie. 2. .1. Brongh. lie. J. Brough; J. Ml.a.-lihui. I'aislev. c, J. Gray, Lmlimaben; J. Maxwell. Dumfries; J. Wa idell. Acrehead; R. Kerr. Bujarg Tower. Dnck- 1I.IU7I, H'liifci.-, .'lid nther tirr>,*.—\. J. Brough. 2. T. Davidson, Longtown. he.T. Maxwell; J. Waddell. e, T. Maxwell. cViicAvrw.— 1, T. Maxwell. 2, J. Brough. Dorkings.— S Voer~Orey.~ 1, J. Cunningham. Tabreoch. 2, A. Skirving.Croys. iV.G. F. Lion. Kirkmichael. Ch'eh-m.—\, D. Hardie. 2, G. V. Lv.ui. he. J. Cunningham, e, G.F.Lyon: R. Reid. Moat. Ann other Colour.— 1, D. Hardie. 2 and c. R. Reid. lie. H. Pickles, jun, Earby. Chickene*— 1, D. Hardie. 2, B. Reui. /ic.Miss M. .t.ihnst.iii.-, Tirreglis. e. Miss M'Holm. Hilllnad, Troqueer. Spanish iBlack). — 1. Mrs. Johnstone. Conhintli. 2. Mrs. Hallanl-. oe. Moffat. -. II Wilkinson. Rart.y: K. It.-i.l ; Mis) .[. Neilson. Eeel.-feehaii. ''" . ■/-. I If. WiUmson. 2. J. Low. Kilbimie. rhe, W. Paterson, Langholm, c, Miss J. Neilson ; T. Maxwell. '-una.— .hit/ Colour.— 1, E. Fearon. 2, W. Chvne, Selkirk, he, A. Huttoo. Comlongan Castle. Chickens— 1. J. H. Dawes, Birmingham. 2. Mrs. S. Dart, A rehead. r.Mrs Parker, Coalstaith. White.— 1, E. Fearon. 2, Lady Douglas. Lockerbie, lie, G. F. Lyon. Kirkmi.lia.l ; Miss J. Neilson ; S.Sherwen. :. ii '■.- Douglas. 2, S.Sherwen. he, B. Fearon. Poion 1'i.ini-.- 1 and lie. -I. Pearson. Castle-'Jouglas. 2, S. Sherwen. '" ' I, Miss Stewart, Castle-Douglas. 2, G. F. Lyon, lie, Mrs. Waugh. | n '■ '.'aht.—l and 2, J. Pares, he and -. .Major F. K. Bacon. CEtvs-CcEiss.-l and c, F. W. Zurhorst. 2. w. C. Pickering. La Fleche —1, J C. Cooper. 2 and c, G. A. Stephens. hoi dans— I, F. W. Zurhorst. 2. Hon. J. Massy. /,<-, G. A. Stephens. Spanish— 1 end ..Hon. Miss D. Pennant.. 2. T. I'.SE. Newtitt. lie. W. J Mulligan; C. W. Brierley ; Hon. Miss D. Pennant ; P.H.Jones, c, S. Mowbray. Hambukgh-.— ir'oM or Silcci-pencilled.—l, H. Pickles, jun. 2. H. BeldoD. 3, G. & C. Furn-'ss. e. Mrs. Rurrell. ti.ed ... e. ' ■ . - ... i.;'i,l— 1. H. Pickles, jun. 2, W. A. H \de. 3, G. .v. C. Furness. he, H. Beldou ; T. Deane. c, S. Mowbrav. Poland— White -it. sled Black.— 1, Mrs. J. M. Proctor. 2, W. Gamon. c, 1. Deane; J. K.Milner. f,nl,l or Sili vr- fangled.— LE, Beldon. 2, R. P. WilliamB. lie. Mrs. J. M. Proctor, c, J. C. Cooper ; P. H. Jones. Game.— Black or Broun Beds.—l and 2, C. W. Brierlev. S, G. A. Perrin. he, H. M. Julian; J. Fletcher; J. Forsyth. Any other Variety.— I, 3. Fletcher. 2. H. M. Julian. Ant other VARrETY— l.C. W. Brierlev. 2. G. & C. Furness. 3. J.C.Cooper. vhe, G. A. Stephens, he, Mrs. Burrell. January 27, lb70. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAtJDENER. 77 Game Bakta**.— Blael or Brown Re>u.—\ and 2. J. Croslandjjnn. h Adams : G. A C. FurnesH; E Payne. Any other Variety.— 1, W. Adams. Croslind.jun. Bavtams (Any oilier variety,.— I, G. A. Perrin. 2, G. A. Stephe ..'. C A. E. Usaho DnoKS— Bnu«I.— 1, W. '1 M Uligan. 2 and he 1, Mrs. Hnrrell. 2 an,l <-.Mrs. Warburton. he. Ho S. Mmvhniv. Gef.sk.— 1, R. p. Williams. 2. Mrs. Warburton. 3. R. W. Boyle, he, Mrs. Warl.urton : R. W. Boyle; B .n. .1. Massy : E. Carter. Ornamental Watbb mwi . — 1. R. W. Boila 2. B. P. Williams, he, C. !•. Baker; R. P. Williams: R. W. Bovle: E. Carter; R Williams. Tcrkfvs— l, 2. and Boolt. .1. c. Cooper, lie, S. JP'Vee : A. E. ITSBB a : S. Mowbray : Miss L. Kiiij r , Hon I. Massv. , _ Selling Cl>ss. -I. C. W. Brierlev. 2. J. C. Cooper. 3. E. W. Boyle, he, S. Mowbray, e, Mrs. rVarbcxtoa ; F. H. Green; Hon. Mrs. Green. SINGLE COCKS. . _ Dorkings — 1, Mrs. W.i- Hirton. 2, S. Mowbray, he, G. A. Stephens ; J. E. Milner. Spanish.—]. C. W. Br-»r'e< . 2. W. G. Mulliean. I e. Hon. Miss D. Pennant. Game— 1, C. W. Brierle' . ' 2, G. & C. Fulness, he. .1. Fletcher ; G. Clement. COCBINV— I, Mre. Barrell. 2. F. H. Green, c, .1. K. MUner. Bbahmas.— Darl. -I. Mrs. Warburton. 2. G. A. Stephens, he, Hon. MiS3 D. Pennant: R. W. Bovl". t : \— 2. Miss J. Simmonds. La Fleche.— 1, J. c. Cweper. e, G. A. Stephens. HorriAxs.— 1, J. C. Cooper. CBSTR-CfEORB.— 1, F. V, . Zurhorst. he, P. J. Waldron ; .1. C. Cooper. Hambceghs.— r.,. .... ■ ; _ .. ,■ p. M'Clintoek. /<<•. H. Pickles, jun. : H. Beldon. Spangled -1, H. Pi, kles. jun. ; H. Beldon. _ Game Bantams— i, c. '. C. Fnrnesa. 2. W. Adams, he, E. Payne; W. 1 ieav,s. . . ' i , ',','. F. Kntuiale. PIGEONS. „ _ „ Pouters— Corf :—l and 2. R. Fulton, he, -I. K. Milner ; J. H. Perrott : P. H. Jones, c, J. H. Perrott. H-—..-1 and 2, R. Fulton, lie, J. H. Perrott: 3. Fulton. .-. J. H. Peer,.:' : P. H. J ines. Carriers.— Carl-..— 1. .1. H. Perrott. 2 and iic, R. Fulton, e, P. H. Jones : C. F.Staunton. Sena— 1 and c R. Fnlton. rhc. J. H. Perrott. e, P. H.Jones. Tumblers (Short fae-1! - 1 and -.'■■■. l;. Fulton. 2, P. H.Jones. (ic.R-Fulton; P. H. Jones. Jacobins.— ], R. Fulton. 2. P. H. Jonea. rhe. T. O'Grady. he, Mastsrs Blennerh»„set. e. .1. H p.»rr.>t : Masters.Plennerhassett. Fastails— I. Ma«fra Blennerhassett. 2, F. Graham, he, Masters Blenner- hassett: R. Fulton ; P. H. .'ones : T.Martin, e, H. Vnrdlev; .1. M'Oonnel'. Trumpeter?.— 1, R. Fulton. 2. .1. H. Perrott. he. Masters Blennerhassett. .J. H. Perrott; 0 F. Staunt in. Owls— 1, R. Fulton. 2, P. H. 3 Blennerhassett; J. H Perrott. -1LJ. H. Perrott. 2. R. Fult, . he, H. Yardley ; P. H. Jones, c, Masters he, J. H. Perrott ; R. Fulton: P. H. Bevrds.— 1, P. H. Jones. 2, Masters Blennerhassett. he, F. Carbarn: J. H. Perrott. Magpies.— 1. Has era L, . haseett; c. F. Staunton; P. H. Jon Any other Variety.— 1 and 3. p Wall,,,.,.. <-, Masters Blennerhassett P. H. Jones ; F. Graham ; E. IT'Crea. CAGE BIRDS. Canaries— Helot '"i Cod'.— 1. D Scully. 2. P. Kearns. Yellow, Orange, rhassett. 2. P. H. Jones, he, Masters Blennti J. McDonnell. li. Jonea. 2. C. F. Staunton, he. C 0. V. Staunton ; J. Lloyd ; H. Yardley .. BnJ, , liter ntrirfy.—l, a. V'ltiiams. '2. G. A. Perrin. Gi-en. Lizard, ;.:>. I STA.TED iu bit " Experience of a Beginner with the Woodbury Frame Hive" (see vol. xvii.,page 354), that I had ordered a L'guriau queen to put at the head of it, and I also ordered one for a swarm that I purchased in June, and which I hived in a Woodbury hive. All through the summer I kept wishing that rny bees were Ligurians, but as wishing would not make them so, what wis to be done? If I purchased queens, could I introduce them successfully? First, I thought not, for as yet I had never seen a queen bee ; then, again, I thought I could, as other people seemed to manage it so easily ; however, it ended in my wiiting to Mr. Woodbury asking him if he had two to dispose of, and he replied, " I have just despatched my last order to the Continent, and have included two for you, have I done right ?" Thanks, again, to Mr. Wood- bury for making-up my mind for me, for between writing him and receiving his answer, I had come to the conclusion that it required more skill than a beginner possessed to add the queens successfully, but as he had ordered them for me I was determined to try what I could do, fail or not ; and mentioning the circumstance to my brother, who has also caught the " bee- fever," he said he would help me the following day to try and find the queen in one of the stocks, as this was the first thing we should have to do. After blowing a few puffs of tobacco-smoke into the hive and carefully removing the crown-board, we lifted each frame into a spare hive close at hand, and though in our way we made a most rigid examination of each frame, we failed in discovering her majesty. " It's a sensible trick," says my brother, " to order two Ligurians, and you cannot tell a queen bee when you see one!" " Well," said I, not relishing the joke, "suppose we replace the frames and again try to find her. I am sure she must be very different to the workers, or else other folks oould not discover queens so easily. But there are a lot of bees in the hive, she may be with them ; perhaps we have brushed her off the combs in looking for her." So, gently dis- persing them with a feather, my brother called out, "Look! look ! there she is, she has just gone under that lot of bees there, I'm sure it was her." So, dispersing the cluster which was on the side of the hive, no queen could we find. " Are you sure you saw her, or was it a large worker?" I said. "I'm sure it was no worker I saw, but a queen bee, and I'll swear she is in this box," says my brother, and after searching care- fully we ultimately discovered her. Yes, there she was and no miftike, and as different from a worker as possible. We watched her for some time before replacing the frames, and I can assure you felt not a little proud of our success, and qaite pleased to have seen a queen bee. About a month after this, one Thursday morning (October 28tb), I received a note from Mr. Woodbury saving that he had just dispatched the two Italian queens, so again summon- ing my brother we commenced operations as before, but this time with more confidenco in ourselves. The first queen we found on removing the Becond frame, the other whilst return- ing the frames to their places. I discovered her between the bottom of the comb and the frame as snugly hid as possible. We transferred them to two small boxes, each with about a hundred workers and a piece of sealed honeycomb, in case the Ligarians should meet with any accident. All day the bees were very excited, and also on the Friday ; on the Saturday we selected two of the best combs and placed the two Ligurian queens upon them in wire cages (pipe-covers), and in pressing one of the cages into the comb some honey was forced out, when one of the queens plunged her proboscis into it and had a good feed. " Glad to see your majesty help yourself and make yourself at home," thought I, " though I cannot congratulate you on your bashfulness, as you are in the presence of two gentlemen, and in my drawing-room too." After seeing that both cages were secure we put them in their respective hives, and the effect was magical, the bees calmed down directly, and in an hour were almost quiet. Sunday the same; so on the Monday I again looked at them, and as there were not many bees about the cages, and they did not look exoited, I gently raised the cage of the first ; several bees entered and escorted the queen out and along the comb in perfect peace, and as she went along every bee paid her marked attention. Having closed this hive, I did the same with the other ; the beeB entered the cage as before and seemed very friendly towards the queen, but surrounded her so closely that I did not see her leave it, and I was afraid to disturb them, having read the advice you gave to one correspondent who stirred them up under similar circumstances with a piece of tarred string. As the bees from the other hive were beginning to enter this one, and I had been reading about regicidal attacks being initiated by stranger bees, I thought that this should not prevent a successful introduction, so I screwed on the crown-board, quite confident from their quiet demeanour that they had peaceably accepted her. I am looking forward to next spring with feelings of pleasure, hoping to see the first Ligurian appear, and as a beginner, thanks to your Journal and tbn Woodbury hive, I think I have during the first season mastered the primary rudiments of bee-keeping — viz., addition and subtraction. Having, there- fore, purchased half-a-dozen more Woodbury hives and nucleus boxes, I intend next spring to study multiplication and division, and in the autumn hope to let you know the results attained by — A Beginner. TYING COMBS IN FRAMES. The bar frames in which I tied the combs were not Wood- bury ones, but a contrivance of my own. If your correspondent, "R. H.," of the 13th inst., will take two pieces of thin wood and fasten the bar and frame together by driving a tack through the wood into the frame, and another into the bar at each end, this will hold the bar in its place on the frame. He will then be able to tie combs firmly in the Woodbury " compound bar- frame," by passing the string over the bar and under the frame, and remove the string, Sea., again, when the bees have done their work, without disturbing either bars or frames. — J. B., Monton. THE EYES OF BEES- BEE-MANAGEMENT. Are bees blind ? At a lecture about bees given here this was asserted, while from observation and information gained by pretty extensive reading on their habits, &c, I query such being the fact, as do some other persons here. The lecturer dwelt on the profit to be derived from bee-keep- ing, and so do most writers on the subject in your Journal, yet certainly it is the few among the multitude who can tell of such success as is told of in books, lectures, &c. I find cottagers are ever ready to sell first swarms for 10s., minus hive. Trnly, if from experience they hoped to have 30 or 40 lbs. of honey from one in autumn, to say nought of CO or 70 lbs., such would not be the case, as they can readily realise Is. a-pound from families around, and Sd. at lowest from the chemists, and that in any quantity. My experience on the poiut leads me to think establishing an apiary a pleasurable thing, but not a very good investment. Mine was set on foot with a splendid swarm in spring, two good stocks the following autumn — much delight and much hope. Four years have gone by, and with tolerable success I might now own a flourishing colony of twenty hives, have honey for home consumption, presents to friends, a margin left for repayment of considerable outlay, and more than a trifle over, the neighbourhood being a land of Goshen for the little workers, but New-year's Day found me the crestfallen yet oheerful, hopeful owner of but two hives, a strong swarm, 80 JOUIINAL OF HOKTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEK. r January 27, lb7J. and a cast from it both doing well ; parent Live now defnnot. Both are doing well, and up :o the 20th of November took in pollen freely, the cast largely, in quantities as if it were May, and on most days the bees come out in great numbers from boLh hives, and when sunny one might suppose they were about to swarm, they are so active within and without, and within make a loud piping. Neither have the bees been robbed of an ounce of honey; indeed, all the time I have had bees I have not taken 2 lbs., nor had 5 lbs. ; while each season one hive at least has been so heavy in early summer that it waB with difficulty I could lift it. The swfirm at present is heavy, the cast light and not about half- filled with comb. I feed both liberally, anxious to save them, trusting that having gained experience I might yet own a flourishing apiary. Driving ruined several hives, and making a hole in the top of some to place supers, and birds this winter I charge with causing the destruction of the bees. January 17th. — Bees over-active and viciou?, stinging with- out any provocation, and buzzing and pipiog in chorus louder than is their wont in summer. Day very mild but damp. — E. M., WooUton, Hants. [Bees are so far from being blind that they have five distinct organs of vision — viz., two large compound nyes consisting of several thousand (about 3500 according to Samuelson), hexa- gonal lenses, and three simple eyes called either stemmata or ocelli. Your bees have evidently not prospered so well as they might have done, and as they probably will do as you gain more experience in their management. Feeding in winter is very injurious, and fully accounts for their being " over-active and vicious." Get "The Gardeners' Almanack" for 18C9, published at this office, price Is., and amend your future pro- ceedings in accordance with the calendar of operations therein contained.] OUR LETTER BOX. Many answers, report6 until ■fcc, are unavoidably postponed ■ est week. Address (Subscriber, Sunderlan J).— Mrs. Hurt, Alderwasley, Derby. Dohking Cock's Comb— Crkye-Cceurs {Ii.).— The doable comb of n Dorking cock Fbould be perfectly Btraight ; a crooked one is a grave f. in It Our own experience of tbe Creve-Cceurfl is in their favour; we neverthe- less believe the Houdan to be a hardier bird. Stumps of Cdt Wing Feathfrs {Black Rid).— If you wibli to keep the Bantams at home you must prevent their flying, anil that can only be done by cutting, pulling, or tying their wines. As it is always an effort to produce principal leathers, we do not advise pulliag out tbe quills. Leave them till the moulting season, when they will be replaced naturally It is sometimes better to tie tbe feathers thin to cut them off. If the full flight of one wing be tied the bird cannot fly over a fence ; without that Game Bantams fly as well aB Partridges. Crop Opened to Extract a Bone (H. IT.).— We do not see why open- ing the crop of a fuwl should interfere with its health, nor can we imagine any other than gastronomic motives for preferring Indian corn to barley. A grain of barley is easier to swallow than one of Indian corn. We believe the preference is in the imagination of his keepers rather than with the bird. If be mopes, and takes no notice of his hens, we should bid him make room for a better man N.B.— Sometimes, when tbe crop is opened and sewn np, by a trifling error the body skin and the crop itself are sewn np together; that is not favourable to health and speedy healing. Crammer (S.W. S. S.\— There is no snch fowl. There is an instrument called the crammer that is used for feeding fowls. Arrangement of Poultry Houses {H. D }. — Why do yon want to keep so many birds, without having the requisite space? Yon can keep one breed in luxury, two in comfort, and sis with much inconvenience to yourself, and little satisfaction to them. We do nut think so much of aspect as some people do. Some of our own most successful pens are N.E. We would not prefer E., but we would not put ourselves to great incon- venience or expense to avoid it. Warmth can always be given by food, shelter by the proper placing of perches, and arrangement of doors and ventilators. If you keep many breeds, each confined spico must have bricklayers' rubbish, road grit, grass, and fresh earth, the latter daily. Give the penned birds a run ever j alternate day, and do not pen your chickens ; they must have liberty. Marked Antwerp's Flight Feathers {A Subscriber). — The words we believe to be German, but the letters English ; it is not unusual to write German in tbe English characters. Doubtless they denote the name of a society belonging to some place, but the place is marked on no map that we possess. We Buppose the figures denote the number of the Pigeon according to tbe owners stud book, so that, a bird not returning, it would be known which was missing. The letters and figures were for identifi- cation. Hen without a Beak {R. C). — The trader should not have attempted to deceive you. There is no such breed, and he knows there is not. London Poultry Show.— " It is stated in reference to the competition in the Brown Ked Game class that ' tbe competition in Brown Iled3 was close, reversing the Birmingham winners.' Such was not the case. The birds which were placed first and second at tbe Crystal Palace never met before in the same ciuss. At Birmingham the bird which stood first at the Crystal Palice was third at that Show in the old class, and tbe bird second at the Crystal Palace was first in the chicken class at Birming- ham. They are own brothers, and bred by myself. The first Crystal Palace bird was first last year 1 1868 j at Birmingham. — James Wood." — Mrs. Pattison, of Wrackb-furd House, took tbe first prize for a Silver- spangled Hamburgh cock, and was highly commended for hens and for Houdans, not Mrs. Pattison of Maldon.— We are sorry to hear that some exhibitors were disappointed at not receiviug their birds home earlier ; but we are able to siate that it is not attributable to the Committee, as every bird, except three pens claimed but not paid for, waa out of their bands by 5.30 p.m. on the 19th, the day after the Show bad closed. We suppose the railway companies must have caused the delay. — Mr. G. K. Smith, Scarborough, writes that the first prizes for a Brown Red Game cock and for Brown Red Game hens were given to him, and not to J. R. Smith. Lord Tredegar's Show.— We are informed tnii the Light Brahmas advertised for sale on December 'Jdrd, took the first prize in the selling class. ORNAiiENTAL Water Fowls ( T. H. T.).— Mandarins and Carolinas will remain, also tame-bred Sheldrakes. The first two will only lay in small boxes like dog-kennels ; the last lay only in holes, hence they are called in some places the Burrow Duck, from their making use of Rabbits' burrows. Dun birds and Tufted Ducks would also remain, and any of the many sorts of wild Geese, provided there is an island, but no other sorts. Moor hens will on'y remain where there is plenty of covei for them. All birds that have ever been wild wis.h at times to enjoy privacy. Nothing makes birds bo tame as gx>d feeding, and there is nothing wild fowl like so much as bread. If they are fed regularly on bread they learn to look for it, aud it makes them tame. All wild fowl should be pinioned, they are then unable to fly away ; but it is also a great security to ran a wire fence across the stream if it is small ; and a.wattled fence for a few yards on each side of the water, is only a wise precaution. We should have no doubt, by a little painstaking, of being able to keep wild fowl. Their food should be barley, but they should Lave bread at times. You will find some plain and practical instructions in Eaily's work on poultry. Colour of Dragoon Pigeons— Points of Erahmas (0. B. M.).~ Black i? a good colour for Dragoons, blue is better. Their points are in dispute, and we dare not put in our opinion where doctor- dili.-r. Brahmas should be large and heavy, have yellow and heavily feathered legs, and pea combs. Correct plumage, pencilled plumage for the hen, with striped hackle; for the cock, light hackle and saddle, black and white spotted breast, black thighs, and black tail. Canary Gasping (S. R).— It probably has the husk, a slight afiectiou of the lungs, caased by hanging in a draugbi, or exposure to some sud- den change of temperature. Mr. Brent found great advantige in putting some tar in the water from which they drink, which has quite cured some cases if taken early, and before tbe lungs became seriously affected. Bread and milk, and plenty of duckweed and groundsel, are also beneficial. Bee Plants (Irish Subscribe r).~ You would hardly go to the extcDt of sowing in fields plants ca'culated to supply pollen for bees; but we may say that clover is excellent, and so is mustard, turnip allowed to run to seed, and borage. Of tbe latter, a good breadth should be in every gar- den. Of no plant are bees so fond as Salvia nemorosa ; it will* grow almost anywhere, and should be extensively planted on waste lands. Tbe borage seed may be sown in March, but is best «own in August, and after once sowing plants spring up from sell-sown seeds. The Salvia is raised fr,om seed sown in spring, and division of tun plants in spring. We can- no' recommend nurserymen. Any advertising in our columns would, lo doubt, serve you well. COVENT GARDEN MARKET —January 20. "here is a blight improvement in business, and good articles are in ter request. Pines and Grapes have each made some advance in ce. Potatoes are heavily supplied both by coast and rail ; tbe beet spies, however, maintain former prices. FRDIT. Apples . ; sieve 3 Apricots doz. 0 Cherries lb. 0 Chestnuts bushel R Currants... J sieve 0 Black do. 0 Firb doz. 0 Filberts lb. 0 Cobs lb. 0 Gooseberries quart 0 Grapes, Hothouse lb. 4 Lemons |- 10 i l". Melons each 3 Artichokes doz. 8 Asparagus '(» 100 10 Beans , Kidney do. 3 Broad bushtl 0 Beet, Ked doz. 2 Broccoli bund le 1 Brussels Sprouts.. | sieve 3 Caiibuse doz. 1 Capsicums v* loo o Carrots bunch 0 Cauliflower doz. 3 Celery.. bundle l Coleworts..doz. bunches 1 Cucumbers each l pickling doz. 0 Endive doz. 2 Fennel bunch 0 Garlic lb. 0 Herbs bunch 0 Horseradish ....bundle 3 0 to 5 0 Mulberries quart 0 0 to 0 0 0 I Oranges %- 100 (i 14 0 Peaches . ..doz. 0 0 0 I Pears, kitchen doz. S 0 i' dessert doz. 3 u 0 Pine Apples lb. 6 KasDberri^s lb. 0 | Strawberries.. ... lb. 0 Walnuts . bushel 10 do >L*10G 1 0 12 0 II 4 9 14 6 14 12 14 17 14 21 14 21 14 27 14 28 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 From observations taken near London daring the last forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 43. 73; and its night temperature 32 2°. The greatest heat was 02% on the 9th, 1831 ; and the lowest cold 4°, on the 9th, 1817. The greatest fall of rain was 0.67 inch. COMPOST HEAPS. FRESH TURF, &c. FTEN it is very difficult to obtain fresli turf or soil for garden purposes, especially for potting and growing the best crops or plants in hotbeds, &c. The possessors of gardens and parks often look upon surface turf as if it were the finest gold. I can well enter into their feelings in this respect. Getting the top spit of a rich old pasture, so much al- luded to for borders and other purposes by old gardening authors, is all very well, and the gardener who is allowed to dip at pleasure into such a rich store may consider himself very fortunate. In some extensive parks a sort of custom has been established that the gardener may clear a portion of some not-much- seen part of the park every year, leaving the surface rough and open, and sowing afresh with Grass seeds. Wherever he can do this, he ought to feel grateful. I have never had the pleasure of thus resorting to park or common, where the most valuable close fibrous material could easily be obtained, but when planting a fresh piece of cover, or making alterations, I have always been on the outlook for good loamy fibrous turf, and when all else failed I went to the lanes, highways, and hedgerows for fresh material. In these frosty days I have collected a quantity from the grassy material by the sides of some old hedgerows that had been grubbed-up, and the turfy grassy matter that was removed before ploughing. This material was none the worse of having bramble and other roots, and small shrubs along with it. Such clearings would be valu- able if merely thrown together in a large heap, but their value is greatly increased if neatly built in long oblong stacks — say 4, 5, or more feet wide, the grass side mostly downwards. Such a stack, say 30 feet in length (or as short as you choose to make it), 4 feet wide, 5 feet high at the sides, and then rising with a hipped roof to a ridge some 2i to 3 feet more, will afford a large amount of valuable soil for potting, See., and will be very sweet, mellow, and full of fibre a twelvemonth or less afterwards. I should have liked this rough turf to be a little drier, but its wetness after the rain would be considerably neu- tralised by the length of the withered grass, &c, which would tend to keep the whole open, and thus partially admit a circulation of air. In this respect I prefer that the width of the regular-formed heap should not be more than 4 feet. as the object is to have the heap of soil thoroughly sweet and mellow without much loss or decomposition of the fibre. To secure this object when the heaps were wider, I have run drain tiles or small faggots through them in different places, so that the dry, warm, sweet air should pass through without wasting the fibre of the soil. The hipped roof, firmly beaten, will keep the heap dry, as the outside will soon become green, but when I wish to be particular, I have each side of the span-roofed heap thatched with turf, grass side outwards, fastening the turf with pegs. I make no apology for entering into these details, as the texture and the condition of the soil we use, especially for potting plants, have a very great effect on future success, No. 462.— Vol. XVin., New Series. and every reader, who for such purposes may use only a few barrowloads of soil, may as well have it in the best possible condition as not. Such a heap will always enable one to have soil suitable as to dryness at any time. It is always easy to damp soil where water is to be had. Such soil "is also more easily warmed than if wet, close, and decomposed. The heaps just formed are not so good in material and full of fibre as I could have wished, but they will be tolerably good from six to twelve months hence. I have a quantity in a heap made a twelvemonth ago, placed in stokeholes and under benches, ready for potting, and it is a treat to smell and handle it. Much of it will have to be torn to pieces by the hand, it is so full of fibre. With a little sand and sweet rotten dung anything may be done with such soil for general purposes. Heath peat soil will be required for fine hair-rooted plants, and even for them many pieces of this sweet fibrous turfy loam would be useful— a matter of importance in many parts where heath soil is very scarce and expensive. It is difficult to be procured in this quarter, even at the price of £2 for a very small one-horse load, and often a great part of that is rough fibre fit only for drainage. I have often advised those who want soil for their window plants and little pet greenhouses to obtain rather sandy fresh loam from the sides of roads, and I see no reason to retract the advice. If they can procure as much beforehand from thence or elsewhere as will amount to a load or two, or some barrowloads of turf, pile it up as stated above, and let it stand for a season, they would have a very superior compost. Any sort of loamy turf is better than none, but if 1 could go where I liked I would pass by all the turf that produced fiue. soft, broad-leaved grass, and cut into that where the herbage was individually small and wiry, more resembling needles, or the foliage of a Pine tree, than blades of grass. I can see any day two hundred acres of such turf over the finest loam, and if you take that up from 2 inches thick it is such a mass of fibres that it is next to impossible to tear it to pieces. Material of this kind, carefully stacked for a twelvemonth, becomes one of the securities for fine growth in the case of plants in pots. With such a heap to fall back upon as the main part of all his composts, the amateur and the regular professional alike may make themselves perfectly easy as to the com- plex composts that formed so prominent a part in old gardening literature, this plant requiring ten and the other plant some twenty ingredients, and all to be mixed and turned, and turned ever so often before use, until what was really good had nearly been dissipated into the gene- ral atmosphere, and what was left was a close unctuous mass that required much more care in watering, &c. With such a heap, sweet and mellow, but with the fibre unex- hausted, I want to make no composts until I want to pot, and then I am satisfied with a very simple compost in- deed, instead of one that would require a note-book to refer to, lesTthe best memory should forget a number of the constituent parts. The simpler and the sweeter the com- post, the better will the plants thrive. When the pots will admit of it, if the compost is moderately rough all the No. 1114.— Vol. X.LIII., Old Series. u JOURNAL OS HOBTIOULTTJEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE. [ Ftbrnary 3, 1870. better. For instance, for a 5-inch pot I would not object to many pieces of this sweet turf as large as beans. For a 10-inch pot I would not object to pieces as large as walnuts or chestnuts. For all particular purposes I would tear the ma- terial with the hand, and not break it up with the spade. A rough open sieve is only used in the case of small plants. When the soil is fine from want of fibre, in addition to the other materials of the compost, as sand and sweet leaf mould, broken charcoal in bits, but from which the dust is excluded, will also be useful for keeping the soil opon and regulating drainage. Where neither the sides of a road, nor the turf there, can be obtained, a very good compost for the general run of pot plants may easiiy be collected from a ridged-up garden or a ploughed field by taking the flaky soil on the surface during a dry day in Maroh or April, and keeping it for use. I have scraped up this sweet thin layer with my hands, or with a trowel, into a basket or a barrow, and by keeping it in an open, dry, exposed place it answered admirably for the generality of pot plants, such as are grown in wiudows and small greenhouses. Hardly any- thing would answer better, even for a Cucumber or a Melon bed. The little additional care bestowed in procuring material wiil be anything but labour lost. Attention to such details is the first essential to success. Fcr instance, in summer, soil of the description referred to may be used at once with no previous preparation. Now, and for months to come, it should be ex- posed to the air, and slightiy warmed before being used for growing plants. Not long ago I saw stubby Zonal Pelargo- niums, with balls full of roots;, in 5-inch pots transferred to Cinch pots, but the plants had been standing in a temperature averaging 50°, and the soil would scarcely have averaged 35°. What a check this would give at once, and still more if cold water was used for watering ! How much more would the roots have relished soil at from 50° to G0°, and water at from 60° to 70°, and they would then have been able without check to have pushed into the fresh soil. — B. F. FORCING- IN JULY AMD AUGUST- CAMELLIAS. "Pooh! pooh! Nonsense, whoever thought of forcing in July and August ? " I expect some one will say. Nature may do the forcing here spoken of, but there are times in which she does that duty in a more perfect manner than at other times, and the result is accordingly. Now, more depends on Nature's forcing in the two months alluded to than is often admitted. It may be true that the opc-ration requires to bo continued a month or six weeks longer to prepare our fruit trees for doing well in the following year, but there are plants which attain a mature growth earlier in the year than fruit trees, and, conse- quently, are benefited or otherwise by the weather we have at the time. Of these Camellias and Azaleas are by no means the least important, and I am not sure but out-door Rhodo- dendrons are in like manner benefited by plenty of sunshine at that particular time, notwithstanding the ideas some enter- tain that shade is necessary to the well-being of the plants ; but if those who advocate the latter view will recall to their me- mories the season when bloom was most abundant, I imagine it would be one when the preceding summer had been warm and sunny, and in like manner an indifferent bloom would follow a dull sunless season. Many other plants indicate in an unmistakeable way the advantages they derive from a period of fine, dry, sunny weather in preference to a damp growing one. My purpose, however, is more especially to call atten- tion to the influence the latter has on the Camellia, telling seriously against tho blooming of the plant early in autumn, when the season has not been favourable, and the reverse is the ease when a fine hot summer has intervened. I am the more confirmed in this opinion by the difference in the condition of some Camellias we have growirjg out of doors. Last year excellent blooms were produeed in November, and plenty up to the last week in January, when some Bevere weather injured thorn; while this Eeason there is scarcely a bud showing an advanced condition at the time I write (nearly the middle of January), the treatment they have had being the same in both seasons, if merely letting alone can be called treatment at all. But it is the treatment from the sun that tells its tale ; the July of 1368 and that of 1869 were widely different, as well as the months that preceded and followed them, and to this cause the absence of Camellia blooms in December is owing; for thoy have been equally scanty in the plant house as well as out of doors, as many can testify who have not adopted artificial means to force them. Taking for granted that a large portion of the Camellia blooms produced in this country are from plants occupying fixed positions — that is, planted-out against some wall or in a border, they can only be hastened into growth or bloom by subjecting other plants in the Eame house to forcing treatment, which is not at all times convenient. The character of the months here alluded to affects the condition of the plants in the following Novem- ber ; for if the late summer months have been hot and fo'reing, the buds will be found in a swelled condition by the end of September, and will begin to expand in October without any further artificial encouragement than the shelter which the glass gives them, and a portion of the bloom will be so produeed early in the autumn ; but if some heat be not given, there will be a partial cessation of blooming during December and early in January, and a fresh lot of bloom will expand later in the last-named month aud afterwards, the dark days, in fact, not being so favourable to this plant's blooming, although with artificial means it con be made to do so. Taking it, therefore, for granted that the Camellia is one of the plants to which the advantage of a hot summer is of so much consequence for an early bloom, the lesson pointed out to us is, that when seasons of an adverse kind occur, and they frequently do occur, our duty is to imitate as far as we can. the heat that has been found so beneficial ; and those whose plants are in pots, or are otherwise rendered moveable, will do well to allow them to remain a longer period than usual in the forcing house or pit in which the plants' growth takes place, in order to ripen the flower buds as much as possible before the plants are set out of doors to rest. In this, of course, some judgment is required, otherwise they may be allowed to remain till the bloom begins to open, which I have more than once seen occur in July. Care also is needed that a second growth does not take place, which sometimes is the case, but I believe it is often occa- sioned by the energies of the plant having been cramped or checked the season before. The growth in the proper season was stunted, and a partial ripening of it taking place, when a more favourable state of things set in fresh growth was the result. These second growths, it need hardly be remarked, are fatal to a good bloom, but they will now and then occur, and are certainly often in some way due to the season. It need, therefore, afford no surprise when it is affirmed that the fine hot weather in July and August exercises more influence on the floweiing of this plant than the most skilful treatment that can be given it, and I have no doubt but it is to the sunny skies of the Continent our neighbours over the water are in- debted for the more abundant flower buds with which their plants are studded, rather than to any special mode of treat- ment. Let no f.ne, therefore, despise the summer forcing of this plant, or that of some others ; for, however unfavourable the dry hot weather of the dog-days may be for the production of gias3 and certain vegetables, the ripening of certain plants depends upon it in a degree that cannot be compensated by anything we can substitute. To those, therefore, who want this queen of autumn and winter-flowering plants in flower in autumn I would Eay, Let the plants have all they can bear, consistent with not scorching the foliage, of the summer heat, and with due care and management the foliage of Camellias will endure as much sunshine as that of any plant. Of course sudden exposure after a long period of shade will be hurtful, but I am far from certain that much shade is wanted, unless it be to retard some late-flowering varieties. The health of the Camellia in general is not bo much improved by it as many suppose ; while to insure its early flowering, its forcing, either by natural or artificial means, at the time alluded to ia essen- tial.— J. Bobson, SELECT HOTHOUSE BASKET PLANTS. On entering a stove or greenhouse one of the first things I no- tice are the basket plants ; when well grown, to my mind, there are few plants that add so much to the beauty of a house, and so help to give a charm to those growing beneath. Suspended here and there about a stove, they have a very chaste and pleasing appearance. I am well aware there are many plants which can be grown in baskets, but I wish more particularly to notice a few that when grown with care form noble orna- ments in a stove, and ought not to be overlooked. In offering these notes I hope I may induce others to give us their expe- rience and ideas. February 3, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF H0RTICULTUP.3 AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 83 Nepenthes Rafflesiana. — This is one of the most noble basket plants I have ever seen, and when well grown I think it cannot bo surpassed. I grow mine in very fibrous peat, sphagnum moss, and charcoal, and when growing well I keep the plant dwarf by taking the crown out. I hope to see it more generally grown. Nepenthes Hookeri. — The pitchers of this splendid kind do not attain so large a size as those of N. Rafflesiana, but the plant is equally beautiful, and very free flowering. I give both kinds just the same treatment. To grow them success- fully they require a brisk damp atmospheric temperature. Their appearance is so striking when wed managed that they add very much to the beauty of a stove, and very soon make noble specimens. Stanhopea alba c.erulea. — This is one of the most lovely basket plants I know. During the past Bnmtner I have had one with several lovely spikes of bloom. It is very striking and very peculiar, the bloom coming out of the bottom of the basket. Suspended from a rafter you hive something to look at and admire, a beautiful blossom oombined with an aro- matic perfume, which you will perceive immediately you are near it. I grow it in baskets about 18 inches square. I make the baskets of larch stakes, about 1 inch in diameter. For compost I use coarse fibrous peat, sphagnum moss, and charcoal ; in this it will grow most luxuriantly. Thuxbeeoia Harkisii. — With me this doss exceedingly well. It blooms in February in racemes of lovely blua and white flowers, and has a most pleasing effect. I also grow it np the supports of my stove. Coming into bloom, as it does, when flowers are scarce, it is all the more valuable. For compost use good, rough, fibrous peat, silver sand, and a small quantity of fibrous loam. Panicuji varieoatusi as an ornamental-foliaged plant is very lovely. It is of very free growth, soon making a speci- men. I am growing it in two or three different ways, but in a basket, drooping, as it is, it is splendid. Eranthemuu sanguinolentum. Giitnostaohyuii Pearcti, and G. Versohaffelti. — These three gems are pretty, and very soon moke splendid specimens. They require to be ahaded from the sun. I grow mine in good, rough, fibrous peat, and silver sand, and when I put them in the basket I in- sert spaghnum between the bars of the basket and a piece of the plant here and there. The plants very soon meet, and when cultivated well present to the eyo a lovely picture, form- ing complete bouquets. — F. P. L. DOYENNE DU COMICE PEAR. I am thankful to anyone who records his experience in fruit growing, however comfortless. I had hardly finished planting fifteen Doyenne du Cornice Pear trees, worked on the Pear stock, when in came the Journal for December 23rd, and I read from the pen of " C. J. M.," " If anyone has recently pro- cured this tree on the Pear stock, I recommend him to throw it away at once." I hoped, ere this, to have heard a dif- ferent account of this excellent Pear on the Pear stock from some one els9, but all are silent. I hope that Mr. Rivers and others who have grown it on the Pear stock will be able to show that " C. J. M.'s" experience is the exception and not the rule.— C. C. E. tion staged for each of these prizes, and that is not what is wanted I am sure. If things be managed properly we may have a first-rate Gladiolus show ; but they can be mismanaged, as we too well know. — D., Deal. THE PRIZE ESSAY ON FLORAL CRITICISM. THE GLADIOLUS SHOW OF AUGUST 17th. As Mr. Egerton Hubbard has explained his wishes with regard to the prizes offered for cottage and window gardening, is it too much to ask Col. Scott in the same way to let us know what he intends by the very vague title '-Floral Criticism," and, moreover, who are to be the judges of the essays? (this was suggested by the editors of the Gardeners Chronicle). It would be useless to enter on the matter unless something more definite be known on these points, and what is worth doing is worth doing well. I would suggest that the papers be sent in with assumed names, and the true name of the writer in p.n envelope to be opened after the prize i3 awarded. I am glad to see by the amended schedule that amateurs fare better than they did in the former one ; but now how fare nurserymen ? Might I suggest that some of the additional money raised by Messrs. Kelsey and others be used to add second and third prizes to the President's and Mr. Wilson's prizes ? If not, there will be, I venture to say, but one eollec- PINE APPLE CULTURE. I hoped that other cultivators of the Pine Apple would havo followed Mr. Simpson's example (page 3), and given the readers of the Journal the benefit of their experience and opinion upon that to which I called attention fpage 497, vol. xvii.) — namely, a more expeditions system of Pine Apple culture ; but as they have not done so I have to thank Mr. Simpson for his remarks, and am glad to find that his system so nearly approaches that of which I am an advocate. I consider such a system a great change for the better, and if other experienced growers follow it up I shall not despair of some day seeing siill further im- provements in this branch of fruit culture. Although I wrote about largo plants, Mr. Simpson has not really misinterpreted me by assuming me to mean old plants also, for with a reasonable attention to the routine of Pine cul- tivation it is not necessary that a large plant should be an old one, yet under the old system of Pine culture to which I alluded most of the plants v.ere old, because they were not fruited until the third or fourth year; and upon the policy of growing these large plants Mr. Simpson has quite met my views by saying that the largest plants of one year's growth invariably produce the largest fruit ; and that they do not pro- portionally increase in vigour afterwards is also according to my experience. While Mr. Simpson admits that with some varieties the twelvemonth system may bo practiEed«svith success, yet with Queens he does not think the time can be safely reducedto less than eighteen months to ensure fruit of an average weight of 4 lbs. I agree with him, but in order to carry out the quick- fruiting plan wo must be prepared to sacrifice so much in the weight of the fruit. Suppose, then, we placa the average a little lower, say 3 lbs., which is not a bad-sized fruit for a Queen, I think that would be large enough to satisfy most small growers, particularly if such fruit could be obtained in less time with its proper flavour. In my allusion to the amount of rough treatment that a Pine Apple plant will bear I had ia view the upsetting of the opinion long entertained by many people, that no system of cultivation would succeed that was not supported by considerable expen- diture in glass erections and heating apparatus, and whioh none but the most wealthy could afford. With these conveniences I cinnot find fault, as they are necessary where large collections of Pines are grown, and where the structures form part of an arrangement of glass houses upon a definite plan ; but if Pine Apple culture is to make progress so that it can be pursued in gardens of more moderate pretensions, it is quite necessary to study economy in this direction, as well as the quick production of fruit. When I described my twelvemonth plan I endeavoured to show those who might require to grow Pines on a small scale that they could do so successfully without expensive contrivances ; and if I were required to fruit a limited number per yoar, say thirty plants, I should be satisfied with a small fruiting house in the modern style, and prefer growing my plants to the fruit- ing state in largo, deep garden frames, in a hotbed of leaves, and with linings of stable manure for top heat.— Thomas Record. LAXTON'S CROSS-BRED PEAS. Will you allow me to state, in reply to numerous inquiries I have received, that I know nothing of Hundredfold or Cook's Favourite Pea which is being catalogued and sold as " Laxton's." The distributors allege that it originates from a cross of my Prolifio Longpod with Ne Plu3 Ultra ; if this is the case, more than ordinarily expeditious means have been resorted to to get a stock of it, as Prolific Longpod did not become the property of the vendors until I8G5, and it is reasonable to presume that cross-fertilisation would not be attempted until after the variety had been seen in the pod and tried. And if a cross was effected in 18G6, it would give a single Pea to start with for growth in 1867 ! for I have ascertained by very many experiments that a single Pea only in a pod resulting from a cross can be relied upon to produce one fixed variety, and that the produce would require several years' selection to obtain a true stock, and several seasons' growth to get a bulk for sale. M JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February 3, 187J. This, however, may be open to the explanation that a cross was attempted and a selection made in the belief that the crops had been effectual ; in that case all the Peas in the pod would probably produce one variety, and a true stock of it would follow without the necessity for much selection. — TnosiAS LiXTON, Stamford. NOTES ON A FEW OF THE BEST TRICOLOR PELARGONIUMS. I cliso to the old name, which will perhaps survive all those which have been proposed ; and having during the past season grown and seen a good many of those varieties which have been most praised, I may, by giving my opinion on them, be of some use in guiding the selection of those who may be about to purchase. I shall indicate the purposes for which they are best suited. Achievement (Turner). — Raised by Mr. Stevens, of Ealing. A fine-leaved variety, of considerable vigour of constitution. As a pot plant it is likely to be a great favourite, but it is still too dear to be able to judge of its capabilities for bedding pur- poses. Prince of Wales (Carter & Co.). — A grand variety, vigorous in habit, and with most brilliant colouring ; the leaves round and smooth. So great has been the demand for this variety that the raisers have not been able to execute one-half of their orders. Sir Robert Napier (Carter & Co.). — A very distinct variety, one that can be at once recognised in the most varied collection by its very dark zone. I saw it bedded out at Messrs. Carter's nursery at Sydenham last season ; and although I should have supposed that it wouldVhave been too dark for that purpose, it was not so. It is very vigorous in constitution. Moonstone (Rollisson). — This has been pooh-poohed by some, but in brilliancy of colouring it is only excelled, I think, by Lucy Grieve. It is essentially a pot plant. .".' . Dunnett (Carter & Co.). — Another very beantif uI variety, bearing in its general character some sort of resemblance to Sir Robert Napier, but without the very dark zone of that variety, and consequently brighter. Louisa Smith (F. & A. Smith). — A capital bedding plant, freer in growth and with more brilliancy of colour than Mrs. Pollock. I have used it during the last very trying summer, and can testify to its admirable qualities as a bedding plant. A few words as to culture. Those who have not repotted may do so now. The best plan is to shake off the earth entirely and wash the roots, then to dip them into clean white silver sand. Have ready your compost, which should be clean and sweet ; provided this be taken care of I do not think it matters much whether it be rich or not. Mr. Morris, of Deptford, to whom we are indebted for a good deal of the progress effected in this and the Bicolor section, told me, and, indeed, showed me, that he always endeavoured to give air to the roots by placing in the pots small pots with the bottom completely broken out, thus making a sort of air-drain from the surface to where the crocks for the drainage reached. Nothing could be firjer than the foliage of his plants. As far as I know, we are not likely thi3 season to see anything much superior to the varieties I have named above. — D., Deal. VIVIPAROUS BRITISH FERNS. The very interesting remarks of Mr. A. Clapham on this subject (see last volume, page 51G), have induced me to write a few lines, which will paitly corroborate his statements. With regard to my own experience, I may state that thirty varieties of British Ferns in my collection have been proliferous in one shape or other; some bearing bulbilbi? on stipes, others on the rachis, and some on the pinnules. Among these I find there are eight distinct species. The following list includes all the British Ferns which have been proliferous with me : — Adiantum rotundatum, which I received from Mr. Clapham, has formed clusters of bulbs on the pinna; in exactly the same manner as that gentleman's "bulbiferum" has done. It is only fair to state that this has been cultivated under a bell-glass in a stove. Asplenium refractum bears bulbs on the rachis. Athyrium Filix-fcemina Mapplebeckii bulbs occasionally en the Btipes. This variety has very curious abnormal fronds, and has never shown signs of fructification. Lastrea Filix-mas Mapplebeckii I found neir Grasmere in 1862. Most of the ' seedlings from the original bear bulbs on the stipes or caudez- Osmunda regalis cristata has bulbs now and then on the rachis. Polystichum aculeatum proliferum, P. angulare proliferum, of this I have ten varieties, including one found by myEelf — P. angulare acrocladon, P. angulare cristatulum, P. angulare grandidens, P. angulare lineare proliferum, P. angulare poly- dactylon, P. angulare truncatum, P. angulare varians, P. angu- lare decurrens Padleyi, and P. angulare brachiato-cristatnm Smithii. Scolopendrinm vulgare Co&lingii or Morgani, the best bulbiferons form I have seen ; lonchophorum, proliferum, ramo- proliferum, and Wardii. On referring to " Our Native Ferns " it will be seen that the following are said to be proliferous ; I can bear witness as to the two last-mentioned forms being viviparous— Polystichum angulare aristatum, depauperatum, imbricatum. vestitum ; Sco- lopendrium crispum bulbiferum, ramo-marginatum proliferum, viviparum, and vivo-polyschides. It will thus be seen that eight species have been proliferous with me ; add to these Polystichum Lonchitis proliferum and Mr. Clapham's Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum, we have ten, ex- actly the number Mr. Clapham states produced bulbilla: in 1854. I trust we shall hear from other correspondents on this sub- ject, which must be of interest to pteridologists. — John E. MaPI>LEBECK. GARDENS IN EAST KENT— SURRENDEN- DERING. The Seat of Sie Edward Deeinq, Baet. The stately edifice of Sarrenden-Dering, a massive brick structure, stands on an elevated and commanding position, overlooking the undulating surface of the beautiful park, with its finely-disposed groups of noble trees. " And what should make it more highly esteemed by the owner is, that from the time of the grant of it, in the reign of the Conqueror, by the Archbishop (Lanfranc, E. L.), it has never been alienated, but has continned without intermission in the descendants of the same family, to the present owner of it." — (Hasted.) The east court or carriage front, is a noble square of gravel kept in beautiful order, enclosed by a balustrade of open stone- work, and having iron entrance gates of a chaste and elegant design. From this court, so appropriate to its purpose, and so thoroughly in keeping with the mansion, a broad terrace walk passes along the south front, overlooking the south terrace, with its beautiful geometiical flower garden. The design of this garden is good, and well adapted to the position, the beds being few, and large in size. It is 120 feet long by 70 feet wide. The well-filled beds were in great beauty, and the effect of the whole was very satisfactory ; the masses of colour harmonising well with each other, were quite devoid of the fault so frequently to bo met with — viz., too much sub- division of colour in individual beds. The centre of the design, a large ovil, contained five hundred plants of Coleus Ver- schaffelti, surrounded with a broad band of Golden Feather Pyrethrum ; the Coleus plants were even in size, and highly coloured, and thi3 was one of the richest masses of foliage I have ever seen, forming a fitting centre or key bed to the whole design. Surrounding the oval were six curved oblong beds, all planted with Pelargonium Trentham Rose, the soft hue of which probably contributed in some measure to the rich effect of the central bed. 'Without attempting a description of the whole of the beds, I may mention two fine beds of Purple K'ng Verbena, with a border of Pelargonium Bijou, each bed con- taining one thousand plants ; some splendid beds of Pelar- gonium Christine, bordered with Lobelia speciosa, and a pair of circular beds of a handsome golden-leaved Pelargonium raised here, a sport from Tom Thumb, partaking of the fine habit of its parent. The foliage is a bright yellow, with very little green, and its low spreading habit is well adapted for an edging or front row. From this terrace the view is very fine, extending over a portion of the Weald to the far-off hills of Sussex. By a flight of steps leading from the raised terrace walk a still higher part of the terraces is gained, along which the walk continues by the side of a handsome stone balustrade, on which were vases gay with blossom. The walk also passes along the whole length of the west front overlooking another terrace entirely of turf, from the base of which a lawn of considerable expanse stretches away amongst groups of shrubs, some fine old Cedars of Le- banon, and various other ornamental trees. On the lawn, near the centre of the west terrace, is a fine speoimen of Araucaria imbricata, upwards of 30 feet high ; near this are two other February 3, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 95 liandaome trees, one Taxodium distichum, between 40 and I 50 feet high, and the other a Wellingtonia. This is a superb specimen of the most elegant proportions, and in the highest possible state of health ; it is 21 feet high, S feet in circum- ference at the base of the bole, and 37 feet in circumference at the base of its branches. Two handsome flights of stone steps lead from the highest part of the terraces to a gravel walk that winds among the trees to the southern boundary of the lawn, where other steps lead down into a deep shady dell, with high banks on each side, crowned with lofty trees. From the walk passing through this sequestered spot other walks branch off into the wild wood- lands beyond. From this part of the grounds a gravel walk skirting the western boundary of the lawn passes to the back yards and offices, enclosed by brick walls, all covered with Roses and climbers neatly trained. The kitchen gardens are in the north-west corner of the park, at a considerable distance from the mansion ; they are in three divisions, altogether covering about four acres of ground. Two divisions are completely enclosed by walls, and the third has a wall on three sides. The walls are not uniform in height, some being 14 or 15 feet high, while others are not more than 8 feet high. It is calculated that there is 4000 feet of wall, with an average height of 10 feet, to which fruit trees are trained, so that we have here the enormous surface of 40,000 square feet of wall devoted to the production of fruit on all sorts of aspects. In the first division, the principal objects of interest are the glass houses. The vineries, three in number, are in one range 80 feet long. Regarding the Vines which they contain and their borders from a cultural point of view, the whole of them may be looked upon as a triumph of skill and painstaking on the part of the present gardener, Mr. T. C. Sage. A few par- ticulars of the method pursued in reclaiming these Vines from mediocrity to a very high state of vigour and fruitfulness, may not prove uninteresting. When Mr. Sage took charge of the gardens in the summer of 18G7, he found the whole of the Vines in a sickly condition, with a thicket of weak "spindly" wood, the leaves mildewed, and not much larger than those of Currants, very little fruit, and that small both in bunch and berry ; in a word they were in a terrible state of stagnation. In searching for the causes of this debility, his attention was naturally turned to the border, which was found to be very narrow, surrounded by a low retaining wall, by which the roots were confined to the very narrow limits assigned them. This, although undoubtedly an evil, would not probably have proved so very detrimental to the Vines, had the soil and drainage been all right ; but on re- moving the upper portion of the soil, which was tolerably sound and good, a layer of leaf mould 2 or 3 inches thick, ex- tending over the whole of the border, was brought to light, and, as might be expected, it was found to be one mass of fungus, which had spread itself among the roots on all sides. The leaf mould was cleared off, and the roots freed from their insidious enemy. I ought to have stated, that instead of tracing the whole of the roots, one half of the width of the border was chopped up with spades and carted away, Vine roots and all. When this was done, it was discovered that the retaining wall was quite solid, and without any outlet or drain to carry off the superfluous moisture, the only attempt at drainage that could be discovered was a hole 2 feet square in the centre of the border, sunk in the clay on which the border rests, and filled with stones. No concrete had been used, but a simple layer of rough stones was the only provision made to keep the roots from contact with the cold damp clay. The method pursued in forming the new border was very simple ; the retaining wall was pulled down, the bricks and mortar broken up and used as rubble and concrete, and drain pipes were laid down in the usual way throughout the entire border, which was considerably widened. The soil used was of the simplest description — a sound turfy loam, with an ad- mixture of crushed bones; nor were the rods neglected, but with them an equally vigorous style of treatment was at once commenced. Upon examination Mr. Sage considered them to have by far too many channels for the sap to flow through ; so many, in fact, that the results were but too evident in the weakly wood and small foliage. The pruning knife was, there- fore, at once called into requisition, about one half the spurs were cut clean away close to the rods, and the buds on the re- maining spurs were gradually cut out, with the exception of three at the base of each spur, to which buds the whole of the wood was 'shortened as the foliage decayed ; so that instead of the usual close pruning a few inches of young wood were left on each spur, and when this the final pruning for the season took place, the rods which were heretofore so long as to almost touch the back wall, were all shortened by 3 feet. Keeping in view a most important principle in Vine culture — viz., an equal distribution of vigour throughout the entire length of the rod, attention was next given to the trellis, which was found to be at one uniform distance of C inches from the roof. This was so altered that the trellis is now 13 inches from the roof at the front, or lowest part of the house, and 24 inches from the roof at its highest part. When starting into growth the tops of the rods are lowered slightly below the level of the lowest spur; and here, as bearing on this part of the subject, I would observe that the hot-water pipes, of which there are four in the earliest house, three in the next, and two in the latest house, ran close to the front of the range, so that the lowest spurs, benefiting by their proximity, start into growth so strongly and well, that they acquire and retain throughout the season a vigour of growth quite equal to the top shoots. The results of this vigorous treatment have been very satis- factory ; the crop of Grapes produced last year was all that could be wished, and this year the whole of the fruit has been of the highest excellence. At the time these notes were taken (September 9th) the Vines in the first house, which were forced early, were already pruned ; in the second house, the splendid foliage almost large enough to be compared to Rhubarb leaves, was still green, and the last Grapes had been just cut ; and in the last house, the fine even crop was as yet untouched. It consisted principally of Black Hamburgh, with Lady Downe's^ and Barbarossa. Lady Downe's was fine, and well finished both in bunch and berry, but surpassed by the Black Ham- burghs, which were in splendid condition, very highly coloured, and if any fault could be found, it was that some of the berries were too large to be eaten with comfort. One berry was of such an extraordinary size that I asked to be allowed to measure it, and it was actually 4j inches in circumference. But it was the Barbarossa that was the most striking feature in the house ; the bunches on this Vine, thirteen in number, were really mag- nificent, and in no Vine was the equal distribution of vigour more apparent, for both the wood and fruit at the base of the rod were, of the two, rather more vigorous than at the top, the bunches were all very large, and the bunch on the lowest spur measured 12 inches in length, and 11 inches across the shoulders. The pruning of these Vines is not done all at once, but is a gradual process, commencing with the first symptoms of decay in the foliage, and extending over a period of three weeks; the lowest spurs are pruned first, and the highest last, nor is the whole of the new wood cut away, but, as I have stated above, three eyes are left to each spur. This method of pruning is no mere theory, but is practically found to very much increase the vigour and fruitfulness of the Vines, and in the case of the Barbarossa it is considered to be one of the most important features in its culture. Close attention is given to every minor detail, and the best proof of the excellence of this treatment is seen in the develop- ment of such wood, foliage, and fruit, as to leave nothing to wish for. One more remark in reference to the border, here is no complicated mixture of soils, but merely a sound, whole- some loam, and a few crushed bones. This soil, watering when necessary, and a top-dressing of manure to be washed down by autumnal showers, constitute the most important features in the treatment of the roots, and if by such a mode of culture the Vines can be induced to fill the soil with plenty of firm fibrous roots, nothing more can be required.— Edwabb Luckhurst, Egerton Bouse Gardens, Kent. (To be continued.) RENDLES PLANT PROTECTORS. I have received a letter from Mr. Rendle in which he threatens me with Chancery proceedings. I think if your readers refer to my last on this subject (see page 25), they will find that I never said I was going to put up a ground vinery on his system, but that I was going to try the expense of making small frames in 10-feet lengths, 7 inches high at the back, and 3J inches high in front, of 1-inch deal, with move- able glass fastened with wire pins in front. As I have never seen Mr. Rendle's plan except on paper, and as, of course, he can never yet have seen mine, he somewhat, I should say, jumps to conclusions when he says that I am going to erect ground vineries on his system. He claims to have patented the whole system. What ! of protecting plants with glass ? I M JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February 3, 1670. was under an impression that had bee n done for some t ime. Well, then, is it the system of ground vineries M think Mr. Rivers will have something to Bay on that point. Is it the avntem of running glass in earthenware grooves ! ±his, as 1 Minted on is also patented by Mr. Looker! The only 5os° ble da dm for a patent Mr. Rendle has is for adapting moveable terra cotta or earthenware tiles, with glass sliding » *IT&3 {ffiSS.' SfflSta* on the ground of his having made and exhibited models in wood; he might just as well What people would infringe his patent if they drew oT mans on paper. These are not the days of monopolies, and what he sV* about the Court of Chancery is either from sheerignoranco or for the sake of bluster and intimidation. I will giv°e nim the benefit of the doubt. The granting °! patents was new intended to check private enterprise or skill, but merely as a protection to prevent other persons thriving on Z resets of another man's taain, and if I made tiles for sale similar o hie then Mr. Rendle would have a just cause for Saint As it is, he has none, as I, as well as others have aTer hot right to differ from him, and prefer wood and glass to tiles as being cheaper and more easily moved, and because wood i" a better nonconductor of heat *^«»^«». Mr. Rendle is perfectly mistaken if he thinks his letter will in any way intimidate me, or prevent me from making the small tames I intended ; nor do I mean to answer any more letters on the subject.- C. P. Peach. [We decline inserting any more communications on the subject.— Eds.] __ BOILERS AND BOILING. As Mr. Peach does not mean to write more on this subject, 1 shall not make any unnecessary remarks on his paper; I must however, just touch on these parts of it that refer to my femer artfote I am sorry bethinks I have advocated my views too strong? '.and if I lave said anything offensive to him I apologise but I do not recollect saying anything calculated to offend3 . i should be exceedingly grieved if I were to a tempt to Xce anvone in an invidious position, more especially if that Jersonw'ere a clergyman, for I am old-fashioned enough to have a great respect for ministers of religion. I never saw a fire or heat allowed to act on water through a medium of air or steam ; the boiler containing water in such Tse would become unduly heated, and either explode at once, °Tdfdnn£ sayrnth°eUmotion of water in a small pipe is as free bom friction as in a large one, but that as the resistance in- creases equally with the power, the actual working effect is the TaJ noPtPthin°k tafpipes are so suitable to a horticultural building as large ones, and I cannot think it requires more fuel to live off a certain amount of heat through a small pipe than it does through a large one, simply because I can see no reason for it, but the contrary. u-»t.- 1* I did not speak of cold indefinitely, but said it was bettei to provide sufficient pipes to warm cold air entering in unusual quantities ; for, of course, as the hot air escapes cold air from the atmosphere will supply its place. I see I guessed very nearly right when I estimated that Mr. Peach's boiler contained about 8 feet of effective heating sur- face. It contains 6 feet of surface in contact with Jie fare, and 45 feet of flue surface (not counting the top j this divided bv 3 gives rather more than It feet to be added to the b feet of internal surface, so the boiler contains 7J feet of surface, without counting the surface presented by the ends. 1 sup- pose this surface will amount to over 3 feet, thus making a total of 101 feet. If the boiler were perfectly set it might heat 600 feet of pipe; this would be the maximum effect : consequently I do not see any proof of this boiler boiling any water by means of top heat. ... In conclusion, I maintain that the circulation of water is brought about by convection, and that it is also entirely kept up by convection.— John Woouield, Smethirick. GLADIOLUSES FOR POT CULTURE. In accordance with the wishes of some of your correspon- dents I will enumerate a few cheap varieties of Gladiolus suit- able for pot culture— Apollon, Bernard Falisey, Brenchleyensis, Ceres, Chateaubriand. Comte3«e de Bresson, Daphne, Dr. Andrv Endvmion, Fanny Rouget, Goliath. Lord Granville, Haquin, M. Vinchon. Napoleon, Ophir, Penelope, Prince Im- perial, Rebecca, and Vesta. For the benefit of anyone who may be possessed of a lew bulbs that may be spared for potting purposes, I may mention that most of the race give the greatest satisfaction under glass. — A. Keek. RESULTS FROM CROSS-FERTILISING PEAS. The following communication from Mr. Laxton was re^.?* the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society's Scientific Committee. The seeds exhibited were derived from a single experiment. Amongst these seeds will be observed some of several remarkable colours, ln- i d, Un4t ek, violet, purple-, treated and spotted, maple grey, greenish, S and almost every intermediate tint, the vaned colours being wxrentl y produced on the outer coat or envelope of the cotyledons ony TheVas were selected for their colours, &c. from he thrrd year's sowing, in 1869, of the produce of a crop in 18fet> of the early roSnd wh c° ceded ami white-fiowered garden variety. Ringleader, which UabtuTlj feet in height, fertilised by the pollen of the common punde flowered Maple Pea, which is taller than Ringleader, and has SX indited sLds. I effected impregnation ^ '~f *B anthers of the seed-bearer, and applying the pollena£ an an ly stage. Krta few were round. Some of the plants ripened off earlier than the Marie which in comparison with Ringleader, is a late variety; and »l»h„n'nb the pods were in many instances partially abortive, the proTce .was v 'rylar'e. In 1MB I sowed the Peas of the preceding y a" sgr"and selected various plants for earliness, produc rveness &c Some of the plants had light-coloured stems and leaves these all -bowed white flowers, and produced round white seeds, others had , an deflowers showed the purple on the stems and at he axils of tie Kles and produced seeds with maple, grey, purple-streaked, or 33 "da few only, again, with violet-colonred envelopes. Some 7theLTswl, round, and some partially indented. The pods on thme one wuii avion l ,wree in the produce of the maple- plints were again a few pods with Peas dineimg entirely ™» ™fpeaV behi» of intermediate character, appeared to vary most. ^ nVfl„wer fo, al'thon-h i» sorTflowers I thought I found the 5S33£a5Ss33£Saste February S, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 89 thia colour does not appear on the seed of the maple, it is very potent in the variety, and appears in many parts of the plant and its offspring from cross-fertilised flowers, sometimes on the external surface of, or at the sutures of, the pods of the latter, at others on the seeds and stems, and very frequently on the seeds, and whenever it shows itself on any part of the plant, the flowers are invariably purple. I have also deduced from my experiments, in accordance with the conclusions of the late Mr. Knight and othei's, that the colours of the envelopes of the seeds of Peas, immediately resulting from a cross, are never changed. I find, however, that the colour, and probably the substance of the cotyledons, are sometimes, but not always, changed by the cross- fertilisation of two diiterent varieties ; and I do not agree with Mr. Knight, that the form and size of the seeds produced are unaltered, for I have on more than cue occas'on observed that tho cotyledons in the seeds directly resulting from a cross of a blue wrinkled Pea, fertilised by the pollen of a white round variety, have been of a greenish white colour, and the seeds nearly round, and larger or smaller according as there may have been a difference iu the size of the seeds of the two varieties. I have also noticed that a cross betweeu a round white and a blue wrinkled Pea will in the third and fourth generations (second and third year's produce) at times bring forth blue round, blue wrinkled, white round, and white wrinkled Peas iu the same pod; that the whito round seeds, ivhen again sown, will produce only white round seeds; that the white wrinkled seeds will, up to the fourth or fifth generation, produce both blue and white wrinkled and round Peas ; that the blue round Peas will produce blue wriukled and round Peas, but that the blue wriukled Peas will bear only blue wrinkled seeds. This would seem to indicate that tho white round and the blue wrinkled Peas are distinct varieties, derived from ancestors respectively possess- ing one only of those marked qualities, and, in my opinion, the white round Peas trace their origin to a dwarfish Pea, having white flowers and round white seeds, and the blue wriukled varieties to a tall variety, having also white flowers but blue wrinkled seeds. It is also notice- able, that from a single cross between two different Peas many hundreds of varieties, not only like one or both parents and intermediate, but apparently differing from either, may be produced in tho courss of three or four years —the shortest time whi^h I have ascertained it takes to attain the climax of variation in the produce of cross-fertilised Peas, and until which time it would seem useless to expect a fixed seedling variety to be produced, although a reversion to the characters of either parent, or of any one of the ancestors, may take place at an earlier period. But, in conclusion, I may perhaps, in furtherance of the objects of this paper, he permitted to inquire whether any light can, from these observations or other means, be thrown upon the origin of the cultivated Muds of Peas, especially the il maple " variety, and also as to the source whence the violet and other colours which appear at intervals on the seeds and in the offspring of cross-fertilised purple-flowered Peas are derived"? HEADING-BACK NEWLY-PLANTED FRUIT TREES. Mi " scribbling fits " have lately been of a private nature, a moiety having been devoted to Mr. Pearson in transacting business for an amateur, who has just been having from the Chilwell Nurseries a few dozens of fine, well-fed dwarf fruit trees. Had they better be pruned at once ? or had they better wait until the sap move in the spring? There seems to be nothing definitely settled amongst practical Ci9n as to when is the best time to prune-back newly-planted fruit trees. In regard to these particular trees I am the sole arbiter, and have given my verdict, and no one has any right to complain ; but when I open the general question, and make my opinion public, the public have a right to differ in this as in any other matter. I am aware that in my views on this question I am in oppo- sition to a thoroughly practical man, and, undoubtedly, one of the most able contributors to the columns of this Journal, but while I differ from him, I highly respect him, as I do anyone who differs from me kindly. Yet, were my views on this ques- tion in consonance with those of Mr. Luckhurst, I am still in a dilemma by being in antagonism to those of the worthy " Arcttambapd." I have, however, settled that the pruning of these particular trees be deferred until the spring ; at the same time telling the owner that if another doctor should tell him that he has killed them by not pruning at once, to reply, " That as the trees have done nothing amiss, he prefers to see them die a natural death rather than be subjected to death by decapitation." My conclusions on this point are not arrived at so much by a study of the laws of vegetable physiology as by actual observation and careful practice. One of the first lessons I ever remember to have received was on this very subject. I am not sure that I was well out of petticoats when, in childish zeal, I vowed I would be nothing tut a gardener. That was a determined and oft-repeated vow, for I really meant it, and for years before I could work it was in my humble home recognised, that, if possible, the vow should be carried out. On this subject, then, a wood was my school, and my father was my teacher. On one occasion, when watching him at his work, he, perhaps to gratify my young wishes, saluted me with, " Now, Jack, my lad, when ta gets ta be a gard'ner, never out the top and the bottom of a tree at once when ta plants it ; mind that." The " mind that " fixed the lesson. He was a plain, untutored "son of toil," but I believed him then, and I believe him yet. In duo time I got into a garden, and the first Peach trees I ever saw planted were closely pruned at the time of planting. They did not break and do well, much to the gardener's dis- comfort. On the next occasion of planting I ventured to repeat my father's maxim. To my joy it was taken kindly ; and here I learned another l9Sson, that the gardener was not above taking a hint from one beneath him. " Shall I tell my father to come to-night, sir?" was my first inquiry. " No, lad ; I want the favour, and I'll fetch it." My father had, I may say, miles of fences to look after, and it was his labour and study for years to make quickthorn hedges grow where they had never grown before, to replace others far less effectual. All ways and means I believe he tried, for the soil was not congenial, to succeed in his object. The plan which he proved to be the best was early planting and a careful late pruning. He waited for the spring- ing of the buds, then by a judicious use of the knife he managed to secure a cleaner, freer growth during the first sea- son than he could by any other means. This he regarded as his secret of success. The effects were certainly very striking, and were incontestably in favour of the plan over lengths other- wise treated, which he left time after time for experiment to establish or upset his maxim. Here, then, are the grounds of my belief. The gardener, after seeing, believed, and the next Peaches were not pruned at planting time, and they pushed much more freely. I have since, year after year, tried both plans side by side with, I may say, all sorts of trees, and in some instances I quite willingly admit the difference in effect was slight, but in others the effects and advantages of lata pruning were so manifest, as to justify me to my own entire satisfaction in laying down this dictum — Plant early in autumn, and prune early in spring. In instances of success of pruning at the time of planting, I suspect the trees were of the kind described by Mr. Luck- hurst, quoting Emerson, "A good tree that agrees with the soil will grow in spite of blight, or bug, or pruning, orneglect^ by night or day, in all weathers and all treatments." Well such trees need no rule. I am firm in my belief that any tree which succeeds well aft6r being pruned at the time of planting would have succeeded equally well if its pruning had been deferred until spring; and I am equally firm in believing that some trees which have not succeeded well under pruning at the time of planting, would have done better if they had been left unpruned until a gentle move of the sap in the spring. It matters not just now whether the sap oanses the buds to swell, or the buds cause the sap to rise. I am looking at results in a practical light ; the causes may, perhaps, be found in the study of vegetable physiology, but I am not in a philosophical humour just now, and if I wero I might be eaFily put out, for I have not a command of books to confirm or refute my no- tions, and I am not bold enough to submit anything unless I can at the same time bring forward some sort of proof if wanted. — J. W. SELF-ACTING FOUNTAIN. The annexed sketch represents one, 30 inches high, which is not very expensive or difficult to make by anyone who can use a " copper bit." The top reservoir is a 14-inch galvanised iron basin, with a flat zinc cover soldered on ; the centre, for about 4 inches diameter, slightly sunk ; the base is a zinc reservoir of larger capacity than the upper one ; the shaft or pillar is also of zinc, with a bead round the centre by way of ornament, the whole soldered together ; the jet is the nose of a large-sized carpenter's oil-can, with a piece of compo gas pipe long enough to reach nearly to the bottom of the bowl, soldered to it ; the tube shown, with a slightly funnel top, is soldered into the cover, and passes through to within three-eighths of an inch of the bottom of the lower reservoir ; the only remaining pipe is fixed with one end opening into the top of the lower, and the other under the cover of the upper reservoir. A piece of ornamented perforated zinc relieves the plainness of the top JODBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February 3, 1B70. and protects the tube, and at the base forms a guard for soil in which Ferns, &c, grow. To work it: — Unscrew the jet and fill the top reservoir, re- fix the jet and place your finger on the aperture, pouring water at the same time down the open top tube until the air is suffi- ciently compressed to resist the ingress of any more ; the water will then flow to the height of IB or 20 inches for the space of half-an-hour. To repeat — draw the water from the tap and per- form as before. — {English Mechanic and Mirror of Science.) NOTES AND GLEANINGS. A meeting of the supporters of the Gladiolus Show, which it is proposed to hold on August 17th, is to take place at South Kensington on the 16th inst., at 1 p.m., to consider the arrange- ments to be made and the prizes to be offered. We are glad to learn that Me. Alexander McKenzie has been recommended by the Parks Committee of the Metro- politan Board of Works to assist in preparing the plans for the plots of ground on the northern Thames Embankment, in the purchase of the trees, &c, and in the laying out and planting ; and for this assistance he is to receive the sum of 200 guineas. We may add that Mr. McKenzie has lately published a pamphlet entitled " The Parks, Open Spaces, and Thoroughfares of London," containing, as may be supposed from his long expe- rience as a landscape gardener, many valuable hints for the embellishment of the metropolis. work: for the week. KITCHEN GARDEN. January has been a fine seasonable month, with just enough of froBt to check vegetation. Had we experienced the severe cold that sometimes occurs after a mild November and Decem- ber, the effects must hare been very serious. We must not, however, be cheated into indifference respecting February, and withdraw protection from tender plants in matted beds and frames, or from vegetables when a regular supply is required. Whilst frosty weather continues all wheeling of manures, com- posts, m the cold frames, putting four stroDg plants under each hand-glass. See that Bpring-sown Cauliflowers do not draw if raised in heat. Let them be pricked out betimes. Let the Peas and Beans sown in boxes be hardened by degrees in the cold frames preparatory to transplanting. A good breadth of Broad Beans should be planted for the main crop ; the Green Longpod will be found very good. A portion of the Celery may be taken up to check "running," and be laid in " by the heels " very deep. Let Celery be immediately sown in heat; also the Portugal or Tripoli Oniont intended to be grown to unusual size. Round Spinach and a little Parsley should shortly be sown on a warm border. FRUIT GARDEN. The nailing of Plums, Pears, and Cherries, except on back walls, ought to be forwarded at all favourable opportunities. By the middle of the month Apricot, Peach, and Nectarine trees may be commenced ; it is advisable to wait till the buds begin to swell a little, as too early pruning only hastens that event, which is not desirable in our fickle springs. By dis- budding all superfluous shoots in summer the knife has very little to do except in shortening the shoots ; and by putting all the available hands on, the nailing is soon finished. Let the trees be washed all over with a mixture of soft soap, quicklime, sulphur, and soot as soon as nailed ; it may be put on with a garden engine. Protect the blossoms as soon as they are in FLOWER C.AF.DEN. It is in the present day too much the fashion to attempt to keep up large gardens with little means, nothing can be more unsatisfactory or disappointing. With how much pleasure do we view a small garden replete with floral beauty and neatness ; and how different are our feelings on seeing an extensive place with great capabilities but exhibiting a want of finish. Let us, therefore, remember in all that relates to a flower garden, that order and neatness are indispensable. The smooth and ver- dant turf, the fresh and neatly-raked surfaces of beds and borders, the flowing sweeps of walks displayed in well-defined margins of shallow depth, the walks themselves brimful of bright and warm-coloured gravel, the freshness and beauty of the evergreens unencumbered by faggots of dead wood, add to these thousands of Aconites, Snowdrops, and Crocuses, pro- truding their tiny heads cautiously through the soil, as if fear- ful of appearing prematurely — picture all this, and we have what an English garden should be in February. All alterations should now be determined upon and carried out without delay. Prune Roses from which you wish to have an early bloom, but defer pruning the more tender ones till March. Furze branches are excellent shelter for tender Roses ; they do not hold wet like moss, and are excellent screens from the sun's rays, which do much miBchief by suddenly acting on the frozen parts. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. It will now be time to set early Fuchsias to work ; for where size is required much growth should be made before the tendency to flower becomes strong through increased light, especially amongst the shy- wooded kinds. The old plants may be disrooted, and the roots trimmed and afterwards washed in tepid water to cleanse them of all impurities. The plants should be repotted in free and mellow soil, containing a large proportion of vegetable matter and sandy peat, and should forthwith be plunged in a very moderate bottom heat — 75° will be quite sufficient. Remove all plants to the conservatory or show house as they come into bloom, altering the arrangement frequently so as to impart a fresh appearance to the house. Return all plants to the stove or greenhouse as they go out of bloom ; and such plants as Euphorbia jacquinkeflora, Poin- settias, and others which have done blooming, may be set aside and kept comparatively dry for a time. STOVE. Stove plants in general will now require an increased amount of atmospheric moisture with a slight advance in heat. All such advances should be made for the most part on the after- noons of bright days, when solar heat can be shut in early, and with a moist and wholesome atmosphere. As the Orchids show signs of excitability, pot them if necessary. Keep a sharp eye on insect baits at this period. Start such plants as Ste- phanotis, Dipladenias, and Clerodendrons, both young and old plants, and recollect that a genial bottom heat is what they February 3, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 89 delight in. Rondeletiaa must also be cut in and started in the warmest part of the house ; and Crowea saligua, at present in the greenhouse, must have its side branches Bhortened-in and be placed in the cool end of the stove. Do not excite Ixoras at present, but young plants of all kinds, to make the most of them, must be started immediately. TANK-FORCING. Follow up a proper succession of the plants named in former calendars. Take care to maintain a circulation in the atmo- sphere as often as the heat will permit ; this secured, use abundance of atmospheric moisture, especially in the afternoon and evening. COLD PITS. Having turned our back on, I should hope, the severest part of the winter, one of the first acts of the coming spring should be, to use a commercial phrase, " taking stock." The cold pits and frames containing stores of half-hardy plants should be closely examined. Most of our best cultivators of half- hardy flowers for the modern massing system, lay in their stock by propagation during July and August. Amongst these in the majority of cases will be found blanks, and some of the best store pots or established plants of the kinds should be in- troduced into heat in order to procure early cuttings. No delay can be permitted in this matter, for much of the success in massing depends upon having plenty of forward, well-es- tablished, and well-hardened plants at bedding-out time. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. The continued frost is what we hardly expected, and espe- cially with a south wind. On the evening of the 28th there were some signs of a thaw, and but little frost all the evening, but after midnight the cold became severe, and the night with us was the second coldest of the season. In such weather pro- tection to all things in the least tender became a matter of importance. Where there was no artificial heat, protection was the chief point to attend to, and uncovering quite a se- condary consideration, provided the plants were not induced to grow in the dark. In cold dull days Radishes in use, Lettuces, Endive, Calceolarias, Cauliflowers, &c, remained uncovered; but young Radishes, Carrots, and Potatoes receiving little heat, were uncovered whenever there was the chance of a gleam of sunshine, or even of light free of fog and mist. We had a rather fine day before the frost set in early in the afternoon, and on that day most of the subjects referred to, including Calceolarias, Radishes, and Potatoes, had the lights drawn off for several hours, and in some cases the glass was fresh cleaned, BO that all the light possible might reach the plants now grow- ing. In such keen weather it would have been imprudent to do so, even to obtain the benefit of a bright bud, as the air was still frosty in the shade, and, therefore, tilting up the glasses a little behind was all the air-giving deemed necessary r and that was removed early in the afternoon. With a small amount of air previously given, so that the temperature of the enclosed atmosphere may rise and fall gradually, the sun heat will rarely or never draw or dwindle plants as artificial heat will ever do when not counteracted by the firming processes of light. In severe weather we have had pits and frames to which light was never admitted for a month, and when un- covered the plants merely looked as if they had had a sleep of eighteen hours in the dark ; but Buch covering-up would be ruinous to anything that was excited to elongation hji the ap- plication of heat in whatever form. A veteran told us that once a number of gardeners came to see his frame of Cucumbers with fruit to cut on New Year's Day, and with nothing to help him in the way of heat except the stable dungheap. The day was cold — frosty and windy, with snow falling thickly — and at midday, the time of their visit, the glass was carefully covered up, and the covering had to be removed that they might have the desired look inside. There was a knowing look from one to the other, as much as to say, " Ah ! we have found out now, how he beats us. I shall certainly keep my plants warmer and covered-up in future," and they did with the results that might have been anticipated — having their plants weak and eaten.up by vermin. The clever old man said, " Of course, once now and then in such a-day was better than exposure to what could hardly be called light ; but if they had only asked me, I would have told them that that day was quite exceptional, and that if they had called on a fine clear day they might have found me washing my glass eashee. Aa for my first crop, I generally had a double set of sashes for the darkest months, and quickly slid on a clean dry sash as one damp and a little dirty was withdrawn. The second lot of sa6hes came in for the second bed." During dull days we did a good deal of washing even on the outside of glass, so that the plants beneath might have all the advantage of the light at this season. Thorough cleanliness of the glass is much more important in the case of pits and frames, than even in that of houses of any sort, with either steep roofs or upright glass in front. In such houses the light goes one way or another pretty directly to plants — around them and beDeath them ; but in flat pits or frameB it merely affects the upper surface, and but very obliquely then. On this account pits and frames, however useful, especially for keeping, will never compare in winter, for the healthy growth of plants, with a house that commands more light, and from upright glass oan havo that light pretty directly instead of in an oblique direction. One hint more as respects j>rvtectiun witli litter, though it may be a repetition. At the Calceolaria pit, some litter need for "covering had been so often wet, knocked about, &c, that its value as a protection over glass was approaching its minimum, and the litter was more difficult to apply owing to its being worn so short. With the frost ranging from 103 to 10° and more below the freezing point, we had some fear3 respecting the low back wall of the pit, and therefore used the eld cover- ing to lay loosely against the biicks, to prevent free radiation from them. This was all the more necessary, as the wall plate of that pit was always rather narrow, and the water that fell on it, therefore, instead of dropping from the necessary groove on the ground, was apt to drop on and trickle down the wall. After continued damp weather, therefore, the wall would be- come damp, and in this case was more apt to be acted on by the frost than if it were dry. A damp wall would part with heat very freelv. Hence we have known cold pits so well pro- tected with ma'ts and litter over the glass, that no host that has yet visited us could penetrate, if the litter was_ rightly, or. even very moderately maurged, and yet the plants inside were mostly destroyed, because the enemy entered at leisure through the brick wall, where nothing had been done to oppose en- trance. Where walls of pits aie at all high— say from 3 or 4 feet outside measure, a very effectual protection would be to tie against them a thin layer of wheaten straw— say from 1 inch to 1 inch in thickness. Hardly any frost would thus injure the wall ; it is so difficult for either heat or cold to pass such a number of tubes filled with air. This leads us to repeat, that the drier and the opener the ma- terial the better will it act in arresting radiation. When, in severe weather, the covering is not removed for some time, the surface at least should be turned, broken, and fresh shaken. This is of great importance, as every fresh turning breaks the lines of radiation, and forces the frost to begin its work again at the surface. In Murphy's year (1838), when there was roasting of oxen on the ice of the Thames— when for the first and as yet the only time in our life, we left the skin of our fingers on the outside iron latch of the door at five o'clock in the morning, and could with difficulty get off with that loss— and when, as a consequence, thousands and even millions of plants, as Mignonette, for the market, were destroyed— one man, at least, saved long ranges of such pits without injury, the contents of which sold well in the market ; as though he had but a small covering of long litter, he and several assistants stopped up from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., and kept moving and turning the litter all the night through, going regularly from end to end, and thus forced the frost after each turning to begin its work anew. Often on a sudden frost we have pre- vented its entering our pits and frames by shaking and turning the litter the first thing in the morning, when, as a general rule, the fro6t is more intense than at any other time — say an hour or two before sunrise. In the kitchen garden, pleasure grounds, and flower gardens, we took the opportunity of turning over roughly all pieces that had been rough-ridged, trenched, or dug, that the frosty air might have free access to it ; and took the opportunity of wheeling whilst the ground was hard, so as to clear out all old hotbeds, and thus have them in readiness for fresh work for the season. In fact, thi3 was roughly done as we proceeded. By pulling out Cucumber plants whose bearing was nearly over, we have made preparations for inserting numerous cut- tings of bedding plants, and among others, as we shall be shoit of the brown Coleus, we shall insert in small pots all the largest leaves, taking them off close to the stems, and insert- ing them deeply enough for the base of the leaf to be a little in the Bandy soil. These, when they callus at the base, Boon 90 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February 3, 1870. emit roots, and ere long from the flesh;- base thus formed they throw np tiny Ehoots. They like a rather close atmosphere to do this, and the base of the cuttings not to be too moist. For this purpose, and helping on, as now, some young Cucumber plants where the heat is not tco much, we find little boxes very handy for setting over them. Thera boxes are 21 inches square, 9 inches deep at back, and i J or 5 inches deep in front, with sloping sides to suit. Tliey are msde of 1 J -inch deal, and one square in a slight frime covers them. The square can be reversed at will, so thai all trouble with damp glass is avoided. In the case of young Cucumbers, as they grow too tall for these shallow boxes, we have only to elevate the boxes a little at a time. A very mild bottom heat does for auch plants as Cucumbers when small, and for cuttings when first inserted. AVhon we can place such a handy little box over them beneath the sash of the pit, air can thus be given to a nicety, and in the sunniest day there will be little or no necessity for shading, as the double glass and the space between make the light more diffused, though bright, before it reaches them. Even fresh-potted young Cucumber plants never flinched in the least in the brightest day we have had, and the more direct light cuttings will stand the more quickly will they root, and the more sturdy will the young plants be. We strike many plants in a slight hotbed or pit with merely the common sash over them ; but they will root more speedily, and require less attention, if they Lave such a covering in addition. These boxes cost very little — we forget now how much exactly— and, of course, there is a little loss of wood from the sloping sides, though that Liakes them more handy to move, and when set in a bed sloping with the outside sash, the light has greater effect inside than if the box were equal in depth all round. Boxes thus made, with a moveable square of glass over them, and of any suitable eize, become very useful. In this Cucumber pit, heated by hot vrater, the pit for soil is only about half the width — 3 feet. V/o shall not want it for Cucumbers until the plants are 6ti'0D<», after being several times repotted. Meanwhile, in this shallow pit, we have put some of our hottest tree leaves, covered with dry ashes, and as we can lay hands on some old window sashes about 3 feet ling, with small diamond panes held in their places with lead in the old-fashioned way, we shall lay these across from side to side, and thus have at once a good propagating bed. These will not be so good as the boxes referred to, as the cross-dia- monding of the lead will give more shade. The cottager who can nail four pieces of wood together, so as to make a box without a top or bottom, and then Lave a piece or pieces of glass to cover the top, may any day have a propagating box to put into his small hotbed. If he made a tin or iron bottom to it, and a waterproofed bottom 3 inches beneath it, he could have a warm box for cuttings and seeds in his window, or any pro- tected place where light could reach t rem. Such a box, a foot square, set on the ground, with a square of stout glass on the top of it, would winter a dozen Cauliflower plants. — R. F. W. Samson & Co., and W. & T. Samson, Kilmarnock. — General Cn'ulnfpij' of Seals, PUivls, &c. Edward Taylor, Malton. — Catalogue of Agricultural, Kitchen Oar- den, and Flower Seeds. Thomas Sampson, Preston Road, and Honndstone, Yeovil. — Cata- Inftve of Vegetable, Flower, and Agricultural Seeds. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS In the Suburbs of London for the wee'; ending February 1st. THEBSI >METEF. Wind. Date. BAROMETEE. Air. Earth. Rain. Max. Min. Max. Min. 1 ft. 2 ft. Wed. . . 26 Thnrs.. 27 Fri. ... 28 Sat. ... 29 San. . . 30 Mon. . . 31 Taes. . 1 80.826 30.150 30.081 30.038 20.066 29.610 29.936 30.188 39.118 30.020 80.02) 29 723 29.598 29.772 81 89 85 41 46 45 48 13 13 11 14 86 25 83 88 36 86 35 35 37 67 38 37 37 36 36 86 35 E. E. S.E. S.E. S. S. S. .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .04 Mean. . 30.0411 29.919 40.71 ' 21.86 85.59 86.43 j . . 0.04 26.— Sharp frost ; frosty fog ; clear and very frostv. 27.— Frosty fog ; dense fog ; fine at night. 28.— Sharp frost ; densely overcast; clear and fine. 29.— Dense fog ; very fine ; clear and frosty. 35.— Sharp frost ; very fine ; clear and fine^ 31. — Densely overcast ; drizzling rain ; clear. I..— Cloudy ; overcast, but fine ; drizzling rain, brisk wind. iRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. E. G. Henderson & Son, Wellington Road, St. John's Wood, London, N.W. — Catalogue of Flov.cr, Vegetable, and Agricultural Seeds. C. Pocock, Wincanton. — Catalogue cf"ceds, &C. TO CORRESPONDENTS. * *.* We request that no one will write privatoly to any of the correspondents of the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they arc subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be addressed solely to The Editors of the Journal of Horticulture, dtc.% 171, Fleet Street, London, E.C. We aso request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them an- swered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. N.B. — Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. Books (Inquirer). — 01 "British Wild Flowers," 108 numbers are published. Eighty plates are included in each volume, tnat each may be charged a guinea. The work will be continued until our native plants have all been portraited. Planting Gladioluses (W. H. St.).— Plant them in rows 12 inches apart, and 9 inches from bulb to bulb in the row3. Plant at the end of March. Cineraria Flowers Green (Nobstick). — Whenever the parts of a flower usually coloured are green, the plant bearing that flower is also usually abnormally luxuriant. This is the cose with your Cineraria. If the flowers were ail removed, and the plant not bo highly fed, nor kept in a very moist atmosphere, other flowers, we think, would be produced normally coloured. Orchids foe: Winter (J. W.). — The information you seek is in the series of notes now publishing in our Journal. Granitic Paint (An Old Reader).— It was advertised in our Journallast week. New Warm Frame (Amateur, Dublin).— We find that the suggesterof the frame (not Mr. Pearson, who is more liberal), objects to drawings of the frame being published. Potatoes with Holes in them (Ennu). — We presume that the holes were made by slugs, or a small centipede (Geophilus electricus). If by slugs, lime or salt applied to the soil at the time of digging, preparatory to planting, and a top-dressing of lime early iu the summer, will be the best applications. If the centipede is the cause of the evil, we know of no remedy except searching for the vermin when the soil is dug. The Kemp variety is not more liable to insect attacks thin are other varieties. If your soil is heavy or wet, try Mr. Fcnn's ridge-and-trench system; it must check slugs by keeping the tubers drier. Thermometers Discordant (Veritas).— We believe that the authorities at the Kew Observatory correct the errors of thermometers for a very small charge. If you have one corrected, and make that your standard, you can compare the others and mark upon them, whethix a degree or two must be added or subtracted from the temperature they indicate. Grafts of Pitmaston Dcchess Fear.—" C. Z." wishes to know where he can buy some. White-edged and Golden-leaved Pelargoniums (G. M'Dougall).— We sent your queries to the best of authorities, and the following is his reply: — "There are several very good pure white-edged Pelargoniums in commerce. I think Waltham Bride may be considered amongst the very best. Castlemilk is also good, as are also White Lady and Silver Chain. The two last-named I know to be excellent bedders. The finest Golden- leaved or Golden Self Pelargoniums I have tried are Yellow Gem and Star of Gold. Stella Variegata is not a spo^t from Beaton's Stella, but a seedling from Mrs. Vernon, fertilised by the pollen of Mangles' Varie- gated. See ' History of Ornamental-foliaged Pelargoniums,' second edition, page 24. Beaton's Stella has a constant tendency to throw off variegated sports, which I believe have all proved identical, while Stella Variegata is quite distinct from them in habit, foliage, and colour of flower.— P. Grieve." Pea3 for Succession {Jack, a Young Gardener).— Sis. sorts of Peas for succession are :— Dickson's First and Best, Laxton's Supreme, Prize- taker, Champion of England, Princess Royal, Lord Raglan, and Ne-plus- ultra. A crop of the first early kinds ought to be sown at the same time as the first of the general or second crop is sown, so as to secure a suc- cession. Early Potatoes.and Lettuce (Idem).— To have Potatoes by the third week in April, you Bhould lose no time in making up a bed of leaves about 3 f^et high, with a little stable litter for tbe sides. It should be about a foot wider than the frame every way. Put on the frame and lights ; when the heat h*s risen place C inches of good, rich, light soil in the frame, and when this is warmed through plant sprouted Ash-leaved Kidney Potatoes about 15 inches apart, and 3 inches deep. Keep the lights clo^e until the plants are up, and then admit air whenever the weather is mild, and protect at night from frost. As you want the frame in March, earth them when about 4 inches high, and put up a temporary frame of boards for the sides and ends, which should be 15 or 18 inches high ; and having laths placed across it, you can over the Potatoes at night, and in the day if tbe weather is cold. If you cannot obtain boards, then bend some sticks over the bed, so as to form a support for the pro- tecting material. The Potatoes must be kept from frost. The Lettuces I you may forward by now makiDg up a bed of leaves, about 2 feet high, in February 3, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. a warm position, and inclining towards the sun; cover it with 6 inches of light soil. Remove the plants with good halls, and by bending sticks over the bed they may bo protected from frost with mats. Water as re- quired, but in tho morning. We presume jou have soino planted under a south wall ; if not, transplant some there with good balls as soon as the weather becomes mihi, Dendrobium noeile Culture (A Young Gardener).— The "small lumps " on tho '* long shoot3 r> are flower buds, which will soon expand in a genial atmosphere. If tho plant requires potting, pot it after flower- ing, and encourage growth by a good heat and humid atmosphere, shad- ing from bright sun, and sprinkling frequently with water, so as to Becure uniformity of moisture to the roots. When the plant has ceased growing, gradu.il !v reduce the amount of moisture, and expose it more to light and air, so as to well ripen the growth. Keep the plant dry in winter, and in a light, moderately airy position, giving only a sprinkling of water occasionally to keep the shoots from shrivelling. PorNSETTiA Treatment [Idem).— Your old plants ought to be cut down, each shoot to within two eyes of its base. The temperature of the vinery you are going to start will be sufficiently high. Water sparingly, and when the plants break, and have made shoots about an ineh long, shake awny all the soil from the roots, and ropot in pots a size less than those used in the previous year. Shade the plants from bright sun for a few days, and then place them near the glass, admitting air freely, so as to keep them sturdy. Shift them into larger pots in June. The cuttings you may now insert in sandy soil, anil, plunged in bottom heat, they will root in a month or six weeks. Eyes are quite equal to cuttings— indeed, they make the best plants. Vine Leaves Scorched [Idem). — The Vine's leaves may be scorched owing to tho steam generated being of too high a temperature, or to a sudden change of temperature, or the scorching may be a result of air being admitted, so as to strike on the foliage with a chill. Pterts cretica albo-lineata Treatment (L. L.).— Tho frond en- closed is as named, and is a greenhouse Fern, succeeding in a greenhouse from which frost is excluded. Pot it in March, and encourage it with a moist atmosphere and shade from sun from March to October. The shade of Vines or climbers is suHicient. Water it fraely when growing, and at no time must the soil bd allowed to become dry, though less water and moisture will be required in winter than in summer ; still the soil must be kept moist. Afford good drainage ; and a compost of sandy fibrous poat, two-thirds, one-third loam, and one-sixth of silver sand, will grow it well. The Hare's-foot Fern (Davallia canadensis) succeeds under the samo treatment, only as it loses its fronds in winter the soil will not need to bo kept so moist as for the Pteris. Cytisus Treatment (Idem).— It is a greenhouse plant, and should have a light, airy position. Cut-in any irregularity of growth after flowering, or if it do not flower in March, and pot it if required, using a compost of two-thirds loam and one-third leaf soil, with a free admixture of sand. A good growth being made {which the plant should be en- couraged to do by copious waterings, and sprinkling overhead with water morning and evening), place it out of doors in June in an open situation, and supply it with water as required. At the end of September return it to the greenhouse, giving it a light and airy position. Echeveria metallica Seed Sowing (J. R. Bond).— Sow it in February in light soil, well draining the pot or pan, and place it in a hotbed, keep- ing the soil no more than moist. When tho plants appear keep them near the glass, and admit air freely, potting them off singly when large enough to handle, and returning them to tho hotbed until they are re- established ; then remove them to a shelf in the greenhouse, and to a frame in May. The soil should he sandy loam one-half, one-fourth leaf soil, and one-fourth bricks or crocks broken small. Seeds from India (Idem).— Sow them in February or early in March in a hotbed of from 70° to 75°, and in a compost of two parts loam, and one part leaf soil, covering each kind with a depth of soil equal to the diameter of the seed, and~ when the plants are large euough to handle pot them off singly. When they are established in the pots, remove them to the stove or greenhouse as the kinds'are marked, and shift the plants into larger pots as the pots fill with roots. Bedding Plants in Rose Beds [Idem).— It is not good to plant any kind of plants in Rose beds, or beneath standards. Variegated Arabis and other plants no doubt take away the bare appearance, and produce a better effect than whore such plants are not employed ; but they interfere so much with the manuring, and deprive the Roses of air and proper supplies of water to their roots, that the Roses do not make such progress as they would if the plants were restricted to their proper domain, which is not a Rose bed, or circles in which Roses are planted. Planting Evergreens [Idem). — They maybe planted up to the middle of April if proper attention be paid to watering. PinUBes and Deodars may be planted from the present time in mild weather until they begin to grow, care being taken to preserve as many of the roots as possible, and, if practicable, a ball. We have removed Deodora from the begin- ning of March to the middle of April with safety ; indeed, that lime and early in autumn are the best periods for transplanting most, if not all, evergreens. April and the beginning of May are good times for trans- planting Hollies, and mild, moist weather in September and October is equally good ; indeed, Hollies that have been frequently transplanted move as safely as the generality of evergreens, and at the same times as planting in general iy performed— namely, in autumn or spring, and mild weather in winter. Hollies may be removed at midsummer if care be taken in watering, but for the general planting of Hollies that time of year is most disastrou?. Greenhouse Furnace Smoking (P. M.).— In a recent number was Stated all that can weU be said on unmanageable flues, and how to treat them. In your case the last two Hues let us into the secret, we think— "The fireplace is level with the bottom of tho flue." Make your furnace bars from 18 to 24 inches below the level of the bottom of the flue, and then see how the flue will act. Boiler and PrrrNG for Conservatory (.7. TT., juti.). — A small boiler to heat a conservatory 4) by 20, by 14, would need to be 20 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 1G inched high. One 20 by 14 would do if the house is a lean-to. If span-roofed, or partly Bpan-roofed, one of the first-stated Size will be necessary, and if larger it would be no detriment. For a lean-to you would require at least 120 feet of 4-inch piping; 160 feet would be better, and for a epan-rooled, or partly span-roofed house, that length of pipe would ha required at the least. For the stove a aimilar- sizod boiler would be required, and 150 feet of piping. For a high tempe- rature 190 feet would not be too much. ROCKWORK FOR CONSERVATORY [T. H. T.I.— Coi'k WOUld. DO dooht, form a good rock-like material, but we fear would bo too costly, and not enduring; besides, it would foster fuugus. We have no experience of pummioe stone, and thick it would be a costly material. The best material that we can think of is coke, which, dipped in rather thick coment, makes a good rockwork. The coke should be in as large lumps as possible, and be dipped in a tub containing cement brought to the consistency of paint with water. The pieces of coke will after two im- mersions much resemble Ktone. The pieces may bo put together with coment ; indeed, we have known the pieces of coke to be put together with cement, and then the surface brushe:l over with cement to give a massive stone-like appearance. Tea-scented Roses [Idem).— To have them in flov.er this summer von must secure very strong flints and not prune them, merely removing the points of the shoots and the thin weak wood. Plant them after the middle of February in well-trenched ground, into which a liberal supply of manure has been worked. Water well in dry weather, and syringe well overhead. If the spring prove frosty, protect the youLg shoots by a covering of mats. Due de Magenta, Glmre de Bordeaux, G'oire de Dijon, Homere, L'Enfant Trouve, Madame Bremont, Marshal Nie1, Peine dn Portugal, Sombreuil, and Souveuir de rEmporour Maximilien are vigorouE- growing Roses suitable for pillars in positions near the sea, and for an east wall. Lily of the Valley Culture (Lorraine).— The culture is very simple ; all that is required is a border facing north-east, north-west, or even north, rather than a very sunny hot exposure ; indeed, the situation should be shaded from sun, bat not by overhanging trees. The ground should be deeply dug or trenched, and a liberal dressing of leaf soil mixed with it, but no manure. A rich sandy fibrous loam is the most suitable soil. Plant in clusters of two or three crowns, 6 inches apart, in lines 1 foot from each other. Planting is best done in November, but it may be dono in mild weather from now to April. Keep e'ear of weeds, and water freely in dry hot weather In summer. A mulchiug of leaf soil or very rotten manure about 1 inch thick may bo given early in spring. In three years you will have fine clumps for forcing. For further particulars see No. 45G, page 498 of last volume of this Journal. Oxalis trop^oloides Treatment (Little Snip).— It is not only aplant that will "live oat" in summer, but also during the winter where the soil is light and well drained; but in moist situations it i3 well to take up a few plants in autumn, pot them, and place them in a pit or cool house, protected in severe weather from frost. In March the plants may be divided, and every portion that can be handled — shoot or stem — having a few roots, should be potted in small pots filled with sandy loam with a little leaf soil, and placed in a mild hotbed, keeping the soil moist and the lights close. When the plants have commenced to grow freely, admit air, gradually harden them off, and remove them to a cold frame ; by May they will be fit for planting out for edging, &c. Where it has been sometime, it sows itself; annually plants come up from self- sown seeds. The seed may be sown in March iu light soil and placed in a hotbed, and by attention to pricking off an inch or two apart in pans, fiue plants may be obtained by planting-out time; seedling, how- ever, do not flower so early in the season as plants from cuttings or division, but tbey are more free in growth. Manure for Pasture (E. J). — Guano would be better than soot. Apply it during showery weather early in April. Powdered brickbats would render a dry soil drier. Plant-pot Cases (Mrs. S.).—We think theso which you describe must be made of zinc, and such can be procured of any of the florists who advertise iu this Journal. They arc painted in various patterns ; and when the paint is injured any house-painter and grainer can repaint them of a pattern preferred. Cankered Apple Trees (C. E.).— Whoever said that "skinning" the tree was advisable knew nothing about what he was speaking of. The cankered part might be cut out and a plaster of clay and cow dnng put over the wound, but the disease is in the tree's system. If caused by the roots descending into an ungeuial subsoil those roots should be cut oft, and the production of surface roots promoted by top-dressings, and mulching and even watering in summer. Increased vigour is the best preventive of canker. Ice-house (I. S. L.).— One of tho cheapest and most effective was formed by Mr. Earley, and thus described by him :— Select a spot, if possible under trees, and up m the base of an abrupt slope in the ground, falling some 4 yards in 10. You thus insure a natural drainage from the fact of the ground being lower, water finding its own level, than the table land you make, upon which to pack your ice. This essential level should be raised by pecking out a piece of the bank, or, better, made up with waste stones. Again, in this way, independently of the natural drain- age, you easily form an effective watei-and-air drain from beneath the centre of the ice, through waste stones, to the level below. If the quantity to be preserved is from thirty to forty loads, four posts should be plunged perpendicularly into the ground, for the double object of forming the place, and more particularly supporting tho thatched roof. They should be so placed as to form an interior of 9 feet square ; the height of the same should be 9 feet also. Not to trespass upon this interior, a row of hurdles should be placed round tho three sides to be enclosed, stood on end, properly supported. Two feet from these, outside, should be placed another row of hurdles in precisely a similar way. Between these place the straw, and behiud it any old thatch will do ; it must be well trodden and rammed down. The thatch should be placed beyond this that it may not become wet. A vacancy of at least 1 foot of open space all round between the aforesaid thatch and the top of this straw wall should be left, to admit of a draught passing right over the mass. At last we come to the filling. If vou tip ice from the cart direct into its bed it is preferable to have the first layer placed in the way you would floor- ing tiles. If possible, after the first slight or partly effective thaw, the place should, if the weather prove frosty, be thrown rigbt open. When the weather again breaks, io be effectively covered over with at least 2 feet of straw ; the best of wheat straw being placed immediately over it. Cehexted Pond Leaking (J. N. C. P.).— Portland cement is the best, and will not crack from the action of frost on the face. Ii is the damp in the brickwork upon which the frost acts, and by its expansion the JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. t Fobruary 3, 1873. coincnt on the face of the brickwork becomes crackel. We fear the asphalt wonld not serve you better than cement. Your only plan will be to form a sort of bank of earth ill round the pond, bringing it up about a foot higher than the brickwork, and you may make it interesting by rockwork. Vines Breaking i.-f Working Mechanic). — It is not too early to com- mence forcing the Vines. To obtain very early Grapes, forcing is com- menced in November. Begin with a temperature of 45\ You can have *' Indoor Gardening"' post free from our office if you enclose twenty postage stamps with your address. It contains weekly directions for Vine culture. Grafting VraES {A Vin?-riroicer).—The usual mode is thus described in " The Vine Manual,'' which you can have from our office post free if you enclose thirty-two postage stamps with yonr address. It contains much on the subject, as well as on ail modes of cultivating thj Grape Vine. " The right season fur grafting the Vine is just when the buds of the stock to be grafted are beginning to swell, the scions being kept at rest till that time arrives. Vegetation in the stock should always be in advance of that in the scion. The best mode is the common one, named whip or tongue-grafting. The engraving illustrates this mode— a, the Bcion ; 6, the stock. Choose a well-situated branch or lateral near the bottom of the Vine ; cut the head off slant- ing at a part where a scion can be fitted on best; then cut a slice (iff upwards about l.^inch long, slanting inwards ; make an incision down- wards about the centre of the last-made cut, taking great care that the knife does not slip through nor yet injure the bark on each side ; then prepare the scion. The scion should have ono bud near the top, and another near the bottom ; make aslopingcut downwards as near the same length as that on the stock as pos- sible, and in or near the centre of this make an upward cut, which forms the tongue ; lay the knife down, and gently thrust the tongne into the cut on the stock. Every part of this operation must be done with a knife as sharp as a razor, and every part should fit neatly and perfectly. One point must be particularly at- tended to, and that is, that th;- bark of the scion and the bark of the Btock meet exactly together on each side if possible ; but if the scion is smaller than the stock, then the barks must meet on one side and at the bottom. This being successfully accomplished, tie, w ith matting, the scion pretty firmly to the stock, and then cover the whole of the cut parts with either the grafting-wax or the grafting-clay, excepting the uppermost bud of the scion. If a little moss is tied ger.tly round the clay ball, it will keep it moist and preserve it from cracking." Fairy Rings on Lawn [A. M. L.).— They are produced by the my- celium of a fungus. The only remedy that we know is to make holes with a crowbar about 6 inches a Dart, and 1 foot deep, where the grass has the peculiar dark creen hue. and fill the hcles several times with lime water, made by placing 14 Us. of lime in 30 gallons of water, allow- ing this to stand for forty-eight hour", and employing the clear liquid. Fill up the holes after the thin', watering, and sprinkle salt over the patches, making them just white but no more. Thunbergia Harrisii Casting its Flowers (.7 H S ) — reason we can give^for the^plant not flowering is its roots hi aud the watering with sheep-dropping The leaf sent is a good specimen, We think the plant only limited room in the bord'i liquid at this season is not desirabl but the cause of its browning wo cannot will flower finely when the season is more advanced. Raising Quince and Paradise Apple Stocks {W. B.).— These mav SiVm i!r Pr°P;1«at<:d •>? la5-e™ or cuttings. If by layers, a few plants Should be planted out in some odd corner at about 4 feet apart, and cut down rather closely to the surface of the ground. The shoots produced should be .ayered in the following winter, the layering bein" done by pegging them down flat on the surface of the ground, or a little below it, and young upright shoots with roots will be produced in the following summer ; these taken off in winter form the stocks. If by cuttings, put them in as you would those of the Gooseberry, in some light soil, where the Apple stocks will root freely. The Quince, however, requires more warmth than we have here naturally, so that they are benefited by being placed upon a bed of some slow fermenting material early in spring. In this way they root freely. Names of Fruits (C. C. E.).-We are not quite sure about the name ' '- a great beauty. of your Apple. It is i POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON CHRONICLE. POLISH FOWLS. ■ Some of yonr correspondents have been pleading (and most justly, I think), in favour of separate classes at poultry shows for their favourites, the French varieties. I venture to urge that whilst these new sorts are remembered, our older friends, the Polands should not be forgotten. What show, I would ask, can be considered complete where these most ornamental fowls are not represented ? And yet, how often we see them obliged to compete in the "Any other variety" class! I maintain tnat this is not as it should be, as the Poland is one of the handsomest and likewise one of the most distinct (I would also add, that I believe it to be one of the purest), of the known varieties. The Poland has scarcely justice done to it from another and a very important point of view, for in addition to its being ona of the most beautiful of all, it is also one of the most useful. It is an excellent fowl for the table, not very large, but very plump, fleshy, and particularly well-flavoured. The Polish hen is a very good layer, and lays a large and rich-tasted egg. She rarely wishes to sit, but when she does, she performs her duties as incubator and mother in an exemplary manner — none better. The Polish chickens are very hardy. I believe this ia in opposition to the general belief, but I do not hesitate to assert its entire accuracy. I think they are more easily reared than the generality of fancy poultry ; indeed, some farmers' wives in this neighbourhood (Louth), consider them to le hardier than Cochins, and I think that must be something in favour of the robustness of their constitution. I was pleased with a remark made by, if my memory serves me well, " Wiltshike Rector," when he said that there should be more numerous classes for the different varieties of fowls. I think it a very sensible suggestion, and one that if acted upon would tend to make poultry exhibitions much more popular than they are even now. The committees of poultry shows should study to obtain as much variety as possible. I am aware that, generally speaking, the great difficulty would be a financial one, but the prizes for the less popular varieties must be of smaller value than those for their more numerous brethren. Some of these classes might not pay at first, but I fancy they would in the course of a short time. The Polish fowl should have three classes at any rate — one for Golden, one for Silver, and a third for White-crested Black ; and at the winter and autumn shows, and where it can be done, there should also be classes for adults and for chickens, as no fowl so imperatively needs them as the Polish. We seldom hear now-a-day3 of the other varieties of Polands, and I am afraid several of them are pretty nearly extinct. They have languished for want of more encouragement. I once possessed twelve varieties of these fowls — viz.. Golden and Silver-bearded, ditto unbearded, Black-crested Black-bearded, a fowl of great beauty, being perfectly black throughout ; White-crested Black, White-bearded and unbearded, Grey, Blue, Buff, and Golden- pencilled — exactly like the Golden- pencilled Hamburgh in colour and marking. Several of these are, I think, no longer in being, at least in this country, al- though, I should think, they might be met with on the Con- tinent. However, the three best known sorts, the White- crested Black, Silver, and Golden, are now sufficiently well- known, and general to merit separate classes. They are more cultivated now than they have been for some time past, and I feel sure that were they awarded due encouragement they would not fail to make still greater progress. The White-crested Black is a fowl that never fails to strike the beholder with the beauty of the contrast between its snowy- white crest and its coal-black plumage. The Silver is also a very prepossessing fowl with its beautiful large full crest, its extremely bushy neck, and its correctly-marked body; but. I confess to a preference for the Golden-spangled over all the other varieties. What can be more beautiful than a Golden Poland cock in full feather and in good condition ? His colours are of the richest, and his shape the most perfect. For my own part I must say that I care more for shape, brilliancy of colour, and perfection of marking, than I do for enormous size in the crest. Of course, crest being the distinctive feature in the Polish fowl, none with a decidedly small crest should merit a place in a good collection ; but I do think that brilliancy of oolour in both cocks and hens should be more sought after than it has been hitherto. I should like the Golden Poland hen to be shown with a perfectly clear tail, as clear as the best Silvers, and still to be of a rich, dark, golden brown colour ; and I feel confident that when this fowl is more generally cnllivated than it now is, we Bhall see specimens more perfect than any which have hitherto been exhibited. As far as my fancy goes, I do not care for very dark fowls, because these nearly always have the drawback of a black crest until their first moult ; nor yet do I care for the very light ones. I think the shade of colour which should be set up as a standard, should be about halfway between the colour of the darkest Golden-laced Bantam and that of the Golden-spangled Ham- burgh. The shade of the latter is too much of a brown and too little gold to please me in a Poland. As to their marking, I must own that I have no great preference between spangled February 3, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. and laced, althongh, to speak candidly, I never did see a hen yet either perfeotly spangled or perfectly laced. Perhaps if they could be bred as perfect in marking as the Spangled Hamburgh, that might be the preferable mark, but up to the present time that has not been attained, nor do I think it will be just yet. All seem to blend the two kinds of marking more or less. In conclusion, allow me to apologise for occupying so muoh of your space, and to express the hope that the various committees will be able to see their path clear for giving more encourage- ment to the Polish classes. They deserve it. — G. W. Boothby. P.S. — I should have mentioned that out of about eighty Golden Polands bred during the last season, I have had about sixty pullets. This breed with me always throws many more pullets than cockerels. ADVICE TO EXHIBITORS. We often hear exhibitors complaining of mismanagement at shows, but in most oases I thiDk the blame belongs to them rather than to the Committees, at least my experience leads me to believe so. I would therefore say to exhibitors — Write your names and addresses perfectly clearly. If this were done the 3aving of time to secretaries and others would be immense, and fewer errors would then be found in the cata- logues. Ladies should either write Mrs. or Miss before their names, for who is to know whether they are married or not ? Read the rules, and be sure your birds are entered in their right classes; do not act so foolishly as many people do — viz., pay the entry money, expenses of carriage to and fro, and per- haps get your valuable birds injured, besides the trouble and annoyance, and all for the purpose of having them ticketed " disqualified — wrong class." Fill up and return your entry forms before, and not after, the entries have closed ; should there be separate forms for poultry and Pigeons, make your entries on each accordingly. Do not trust other people to make them out, but do it yourself. State the ages as accurately as yon can, also the names of the varieties to which the birds belong. Fix a I price for your birds, and do not write a few days before the ! show takes place, asking to be allowed to alter it. Neither I send too little nor too much money foryour entries, or write and say, " I will pay my entry money to you at the show." When you send, let it be a post-office order or cheque, and altogether abhor stamps ; by doing so you will save much trouble, annoy- I anee, and loss. Send your birds off so that they will be certain ' to arrive in time for competition. How many prizes have I been lost through birds arriving too late to compete ! If you bny any specimens at the show, pay cash for them, and do not promise cheques or post-office orders. By observing these few rules it is astonishing how the busi- ness part of a show might be facilitated. — An Amateur. PROFIT OF POULTRY-KEEPING. I am very glad to see in the last number of the Journal two reports of poultry profits, and I feel challenged again to report my own progress. " L." hatches his Houdans very well, but he does not feed them well enough, and my profits, with only six hens, far exceed " M. E.'s," with his seventy-six Light and Dark Brahmas, &c. My six were three Cochin hens (two old), two Brahmas, and one Dorking, with a Brahma cock, and their productions for the year as follows: — Chickens hatched, 106; eggs laid, 953; cost of food, £12 Os. 2d.; chickens killed, £12 18s.; chickens sold, £-193. ; value of eggs, £4 10s. ; total, £21 17s. ; profit, £9 16s. lOd. My food is the best barley twice a-day, barleymeal once, and plenty of clean water, some green meat, and for run only a nicely limited space. We generally hatch all the eggs we set, rarely lose a chicken, and the care we take is within easy reach of everyone. — A. W. THE FRENCH CLASSES AT THE LONDON POULTRY SHOW. I think that it was a mistake to make so many classes of Ham- barghs, and so few of the French classes, for I believe after a time we shall fiml that both Houdana and Creve-Cceurs will be largely bred in this country. They and La Flcche are evidently variations of the same breed. The latter is, probably, too delicate to be of mnch service here, and indeed, exce pt in one district of France, is not a favourite there, but the other two are likely to be most valuable breeds. I know fewer handsomer birds than a good Creve-Cceur, and the Houdans are hardy and well-conditioned. Another point I would allude to in the late Show — the want of proper notices in the way of advertise- ments and large posters. I saw at all the stations bills about " Tripod Fillies," "Hairless Hares," and such-like monstrosities, but not one about the poultry Show. In the same way in the journals specially devoted to such purposes, the advertisements were very scanty, and yet publicity is the very life of such shows. You have hit another blot in the non-publication of the catalogue. Surely it would be better to publish it as soon as possible, and then on the evening before the Show is open to the public to publish a separate sheet with the prizes, as is done, indeed, at the flower shows. I need not say that all seemed to have worked with a will, nor that in every way in which courtesy and attention could tend to remove difficulties, and make all go smoothly, Mr. Wilkinson did his very utmost. I would also say that the work was too heavy for the Judges. There our_iht to be six for such an entry ; it is not merely the time, but a person's head becomes tired, and wrong judgments are often made. And now with regard to the classes. The Houdans were very fine, and exhibited in goodly number. Of the cocks there were fifteen, and Mr. W. O. Quibell obtained the first prize with a good bird, Mr. Drewry being second with a fine cockerel, and my neighbour, Mr. Dring, of Faversham, third with an older bird. Some of the birds were heavy, and here I would observe, that while we must try for in- creased weight, it will be a great pity if we gain that by the loss of symmetry. Of the two varieties, I personally prefer the darkest of the Light breed. The Dark breed was also well represented, but in some of the male birds there was a deficiency of crest ; in fact, I think the Judges were at fault, and I question if the breed is as yet thoroughly understood. Of hens there were eleven exhibitors. Here Mr. Crowley took the prize from Mr. Quibell ; the birds were very fine, and of great breadth across the shoulders — a point in which this breed shows one of its excellencies. In Class 22, " Cocks of any other variety," there were thirteen exhibits; of these five were La Flcche, the rest Crrve-Co?urs. I can- not say that I was greatly struck with the superiority of the birds which obtained the prizes ; but it is m >st difficult to judge two breeds now ao very distinct as La Flcche and Crere-Ccears ; it is like having to judge Dorkings and Cochins in the same class. In the cock class the first prize was given to the Cieve-0 *urs, and in the hen class to La Flcche. To my mind there were other birds better than these, but, then, outsiders are always better judges than those actually engaged! I see a manifest tendency to get " hommochy " birds through the wish to increase their size. A Crcve-Cceur ought to be well down on his legs, not lanky ; but if this is too much bred for we shall have waddlers instead of the noble, " grave et fier " bird, as he is described by M. Jacques. In the class for hens there were but eight entries ; of these three were La FUche, and here this breed carried off the first and third prizes, and Cri-ve-Co-urs the second. The hens of the latter breed were not so good as I have seen them, but there were many like myself deterred, I think, by the unsatisfactory nature of the class. My neighbour, Mr. Dring, had as good birds as those exhi- bited, and so I think had I myself. May I add here, that if the breeders and admirers of French fowls will agree to subscribe, so as to make up a cup for each of the three breeds at the next Palace Show, and the Committee of Manage- ment will agree to make separate classes, I shall be most happy to add my contribution ? — D., DeaL DUBLIN POULTRY SHOW. A few of the most noted poultry breeders on the other side of St. George's Channel, having determined to establish an annual poultry show in Dublin, have carried out their intention in a manner that certainly reflects the highest credit on all parties concerned; the systematic manner in which everything was arranged being quite equal to anything we ever met with at our longest-established poultry exhibitions. Of the Exhibition Palace, Dublin, the whole of the interior of which was devoted to the purposes of the Show, we need say but little — in fact it is a second Sydenham ; and from the building being used as a winter garden, the Exhibition, when the arrangements were complete, carried with it an elegance of character not to he found at any other poultry show ever held in the United Kingdom. The plan adopted was a row of pens down the centre, and one tier on each side, so that each avenue devoted to the visitors was in all cases fully 18 feet wide, with breaks at intervals in the centre row for the accommodation of anyone desiring to pass to the other side. A grand and novel addition to the beauty of the Show arose from the fact of all the side pens being hacked up by large and very valuable specimens of trees in full vigour, forming a background that can only be appreciated by those who witnessed it. From the galleries on all sides. Clematises, "Wis- tarias, and Passion-flowers were trained in various devices, a3 well as in lovely festoons of fully 30 to 40 feet in extent. Many groups of plants in full bloom, or berried, added attractiveness to the scene, and several excellent military brass bands relieved each other during the whole time of public admittance. The warming apparatus did its duty most successfully, and certainly the view from the galleries, open for the promenade in the evening, when the gas was fully lighted, and a multitude of gaily-dressed ladies were present, could only be fitly compared to a fairy scene. With all these unusual accessories, none can wonder at the Dublin first Show being a great success, and such as its projectors may well be proud of. '-1 JOURNAL OF HOIiTiCULTLU^ AMD COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February 3( 1W70. Grey Dorkings were exceedingly good, end to the credit of the Sister Isle, all the prizes remained at home. Of Silver-Grey Dorkings there were many excellent specimens ; the old cocks, however, were mostly deficient from grizzled sickle feathers, a defect to which they are very liable after the second or third moult. It is well for exhibitors to note that it is far Letter to show them in their natural state, even with these imperfect sickle feather:, than to remove these altogether. The Ooclbina, though as classes not equal to what we are accustomed to see in England, were as fax only as the prize pens were concerned of exceedingly good quality; Mr. Zurhor-t in Win*.' , Partridge-feathered, and Mrs. Burrell in Bufc's being the principal winners. In the last variety (Buffs), a magnificent cock shown by Mr. Joshua Dawes, cf Moseley, Birmingham, and another pen from the same gentleman containing an excellent Dark Brahma cock, were both thrown out completely for being sent without hens — this over- sight is the more to be regretted as the Cochin %vas unquestionably the beBt cock in his class, and the Brahma with a hen as good would have been also in the prize Hst. Exhibitors cannot err by being too careful in their examination of prize schedules before entering. In the Brahnas, the birds shown by Mrs. Burrell and Mr. It. W. Boyle were such as are but very rarely equalled. The Li^ht Brahmas were not nearly so good, and many of iheni were well-nigh worn out by over- exhibition. The display in the Frank breeds was of unusual excel- lence, and the competition in the Spanish class was good throughout, the Hon. Miss Douglas Pennant taking lirst and third prizes, and the Messrs. Newbitt second position. Hambwglis were good but mostly overshown. I'vlumh were all good, and many of the "White -crested Blacks were gems. Such classes of (Same fowls have never before been shown in Ireland, the so- well-known birds of Messrs. Brierley, Fletcher, and Julian standing prominently in the prize list. Mr. J. Crossland had it all his own way in the G<\me Eautams. The Turlajs, a first- rate class, kept the prizes at home, Mr. J. C. Cooper proving quite a monopolist with pens remarkably well shown. All the Watcrfuid were of a quality rarely equalled, and the Orna- mental varieties of Waterfowls were beyond parallel. We cannot re- call every variety shown, but there were Sebasiopol, Canada, Cereop- ais, and Chinese Geese; and cf £)u>:J:s, the Kasarka, or Buddy Shell Duck, the Shoveller, Bahama, Carolina, Shell Ducks, Mandarins, and many others, all exhibited in the very height of good condition and feather. Pigeons throughout were entries from the very best lofts in the kingdom, and we may here add to the prize list we printed last week, that the special silver enp for the greatest prizetaker in Pigeons was secured by Mr. Fulton, and the collection cup for poultry by Mr. Brierley, of Middleton. Quite a novel tailpiece to a poultry shew was introduced by the Committee of the Dublin Exhibition — viz., prizes for cats ! It caused much merriment from its singularity, and some really handsome specimens were entered. As each cat had to be sent with a collar and chain attached, they proved far more easily managed than was at first anticipated, and the interest of this portion of the Show to many of the lady visitors was evident. for which Bristol has become renowned ? The first prize and cup for the two best pullets was taken by Miss Hyde with an excellent pair of birds, smooth in face and excellent in colour. I thought the Hon. Miss Douglas Pennant's buds were extremely goad for the quality and smoothness of their faces. This lady took the Becond prize with a tirst-class pair of birds which were claimed at £10, Mr. H. Lane being third. I noticed the cockerel belonging to thia gentleman, which, u I mistake not, took the first prize at Birmingham, was here only highly commended. He is a very good bird, smooth in face, and with good drop, but, sad to say, slightly wry-tailed. Mr. Lane, however, carried oil the first prize and cup with an excellent specimen ; Mr. E. Jones second, and Mr. H. BelJon third. For the best cock over one year old Miss Hyde was first with a really good bird, his face being pure white and very smooth. As a wLole this class quite came up to my expectations, and fully repaid me for my journey. Many of the birds in the other classes were splendid sp< i i After viewing the Show I retired to the canteen adjoining the Drill Hall, where I was introduced to Messrs. Lane, Beldon. Jones, Hyde, and others, and spent an agreeable hour or ho in chatting over my favourite subject, and a more | tea anl - enable company I could not wish to meet. I thought, How much mare fortunate am I than poor " Black Domino ! " Why, if he were here, it would make up in some measure for his suli'eiJngs caused by the bad company he fell into at Birmingham. On the following rooming two or three other visitors and myself sallied forth in apite of the pouring rain to view the Clifton Suspension Bridge, that being an old friend of mine for many years in London during the time it did service at Hungerford Market ; but it had so got up in the world, and with the addition of it= handsome carriage way, that I could scarcely recognise it. The view that is obtained from it in its present position is most charming. In the afternoon we vUited the yards of one of the largest breeders of Spanish in Bristol, who received us with every courtesy and kindness, taking us over his various walks, explaining his method of rearing early chickens, and giving us one or two valuable hints regarding the management of onr favourites. I returned to town much pleased with my trip and the kind manner in which I had been treated by the Bmtoliaus, but saddened by the recollection of the scantiness of the visitors, for it appeared to me like spreading a rich banquet and having no one to partake of it. In con- clusion, I would earnestly recommend yoncg fanciers to visit all the shows they can, for it is only by seeing to what pitch of excellence birds are bred by others, and to what extent the various points in the different breeds are capable of being developed, that they can judge of the merits of their own stock, the probability of success should they feel inclined 10 enter the lists as exhibitors, or even of the rnality of any birds they may be about to purchase. — Black Spanish. MY TRIP TO BRISTOL. " What ! all the way from London to Bristol only to go to apoultry Bhow? Why, I do think ycu must he going poultry mad." Such was the exclamation of my wife when she heard of my intended visit to Bristol. I, however, explained to her that my madness only extended to Spanish fowls, and was after all a very mild form of the disease, and that Bristol is with regard to Spanish what Newcastle is considered to be to coal. She soon saw the force of my argument, and even went so far as to say that perhaps, after all, if I saw the best of the kind there, it might be of service to me in my future attempts at prize- taking. Thus the subject was settled. So taking an express train from Paddington, off I started to Bristol on Friday morning {Jan. 7th), and after rattling over the iron road for three hours found myself at my destination, the rain pouring down in torrents. This, and being an utter stranger to the place, -were enough to caBt a damper upon the most ardent fancier ; but " nil desperanduin " being my motto, which, by-the-by, is a good motto for all young fanciers who wish to meet with success, I trudged on, and soon found myself at the Rifle Drill Hall. I must say I was much struck with the suitability of the building. I do not think that one better adapted to the purpose could be found in any town in England. The arrangement of the pens was admirable, being in single tiers. For the most part all the birds could be seen to advantage, and plenty of space to walk between the rows of pens added much to the pleasure of inspection, as two or three could Btaud in front of any birds that particularly took their attention, and discuss their merits without inconveniencing the other spectators ; but sorry am I to have to say the benefit of this latter arrangement could not be fully appreciated, for, alas! where were the spectators? I could see but very few. Ah I thought I, no doubt the rain has kept them away ; or, probably, the charge, 2s. 6c/., it being the first day. It will doubtless be crowded to-morrow. But no, the next day was nearly as bad both as regards the rain and lack of visitors. And now a few words about the birds. Spanish being the only class I know much about I shall confine my remarks to them. And first, is it to be attributed to modesty, generosity, or oversight that there is not a ten-guinea cup awarded to one of the Spanish classes — a class TORQUAY AND WESTERN COUNTIES POULTRY SHOW. Poultry shows are " stepping westward." Bristol Show just over, Torquay on the 23rd and 24th of February, and Bath and West of England in June. It is of the second mentioned that I would now speak ; the schedule is before me, and it is liberal — four prizes for each class of poultry— viz., £4, £2, £1, and 10s. This is well. Then there are two prizes for each variety of Pigeons, one £2, the second £1. And Miss Burdett Coutt3 has kindly given a silver challenge cup, value £10, for the most successful exhibitor of poultry, and the Pigeon exhibitor of like qualification will get a silver cup value £3. It is somewhat odd that one old and striking variety of Pigeons is omitted — Turbits, while prizes are offered for Antwerp, which as exhibition birds are inferior. The soft feathery and varied beauties of the Tnrhit should always secure it a class, to say nothing of its being a very ancient variety ; while the Antwerp is the very Yankee of Pigeons, with no lineage, and only a sharp fellow. The arrangements for the Show promise well, but it is a first show, and so I would ask exhibitors not to expect too much, but to be tender towards the Committee. The labours and difficulties of committeemen are not sufficiently considered. I heard lately of a gentleman request- ing the secretary of a large show to meet his birds at the station and see them off on their return, generously offering to pay cab hire \ Such a thing is utterly impossible. Secretaries and committeemen work all day and almost all night, never sitting down for hours to- gether. I would recommend the Committee to give all possible pub- licity to their show in Torquay, as well as in the poultry papers. I know the place and the vast number of people whose only business is their daily walk, and who would be very likely to walk into the Show, if they knew of it. Boards or placards with " Poultry Show this day,'1 are the right things to bring visitors. I regret that a show of cage birds has not Leen added, for so large a place as Torquay must have many admirers of the Canary and his congeners. I wish the Torquay Show every success, and its Commit- tee will, if it be successful, be rewarded for their labours. — Wiltshire Rector. CREWE POULTRY SHOW. The second annual Exhibition was held in the Cheese Hall and Corn Exchange, Crewe, on January 25th and 26th. There were op- February 3, 1670. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER. wards of 500 entries of Poultry, Pigeons, Canaries, and Rabbits, and the awards were as follow :■— Choyce (White). 3, F. Shaw (Cuckoo), he. J. Choyce (Wbitei: V. K. Dearden. Spanish.— 1, H. Beldon, Goitstock. 2. J. Walker, Wolverhampton. S, R. HuiBe.VWinsiord. he, Hon. .Miss Douglas Pennant, c — Harvey; J. Mansell, Longton. CocniN-CrriN'j..— Cinnamon and BiHJ—l and 2, H. Marrdelieck. s, J. Sichel; he, W. Harvey ; J. Lee, Middleton ; W. F. Cbeckley, Moulton; Capt. Pountain, Cowslev House, Derby. Brown and Partridge.—}, 1. Stretch, Ormskirk. 2, J. White, Whitelev. Netherton. S, Miss Storev. White.— 1, J. Sichel. 2, R. Brown, Cheadle Hulnie. 3, F. & C. Howarth, Newfield. Haslm-den. he, Mrs. A. Williamson, Queeniborough Hall, Leicester: A. J. E. Swindell. Bbahna Pootra.— Par':.— 1, W. Gamon, Chester. 2. Miss Douglas Pennant. 3, C. W. Brierlev, Middlett u. he. Hon. Miss Domjlas Pennant ; H. B. Morrell, Clyro; C.Laylan.l, '.Y.,r.i:ie;un; A. V. Woithingtmi. Burton-on-Trent. Light. —1, A. O, — P0LI3F Gomon. French Fowls (Ally variety).—;, W. r,. Park, Melrose (Creve-Cceurs). 2 and 3, R. B. Wood, Uttoxeter(Houdana). he. C. Morris I Creve-Cceurs) ; J. C. Cooper, Limerick: H. Wyndham, Wawne ; Miss E. Williams, Henllys (Creve-Cceurs); Bradford, he, E. Aykiveil. chickens.— l,enciUed.— 1. J. Sibson. Carlisle. Goldcn-speckhd— 1, T. Hogg. 2. J. Murray. Armath waite. Bilxer-Sfeckled.—l, A. Briggs. 2, W. Crosthw aite, Stanyvix. lie, Mrs, Bethenng- ton, Carlisle. _ , Polands.-I, E. Fearon. 2, J. Wood, How Rigg, Wigton. „,„„.- BAKIAMS.-Gnmc.-l, J. Waddell. Acr. head. De.nifnes. 2. W . Bames. Blenner- hasset. he, T. Charters; Miss Aglio.il.;, : .'. .e W.Towerson. c. W H. Thubron. Any other variety. -\, 1. Armstrong. St.. ckd.il wath. 2, S. &R. Ashton, Mottram. A"sv other Distinct Variety -1. J. Macadam, Banchory Teman (Houdan). 2, R. Hawkins (Malays). Be, B. Beattie (Silky). Vi-cKs.—Aulesburu.-l, D. Hardie. 2. E. Fearon. lie, J. Cowman. e.Jb, F. Lvons. itouen.-l. D. Hardie. 2, W. Tomlinson. Cardew. Any other varicty.-l,V. N.Bsker, Chelses (CaroUnas). •-, J. BeU (Black East Indian), lie, S.&R. Ashton: R. Beattie (MuBCOvies). „ Pigeons.- Carrfera.-l, J. & W. Towerson. 2. J. Sibson, Carlisle, he, D. M. Thompson, Carlisle ; H. Yardley, Birmingham; G. G. Thompson. Poutmg- 1. J. Waddell. 2. J. & W. Towerson. Titmbhr.j.-l J. & W. l°wers°n. "t.H. Yardley. Barbs.-\, H. Yardley. Oiel:.-l. J. & W '. i Dw( irson. 2. H. Yardley. FantaiU>.-l,n. Yardley. JueoOiw.-l. J. W .ddell. 2 • H. Yardley. he -,3. & W^ Towerson. Tnmpetm.-l. H. Sawyer, Carlisle. 2, K Yardley. Dragoom.- 1. H. Yardley. Antuerps.-l, H. Yardley. Magpies.-l, H. Yardley. Any Other Variety.— 1, J. & W. Towerson. 2, H. Yardley. Judge of Poultry and Pigeons: J. Hindson, Esq., Liverpool. CUPS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE CANARY SHOW. Allow me, through yonr columns, to inform Canary-fanciers and others interested in the "Crystal Palace Bird Show Cup Fund how the matter is going on. I enclose you a statement showing at a glance what each class has gained, and what is still owing to make np the minimnm sum of £3. It will be noticed with surprise that the Clear Yellow Norwich class is not full; why, I cannot understand, tor the Norwich Canary has admirers and breeders all over the known Canary world, and other varieties, whose classes arc full and nearly so, num- ber among their friends onlv, comparatively speaking, a select tew. Now this is not as it ou?ht to be, and I hope matters will mend before the day of the Show. Not one single Derby name have I oubjH with the exception of Mr. Barnesby (and he is more of a judge than an exhibitor), who gave me a handsome donation towards the general fnnd. What is Derby thinking of? The town where the Canary mania is rampant ; the town which has its own clnb, its own book ot most excellent rules on shows and points in Canaries— a book that is a axtide for the Canary woild at large ; a town that has its own local show, and had its " All England Ornithological Association when Sunderland fanciers were not yet breeched 1 " Upronse ye, then, my merry, merry (Derby) men, for it is (very nearly) our opening day and let yonr subscriptions be as long as the tail of your celebrated ram.-HowAETH Ashton, 1'olcfield Ball, Prestmch, Manchester. Amount Promised or Subscribed. Pelicitj Norwich land 2 | 6 0 0 15 0 Norwioh 3 to 8 2 12 6 0 7 b Belgian 9 to IS 2 0 0 __ London Fancy .... 14 and 15 3 0 0 Lizards 16andl7 115 0 1 | » Cinnamon IB and 19 2 12 0 0 S 0 Mules— Canary and ) „, tn at 2 11 6 0 8 6 Goldfinch , _1 lo " Mules, Linnet, and ) „g and ,„ 0 lU 6 2 9 6 any other variety j LONG-ENDURING FLIGHTS. Although never a Pigeon-fancier myself, I live in the dis- trict which was formerly the head quaiters of Pigeon-nying, and am tempted to aak for a little space to describe that amuse- ment as practised at Macclesfield, Congleton, Leek, and the 96 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. t February 3, 1870. Staffordshire potteries. 1 have not " the pen of a ready writer," and if " Wiltshire Rector " lived within reasonable reach of this part of the world, should take the liberty of ask- ing him to spend a day or two among the fancy and give yon an account of the same, for the subject is worthy of better treatment than I can give it. The fancy has very much degenerated within the last ten or fifteen years, but seems to have passed the worst now, and is likely to be popular again. I am sorry to say that Pigeon- flying, although a very beautiful and interesting fancy in itself, is patronised by very few respectable men, and is disfigured by a greater amount of rascality than even dog or poultry-exhibit- ing, or horse-racing. The birds kept in this neighbourhood seldom tumble, and are small compact birds with very short beaks, self colours and splashed. They are paired without any regard to colour, and are generally flown two or three times a-week. The chief point is, of course, the length of time flown, but a good flight always have a leader and fly in a solid pack, almost touching each other and at a great height. If anything happens to the leader it spoils the pack for a time. I fear that "Old Bon Ridley " and "Reader" will not believe me, but I can assure them it is not unusual to fly seven or eight hours ; and I know a man on whose word I can always place the most perfect reliance, who has flown a pack of twenty- one for upwards of seveu hours, and a flight of three chokner (birds with black and white flights) Tumblers for eleven hours forty minutes. lam not aware that this has ever been equalled, but of course a flight like the above could only be made under the most favourable conditions as to weather, and by birds which had been carefully bred for many years and at the very highest pitch of training and condition. I can produce several respectable working men to speak to these flights. I am aware that birds sometimes go off to a neighbouring town, drop there, and come home in the evening, thus getting the credit of along flight, but I am speaking of bond-fide flights where the birds have never been lost sight of for many minutes by parties interested both for and against them, and where " drumming" has not been resorted to. Con- ditioning tho birds is a very important point, and is made a great secret of by the crack men. There is always great danger of losing first-rate flyers when the clouds aro low. In this case the flight frequently drops at some neighbouring town, and is generally appropriated. If the owner come3 to look after his birds he usually finds that they have either been sent out of the way for a time, or in some cases are so cleverly dyed that he cannot own them, and the man in possession has always a long history of each. They are then carefully " used " — in fact they are rarely flown until they are paired or have bred, and even then very often return to their old quarters. The power of sight acquired by Pigeon-flyers is something wonderful. I always know one of the fancy by a sort of bend in the neck and habit of star-gazing. First-rate flyers are frequently bred so fine that it is next to impossible to breed from them, and the young ones feather very badly. The breeders then have to resort to a coarser cross, and to breed it out again as quickly as possible. — Brows Red. FANTAIL PIGEONS. I believe white to be the original colour in Fantail Pigeons for the following reasonB : — 1, It is, so to speak, the universal colour of these birds. 2, These Pigeons came originally from Hindostan, and Anglo-Indians, themselves bird-lovers, tell me that the uni- versal colour there is white. In reply, it may be alleged that coloured birds have been imported from India. So, excellent Norwich Canaries I have known to be imported from Madeira, but they were exported from England first. 3, The white of the Fantail, like the black of the Barb, is a unique colour ; it is snowy, and will bear the comparison ; the blaci of the Barb is also perfect, but a white Barb is tinged, and a black Fantail is not a good black. i, Setting aside my own personal experience in fancy Pigeons for now thirty years, Mr. Brent, the best of all Pigeon writers, and the author of the only original work on the subject sinoe Moore, and who was an ornithologist as well as a fancier ; in his classification of Pigeons (vide page 105 of " The Pigeon Book ") says, " I have placed what I believe to be the original colour or variety of each breed first." Then follows his list : — " Carriers, 1, black; Pouters, 1, Blue Pied; Fantails, 1, white," Arc. His whole list is to my belief correct. 5, There is a tendency in birds to return to the original colour; in Canaries to grey or green, in Fantail Pigeons to white. I further believe that colour other than white is obtained from a cross with the Runt, 1st, because the Runt has the same trembling motion ; a male Runt would give colour, and then breeding with white Fantails would recover the tail. 2nd, The ablest old Tigeon fancier I ever knew told me he so crossed them and bred them for gentlemen fancying a certain colour. The dark cock brings dark, a white cock white. 3rd, The dark birds are runlish in shape. — Wiltshire Rector. The subject of Fantails having being mooted simultaneously by " Wiltshire Rector " and your able reporter of the Glasgow Show, I am induced to ask for the opinion of fanciers upon the quastio vexata — What should a prize Fantail be ? We have at least two well-established sub-varieties of this breed — viz., the graceful Scotch variety, which seems almost to realise perpetual motion, and the larger and coarser English variety, with the flat, circular, almost horizontal tail; and between these two ex- tremes there are, of course, an infinite number of gradations. Now, this leads to great confusion with both judges and ex- hibitors, the former hardly knowing what to exhibit, the latter puzzled how satisfactorily to award the prizes. If by common consent a " Standard of Excellence " could be established, fanciers would know what points to breed for, and judges would be able unhesitatingly to perform their duties. Theoretically a Fantail should combine the excellencies of each type, but from some mysterious law, which we may call the law of correl- lation of parts, it would appear to be impossible to obtain more than mediocrity of carriage with excellence of tail ; and, in the same way, the converse holds good. The idea of a perfect Fan- tail is perhaps even more Utopian than tbat of any other perfect Pigeon ; so that, could a decision bo come to as to which end — head or tail — is to have precedence, this popular breed might be raised from the present somewhat inferior position to which too great laxity of taste has degraded it. If some of our principal exhibitors, breeders of the Fantail, such, for instance, as Mr. Balpin and Mr. Huie, would do as "Wiltshire REcioi:"has done in the closing paragraph of his interesting letter, and let us know whether we are to con- tinue to breed chiefly for the fiat circular tail, or are to strive to obtain such " broad-tailed shakers" as are justly eulogised in your report of the Glasgow Show, much good would result to the fancy. — J. E. S. P.S. — Such minor matters as colour, plain-heads or point crowns, &c, may be safely left open for the present ; at any rate until the more serious part of the question Bhall have been settled. SKY TUMBfcERS AND BIRMINGHAM ROLLERS. I did not include Birmingham Rollers in my description of Sky Tumblers. What I did say is not affected in the least by what has been said since. It is nothing new for me to hear that broken Baldpates are good flyers. I have generally found that when a Sky Tumbler and a Baldpate breed together, both birds being strong, and, moreover, good soarers, the offspring Burpass the parents in flying, or in tumbling, and sometimes in both, and I have no doubt if careful selection were made of the best birds, a very good high-flying, long-flying set of mongrels could be established. The thing has been done again and again. I have no doubt, if Birmingham would speak out, it could tell of cotes in its vicinity, of this high-flying, long-flying character. The owners might not in every instance descend to the consideration of whether the birds were selected transi- tionals, or an established breed ; because a Tigeon is a Pigeon, no matter what its ancestors may have been. It is with the knowledge that one is always liable to over- rate "one's pets, that I consider a man is pardonable if he happen to dignify with the appellation of " pure breed " birds which are pearl-eyed, hazel-eyed, odd-eyed, feather-legged, clean-legged, mottled, and pied. At the same time, I think he would not necessarily be an ignorant Pigeon-fancier who should be puzzled to say what breed this is. Nature does now and then disport herself in strange sort, but to this extent in a "pure breed" — no, no, no! This law of accidental tran- sitionals being superior to, or rather let me say of being aggra- vated from, both parents, may be shown to obtain in other "breeds" than the Birmingham Roller. The Pouter claps, but he oannot clap like his son, with a Tumbler hen for the mother. Other parallels might be adduced. Mind, I am February 3, 1670. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 97 saying nothing against the Roller Pigeon. All I wish to say is, that it is not the Sky Tumbler I described. — Old Bob Ridley. A kit of birds once a-day in the sky has been my delight for a quarter of a century. The sort of Pigeon "Old Bob Ridley" makes mention of, with broad breast, short legs, and a short beak, is quite gone from this part. Fifteen years ago they were in the town. They were black-mottled, with black flights. They would be good for one hour, and that was con- sidered an extra length of time. My kit consisted of forty Pigeons. Three parts were my own breeding, therefore I knew what spirit those birds had, and could depend upon them doing their work, and they had that daily, unless snow was on the ground. Three hours was their time on the wing. You might lay on your back and watch them. They would be out of sight for one hour, and the remaining two as compact as a cricket ball, and they seemed mere specks. There was a match here, and noticed in Bell's Life and the Leicester Advertiser. There were fifteen birds each, the longest on wing to be the winner. Mine were on the wing seven hours and a half; the winner seven hours and three-quarters. I could find numbers that will fly five hours, but these extra long flights are caused by artificial food and the manner of giving it to the birds, so that a beginner has no chance to compete with one who has been accustomed to the tricks of feeding, which varies according to the time you require them to fly. They must be fed like a racehorse, and when in condition for flying, should have the flesh as hard as a nut kernel, which brings out the muscles and feathers as fine as silk. Our birds are various in colour — red or black saddles, badges en odd sides, and every one should roll or double-tumble, at the turn of the kit. "Old Bob Ridley" speaks of twelve how nicely they crack their wings before tumbling ; that is a great fault, it is idleness from oarrying too much flabby flesh. I would behead that lot, or the bird that drops before the kit. I have sold scores that have dropped at two hours to the cages, and one such is quite sufficient to spoil a whole lot in a very short time. There is one young gentleman who is very fond of start- ing his kit at five o'clock in the summer time, and has to light them in at ten o'olock with candles, and in some cases cannot get them down, so that he is obliged to put the eggs in the oven all night, and to sit up so that they should not become too hot. This is not a solitary case. A splendid eighteen were flying over home last week, and were watched for six hours. All were lost except one, sinee found at Derby, twenty-six miles away. — Leicesteb. THE HIMALAYAN RABBIT. Unfoetonately my Joubnal of Hokticoltcbe for 1869 is at the binder's, and as I have no other copy of my first letter about the Himalayan Rabbit I cannot say whether it is so worded as to countenance the strange mistake into which Mr. Hudson has fallen. It may be so, as it certainly never oc- curred to me to guard against the supposition that I deemed a cross between a Babbit of any breed and a veritable Chin- chilla as possible. What I mentioned was, a cross between the Silver-Grey and the Chinchilla varieties of the common Rabbit. Had Mr. Hudson referred to the book I quoted he would not have written his last letter. Here the correspon- dence, as far as I am concerned, must end. Whatever may be thought of Mr. Darwin's theory, every naturalist knows that as an accurate observer and recorder of facts he stands with out a rival. — Duckwtnb. DR. PREUSS ON FOUL BROOD AND INFECTION. (Concluded from page 38.) The idea that foul brood has been introduced by the Italian bee must be entirely discredited. I have seen it in an aTpiary and in a district in whioh Italian bees had never existed, and have found it in stocks of pure old Prussian origin, whose an- cestors had undoubtedly fnrnished our heathen aboriginal Teu- tonic forefathers with honey. I do not venture to decide whether or nor Leuckart is right in supposing that a connection exists between the foul-brood fungus and the muscardine of the silkworm. It is possible that both may have a common origin, and that both may be traced bi.ck to the same first cause. • * It has been urged, as a reproach against Professor Leuckart, that by expressing at tho Darmstadt moetinft, in 186S, an opinion that a relation existed between the foul-brood fungus and the mnscardiue of the silk A bee-keeper residing in Baden has written' me, stating that his bees obtain water from dung-puddles, and that he believes that this may be the cause of foul brood in his apiary. I in- deed hold this to be probable, as fungoid forms luxuriate in dunghills, and may from thence be carried by bees into their hives. Relying upon the fact that nitrogen is found in the cocoons of the bee-nymph, their presence has been assumed to be the cause of foul brood. This is disproved by experience as well as theory. If cocoons were the cause of this disease, it must be a universal evil, as all stocks, if only a few months old, contain them, but we never heard of their producing foul brood. The web spun by the bee is of the same construction as silk, + which is an incorruptible substanoe.J The Prevention of Foul Brood. — The mode of preventing foul brood is in accordance with the causes which have been alleged for it. In the words " we are careful to enforce the greatest cleanliness everywhere " is comprised the receipt for preventing foul brood. As by this means we keep even the wax-moth, which, where it prevails, may be deemed as bad as an infectious disease, far from the apiary, so do we prevent in the most effectual manner the importation of those more minute enemies the Micrococcus and Cryptococcus. The follow- ing precautions may be especially mentioned : — 1. We only purchase stocks from apiaries which are known to be healthy. 2. We use, if possible, only the purest honey for feeding bees. Careful preparers of honey, Buch as I know in my own neighbourhood, scrupulously separate all combs containing brood and pollen from the honeycombs, and the delicious pro- duct thus obtained is sure to keep unchanged throughout the year. If, however, we possess only badly-damaged honey, we may still use it as bee-food if we boil it for some time and give it immediately. As before stated, all fungoid forms are de- stroyed by boiling, and all danger may in this way be obviated. 3. We remove from the hive all mildew, and everything which promotes its formation , such as dead bees, refuse wax, &c. 4. We provide the bees with pure water. In every apiary should be found a large dish filled with moss, in which clean water is supplied daily. This is a convenience to the bees, and prevents their visiting dung-heaps. The Cure of Foul Brood. — If we discover foul brood in a hive, the first thing we do is to remove the queen, in order to stop the deposit of brood, and thus withdraw the pabulum of the disease. I would here refer to what Dzierzon says in page 273 of " Rational Bee-keeping." She is returned afterwards, worm, he countenanced the parasitic theory which he combated in 1860. This fact can. however, only redound to the fame of the illustrious naturalist. Science is never-ending, and scientific instruments have during the last eight years been very much improved ; whilst at that time the great importance of these minute bodies, the Micrococcus, which still appear but as dots under a microscope of many thousandfold magnifying power, was entirely unknown, as it is indeed an acquisition of the last few years. I may also recite a similar and far more striking example. No one, I believe, will question the title of Ebrenberg, who ' in his old age. still lives in Berlin, to be considered the greatest micro- scopist of this century. In 1834, I addressed him as one of his old scholars, and asked him whether the itch-acarus, which is spoken of by old medical writers, really existed. His answer was, "The itch-acarus does not exist. I have examined alt the cases of itch in the hospital, and have never found one." Some years afterwards a professor in Paris offered a reward of 10,000 francs to anyone who would show him an itch- acarus. An Italian student, who happened to be present at the time, immediately earned the reward. He opened with a needle a burrow near the itch pustule under the scarf-skin, which is indicated by little black specks, and is especially easy to find on the sides of the fingers, and to the astonishment of all, produced the itch-acarus, an animal easily visible to the naked eye. The student was familiar with a district in Italy where old women employ themselves in curing the disease by searching for and extracting the acari. At this time everyone is able to detect the acarus in its hiding place. Thus had Ebrenberg searched through the whole of the skin, and yet the faint traces of the mite under the skin had escaped him, through being concealed by its excrement. This, however, will in no way detract from this distinguished miero- scopist's immortal fame. r The silk fibre is so far from being a simple structure, that it consists of three different layers. The outside integument is a lime-producing material, soluble in water by long-cou'iuued boiling only; the second consists of albumen, which is soluble in boiling acetic acid; whilst it is the innermost fibre or serein that is nitrogenous. t I have a silken ribbon which I myself unbound from a skull which, being that of a near relation, I know to have lain in the grave precisely forty-eight years. There were no minuto perforations, no mildew, tor any traces of decay perceptible, and to-day, three y ars afterwards, it looks like new. When graves are opened we often fin ' remaining unin- jured the cocoons of larva? which have been buried with the budies, ar.d have afterwards turned into chrysalids A few years ago I examined a comb which had been thrown away twelve months bef ) e in a corner of the apiary. The wax had entirely disappeared, and the r mainder con- sisted only of a kind of silken felt, which showed no signs of decom- position. JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February 3, 1870. and again removed immediately on the re-appearance of foul brood, whilst every foul piece of comb is excieed. As soon as we discover the disease in our apiary we commence a frequent examination of all the Btocks, and (especially daring the hot summer months) Bhift the infected colonies into purified hives. This purification may be effected in any way that will ex- pose the hives to boiling heat (212° F.). We either put them into an oven, or wash them repeatedly with boiling water. When quite dry we wash them over with alcohol 92°-97° of strength. Of equal efficacy in destroying all primary fungoid elements are the following : — 1. Carbolic acid,* in the proportion of one part acid to one- hundred parts water, destroys all the lower animal and vege- table organisms. 2. Permanganate of potasht (Cindy's fluid), in the propor- tion of one part fluid to three-hundred parts water, is just as effectual. Diluted sulphuric, nitric, or acetic acid is useful, but is not nearly equal in efficacy to the before-mentioned remedies. The ground in the apiary should be turned up and moistened with diluted sulphuric acid, or strewed with unslaked lime. J As there are no internal medicaments which will cure foul brood, we waste no time on their discussion. If the remedies herein described are energetically and per- severiugly employed, we may be eertain that the disease will be cured, even if widely spread. We Bhould as Utile think of killing bees as of throwing a sick child into the fire or water. The prompt excision of foul-broody combs, the purification of the hives as before recommended, and the disinfection of the ground, will infallibly work a cure. I cannot close this article without thanking the Earoness Lina von Berlepsch for translating into English my first paper on foul brood, and transmitting it to America. Next to her, I have, in the interests of science, to thank Messrs. Dzierzon, von Berlepsch, Leuckart, Vogel, and Schmid for the approval which, partly in the Bee Journal and partly by letter, they have expressed of the results of my examinations of foul brood, as published in the autumn of last year. In this way are removed the obstacles to the general acknowledgement of a truth which even its opponents will not long be able to deny. — Dr. Preuss, Sanitiitsrath. Chloroforming Bees ! — I once attempted to quiet an angry swarm of bees by slipping under the hive a sponge containing something over half an ounce of chloroform, and succeeded admirably. When they had become quiet, I removed what honey could be spared from their stores, and left them all quiet. They are quiet still, for the chloroform killed the last bee. — Dr. A. Lowe (in American Southern Cultivator). we should not be satisfied with less than 6 lbs. Ten hens are far too many for this season, five are plenty. Yon may pat twelve or fourteen in June. Your feeding is very bad. Give them good barley, maize, and barleymeal. Neither rice nor potatoes arc good as food. Colour and Gloss of Combs (Hamburgh).— Nothing but gboi con- dition -will do it ; a little meat will help, but it often produce? too threat a development, and the comb falls over. Poultry fob Tasmania (H. C.).— There U no doubt if they are pro- perly accommodated they will bear the vo)age very well, and it will answer your purpose to take them. Fowls for Confinement (W. B.).— For confinement we like Houdans, Brahmas, and Creve-Cceurs. As tho first and last are non-sitters, we should fur general purposes cb.0030 the Brahmas. Washing White Poultry {T. A. £,.).— Soda injures the feathers of fowls unless it is very carefully used. All that is really necessary to cleanse plumage is to wipe the feathers downwards with a sponge or piece of flannel soaped and dipped in water. Tf this bo lightly done, the feathers are soon clean. The dirty water shodld be carefully wiped off, and the bird put in a basket of hay or soft straw before a fire tUl it is dry. The fluff wants very careful manipulation. It is very delicate. Many instead of washing the fluff remove a /«o of the longest and most prominent feathers ; this allows the under ones which are perfectly clean to appear, and, as a rule, they are the most delicate both in fibre * A pound of carbolic acid costs 7A Bilber^Toschen (about 9d.). Half an ounce of acid to a quart of water is all that is necessary for washing hiveB. + Half an ounce cf the permanganate costs C silbergroschen (about 6 as latifolius, with broader leaves thin the species, and E. europrons pumilus or nanus, of less growth than the other varieties, are both desirable. All except the last-named attain a height of from 12 to 15 feet, and have whitish flowers at the end of May or beginning of June. E. verrucosus, or the waited kind, I have seen but little of; it seems to be of mode- rate growth, and curious. E. obovatus, with singular reversed egg-shaped leaves ; E. angustifolius, having narrow shining leaves, sub-evergreen ; and E. atropnrpureus, dark-purpla flowered, are North American species, and succeed best in damp soils and situations, and are useful for shrubberies skirt- ing American grounds. The deciduous species and varieties aro propagated from cuttings of the ripe young shoots, inserted in autumn in a shady sheltered border, in sandy soil. Th: cuttings should be 9 or 10 inches long, aud put two-thirds of their length in the soil. They will be well 'rooted by the autumn following. Plants from cuttings flower and fruit at an earlier stage than those raised from seed, but tho latter furnish the most vigorous plants. Seeds may be sown in autumn, or kept in sand until spring, and then sown in fine soil, covering them about half an inch deep. They are slow in germination. K^.ep the plants clear of weeds, water them in dry weather, and when a year old transplant them, not allowing them to become drawn up in the seed bed. It is the Evergreen Euonymuses, or rather those with variegated leaves, that I think most worthy of attention, and I wish to make a few remarks on their suitability for decora- live purposes in the flower garden and tho fronts of shrub- beries. In respect to the flower garden, any shrub or plant that will stand our ordinary winters uninjured, and be equally effective at all seasons, must be more suitable than plants or shrubs, which require artificial protection for fully half the year. There is tho dreary aspect of the beds in winter, the labour and cost of wintering tender plauts, propagation, taking up, potting and repotting, watering, and looking after, then the planting-out when other things itlso require attention, and many other con- siderations which must always militate against making too lavish a display in the flower garden by means of tender plants. The comparatively small amount of trouble given by hardy plants, and the greater dependence to be placed on their afford- February 10, 1S70. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 101 ing a display both early and late, as well as at the intermediate periods, must always be greatly in their favour. The best Euonymus for fl jwer garden purposes is E. radi- cans variegatus, for it is equally well adapted as au edging to beds and borders, for Hues in ribbon borders, and ior filling beds or panels in borders, and, indeed, it is suitable wherever a bright silver-variegated plant from G inches to 1 foot or more in height, is required. It i3 very pretty and eff.ctive, par- ticularly during April and May, from the young growths havirjg a golden hue, and on this account is very suitable for spring garden decoration. It is of rather slow growth, but this cir- cumstance is favourable rather than otherwise, where a per- manent edgiug is wanted. To form such quickly, plants if less than a year old should bo placed G indies apart, and if planted-out iu May, they will have grown sufficiently to meet each ether by July. They need no caro beyond pinching any shoots thit grow too tall or draggling, and slightly pegging the shoots, so as to fill up spaces where shoots are deficient. A mulching of leaf soil in autumn will do good, and ii put on neatly will not bo very conspicuous. In the following year the edging will be in fine condition, and will continue 80 tor many years, needing nothing beyond trimming off in .summer any irregu- larity of growth. If the edging become too large, cut it back in spring before growth commences. In soils not very wet and very heavy, the plant is quits hardy. This Euonyinus is propagated by cu1 tings of the young shoots, when the wood becomes firm, as it will be at the end of July, or beginning of August. Those 3 or 4 inches long, takea off wi'.h the growing point, are best. Trim off the leaves half way up the cutting, and insert it that depth in sandy soil, except that the pots are to be surfaced with half im inch of silver sand. The cuttings may be put iu closely, and after doing so, give a gentle wateriug, set the pots on ashes iu a cold frame, and daub the lights over inside with a thin coat of whiting mixed with milk. Place the frame facing the norlh ; if not, shade from 0 a.m. to 3 p jr., or afford a position shaded from.tbe sun during these hours. By the end of September the cuttings will be well rootod, and may be potted-off singly in 3-inch pots, in a compost of two parts fibrous loara, and c^f pact leaf soil, or very rotten manure, adding sand freely. Set the pots on a?hes in a cold frame in a sheltered situation, I.e.:; iug them rather close for a time, then admit air freely, protecting, however, from frost and heavy rains. The soil should be kept moist, but not very wet; indeed, little water will be required during the dull winter months. In severe weather protect the frame with mats thrown over the lights. After the cuttings are placed in the frame to shike, and after potting off, sprinkle with water as required, so as to keep the soil moist and the foliage fresh. In March, water freely, sprinklo the plants over- head in the morning, and pinch out the points of every shoot at the third joint. Expose them fully dunug the early part of the day, but shut up early in the afternoon, having first sprinkled the plants overhead. Harden them off well before planting-out in May, protecting them from frost, as, though hardy, from being grown under glass they are tender, and the young growths especially so. Tne mode of propagation above describes! answers for all the evergreen sorts. There are two other kinds with silver variegated leaves. One of these, E. trico'or, has leaves about fonr times the size of E. radicaus vari"g itus, each I if narrowly margined with white, and edged with bright rose. The silver margin is too small to render this sort useful for flower gardens, bat as a margin to beds, or groups and borders of shrubs, it is very effective. Ii. is of low growth, and forms a dense, compact line about a foot, wide and high. The plants require to be 1 foot apart for a close edging or line. The other silver-leaved kind is E. japonic as argentous variegatus. The growth of this is erect, but by closely stopping or eutting-back the shoots before making new growths, it may be d.vaifea', aud is then useful in the flower garden as a line or edging, and for filling beds. The leaves are large for a Euonymus, shining height green in the centre, with abroad margin of white, but where this joins the green it has a bright golden hue. It is ono of the finest cf all the varieties. E. gracilis roseus variegatus has bright silvery variegation, for the most part disposed over the upper part of the leaves, the base mostly green, with a narrow margin of white. The variegated portion of the leaves iu a mature state is tinged with pink. The plaut is of similar habit to E. radicaus variegatus, with which it is often confounded, but the leaves are larger and broader, and the plant grows taller. It makes a first-rato edging. E. latifolius albo-variegatus is very similar to B. japonicus argenteus variegatus, but the silvery variegation of the upper part of the leaves is more decided. It is very fine. E. aureo- variegatus has a long, bright, shining leaf ; the golden varie- gation from the base extends along both sides of the midrib, and irregularly spreads upwards, widening with the breadth of the leaf, and covering about half its surface. It is a free, erect- growing sort, and if left unstopped becomes loose aud straggling. To keep it compact it should be stopped, at least until it be- comes well furnished at the base. E. latifolius aureus, with an ovate leaf, bright, shining green at the base, and the upper part bright yellow, is the best of all the gold-leaved sorts, and forms a fine line or edging wherever a permanent golden-foliaged plant is required. By pinching back the shoots it may be formed into an edging G inches high. It is tho E. ovatus aureo- variegatus of some. E. nmrginatus aureus has a rather long leaf, bright green at the base, the upper part of a bright golden hue, and Ibis variegation extends by the edges nearly to the base. It is distinct and good, forming a good bordering to shrubs. Though of erect habit it mey be kept close by pinching back the shoots. The green vaiiety or species, E. japonicus, has no other merit ihf.n that of being an evergreen with shining green foliage. Tho adaptability of several of the above plants for many of the purposes to which silver and golden vut inter- est, especially to those amateurs who desire to know what names are the most correct to apply to their favourites. In this particular instance, be it known, we have a plant bearing one name — A. tricolor, among cultivators and in all the gar- dening journals ; and known by another name altogether, that of A. Wilkesiana, among botanists and in the higher class of plant literature ; nor has the fact of the identity of the two plants ever been made known to the gardening world until recently, so far a3 I am aware; certainly no record has fallen under my observation. In consequence, I desire to suggest the general adoption of the name Acalypha Wilkesiana as being the more legitimate or correct of the two, since the desirability of uniformity in nomenclature must be apparent to all. In all probability the plant was first discovered in the Fiji Islands many years ago by the Uni'el S ates' Exploring Expe- dition, which visited most of the Polynesian groups, aud be- sides making observations on the general features of the islands, collected examples of their vegetation, our Acalypha among other Fijian plants. The name Wilkesiana was given in honour of the commander of that expedition, Cipt. Wilkes, bv Dr. Muller, of Geneva; hence it hns priority in its favour. When Dr. Seemaun, in I860, visited these islands he also met with it, and, besides publishing in his excellent work, the "Flora Yjtiensn," a beautiful coloured plate of it, he tells also some interesting particulars respecting it. He states that, together with other fine-foliaged plants, it is frequently cultivated by the natives in proximity to their dwellings, and known by them under the name "Kalabuci-damu." He further says that the plant there attains to a height of 10 feet, and with its leaves varying intensely in the colours they display. We can readily imagine how highly ornamental it must appear. Lsstly, in its history, its introduction to our gardens by the Messrs. Veitch & Sons must be noticed — a fact which must be within remembrance of all, and though only some five or six years since, its propagation is so espy that it is now everywhere to be met with in hothouses throughout the country. Hence dates the application of the name Acalypha tricolor, a name which has, I believe, never been more than provisionally applied, and never recorded in any botanical work whatever, so far as I know. It is in our nurserymen's catalogues uni- formly quoted as introduced from New Caledonia, and, though never having been fortunate to obtain any other evidence cor- roborating the fact that it occurs there, it is known for certain that the Fijian group is an undoubted habitat. For the future it is to be hoped tint the plant will become everywhere known as Acalvpha Wilkesiana, rather than as A. tricolor. — R. C. Kingston, The Royal Herbarium, Kew. LAXTON'S CROSS-BRED PEAS. In answer to Mr. Laxton's communication in your last number, it is but fair to reply, that I am informed that neither Messrs. Carter nor Messrs. Hurst have ever catalogued, or spoken of. Hundredfold as "Laxton's." It would have been against their interests to do so, for Messrs. Caiter are carrying on numerous experiments on cross-breeding Peas in their extensive experimental grounds, and when they succeed in raising a superior variety, it would be very much against their own interests to assign the merit to some other experimenter by bestowing on it his name. Mr. Laxton unreasonably slates that between 1865, when Messrs. Carter became possessed of his Prolific Lougpod, and the present year, theie has not elapsed time sufficient to raise a stock of a variety of which it was one of the parents. I use the term " unreasonably," because at the close of his remarks he acknowledges that it can be done, and such, I am infoimed, was the fact. I am also inb.inml, or, rather, I have seen Mr. Laxton's letter, in which be offered less than forty quarts of new Peas, six varieties, for £550 ! (Five hundred and fifty pounds !) Two of the partners in Messrs. Carter's fiim and Mr. Hurst saw the Peas last summer at Mr. Laxton's, and formed the opinion that they weie not of sufficient merit to justify offering them to the public. Of the new varieties Messrs. Carter bought of Mr. Lixton in 18G8 (ninety-four quarts for £250), they intend discarding the variety called " Manifold," both in its dwarf aud tall form, consideiing it not of sufficient merit. It is only justice to Messrs. Carter to state that the other varieties they purchased will not be sent out until tested. I am glad of thus being able to state authentically tho high price paid by wholesale seedsmen for new superior varieties, because it will slmw purchasers why they have to pay so dearly for retailed quantities. — G. AiMMOBIUM ALATUM CULTURE. How pleasing at times to hear and see inquiries about those fine border plauts which of late years have fallen into disuse on account of the favour accorded to the occupants of the finely-dressed paiterre, yet tlvraare a few admirers left, and what is hopeful, their numbers are increasing ; so, perhaps, the neglected ones will by-and-by take up their proper position. A neglected plant that I think is deserving of a place in all gardens and shrubbery borders is Ammobium alatum. It appears to be at home iu almost all situations, will bear a good share of hard usnge, and will repay the cultivator. In a poor sandy soil we can have it from 1 to 2 feet in height ; iu moist, rich, sandy soil from 2 to i feet high. It is impatient of stag- nant water. It begins to bloom early in summer, and its flowers continue appearing quite to the autumn. They are invaluable for cutting for bouquets, and if cut before fully ex- panded and carefully dried will be found an acquisition to the number of diied flowers so much in demand for winter deco- ration ; the white and yellow, of which its blooms are com- posed, forming a pleasing contrast. Being kept in a cool dry February 10, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. place, when brought into a warm room astonishing is the dis- play which may be had from dried flowers, for many of them expand and, showing their colours, remind us of the sunny honrs of summer in the depth of winter's gloom. This plant may bo readily increased by seeds, division, or cuttings (which I prefei) of the side thoots slipped off in au- tumn, the jagged paits smoothly cut v.ith a sharp knife and put firmly into sandy soil in a shady place. They root with- out any further trouble. In this neighbourhood it is quite hardy. If not secured by stakes the plants are liable to become root-withered in exposed situations. To prevent this, I find it good practice to place a few stakes round the plant, according to the growth it is ex- pected to make, in a slanting direction from the root, running a string from stake to stake so that the branches may grow up freely among the ties, and when the plaDt is getting fully grown, I put a string loosely round all. Plants tied-up in the ordinary way look like a bundle, and are very unsightly. If a portion of the early growth i3 cut back, it causes a second growth and prolongs the flowering season considerably. When the plants become large, and have stood for a length of time, I have seen them partly die away. I find under such circumstances it is good policy to thin the shoots and reduce the crown a little in spring. There is another kind called Ammobinm plantagineum, but up to the present time it has not come under my notice in any of the trade lists. I would strongly recommend Ammobium alatum to the notice of those who grow plants to cut flowers from, and especially to market gardeners. A few good plants in a good soil would amply repay all who would take the trouble to acquaint themselves with it, and then possess themselves of it.— XI. H., Acldam Hall, Middlesbrough-on-Tees. fruit, when thevare hcaded-up, and are then ready for transport- ation. In this "state they will keep 6>r months, through hot and cold weather, alike unchanged. — (California Paper.) CRANBERRIES. Among the multitude of fruits that minister tu our comfort and pleasure the Cranberry is much neglected. It is one of the most useful of the wild fruits, and, with its keen but pleasant acidity, ranks next to the Red Currant for culinary purposes. For sauces, tarts, and pics it is unrivalled, and no housekeeper would think a roast turkey could be properly served without the inse- parable " Cranberry sauce." But limited efforts have been made to cultivate it for the market ; yet in the few instances where horticulturists have given attention to the subject, their efforts have met with ample success. The principal supply for the market is obtained from the plant in its wild state. In Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan, im- mense tracts of marsh land exist, upon which little or nothing else is produced. The fruit is extensively gathered by Indians and sold to the local merchants, who ship it in barrels and kegs to Chicago and Milwaukee, from whence it is distributed through the whole country. On the Pacific coast, the principal supply is obtained from the country bordering on Puget Sound, where it is gathered by the Indians and sold to traders in exchange for ■whisky and blankets. An instance is mentioned as having occurred in 1858, where a trader, whose sole stock in trade con- sisted of nine barrels of whisky, got in exchange therefor a large schooner-load of Cranberries. The government officers were notified of the fact, and went in pursuit of the enterprising, but risky, merchant. Owing to the good sailing qualities of his vessel he made his escape. The value of the berries obtained in exchange for these nine barrels of whisky amounted to several thousand dollars. There is quite an extensive trade carried on between San Francisco and Oregon in this fruit. Considerable quantities are also imported from the Atlantic States, which command about 10 cents a-gallon more than those of Oregon. Much has been said about the value of the purchase of Alaska, which has boon altogether based upon the timber, fisheries, and the fur trade, having overlooked one item which is destined to figure conspicuously hereafter in the commerce of that country. This is the Cranberry trade of K<>diak. This is the principal island in the Aleutian group. Large tracts of the island are covered with the Cranberry vine, which produces fruit un- surpassed in size and flavour. The Kodiak fruit readily com- mands in the market from 15 to 20 cents per pound moro than the Oregon.. There is no good reason why this fruit, so abun- dant in Oregon, Washington Territory, and Alaska, should not be offered in the market for one-half the present price, and then leave a large margin of profit to the dealers. One favourable feature in the Cranberry trade is the care with which they are prepared for shipping. They are put into kegs and barrels, into which sufficient water is poured to cover the THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. FEr.r.viKY 8th. The Chairman, in opening the proceedings said, as to tho past year, ho did not intend to enter upon the financial question, bnt on the great change which had been effected in what hail hitherto been known as the Tuesday meetings. Ever since he first became counected with the Society, some thirty years ago, there had been Tuesday meetings. These meetings, which* take place fortnightly, are held now on Wed- nesdays. He had his doubts as to the success of the experiment, but tliey were overruled by his colleagues. The change, which was looked forward to as a sort of revolution, was effected much more quietly than revolutions usually are. He had not the least doubt that things would run on in their old groove as before this change, and the meetings would become more and more important. He should refer them to the schedules as the best guide. In reference to the future, two most im- portant changes were in progress— one just commenced on the right and left of the arcades. The many pleasant prospects they held out of enjoyment would very greatly enhance the future of the Society. The other important thing, and this was a subject he approached with pain, was the proposed abandonment or removal of Clusui k Garden. Those who remembered all the ancient glories of Chiswick, and the many pleasant days they speut there, must be grieved indeed to think the time had come when they and Chiswick would have to part. In the first place there is the rise of London, which militates sadly against not onlv the rural character of the place, but the growth and welfare of the "plants, which exhibit signs of the baneful influence of the London atmosphere and London smoke. Then there is the deficiency of funds. Unless a great garden is well kept up. it is of no good. It is painful to ns I the Council) to have to leave it in this state, but the funds will not permit ns to keep it np in the same sort of Btyle that -we keep up the garden at Kensington. The third reason, which is most important, is that the lease is approaching its termination, and we have not the power to renew it if we wished it renewed. Since the breaking up of the establishment at Chiswick is only a question of years, the sooner we look matters in the face the better. The soouer we look out for Bome smaller place with a purer atmosphere, so that, although it may be further from town, it may be reached sooner than Chiswick, the better. We are placed in an enviable position as regards funds for the purpose. Our late Fellow.Mr. Alfred Davis, has put us down in his will for the very handsome legacy of £"2,0OO, and if the Society should think it desirable, we propose to apply it to the expense of flitting from Chiswick. The Council would be happy to hear the opimon of their members on the subject. He congratulated the Fellows on the progress the Society had made during the past year. They would be exceedingly sorry to part from any of their good friends, whether gentlemen or ladies still their grief might be in some measure alleviated if they were to do as Mr. Davis had done, and leave the Society a good legacy in their wills. . The Assistant-Secretary then read the report of the Cormcu, which we append. Mr. E. Kosher moved the adoption of the report, which was seconded by Mr. Blexkins, who said that if the relinquishment of the establishment at Chiswick contribute to the better financial con- dition of the Society, the present regrets may be turned into joy, and he hoped that such might be the case. Mr Godson said : Do not throw overboard Chiswick, on which you have spent thousands, from which nothing has been obtained. None of the members would think of such a thing. I have been waiting year by year to hear from the Council as to what they intend to do with Chiswick. The removal of the plants from that garden would destroy all in which lovers of horticulture bad there taken so great deli"ht Yon speak of having a garden somewhere in the country. Where is there a place within ten miles of Londou where yon will not find houses ? I see you are making great alterations in this garden at Kensington, laving down grass where flowers formerly were. I tlways understood 'that this garden was for ladies, and that ladies were florists ; can ladies enjoy the green grass ? I put it to the Council whether they should not consider among themselves that a general meeting be called before anything is done. But why have we a. diffi- culty in renewin" the lease ? If you had paid ihe amount at the end of the first term, we should have been in no difficulty about the lease. I contend that the present condition of Chiswick is such, that it is tar in advance of any other place yon can obtain. Look at the money you have spent on houses which, if you had the intention of relin- quishing Chiswick, you should have taken care not to have spent. There you go from bad to worse. I put it as a question of prudence and honour, whether you should not call a special general meeting, and submit the whole question to the Fellows, and if they say, Let Chiswick go, my voice will be only one raised against it. Mr. Arthur Grote thought that the Council contended m the proposition contained in the Report, that it v. us not worthwhile to retain Chiswick during a short period, ns the next eleven years. Mr Wrtsox Sacsders : The Council have come to the resolution 104 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ; February 10, 181.0. ments which are earned on by the Society w» fai sr-t and the exhibitions that were earned on gave an im- 35&£&&££ 3 £ Soeilty, «^^T ^« he Su^o garden;." OT -Inch even gentlemen, who could not "^orprLs, Beet pretty plants byway of -"""V"*. fe£ iianstriotiB labourer. All this has arisen from Chiswick. We Have aonelSr dnty, and Chiswick bus done its duty. We must keep pace ^Maioi-K^nEYOB Clarke found himself one of three of the oldest and most 'si. rely-atta, bed lovers of the old =s , %*»*£* ..,;„, hnt nnon hearing what be had heard in odicefor the last UM i Sh foCd hat after having had the gardens under-the manage- Sen of on able finaneier, and an honest and upright hard-working " , U,e Secretary, Colonel Scott, the Conner! could not carry "n the garden at Chi7wick with the means at their command He would say to all, both oi the old regime and modem school, that the ™or old gard no aid i , I be k. p( going. " To let it go grieves me. It is like shooting a favourite old horse: it grieves me to the heart, bnt I feel the thing must be done." „«_.«„- Mr J H Good urged upon the Council the necessity of making some' distinction between the older and younger members of the Society He also recommended that the interest on the debentures ^■Go^fJ°tL%^l to the Council whether they would appoint a special general meeting to consider the question of the ^Tlr^t^-I think it quite sufficient to say that for what occurred twenty years, ago the Council are no more respons, hie than Mr. Godson himself. As i sards the question of submitting- to a mineral meeting the question of the removal of the garden other place, the Council have no objection to such an arrangement. Mr Gideon knows that this has been more or less discussed for many years past, and this legacy has given us the opportunity of doing now what has been long contemplated, and we walk out from our old garden with ail honours and colours flying; but if we stay there for another ten years we shall not come out m triumph. As regards tbe quesUon of 'access to Chiswick, I find that I can travel ten miles in 2ny other direction more quickly than to Chiswick. Then, on the ques- tion of the fell influence of the smoke on plants and trees, Irenlembei, at the first meeting 1 had the honour of addressing from this Council table, I deplored the most deleterious ehects of the Loudon atmo- sphere on vegetation, and these have been increasing in intensity ever ""Mr Godson said he did not understand whether the Council con- sented to recommend f. special general meeting to consider the question of Chiswick. , . „ ,, ■ , , Colonel Scott. B.E., thought that some of the gentlemen might suppose, from what Mr. Godson said, that it was never contemplated before that Chiswick should ho given up. In li-30 there was a com- mittee of inquiry on the subject, and also in 1855, and again during the time that Mr. Godson was on the Council it was taken into serious consideration. ., _ ,, Mr God=on —Yes ! and £5,000 were subscribed to preserve the garden to the Society, all of which was disposed of in some way or other. Colonel Scott.-I am surprised to bear Mr Godson is not on the side of economy. Mr. Godson, having been on the Council, must have known that the" expense of keeping up Chiswick is very arge indeed- itbei.v £1,!-M0 to £-.,«.", a-jear. The number of fellows who visit it yearly does not exceed 300, and most oi these go down to hay frnit. Now, under these circumstances, whatever sentimental feeling ther may he about the matter. 1 really cannot see what the Fellows wil ' , ' , fi -oui the removal of tbe garden to a more appropriate spot. MrGodso^thrnkXreissom, * "^ nf kensinsrton The great compl , ;,bceu In we b"?e expended too much on .he decoration of the gardens there havTng arrived at a betternotion of the matter, we intend to make the decorations of South Kensington cheaper. Mr. Gonsoa.-Will the Co, '^T'^lu"' Meetm* if thev will call . ■ of the Society . c'.loml S< ■■-■■ -W;.l Hr. Godson 1-1 some one to .second his amenornent? It i. not too much to ask this of him ,u bringing ^riroT?i"houhri:;.v'L;; :'::■,■, *»*, dothat; mi ™* »$«.;..■,- ;i^:';t^;-,1,tt,,ema(;(r before the Fellows, and the main object of ther JJ^-^J^jM .be Fell, ws, and to ascertain their feeling. U toe t, enng oi fh Fellows fos le- '^.'"^n^S Z the Council, some one would be found ^»,fMns^ but he could not alter the ordinary regulations by v.1. eh the *"W£ hitherto had been conducted to meet, this case. Why did Mr. Gou son hesitate to move a substantive motion.' - M" God, on -Why do I hesitate ? because this report was not in oufhands befo e we enter, d the room, and therefore I cannot ask any ^ntlemsn to second thisReport I wo,, d movefile »< 3->— e Meeting to this day w.,1 .'■■.■ »ean me. Mr. Co a-.eryimpoilaut .,„• ■-.... n. 1 .lit ^ £?'"™ favourable and on such an important occasion as this the Allows "''■"vfalowTesub- Lons , n the part of the Coun, .1 il they would allow tbe sun jectto Btand^urnod ^ ^ rf . . r^eTthemyto dispose of the report at that meefang, ' ; ^:U^Zt^ tion of the report pledged tbe meeUu.'to any particular course. He did not think they signed the death-warrant of Chiswick in so d r^neil The Cm,, •. . said that in submitting '^.H^fte FeS^s » ,„,,j„,li,,,l .1,.-^ when (he details were laid before tbe * euows a I!':1 ' i, :li,,l would see the absolute, though pam ill , „f1:1hand„ningChi,wickGa.llen. Let them, then, test what '^eV^:,:': tmrl^th^ before anythii^ further was done in the ;;•-!/'; "nancLi depression wMAJg 0 u"h he honest side of the question ought to be ^oUijX Mr? Godson said he himself would pat down twenty gi uneas to .pre .^le Chiswick gardens, and be did not doubt others would follow his ^ "C^lcon replied that such a state of things had b»M| • t V., is',1 and every ti ' a sent round tte SSteaffi»^S£ Lear proof that Ik S and HenrvCois C.B.,1 ittee-men- ana Messrs. ! aTor hi^a^m^donrition of Orchids referred to i, the ^T. : • ^"nded the motion, which, he said, was the interests of tbe Society deeply impressed on their hearts. EEPOP.T OF THE COUNCIL TO THE lam GENERil. MEETING 1 TtrsroES the usual account of tbe routine business of the Society 1 1 Suite duty of the Council to give at this time, there are two TlSlwiSESS- OH. »•=.! W-rt-a E,MbS» February 10, 1870 ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GA1 DENEE. about to he established on the Annexes by H.M. Commissioners for the Exhibition of 1851 (3ee Appendix I.*). The communication ■which has been recently issued to the Fellows will have informed them that the Council have entered into an arrangement with tho Commis- sioners of a mutually beneficial character. A copy of the agreement with them will be found in the Appendix. These arrangements will, the Council believe, materially benefit the finances of the Society, and also secure to the Fellows personally important privileges as respects the terms on which they can obtain admission to the International Exhi- bitions. The Commissioners also undertako to fiuish the Gardens without throwing any further liability on the Society. 3. The second subject of importance relates to the working garden of the Society. For some years past the Council have seen the necessity of changing their experimental garden from Chiswick to some locality better suited for their operations; for the results of the cultivation there, owing to its low, cold, damp position, combined with the gradual increase of smoke and houses around it, are yearly becoming less satisfactory, whilst the expenditure entailed by tho establishment is constantly increased. Moreover, the termination of the lease will of itself necessitate a change in a few years. A garden conveniently situated in pure air and with good soil would enable the Council to carry out their horticultural operations with increased efficiency and at re- duced cost. An obstacle which would have hampered them in carry- ing out this change — viz., the expense of establishing a new garden, has been (as they believe) opportunely removed by a valuable bequest to the Society by their late Fellow Mr. Alfred Davis, which will enable the Council to effect this improvement, and at the same time preserve the memory of the bequest, and of Mr. Davis's interest in the Society in a permanent shape. 4. As regards the financial condition of the Society, the Council have to report that there has been a slight increase in the number of Fellows, and the^number on the books is the largest on record. The actual amount of subscriptions reserved for 1869 was £7193 ; in 1808 it was £7113; the number of transferable tickets taken out has con- siderably decreased since the present monetary depression commenced. The receipts from the Exhibitions of the Society were about the same as of 1808, with which those last year are fairly comparable, the num- ber of shows and the amount of money offered in prizes being similar in the two cases. The promenades have been belter attended and more productive than in the preceding year. 5. The country shows having, both at Bury and Leicester, proved to some extent remunerative, the Council anticipated that there might have been a considerable Burplas from the Exhibition at so large a place as Manchester. In tins they have been disappointed. The returns will do no more than meet the expenses. Notwithstanding this, they regard the institution of these country shows with satisfac- tion. In every instance they have been productive of benefit to horticulture, have spread knowledge among the people, and indirectly benefited the So iaty. 6. In their ia t report the Council mentioned that they were taking measures to secure the more rapid publication of tho proceedings of their different Committees. This they carried into execution, but as the expense for distributing them to all the Fellows by post would be too great, it was intimated that those who might desire it would receive them on application to the Assistant Secretary. Accordingly at each successive Tuesday meeting, copies of the proceedings of the previous meetings have been distributed to those Fellows who applied for them. Those who have not availed themselves of this privilege will get the back copies on applying at tha office. 7. The success of the fortnightly Fruit and Floral Meetings, hitherto held on the Tuesday afternoon, bat now held on Wednesday, has been so marked, and the attendance at them so numerous, that the Council have been induced to make an important change in the Society's working as respects its exhibitions generally. These meet- ings have been chiefly made successful by the zealous co operation of the Fellows, but especially of the exhibitors, who have not only bronghfc to them the new and rare productions for which they desired to have the Society's certificate of approval, but large and beautiful collections of flowers already well established in tho estimation of horticulturists, and have thus added such attractions to the meetings as really to con- vert them into important floral exhibitions. Seeing that they have practically assumed this position, the Council have thought it be^st to combine the general exhibitions with them. This arrangement, while commending itself to the exhibitors by reducing the total number of floral meetings and exhibitions, will have the effect of adding to the numbers of those which specially attract tho great body of theFellows and the public. By distributing the prizes also over a greater number of days, the exhibitions will be rendered more independent of the weather, and less perilous to the Society. S. The Fruit and Floral Committees have worked thoroughly well, and their decisions continue to be accepted by the country with con- fidence. The Council have under consideration a scheme for improv- ing! the mode of election to these bodies, as membership is now an office much prized by the practical horticulturists. 9. The Council also refer, with the greatest satisfaction, to the work- ing of the Scientific Committee. This Committee, at the date of the last annual Report to the Fellows, had made a good commencement of their labours. The large attendance of its members at every mect- We shall publish this next weci ing has now given ample proof that the subjects brought before the Society afford matter of sufficient interest to engage the thoughts and attention of the leaders of the different branches of natural science. 10. Another effort to promote the advance of horticulture on which the Council look with satisfaction, is their collection of insects in- jurious to vegetation now forming and housed in the South Kensing- ton Museum. Some of the Fellows have kindly aided their efforts to procure materials for this collection, and as many have it in their power to contribute, the Council trust that ere long the blanks existing in the case already put up may be tilled, and a large accession of material procured. This is a matter in which every one possessed of a field or garden has a personal interest. 11. The Lindlcy Library has not received many accessions during the past year, which is probably due to its not yet being deposited in a sufficiently accessible place. The Council expect that as soon as the Royal Albert Hall is completed this deficiency will "be supplied, and in the meantime remind the Fellows of the Library, and again invite contributions. 12. A new Orchid-house has been erected for the reception of a fine collection of cool Orchids which has been presented to the Society bv Mr. Batemau. The Council feel that the thanks of the Society are due to Mr. Batemau, not only for this handsome donation, but for the great personal trouble and labour he voluntarily undertakes for the instruction and entertainment of the Fellows at their fortnightly meetings. 13. The system of examination for young gardeners established by the Society, and carried out partly with the machinery of the Society of Arts, continues to work well; 11. It will be seen from the aunexed Report cf the Chiswick Board of Directors, that unusually largo collections of seeds, plants, and cuttings have been distributed among tho Fellows during the past and present years, and the ballot lists will show that the plants havb been new and valuable : some of these were produced at Chiswick. They have also been able to supply some foreign and colonial estab- lishments with collections of cuttings of fruit trees ; the Horticultural Society or Victoria, and of Fort Elizabeth, Natal, in particular, have especially desired their thanks to be conveyed to the Society for dona- tions which they regard as important. 15. It will be seen, therefore, that amidst the varied objects to which the Council have had to give their attention, they have not overlooked tho importance of horticultural inter-communication with the colonies. The annexed prospectus (Appendix I.), will show that they have also taken the necessary steps to secure the advantage of international competition for horticulture at the approaching Annual Exhibition of Art and Industry. Terms of Arrangement Between Her Majesty's Commissioners for 1851 and the royal horticultural society, consequent upon the Annual International Exhibitions to be held at South Kensington in 1S71 and following Years :— The Society to give to the Commissioners the permission to admit to the Gardens all visitors to the proposed International Exhibitious; and the use of the Northern Arcades from the 1st April to 31st October, the Commissioners providing in lieu thereof, for the use of the Society, a covered communication on the roofs of these structures between the Orchard-house entrance and the Conservatory. All receipts for admission to the Gardens or International Exhibi- tions from 1st May to 30th September taken at the entrances to be the property of tho Commissioners, and out of such receipts the Com- missioners to pay to the Society Id. out of each shilling so taken. The cost of bands for the Horticultural Shows and for the Prome- nades during the iive months of the International Exhibition to be defrayed by the Commissioners. Fellows of the Society to have the privilege of purchasing season, tickets for the International Exhibitions with a reduction of one guinea per ticket on the price charged to the public ; one such season ticket to be obtainable for every 2-guiuea subscription paid to the Society. Fellows of the Society to have the privilege of purchasing tickets of admission for their friends to tho Horticultural Shows and Promenades at a lower price than is charged to the public at the doors, such tickets carrying with them the privilege of admission to the whole of the In- ternational Exhibitions. The whole proceeds of the sale of such tickets to the Fellows of the Society for the Horticultural Shows, and Id. hi tho shilling on the tiokets sold for the Promenades, to be the property of the Society. Two days of the week, as at present, the price of admission to the Exhibitions and Gardens to the general public to be not less than 2s. GJ. For Horticultural Exhibition days the price of admission to he regulated by the Expenses Committee. It is understood that the Commissioners will finish the arcades and make such improvements in the Gardens as may be necessary to pro- vide increased promenade space, now so much required. The present exclusive privilege of the use by the Fellows of such portions of the Annexes as are not required iu carrying out the objects of the Commissioners not to be interfered with. Extracts from the Reports to the Council from the Chiswick Board of Directors. January, 1870. The Orchard-house is well tilled by a large and valuable collection of Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, and other fruit-trees, some of which 106 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February 10, 1870. are planted in the bordi these was presented by Me nd others ._ pots. The great bulk of and Son, of Sawbridgeworth ; tuese was '""V'rinlw, lY neer Nottingham ; Messrs. Veitch and Son, Mr. Pearson, of LhUwi i . mi h Ij0„aon, while a large J. and C. Lee, and Osborn and Son, «*$r%Lhtiaiaei stones. number of seeding Pcoche. , ra , e d from car.fall^ .^ A IZ C^^^Sidft- sonJ'valuable actions will be "^important alteration has been made in ^J^^lon* large Conservatory. The Vine,, .huh were P^***^ ^ir fT>ll of as many varieties being proved as P<™*^ SotTof these were Lit of .face and,become_somewhat crowded.^ ^j\^ he forest trees. Some time mnst necessarily elapse before any resnlt can be obtained. BrJ.TEMH.1 of Accousts from 1st of January to 81st December, 1869. HECE1PTB. d. To Life Compositions si? 18 0 „ AdmisBion Fees °" .„ R • Annual Subscriptions I™ »» » tGarden Produce and Charges bOJ 1 » Daily AdmiEbi.ms and Promenades .. 6_b 19 a Kent of space in Arcades 2™ f " Exhibitions and Fetes.. ^f J g " Advertisements in Proceedings 44 g J „ Miscellaneous || *J fl utside had succeeded better ■ th been entirely done away- enlarged by removing tho bottom ,„u the other:, with and that on the outs.de very much walk from the top of the terrace o , tU. By this arrangement there will be : a great .saving of labour, l'i.f-r'nOflO packets of Vegetable seeds ; £,;' 110 cuttings of Figs; 421 cuttings of ^ery'suc^^^ from the trees and the *»*$*£*£& ZZESSl Another of them grew, and some o all ^-neW teen Fcnt off, flnd it is SSft to Sow tfthefe cautions are highly valued by the colonists. , . .. S^ffitf&r^^ « * ^ *" lar86 supply »»C\°V?« * *U°*?J£™ with the commercial cultivators of to afford materials for "than s u " T,lelvrabachias will also xii uic ««>■ „..„n„,OT,,0i trf-es crown m the caulen, bucu w. Biderable number of oinamental t^sgro ^ ^ species of „CrategnB,_Pjrn.. wrt a l^ S^ ^ ^ ^ at ^ 12,106 15 npaid . . £717 12 , unpaid 150 0 ExrENDITEBE. d. By Balance from 1868 By CKisvyiek QordaiExpentet-vU .— Rent, Rates, and Taxes • • • • • **£ » 4 I * pigments Manure Coke :.*5. =« £ 1 Treraf Plan^, aco Shrnbo ; x? jj Miscellaneous • By Expenses of Management— vu.:— 4M Salaries VAI'J.' - n Printing, Almanacs, and stationary Journal • • .• • '. Frait and Floral Committees JJ Foreign Importationr 2 0 0 0 10 2 4 12 1 Foreign linpnnalHiuB , „ Examination of Gardeners £- u ° Di:tSicr of Seais Phffita and Cut ^ ^ ^ tings 21 5 0 Reading Room ^ c 3 Horticultural Directors (including Fees for Judges, Examiners of Gardeners, ^ ^ W 3S ! M 18 " Co^feCctionofiii'f.'ectVnoxionsto Vegetable ^ jg o _. Llh , K 0 10 About 200 sets of the oav apply for them in preference W of such of ^the Mow. a-ay ^^d. annuiS/^T ^ht°;eea\nste0Direrrs recommend should be sown as as additions to the i eitni'aieu ui onmpaiifnllv crown in pots of donble-flowered Pelargoniums wa.«,y Bn««sfnl ^g V^ nnder glass for- whldi purp se they .»«' ,£/ Committf of ^rtse^ootcUonfwill appear in the « Proceedrngs of the Society. . ;,,=titnted though not till somewhat late in Some experiments weie. "titot^ tn ongn^ ^^ ^ he season, m «*«-J *eri^| pelargoniums, and theflowei- Bacp( ui •■ <'/ ExhibUumt— «« .— fl Auvertisiug nnd Posting Prizes and Medals 453 18 Bands... s ! Poll: the season, in the leaf.colouring 01 . tne ™^J^» y^S°" Some' aooonnt of these development of the otanatybubung ^ ^^ UeCi expenments has bu n . >a> ^ procecdiugs •■ 0f that body, and will appear in the lepoit 01 tne r b Phloxes A large^ollection o: ««nt vanet e ™mons has been procured, w.th the lt w y ^ ^^ these trial during the ensuing reason, it D. »o LU t advances flowers were maae the subjects of -T.scrutmyw u ^ have beer, made ^»^"£ ^f'the Crgoninm. and snb- ^caTptr^U ^rd ^ct'of interest in the=noral department auring the ensuing summer a »*«£«». ^^ mflnure rtain Asenesof expe.me.tson nMtnI0B. or are cultivated as Lab..ur,"j'udge's;' Fees', Luncheons, and ^ Sundries • ■ • ; ■ • ;; " ".* Russian Exhibition and Arboncultural ^ g q Expenses of Permanent Exhibition 54 15 4 B» Xeminfton Oarden Expenses— viz. :— ^519 7 Labour •■ ' " lfn4 0 11 Rates, Taxes, and Insurance Uj» J ** Engineer g 12 0 tVat3r 494 f 7 I^Smtc ilarure C^s are Coke 166 1| S Gravel • o 2 2 Trees, Plants, Seeds, Sc 0 „ 0 fuperintendent's Salary -^ j 7 Miscellaneous ■ ^ciTd plants which nsuall »o««ta ]£*»*« chi5W„.k anring objects of profit, has been diligently cameo on Conversazione By Interest on 1 2789 6 11 184 13 0 1939 0 10 1049 0 11 i Current Account', £2,409 12 10. £12,106 15 7 reBulls- . i i „„„,:.„. l,R<1 been made on the effect of A valuable scries ^^nitoatVlnfinence cannot be ascer- iff«rent stocks on K JMntJ9 on]>. . but BS far a3 the experi- (liffcrent stocks ments go the resuU has \Z JaulTior^'the SenUncCommittee;and will be published^ the 'jJ™™'^ in the Rardenj and planted with a &Stol£7£f tt%SrtTBnggestea by Mr Andrew Murray aiXave'Pthl comparluve effects of pruning and non-prumng on SI st January, 1870. rnrrect Audit d and lui.na correct, a James NicnonsoK,! robebt hc-dso!.-, >j John Gibson. ) THE FIG AND ITS CULTURE.-No. 1. M, „Pq nr PEOPAOiTios.-The increase or propagation of the SJft^SSI ^fionXrs, by inarching, ana, la5;^^S,.-Tbese are young shoots from near the baee or crown oiVe 7^ which.^hen taken off, have February 10, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. generally a small portion of root attached. These being planted or potted at once soon form plants. Sub-division. — This can only be effected with old plants which have been allowed to produce many stems from the base, instead of having been confined to one. It is simply a split- ting-np of the entire plant into several. Layering, — This is accomplished by bending the branches of the tree down to the ground, covering them in places with a little fine soil, and making them fast with pegs, leaving the points of the shoots a few inches above the surface. The emission of roots is encouraged by making a slight cut about halfway through, or in some other way bruising the shoot, thus arrest- ing the regular flow of sap. If care be taken to keep the sur- rounding soil sufficiently moist, roots will be freely emitted, and fine plants formed by the end of the season, the operation of layering being performed early in spring before vegetation commences. Seed. — Seedling Figs are plants more of accident than design. I know of no instance of the raising of a good seedling Fig, although such undoubtedly must have been the case at some time, to have given us such a great variety as we now possess. I have several seedling Figs under my care, about which a tale will yet have to be told. Fig seed is not in our seedsmen's catalogues, so that it would seem to be either scarce or of no value. Plenty of good Fig seed which germinates freely is to be found in the dried Figs of commerce. A remarkable instance of this was brought to my notice by Major Clarke, who had sown some seeds in one of those chip Fig boxes, when, lo ! instead of the plants intended, a magnificent crop of young Figs ap- peared. I do not know of any instance of the ripening of Fig seed in this country. Seedling Figs take a great many years to arrive at a fruiting state, so that on that account, excepting the remote chance of an improved variety, it is a mode of propagation not to be recommended. Cuttings — Eyes. — The propagation of the Fig by means of cuttings and eyes, which are practically the same, is at once the best, the simplest, and the most practical. A greater in- crease may be effected by this mode than by any other, as nearly every portion of the plant may be turned to account ; even some portions of the roots will produce plants. As regards the selection and preparation of cuttings, the ac- companying woodcuts show a set of prepared cuttings, cut from the shoots of an ordinary plant, the object being to show not heel, as it is called, of the older wood. As few cuttings, how- ever, of that sort exactly can be obtained from a plant, the other portions have to be cut up, as shown in jig. 3 (being the Fig. 1. Fig. 2. simply the best style of cutting which may be selected, but rather how a shoot, such as that represented by jig. 1, should or might be manipulated by the propagator. The simplest form of cutting is that represented by fig. 2, being a short shoot of last season's growth taken off with * Fig. 5. Fig. 6. Fig. 8. Fig. 4. point of a shoot), or into pieces containing two eyes like fig. 4. or into single eyes like fig. 5. The whole of these represent the cuttings after the formation of roots has taken place, while fig. G represents a cutting or eye as prepared. Stubby, short- jointed, well-ripened wood forms the best cuttings, and strikes root most readily. One-year- old wood is the best, though that of two or three years' growth will also answer, though no eyes may be visible. Long, spindling, badly-ripened shoots, such as are produced where the wood is crowded, form the worst of all cuttings, and strike with diffi- culty. The best season for propaga- tion by cuttings is the months of January and February, the cuttings being taken off while the plants are at rest ; if taken after the sap is in motion the milky juice which is produced so abundantly prevents the rooting of the cutting. The same difficulty is experienced with the yonng growing shoots in summer. Towards autumn, when the wood is ripening, it strikes more freely, and just previous to the fall of the leaf cuttings root most readily with much less heat than is required in spring. The cuttings being prepared they must, if made in spring, have the assistance of a strong moist bottom heat, and a close warm atmosphere. A bottom heat of 70° at least is required. I have achieved the greatest success by placing the cuttings in some loose cocoa-nut-fibre refuse with sand, under a bell-glass or close frame on the top of a hot-water tank. Thus placed they begin to grow and produce roots, as shown in the figures. in the space of ten days, and every cutting succeeds, the roots, as will be observed, being emitted from any part of the stem. Cuttings will strike under cooler treatment than this, but only a moiety will succeed. Cuttings taken in au- tumn require, as just stated, less heat, and a few cuttings may, indeed, strike root in the open border. After the cuttings are rooted, like those represented in the figures, they should be rjotted-off in small pots in some nice light soil, and grown on in a temperature of 60° or 70°, with the assistance of a little bottom heat. Grafting, Inarching, and Budding may be performed after rhe ordinary methods adopted for other fruit trees. They are modes, however, which require very seldom to be resorted to. unless one has a fancy to speedily produce a large plant of a 108 JOURNAL OF HOETJCTJLTVJRE AND fJOTTAGE GABDENEK. [ February 10, 1671/. new variety on an old one, or, having large plants, to prove new varieties. For this purpose grafting or inarching by the ordinary tongue or cleft process in spring, is most to be recom- mended.—A. B. C. GARDENS OF EAST KENT— SURRENDEN- DERING. The Seat or Sir. Edwakd Debing, Bart. (Concluded from page 85.) In a house in front of the vineries there -was a fine crop of Cucumbers, hanging from a trellis ; the sorts were Needle Gun and Hamilton's Favourite. The method oi growing the Cu- cumbers is worthy of notice. A stage or platform of planks, about a yard wide, extended along the centre of the house ; on this, at regular distances, heaps were formed of rough lumps of peat, and a Cucumber plant was turned out in each heap. As the roots passed through the peat they were covered with a layer of pure loam, and more and more loam was gradually added till a solid bank had been formed, which was one mass of roots. Cucumbers were first cut from these plants early in May ; they had given a constant supply throughout the summer, and from their appearance when I saw them they were likely to continue cropping for some time, At the last one or two top-dressings to the roots, cow dung had been substituted for the loam with the best possible effects. A variety of plantB for furnishing were growing on the front and side stages, consisting of Ferns, a few Orchids, Dracrenas, Begonias, and other useful plants. I also noticed a fine plant of the variegated Hoya carnosa. Some pits containing Melons constituted the remaining glass in this enclosure. Near the vineries the neat and comfortable little bothy, partly concealed by a Virginian Creeper, is a picturesque ob- ject. One hundred and fifty feet of a south wall adjoin- ing the bothy was planted with flourishing young Peach trees, while on the border in front oi them were good crops of Let- tuce, autumn-sown Onions, late Carrots, and Spinach. I may here remark that the majority of fruit trees on the walls are so old as to give but little fruit, but they are being gradually re- moved and young trees planted in their places. In the store room my attention was called to the seed Pota- toes, consisting principally of large quantities of Myatt's Pro- lific and Wheeler's Imperial, all set on end in single layers on shelves placed in tiers one above another ; here they will re- main till removed for planting in the spring; then, as each Potato is carefully taken from its shelf and placed in a tray or flat basket, it will receive a gash with a knife, in order to in- duce deoay, and thus afford moisture and nourishment to the young growth. At one time a small portion of each Potato was sliced off, but as this was considered to be so much vigour and nourishment wasted, the gash was substituted with the best effects. By this careful preparation of the seed most abundant crops are obtained ; for example, a fair average por- tion was measured this season, and from three poles of ground four sacks of good Potatoes and one sack of small Potatoes were picked. The soil is stirred deeply, and the Potatoes are planted near the surface, in rows 30 inches apart. Having fine sturdy shoots when planted, they quickly make growth, and as soon as the shoots are visible the soil is stirred with hoes, and when they are a few inches high the soil between the rows is again well stirred with steel forks, the Potatoes are slightly earthed-up, and a finish is given to the whole as the labourer proceeds, so that all trampling is avoided. Before leaving the store house I noticed an excellent form of hamper, in which cut flowers are forwarded to the family when in London. It is square, 2 feet deep, " feet long, and 18 inches wide ; it has moveable wicker trays, which fit one above the other, and at intervals the sides of the hamper have open wickerwork for the admission of air. In the garden next to the enclosure containing the glass houses is the very comfortable and commodious gardener's cottage. The crops of vegetables were fine and abundant. A bed of Beet, called Lee's Belvoir Castle, had very handsome dwarf foliage of a rich metallic hue. It was pointed out as likely to be useful for ribbon borders ; it certainly presents a very striking appearance. A fine bed of Early ijlm Savoy, 1000 in number, and a bed of that most useful Cabbage, Little Pixie, were noticeable. To give some idea of the quantities of vegetables grown here, I may mention beds containing 2000 Brussels Sprouts plants, 1G00 Cabbages, 3000 Brocsolis, and 1800 plants of Celery. Some young Plum trees on the walls had abundant crops. High culture, order, and neatness prevailed here as well as in every other department. In the next, or nursery garden, so called from part of it being used as a nursery for forest trees, is the orchard honse, a fine lean-to, 100 feet long and 9 feet wide, without any means of obtaining artificial heat. The trees, consisting of varieties of Peaches and Nectarines, were trained to the back •wall. They were in splendid health, the foliage being very conspicu- ous from its very dark green hue ; but in common with most other unheated houses this season, this fine collection oi trees has been almost devoid of frnit, only three dozen having been matured. The cause of this failure, in Mr. Sage's opinion, is owing to the very low temperature and damp atmoBphere which prevailed when the trees were in bloom ; if this opinion be wrong, it is certain that not one of the reasons assigned for the failure by Mr. Brehaut, at page lie of vol. xvii., is at all applicable to this case, for here the trees are young and in full vigour ; they are neithsr crowded nor shaded, as there is no obstruction between them and the light ; the situation is by no means damp ; the ventilation is thorough ; and the roots are well in hand, as the entire border rests on hard concrete. Some dwarf Fig bushes in pots were cropping well ; the sorts were 'White Ischia, White Marseilles, Brown Turkey, and Early Violet, a very useful prolific kind, producing three crops every season. A fine crop of Orangefisld and Sims' Mammoth To- matoes was growing on plants in pots. Sims' Mammoth is a good new kind, preferable to most others from the handsome shape of its large fruit, which are quite free of those furrows in the sides so common to most of the other large kinds. Some pots, too, of the new Currant Tomato (Solanum racemiger;im) and yellow Plum Tomato were very pretty and attractive. An extensive collection of Pears is grown on the walls of this garden. I particularly noticed fine crops of Jersey-Gra- tioli and Eon Chretien. Surrenden-Dering is in the parish of Pluckley, and is six miles from Ashford.— Edward Luckhubst, Egertor. Bouse Gardens, Kent. GRAPES ALL THE YEAR. I once told my gardener that I had heard that at gome pkcot a bnnch of Grapes could be cut every day in the year, nnd asked him if he thought he could manage to do so for me. He shook his head and replied that it may be possible, but not very practicable : that men like Mr. Thomson, at Dalkeith, may do it, but, &c. Now since I have heard that otherE do it, I am ambitious of doing the same, and wiil now give yon a description of what houses I have, and what I intend to bnild, to have my set of vineries complete, and then beg you to advise me as to whether I am right, or whether I ought to act in any different way to accomplish my object. No. 1 Vinery [Early).— This house is 25 feet long, by 10 feet wide : the border wholly inside ; heated by four 4-inch pipes; a lean-to, with a warm aspect, built of iron, glazed without putty by a Eury St. Ed- munds mau, very light, as there is no obstruction from wooden rafters. I thought to make this my earliest vinery, as it is so narrow and warmly situated. It is planted with ten Vines — viz., five Black Ham- burghs and five Buckland Sweetwater. Would you recommend any alteration in the varieties ? [Yon cannot do better. — Eds.] Xo. 2 Vinery (Second Early). — This bouse is just finished, and not yet planted. It is a very nice light house. 36 feet long, by 16 feet. with a 10-feet inside border, with provision for the Vines' roots to nm outside after the border is filled inside. Aspect S.E., high roof, with " lantern " ridge. Pipes not yet fixed. Query, should I put in four 4 -inch pipes or six? I propose to plant this house in March with fourteen Vines, say eight Black Hamburgh, two Gros Colman, two Buckland Sweetwater, two Mill Hill Hamburgh. [ Take ont Gros Colman, as that is a very late-hanging variety, and requires the heat of the Muscats. You might put it in No. 4 if you intend to keep up a good heat there. Instead of Gros Colman take Trentham Black or Black Prince.— Eds.] Xo. 3, Muscat House. — This house is intended to range witii No. 2, and would be just like it, but only 25 feet long. I purpose having the border wholly inside, and the whole size of the house, and I thought six 4-inch pipes would do, but am not certain. I hardly know what Vines to plant in this house, but thought of three Muscat of Alex- andria, one Bowood Muscat, two Mrs. Pince's Black Muscat, two other good varieties of Muscat, one the largest black Grape, one the largest white. The last two I wish to grow for size only ; I am not certain of the names, I think Baibarossa and Syrian. I saw an ac- count in a Scotch newspaper of a bunch exhibited at Edinburgh. February 10, 1870. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 109 17 lbs. ; but can hardly believe it. Am I right in placing these in the Muscat house ? TThis will be improved by the addition of Madresfield Court, and for the " largest black " you cannot do better than choose Irros Guillaume I Barbarossa) ; there is no larger white than Muscat of Alexandria, but if you do not want it a Muscat, the Alexandian Ciotat or Svrian will do.— Eds.] yo. 4 Vinery, Lady Dowiic't Souse. — House exactly the same as No. 3 ; say four 1-inch pipes; three Black Alicante, two Lady Downe's, two White Lady Downe's, three other kinds suitable for this house. [ You may have either Gros Colman, as previously recommended, or West's St. Peter's.— Eds. J No. 5, Orchard House [no heat).— This is a very fine house, 100 feet long, by 30 feet wide, span roof, built by Cranston ; very light and airy. I have forty-two Vines planted in it ; twenty-six up the rafters, eight in the centre bed, to bo trained along the apex of the roof, and eight over two wire arches inside each entrance door. Varieties — Black Hamburgh, White Sweetwater, Trentham Black, Royal Musca- dine, and I hope to add two Esperian. Of course, the question I really ask you is how best to establish a complete set of vineries. I think the answer will be interesting. — J. D. [The common mode of having a succession of Grapes eco- nomically, is to begin forcing — say in November, and then have a house in which late kinds shall hang until March and even April, but even then leaving a month or sis weeks in which Grapes will be scarce. Even with the very earliest forcing when new Grapes can be had from the beginning to the end of January, there will be a time when there will be both old Grapes and new Grapes at command, but the new Grapes will keep up a succession until the second house comes in, in May or earlier. As you are not yet in a position to have a tegular succession owing to the condition of your houses, we would pave the way for your object by forcing your first vinery, if you have not commenced, at once, and by having the wood ripened early, and starting it next year in December or at the end of November. Then in the third season as your other houses would be getting filled, you would be in a position to obtain Grapes early and in regular succession. The chief difficulty will be with this earliest crop of the year. You are quite right in having all the Vines planted in an inside border, but it would also be well to have the power, by pipes or a tank, to give a moist heat in the soil of that border when necessary. Managed as suggested, you will be able to start your Vines nest season— say in December, the fruit may be cut in Jane, and the wood well-ripened by the end of the month. As soon as the fruit is cut and the wood well-hardened, keep the house as cool as possible, and allow the soil to become somewhat dry without cracking so as to en- courage a sort of rest period in the Vines. At first laterals may be allowed to grow to promote root action. These should be shortened and thinned-out gradually, and finally removed by the end of July. In the first or second week of August the Vines should be pruned and dressed, and in about a week afterwards the borders Bhould be watered, and the atmosphere | of the house kept rather moist. This will encourage the Vines I to break kindly, and the Grapes will pass their initiatory stages | without much help from artificial heat, though on ccld days and nights it must not be withheld. By the above mode the Vines make progress in the fine months of autumn, instead of having so much to contend with in forcing early in winter. | There would be heat enough in the soil when the house was shut up, and if bottom heat was at command it would scarcely ' be needed before the middle of October. By something of this mode Mr. W. Thomson and ethers have cut new Grapes on the 1st of January. If the Vines are properly attended to, the wood ripened early, and rested in summer, they may be pruned early in autumn for some time ; in fact, when gradually inured to the system it will become like a natural habit to break thus early. The matter is of so much importance that we shall be glad to receive more detailed and particular in- formation from those who have adopted the above system, or cne analogous, and successfully. We do not see anything else worthy of especial remark except this, that instead of five Buckland Sweetwater, we would have one or two of the old Dutch Sweetwater, and one of tLe White Frontignan, as it ripens early and is fine-flavoured, and we would not object to one Royal Muscadine. The heating would be ample for top heat. For the second vinery, which is so much wider and loftier in the glas3 roof, six pipes at least will be necessary, as these Vines will need the most heat when we may expect the weather to be coldest. The woo-J eUould be early ripened, and pruned in November, and forcing may commence at the end of Novem- ber or the beginning of December, with no underneath heating of the borders, the outside border should be protected from cold and wet by the middle of October. To give the Vines rest they would be better if the roota were kept rather dry after August. As regards Nc. 3, the Muscat house, if you set this going about the end of February, or middle of March, then four pipes would do; but if you commenced earlier — aay on the 1st of January, or earlier, then six pipes will be required. In resting and starting there will be no difficulty: The outside border should be protected. For a heavy-bunched black and white Grape, yon. cannot well do better than have the Barbarossa and the Syrian. Speechley cut a bunch of the latter 20 lbs. in weight, so it is reported. The White Nice has been cut above 15 lbs. in weight. The qualities of the Barbarossa, and the Syrian, are greatly improved in the temperature of a Muscat house. No. 4, Lady Downe's, or late house. This we should keep cool, and even shaded a little in spring, to prevent the Vines from breaking until as late as possible. If we had fruit hanging very late, we would at the beginning of March, or earlier, dis- bud all the wood not wanted, and which owing to the Grapes could not be cut, and then the long hanging of the Grapes will make little difference to the breaking. The budless shoots may be removed when the Vine is in leaf. Of course, but for the fruit hanging late, it would be better to prune in the regular way some time before the buds began to swell. This vinery will re- quire but little artificial heat to ripen the Grapes, but it will need a little fire all the winter to exclude frost and damp, and great care will have to be taken to prevent dust on the bunches. We presume you mean Kempsey's Alicante. — R. F.] HOTBEDS. I have several time3 alluded to a simple mode of making hotbeds with little cr no previous preparation of the fresh dung, provided there are heated tree leaves for mixing and sur- facing, and not quite half-decayed old hotbed dung for surfac- ing. It requires a little experience and art to make a lasting l»ed out cf such materials, but there is a good heat still in some of the beds made up last February and March, and a quantity of material to set aside for fresh surfacing and mixing. What rather surprised and a little disappointed me was this, that beds made up in April, and some in May in a similar way, were more decayed, and had less heat remaining in them, con- sequently less material fit for future use in mixing, than those beds which were much older. I think I can tell the reason, and if right, then this simple matter becomes of importance, so far as keeping up a continuous heat from fermenting materials is concerned. The continuous heat will much depend on the size of the bed, and still more on the condition of a good part of the materials requiring a long time to de- compose them, and until then always giving oft heat, as the result of a 3low fermentation. These beds were all for frames, and therefore in this respect were treated exactly alike, with the exception that the earlier beds had each a rough spout in front of the frames to take away the water that fell on the sashes, and the later ones had no such advantage. The rains dropping down on the front of the beds soaked into the beds themselves, and hastened decomposition too much. The simplest spout we have had is made of two slips of wood, say half an inch thick, and from 2i to 3 inches wide, bevelled, and joined with small nails at the sides, so as to resemble the letter V. A little pitch, tar, or thick paint run along the angle, makes them waterproof. I have often been satisfied with run- ning 3ome clay and water along before the boards swelled sufficiently to carry off the water well. Something similar is required to take the drip from such a spout fully a yard from the bed. By such simple means amateurs may keep a more lasting regular heat in their beds, and will find that the front c£ the bed will have as regular a heat as the back of the bed. As corroborative of the above I may mention that wishing lately to clear out a deep earth pit, which, after yielding a crop of early Potatoes, had had the earth removed, the bed turned over, and fresh dung mingled with it, and covered with soil again fcr other crops last May, I found the dung and leaves beneath the soil quite unfit to be taken out as manure, and only requiring to be turned, shaken. — thus having air admitted tc it — and a little fresh litter and a few leaves added, to heat again and be as serviceable as ever. In this case the old 110 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February 10, 1S70. sashes, without rafters or anything of the sort, that covered the earth pit extended over its front on to steep sloping gravel, and thus no rain entered to' hasten decomposition. With the exception of a few tree leaves, the chief material added in May was a little grass and long dung from the stables. Many places, even then, were comfortably warm. In a few days the bed will be warm enough for the purpose for which I want it, and will most likely be used for some temporary crop, and then come in for a late crop of Potatoes under glass when it has sunk enough to be sufficiently consolidated. I wish now, though the wish is vain, that more tree leaves had been col- lected before the frost came, as I have used up all I have, and the ground is too hard to permit of raking more. I would soon, if I could, find a substitute for the leaves in clearing off the withered grass in the park. Nothing is better for a mild, lasting, genial heat. There is no use in wasting it much to sweeten it. Many years ago I dipped into it largely, being encouraged to cut it rather high with a scythe early in the morning and bring it home. I never had better, more last- ing hotbeds. I can recollect gathering fine Melons in April with such help under shallow frames. I have scarcely been able to equal this when I had hot water in pits instead. Notwithstanding the attendant litter of dung beds and frames, I personally never wish to be altogether without them, as when that day came I fear that there would be a consider- able falling off in the kitchen and flower gardens, and there would be some ten or more crops crying out for manure, and manure could only be obtained for one or two. Though I can quite sympathise with the feelings of a late correspondent in his dislike to all littery protection, as far as neatness is concerned, it must not be forgotten that when much is done it is after all most economical at first, and comes into use as manure at last, for already we have had frosts that it would have taken triple mats, or more if thin, to keep out, and other coverings, though excellent for going against glass, would yet require to be doubled or trebled in extreme cases when no heat was given. 'Where expense is no object, there can be no question as respects neatness. So far as that goes, double sashes would also be a great security in cold winters, more especially if the air between were enclosed and not moving. — R. F. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. We are authorised to state that the Chief Commissioner of Works has no intention of abolishing the Gardening in the Public Parks, and that all rumours to the contrary are un- founded. We need only say we are glad to hear it. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GAKDEN. Continue trenching and otherwise preparing the ground for receiving spring crops. Make plantations of Cabbages that were pricked out in beds in autumn. Sow a bed of Brussels Sprouts for early planting ; this is a most useful vegetable, and may be had six months in the year. Sow also a pan of Celery for early use. Pot Cauliflower plants which have stood in cold pits or under hand-glasses ; for this purpose use a light, sharp soil, as the object is to cause the production of an abundance of young healthy roots ready to feed the plants when finally planted-out, as it is well known that plants make more roots in poor than in rich soil. Continue to sow succession crops of Peas and Beam, and prepare ground for the principal crop of Onions. Look over seed Potatoes, and where space can be obtained, lay them out thinly on shelves, or the dry floor of a shed, where they will make strong, healthy buds, that will contrast favourably with the weak straw-like stems they emit when allowed to lie in heaps. Sow successional crops of Radishes and Lettuces, and Spinach between the rows of Peas. FRUIT GARDEN. Where nets or bunting cannot be procured for protecting the blossom of Peach and Apricot trees, suspend from the top of the wall to the bottom of the trees, a number of straw or hay ropes, made with a few projecting loose straws ; dry fern, or spruce branches may be nailed over the branches of the trees with advantage. Cuntinue pruning and nailing as before directed. FLOWER GARDEN. Continue to make the necessary preparations for clumps or masses, by sweetening or renewing the soil. Plant-out bien- nials in masses, where requisite, in borders; the arrangement of perennials had better stand over until they begin to bud in March. Lose no time in finishing the plasting of trees and shrubs. If severe weather occurs, means must be adopted to protect Tulips, Auriculas, &c It must, however, be per- fectly understood, that I do not advise smothering them. Air must be given to plants in frames whenever an opportunity occurs. Should the sun shine brightly after a severe frost, keep the mats and coverings on, at the same time tilting the lights. It will be requisite to put small quantities of fresh bran under the tiles in Auricula frames, the tiles being raised from the ground at the corners by small pebble*- ; on these the pots may be placed, so that no room may be lost by these most effective slug traps. As prevention is better than cure, I would advise amateurs to clear their frames of these vermin by this simple plan. At this season mice are very apt to be mis- chievous among Polyanthuses kept in frames, by eating the hearts of the plants ; when detected a small quantity of phos- phoric poison will prove an effectual remedy. When the weather is sufficiently fine, lose no time in planting Ranun- culuses. These beautiful flowers delight in a cool subsoil ; they have been grown in splendid style on a layer of fresh cow manure placed about 18 inches below the roots, the bed being filled up with maiden turfy loam and sand. Seed may now be sown in pans or boxes, the compost, decayed leaves and sand, having been well watered the night before; on this the seed may be scattered somewhat thickly, pressing it rather gently on the surface ; cover it very slightly, and place over the sur- face fresh moss, which is gradually removed as the seeds emit roots. It will soon be time to put Carnations and Picotees in their blooming pots. If a proper quantity of compost is not prepared, lose no time in mixing it, at the same time keeping a vigilant look-out for all injurious insects. Do not let a frosty day pass without giving it a turn over, the trouble will be amply repaid by the excellent state of the soil. Continue to put Dahlia tuberB into heat. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Still pursue steadily the directions with regard to tempe- rature, itc, laid down previously. Slight advances in heat may be made on bright days, but if cloudy skies intervene, revert immediately 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 re- quired, some of the irregular wood may be pruned away forth- with. Passifloras and others may receive this treatment, but permanent plants, as Acacias, &c, will, of course, point out of themselves an exception. Those who are growers of the families of Epaeiis, Correa, Leschenaultia, and Polygala, will soon enjoy a treat in these charming tribes. Frequent intro- ductions, and frequent removals, are the order of the day here. Camellias require at this time abundance of water. Keep a sharp eye to Ericas, Epacris, &c, that are potbound. Some of these will require liberal watering. The winter has been so favour- able for greenhouse plants, rendering little fuel necessary, that those who have been 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 after- noons for a couple of hours, but let the thermometer sink again at night to 45° or 50°. See that all insects are eradicated before the growing season begins, and elean or sponge away all fungus or dirt of any kind from the leaves of plants. Remember that all extraneous matter is very prejudicial to the welfare of plants ; thorough cleanliness holds equally good as regards plants and animals. Keep all stock neatly tied up, and dress climbers. Tropreolums growing should be constantly attended to. Shift some forward Pelargoniums into their final pots, and stake them out if intended for specimens of high cultivation ; remove weak or crowded shoots, and secure a thorough cir- culation of air without draught. Apply water freely to those plants which have been potted long enough for the roots to reach the sides of the pots, and as Boon as the bloom shows begin to apply diluted clear tepid manure water, which will maintain health and beauty, and produce flowers of fine shape and colour. STOVE. Let all increase of heat take place on bright days, chiefly early in the afternoon, and then accompanied with a somewhat moist air. Have a number of Gloxinias repotted and placed in bottom heat, using for compost heath soil, loam, charcoal, and sand, the whole in a fibrous state. Stove climbers on trellises, in pots or tubs, that require to be shifted soon, should be cut- in previously to fine fresh buds, preparatory to disrooting or shifting. Attend to the shifting of the Amaryllis tribe where February 10, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. Ill requisite. As soon as they show signs of growth, let them be introduced to this structure, and give a trifling amount of water, increasing it gradually as the leaves unfold. Select some of the best young plants of Euphorbia, Rondeletia, Bruns- felsia, Jatropha pandunufolia, &c. and place them on bottom heat. Cut back Poinsettia pulcherrima, Eranthemum bicolor, E. pulchellum, Justicia peruviana, and J. coccinea ; shake out and repot in open fibrous loam, half decayed, with some sand and charcoal, the bulbs of Gloriosa superba, and place them in bottom heat. No water should be applied to the bulbs until they have commenced their growth. This, when well cultivated, is a beautiful and very cuiious plant. Some of the large specimens of Orchids, such as Stanhopeas, Gongoras, and Catasetums, which require shifting, and then have become very dry, had better be immersed in tepid water for an hour or two, a day or two previous to shifting. FORCING PIT. Keep the bottom heat to 80°, and increase the atmospheric heat to 80°, likewise, for a couple of hours on sunny afternoons, with occasionally a slight syringing at such periods. If the pit has a hot-water pipe or flue, great care must be taken to insure moisture in the atmosphere. If there are two pipes, a flow and return, as is generally the case, the bottom pipe should rest in a cemented trough deep enough to enable the water to cover the pipe when necessary, and from 6 to 8 inches wide. Water, less or more, should be at all times kept in the trough, at least after this period. COLD PITS AND FRAMES. Keep stock in pits and frames well ventilated whenever the weather will permit, and the surface soil of the pots frequently stirred. Dust with sulphur Verbenas and similar plants attacked with mildew. Be particular in keeping the interior of pits containing plants of the description just mentioned as dry as possible. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. Oub general work has been to a great extent a continuation of that of previous weeks. In the pleasure grounds and kitchen gardens we kept turning and turning again soil that had been thrown up while the frost lasted ; and since the frost has again left ns, the frequent rains have prevented us doing much on our heavy ground. Potting, cutting-making, and clearing out and washing different houses have occupied a considerable por- tion of our time this week. Cutting down some Laurels and some fresh turfing had to be done according to the weather. Laurels that had been planted chiefly for shelter have been cut down, so as to be kept low for undergrowth, as other trees now ad- vancing will afford considerable protection, and the Laurels will not prevent a good view being obtained over them. Large breadths of the common Laurel, when forming one low level mass, look well in summer and winter. The only drawback to such somewhat low level verdure is the frequent cutting to which the plants must be subjected. This is a matter of time and labour where the levels or banks are of great extent, but on the whole the labour will scarcely be so much as with short grass well kept. With neat specimens of ornamental trees far enough apart for each to attain its full size and leave enough room round it to show off its individual beauty, a thick under- growth of the common Laurel, say 18 inches in height, has a fine appearance at all times, and especially in winter, as the green will ever be rich, when grass would often be brownish in summer and winter. We can see some places where Laurels so treated would be beautiful, but they should never be so managed unless where labour can be afforded to cut them pro- perly, and so as to leave few marks of the cuts to offend the eye. This leads us to state how important it is in planting speci- mens to give them enough of room. We speak feelingly on this subject, because we have ourselves often greatly erred in this respect. When you put out a tree, some IS or 24 inches in height, it seems such a difficult matter to keep in view at the same time Jhat the period will come when that tree would require for itself -10 or 50 feet in diameter : hence intended specimens are placed too close together, and frequently several are spoiled, because the owner feels it such a difficult matter to decide which to sacrifice for the benefit of others. Another error of an opposite character is very common, and that, too, when early results are wanted — namely, planting trees with few or no temporary plants between them. This will generally secure fine well-formed specimens ultimately, but such specimens will often grow very slowly, and be stunted for years, and in some cases hardly ever become vigorous. Young trees, like young children, thrive best in company, and grow faster in the warm nursery than on the exposed down or fell. Hence, to obtain good specimens early in a new place, it is no bad plan to resort to something like the shrubbery thick- planting system, but removing everything in time that would interfere with the good specimens. Some of the finest Oak woods we have seen have been drawn up with clean lofty boles by the help of nursing plants taken away in time, and when they were useful. We have frequently seen Oaks that have been planted very thinly in parks thirty years or more, and others planted at the same time in clumps and woods, the spaces filled up, say -U feet apart, with Larches, Spruce, &c, and now when all the nurses are removed, and the Oaks stand out singly, these Oaks in height, elegance, and luxuriance far excel those planted singly and thinly. Planting thickly is, there- fore, not only the best mode for the tree raiser, but when ac- companied in practice with " thin quickly," it is the best for securing at the earliest period good timber. As respects the two cases, planting in the open and planting in a thicket at the same time, the trees now standing in the latter case would by a stranger be considered at once at about double the age of those in the former, whilst the thinnings of the timber would of themselves have yielded on the whole a pretty fair rent for the land. There is a great excuse for gentlemen planting thinly at first, as the second part of the old adage, "thin quickly," has been eo frequently neglected. We have seen an infinity of ruinous results, whether planting has been done for covert, shelter, or for timber. When this thinning is neglected, the object in planting is entirely frustrated. For cover, what :an be better than a nice Spruce, with its lower branches the longest, healthy, and sweeping the ground ? What can be its use, with its lower branches dead from want of light and air? It is good for an Oak to be drawn up to make headway at first ; but how feeble must its constitution become, when it is over-nursed from air and light. The very thinning of such neglected woods re- quires caution, as with so many trees in a limited space, the root-room for each is small, and everything like free openings to the winds would very likely be followed by the trees being uprooted. Dilatoriness in thinning is often attended with another evil, arising from the small space of ground for each tree, so that even from want of nourishment, after a thinning is given, the trees left never get out of a stunted state. We have no doubt that rottenness at the heart of Spruce, s hive been claimed. When birds arrive home, the card containiDg the priza awarded is sometimes t-> be found in the lumper ; this is, undoubtedly, a good plan, as it is the only means of letting some exhibitors know what their favourites have done. Bir- mingham first, I think, set the example of having the prize birds sold by auction ; would it not be worth the while of com- mittees to take into consideration whether it would not save much crowding and inconvenience at the sale office, if not only the prize birds, but also the highly c ommended and commended, were put up to auction during the first day of the exhibition, and 20 per cent, deducted from any sum realised beyond the price stated in the catalogue ? Birmingham, t >o, is now, I believe, the only exhibition where Mikys have a class to themselves ; may I, then, plead In them, as they are a distinct breed, and ask. the various committees to take them also into their consideration, and kindly give them a place in this year's prize lists ? They are gradually coming into favour again, in proof of which eighteen pens were exhibited at the last Birmingham Show, five pens in the " Any other variety class " at Bristol, and there is hardly a show at which they do not put in an appearance. — G. A. Brooke, Ruyton XI. Towns, Salop. " Justitia,'' on page 72, has touched upon the reforms required at poultry shows ; much that he writes, I would thoroughly endorse — indeed, every exhibitor must agree with him and my old friend " K. M. B. A." as to the necessity of having the backs of the pens covered in with a smooth surface. I am quite certain no exhibitors would send to some shows if they only saw beforehand the pens in which their birds were to be placed ; they are certain destruction to any future distinction, at least till the next moult. Then as to the size of the pens, a very large number of the pens are not only too small, but so low that the cock cannot stand upright without touching his comb, and to crow he has partly to crouch ; this is certain to injure the carriage. We want a definite size of pen for the large breeds — Dorkings, Brahmas, Cochins, French varieties, and Malays ; a next size made for the largest of the moderate- sized birds, say the Spanish ; and then Bmaller pens for Ban- tams, which often have far too much space as compared to their larger brethren. The "Any other variety" class should be shown in single pens, the size being varied according to the breed. At Bristol the second-prize Malay cock (if I mistake not, the first-prize Birmingham cockerel), had certainly no room to stand upright, and looked miserable. At the smaller shows I am not at all prepared to go with " Justitia" asto the treatment of Hamburghs ; they are a va- riety which is offered a large share of the prize money, at several minor shows obtaining four or even five classes, while Polands have none whatever ! and arguing as I have always done for variety, I think committees act more justly in making Spangled, Pencilled, and possibly, if mean3 permit, Black classes. There is no very great difference in the Spangled or Pencilled varie- ties, save the colour of the ground ; certainly nothing like the difference that exists between a White-crested Black unbearded Poland and the Silver or Gold varieties, yet even at Man- chester, even at Bristol, Polands had only oue class. I may be uttering notions perfectly heterodox, but I confess I am not prepared to state that the present plan of the division of cocks and hens is altogether the best. In the first place, as to the appearance of the show, give me the cock and one hen. Ench sets off the other. At the same time I trust we shall never go back to the cock and two henB. I confess to an in- ward satisfaction, especially as I have contributed somewhat to the change, at every schedule where one hen is shown, and I think how much the railways have lost, by their mean penny- wise-pound-foolish treatment of poultry committees, from this substitution of one for two hens. But, secondly, I am not so certain that the division of cocks and hens pays the committee, for are there not two classes for two sets of prizes? and in the case of the hens, the old difficulty of matching two birds militates in many of these classes against the entries. Take the entries at the leading shows, although every exhibitor has more hens than cocks, yet the classes for the latter are almost always better filled. For instance, Birmingham had 83 Coloured Dorking cockerels, 50 Buff Cochins, 74 Dark Brahmas, and 35 Spanish, against the following numbers of pullets :— 65, 64, 51, 16. Taking these rather haphazard, I find the Buff Cochins I mention an exception; that was required, as our French neighbours say, to prove the rule. At Bristol the same breeds are, cockerels 32, 25, 32, 30, against pullets 29, 2G, 25, 15. Strangely enough, again, Cochins the exception ! S'ill I com- mend the entries to the careful attention of committees and framers of schedules. I feel certain that in most of the classes they will find my remarks correct. It may be urged in favour of the division of sexes that you often bought birds closely related : this objection is more apparent than real, and there are worse evils than in-breediug. The single cock classes have always been useful, and I do not write against them. It shows an utter ignorance of the characteristics of birds when a sche- dule makes a class for a pair of Game hens or a pair of Malays, yet, unless I write in error, the great London Show did this ! They, however well matched at starting, are anything, but a match in appearance when they return. I have incidentally mentioned the railways, and I sympa- thise with my good friend, " E. M. B. A.'s," misfortune. The non-arrival of three or four pens together is, I fear, often the 110 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February 10, 1870. fault of tho committee at the show sending off a class of birds together, instead of the entries of certain individuals together ; but in "E. M. B. A.'s " case, I am certain the injury must have arisen from gross carelessness, and surely is amenable to County Court influence, especially if, as on the Great Western Railway, you are treated to a 50 per cent, extra. Exhibiting borrowed birds is so manifestly unjust that I think any exhibitor detected should be utterly disqualified from competition at any show. I am disposed to think that any such gross fraud as that perpetrated at the Whitehaven Show ought to meet with similar treatment, at least, for a limited time, and in the case of borrowing, both parties ought to receive equal punishment. It takes a large amount to "choke-off" some people; the Whitehaven expose was tole- rably complete, only some persons are so thick in tho cuticle, they do not appear to feel that which is crushing to others. I am delighted to find that you think such a course advisable, and I shall hail with delight the first schedule that has the courage to print such a rule amongst their regulations.' — Y. B. A. Z. CUPS FOR LIGHT BRAHMA POOTRAS, It is proposed by the Light Brahma fanciers to get up two subscription cups instead of one for the next Southampton Show. As this Show has done so much for the Light Brahmas by, for tho last two or three years, biinging together the finest collections of chickens that have ever been seen, it is hoped that this call will be liberally responded to. Already four exhibitors have promised a guinea each without being asked, thereby setting a most praiseworthy example. If all those who are interested in the culture of Light Brahmas will come for- ward, no doubt much more will be done than has ever yet been attempted. It is admitted by all that there is plenty of room for improve- ment in birds of this beautiful variety, even to plac3 them on the same standing as their darker and plaiuer brethren. I hope the Dark Brabma fanciers will not be offended at this remark on their favourites. All that is wanted in the Lights is greater weight and heavier feathering, and as this can only be attained by greater attention to their breeding, induced by greater prizes and heavier cups, I hope that many will prove their real interest in the matter in the best way, by a liberal dona- tion, which will be thankfully received by — H. M. Mayhakd, Holmcwcod, Jlyde, I.W. GAME FOWLS. I entirely dissent from "Newmarket's" disparagement of the exhibition Game birds of the period. I feel astonished that any breeder of Game who has had the opportunity of observing the gradual development of this noble bird from the bull-necked, short-legged, mismaiked old English Game bird, undertakes to draw a comparison prejudicial to the present type. It must ho obvious to evm\ Game fancier that by crossing we have obtained richer-coloured plumage, length of neck and leg, symmetry and contour of the bird. The examples pointed out by " New- market" as the result of tke Malay cross are not the rule, but the exception. From being penned and pampered in so many ways, exhibition birds are not so hardy as the old type, but this is merely the result of circumstances. My experience has led me to a different conclusion from '"Newmarket's" in regard to the "pluck" of exhibition birds, as I have frequently tested them with cockpit birds, and have found them quite up to the average in point of gameness. As regards the Brown Reds with "Malay willow legs," I think you must have them all in the south, as"l have never seen any here, and I do not believe that so far north as this (Sunder- land), any man would commit himself by sending " willow- legged " Brown Reds to compete at an exhibition. — Brown Red. EXHIBITION PENS. I am glad to find that other exhibitors besides myself are alarmed at the new style of pen which i3 coming in. The wire pens at the Crystal Palace Show were certainly large enongh, hut they might have been quite as large and quite as good without exposing the birds not only to injury from the damage done to the feathers, but also to the risks arising from their fighting with each other through the wires. Few exhibitors, probably, have considered how much birds suffer from the loss of their tail feathers. To replace them an effort is required which mu3t cause a considerable drain upon the system, and this drain must affect both their condition and their weight. I could not but regret to observe that the noble bird which won the second place among the Djikiug cockerels at Birming- ham, and was deservedly placed first at Ciiiton, received a high commendation only at Sydenham. The judges, I have no doubt, were right in not awarding him a higher position; for his condition was not what it had been, and hit tail feathers were imperfect; some of them had disappeared, and some were broken. I hear, too, on good authority that the judges find the difficulty of making their awards increased by the new pens. They siy that tho light streaming through the wires behind prevents them from examining and comparing birds so care- fully and completely as is the case when the backs are closed and not open. This, let me say, 13 not a suggestion of my own ; it is the opinion of a judge who has tried the new pens, and found them wanting. I trust, then, that committees, now that the competition in the wsy of pens is 60 gieat, and that they can obtain pretty well what they like, will courier the question that has been raised, and will eschew pens which have open wire backs es well as fronts.— E. M. B. A. LOSS FROM POULTRY-KEEPING. As a return for the pleasure derived from others, I copy the following from my poultry memoranda for 1809 : — Number of birds in January, nineteen ; in March, number reduced by deaths, cause not known, to sixteen; April, three sold to make way for growinglchickenB ; number remaining, thiiteen; num- ber of chickens reared, twenty-four ; this out of seven sittings. More were hatched but gave up the effort of living before the first week was out. Number of eggs during the year, 910. Value of eggs, £3 10s., value of fowls and chickens £1 12s. 9d., total value, £5 2s. 9rf. Cost of poultry for the year, not in- cluding vegetables from the garden, £5 13s. (Jd. Deducting the value, £5 2s. 9<2., the loss has been lis. In justice to the poultry, I must say they are usually con- fined in a sunless yard. Their days out are few in number, generally when the frost has hardened, or the snow covered np the soil ; yet they give, if not profit, much pleasure.— 3 1. PROFITABLE POULTRY-KEEPING. In reply to a private correspondent, the food I especially give my fowls is barley, barleymeal, and Indian corn ; they occasionally have a meal of boiled rice, mixed with barley- meal. I tried boiled potatoes mixed with barleymeal, but that they did not like. During the short winter dcys I only fed them twice a-day, hut in summer those in a limited space three times a-day, and I gave a good supply of lettuces. I consider fowls to do really well should have es much food as they can readily eat at each meal, never leaving any about; by watching this you will soon learn about the quantity they require. Those which I have, that are allowed their full liberty, have not been so fed, as I trusted to their picking up a good deal. In last week's Journal you will see the profits of " A. W." are far greater than mine, probably from better feeding, as the cost of food for his six amounted to £12 0s. 2d. ; the food for my sevent;, -six to £21 13s. 2\d. This year I have commenced by more liberal feeding, with the following result:— January, 1869, from seventy-two fowl3, 211 eggs; January, 1870, from. fifty-one fowls, 209.— M. E. PORTSMOUTH POULTRY, PIGEON, AND BIRD SHOW. CohbiSED with poultry and Pigeons, (he Portsmouth Committee this year offered liberal prizes for Cage Birds and Rabbits, and thus secured the attendance of a very large number of visitors to their Show, held ou the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd inst. The number of entries showed so great an increase on that of last year that the Volunteers' Drill Hall was selected as the most suitable building for the display of so great a variety of specimens ; but if the increase be as great another year, even its extensive room will not afford suLoeient accommodation. The arrangements were unusually good, and the pens belonging to Mr. Billett, of Southampton, showed off the specimens to the greatest advantage. These pens, giving sufficient room for the larger kind of poultry to move about, are a great improvement ; each pen for Geese or Turkeys being 3 feet 6 inches long by o feet high, and the same in depth. The Dorkings, Brahmas, and Cochins had also roomy pens. Many of the Guy <' ■ * r<< mo-t pnii-e-vorthy, and so were the Light Brahmas generally ; but the Dark Brahmas were not so, excepting the few prize pens. Spanish were most meritorious, and the February 10, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. entries of these were more numerous than is generally the case in the sonth of England. The fancy Waterfowl were very good. A really interest;" ; pen of hybrids, three in number, the offspring of a Bantam hen ami the. common wild Pheasant, which were exceedingly tame, attracted mnch attention, ami they were sent in good condition. The collection of Pigeons, though not large, was very good, and the show , ' : i was a great feature. The weather, which at first promised heavy rain, cleared oil into a fine continuous sunshine The Port-mouth population evidently feel a deep interest ia their Show, and a; luckily they possess an active, really pp&hing Committee, its continued Bnccees may be guaranteed. Game.— J?.'u-ft tn. ! <■: 'ir>- r.earcs, Postlord iBl: ,—L B. R. Gray, Frame (Buff). 2, Brown & Smith, Gosport. c, H. J. Godfrey, Hammersnaitti ; J. Coal ridge). Brahma.— Dark.— 1, Iter. J. Ellis, Braoknall. 2, Mrs. HaMon. Landport. he, W. Driii". Favcrshnm ; J. H. D ..-. 6, Bir ain [hai l. Light — 1. 2, and c, .1. Tares, he, : Li. Holmew, Dorkxsgs.— I ami 2, W. Stanford, jun, Steynihg. ft-, Eainton Southsea : Viscount Tnrnou'-. : hilhn :\t ■■. Petworth. Spam-.;.— 1. H. II.. . . c,T. 'Watson, Portsmouth. Huinun i >, Jan., Earby. 2. F. Pittis. jm .. c, Gull.ver i: Bovrartb. Lan 1 ingled.— 1 and he, H. Pickled. ersidge, Newark, c, G. Johnson, Farehaaa. French Varieties.— 1. Hi] . > .: ! ' ■ ■. . 2. W. Drinir. Faversham .. (Cte.e-Ccear); Hills and Co. [ ; 1, J. Hinton, Warminster (Silver Polands). 2, T. P. El vards, L '.■... .1. - . . ,. . 11 •. ■- bnrghs): J. H. Amory, Tivorl •■ 5n) in-i: W. v.j'l - ■-. • i-. T. Hewn:. : ' ' ilnsian); !. I K.P. P ■' ; Hit] and ,-ui: P.H.Jones I ■ ' i '. ■• • : .:;...; .. h teylslandtPol . ; Col. Woi • e,Land iort (Indian Phi i - inl Halavi. Baxtaxs.— Game.— 1 and 2 J. W. K Ua- v. he, .7. Mayo, Gloucester (Black J. Mayo (Dm Swing) : C. Hore, Timbiid'e; F. Parlett. Great I: Slack Beds); i.l, m; S. Barter, c, C.J. Spary Ventnor (Si] Ducks.— :. C. N. r.ker, Chelsea. he, C. N.Baker: F. Parlett : , ' W.H Sinclair. « Geese.— land 2, Mn - ■■ ■ : iTculonse). he, C. X. Baker; :: . - - J. ; itti-. Turfevs — 1, St. J. Coveniry, Witnl . Rev. N. J. Ridley. sr.r.n:-. Class.— Cochin). 2, H. Bainton, thin : W. Stan, Dorking) ; H-lls & Co 3 Jones (Spanish); — PAnson, Clapham Cotmoon [Coloured Do-ki';.'.; Mrs. Mibi-rlv. Hawkl.v Il.-.r-t- fHoadan). e, II. D. Hoaro IL'ght Bral Hore (Spanish): Bn ". Port month [Dark Brabmas). he, H. Dowsett (Dorkings); Mrs Chri ie, G] rue, Lewes (Bnff Cochins and Light Brahma) ; il. Lo:. e. P. Y,anv:i (Pa- trid,' ■ Cochins); J. I Brabmas); Rev. :•:. J. Ridl y; W. Stanford, fun. iDorkinci; Hills i Co. (Honda l. L e. Cup for PorxxRY.— J. Pares. Pigeons — .•>•■■,;,-, ■._ i. H. Yardley, B:r7oin~h.-n. 2 and e, P. H. Jones, Fulham. Bariw.— 1, H. ji. MitynarJ. 2, P. H. Jones, he, P. H. 3 a - : H Yardley. e, P. H. Jo o H. Carrur-:.— 1 end 2. IT. il. Mavna-d. he, H. Yardley. Tumbler P. Jones, he, ;?. Yard] ! P. EL Jones. Mavnard ; T ' : v-r1!. v. 2.1.i'.vl I' :-'..!';,•, Kinirston Hill (Blu» 'Kuntel. ft ■•, P. li 'ones : li. T. K.d.-,--v . Br:_ Turbits); 1: ' A. Wvllie. East :' H.Jones; C. Batt Jacobins); W. H. Sinclair H. -I. " tvn ir I 'Dragoons and Jacobins : — TAnson (Drasoon- Cup For. PxGSOXS.— P.H. Jon is. CAGS BIP.DS. NoRwrcn.— r? ■ y '.,, ■ _;, tt. \-i: |,Worthios. 2. "VY. 'Waller. "Winchester. : \". Walter, he, W. B. Hovcll, Norwich ; 1! I I, Walter. 2. H. Vine, vhc, W. B. Hov II; Moore i Wvune: H. Apled : V,T. ■ a. Apted. c, 0. Nil b i] , a. .','■• II. . iftc, H. Apted: W. Walter, ft.-, .— 1 and 2, H. Apted. l-ftc, \'. :>. Llov. Ct-i. r, 'i '■ Belcux-i . W. Walter, rhe and hi:, C. Payne, Lan! - , 2. C. Pavne. ; W. Walter; O. Nichols.::. /: I ;,-.. i 2, o. Nicholson, ft ■, G. Pa; 8,0 Nichols'-n. e/ie, C. Payne. Cup foe Bewjias Canu- Lizards- -.0. Nicholson. ,c Apted. 2. <">. Nieho son. —1 and rt -. V". Walter. 2 and /V. K. Vine, East Cows. Mealy.— 1 and 8, W. V.'.ut. r. cftc, i'. Cordineley. e, T. Snook. Axyothe!: Vanuiii.— 1, It. Cde. 2, A. Dart, Ci Soathsea. D ■ he, T.Smith. c,H. Simmons. B) I, ' I' Hull. 2. G. Bainton. 'Tortoise- . Km:'. 2, A. II. Kas:en. he "W. Fielder, Southsea. c, (>. Bainton. Sclj'-colAtr.- ■-...'. . i. Cranch. he, A. H. tsasten: T. Snook, c. C. King. Jm/ I, A. II. Eajtcn. he, C. Kine;, St. John's Wood. c,T. Stimsnn: J. Cranch. . Rabbits.— A. H. Eastern The Judges were i>?. Mr. Edward Hewitt, of Birmingham: for Mr. Wilimore, of London; and for Babbits, ill-. Lock, cf Portsmouth. Cktstal Palace Ei-n Saow Crp Fpxd. — All the els * Any other variety of Males" are filled, and seven cups b ordered, and will be at the Show on Saturday, February T2th. — HOWABTII ASHTOX, PoUfidil Sail, I'iX.stiralt, Mam WOLVERHAMPTON POULTRY SHOW. This was held on the -1th, 5th, and 7th inst., in the Agricultural Hall, Wolverhampton, and comprised five hundred entries of poultry and Pigeons. Annexed are the awards : — DoitETKC.s (Any colour).— 1, J. Copple, Prescot- 2. Hon. H. W. Fitzwilliam, M.P.. Wentworth Woodhonse, Botherhan'. ;:, lltv. E. Br .tram, Great Berk- hanipstead. H«w— 1, Kev. E. Bartrum. 2.J.F.1 ),ameHall, Warwick. • Game.— Black or Broten-bre< > • ■ r. v, lr.twcll. 2, s. ..:. he, J. Fletcher, Stoueciough ; G. BagnaH, Draycott; H.#. Julian. Hull, c, J. Fletcher. .1. i I.e. Chaloner. 2,H. M. Julian, llait.-l, C. Chaloner. 2. J. Forsyth. Y\"lv ihcmpton. SPAKH.H.— 1, H. Bi Idon, Goitstock. 2, J. W.Begli i ton. i - 'msA.~ White.— 1, J. Sichol. Tirr.pcrlr-y. 2. L. H. Kicketts, Banwell. he, R. Brown, Cheadle Hulme. Portl I W. A. Taylor, Manchester. 2,J. K. Fowler, Ajlesbnrv. he, J. Stc].htiia, WhImiI' ; G. Lan'o, Compton. Buff.— v. . A. Tcvlor. 2 and :!. II. Mai' h '. ' ck, V. uolluld. Birmingham, l'. Birniuigham; J. Sichel: i: \ Volverharhplon. Any Variety.— He: dor. i,B. Fearoi rhtte). kc, a. J. E. Swindell, Kinver ; J. Morris, Erdinpt on. Hajibot!Ghs L— 1,H. Beldon. 2. W. .' . Hv.le, Ashion-under- Lvne. he, Duke oi Suthtrland, Trentham; T. Bo'-.; ... Handford. e, T. Walker, jun.. Denton. .- fled.— 1 and Fxtra, H. Beldon. 2, J. Field- arch. fte.W. A. Taylor; Miss 1 . Pi ' ud. ; '.-1, J. -Walker, Ripley. 2, Duke of Sutherland. he, H. Pickles, jun, Earby. Siteerrpc/i : Sutherland. he, H. Pickles, jun. . , as (Any variety).— ITena.—l, J. Fielding. 2, H. Beldon. he, J. Garatang ; "W. McMellon, Glossop ; J. . Bp.ihha. - Light. — 1, A. c. Worthington, N( I n Park, Bnrlon^n-Trent. 2. Lady F. Brs-libv, Iunoton Kill. Jjark.— l. Mrs. Burr, il. Ipswich. 2. Sirs. A. Hnrt, Alderwaskv. Deibv. he, I". i'litciiar.l, T.-:t< :.. .1: iin. A. Hurt; J. ■ ...... - n, „..-.] I ] [re BurreU iDark). ri Daik). he, D.Holmes, Chesterfield (Dark) ; G.F.Whitehouae; Mrs. A. Hurt (Dark); J. R.Rodbard, Bristol (Light). French Fowl..— 1, Hon. C. W. Fiizv.illiam I .:' I I che). 2, B. B. V. ood, Utto-.eter IHoudam. he. J. C. L'oorer, Liincrvl:: E. pt-itcbar.l I ' Wolverhampton (Creve-Creui l '■■ i e-Cosur); Liver] iol (Creve-Cccur) ; c.ll.i- ill , Batclitfe-on-Trent (Crcvc- Ccsar]; d. Watts. King's Heath. „ „ „ _ Gaits Basi -1, C. Chaloner. 2,K. Swift, Sonthwell. f,B. Aslimim, l;rin:ington. he, V. Hurst, ].■ ■■ •■*. jnn . ^ alsall ; E. Brownlie, K r!: ji.'.v. Ann m ' le.— 1, M. j.eno, Dunstable ILaced) 2. J. W. Crowe, 0-\k-v Manor iGold-^T'ansled). he, E. Pritcbard (White Clear Legs); S. 4 It. As] ton, Mottram (Black); W. A. Taylor (Black); E. Cambric ; M. Leno (Laced.) Anv otbfp v.; i! iv •■ 1'. .i :tj sed.— I, II. Beldon (Polands). 2, Duke o.' Sn herland B B .i.l nj :t. -bifinal (Black Hamburghsi: A. D. Pavne, Sh •■ .- ary (Malays): W. H. Tomlinson, Newark Cha . . rickljultans); T.Walker, jun. Sellino Class lAnv v.irieti i.-l. Rev. G. F. Hi '.- a. '.., :u I\tL .yton, BndgC- on, Wolverhampton (span:shl. ::. \, . A. Taylor, he. Hon. C. E. Finch, Packtngton Hall. Con:;.; l panese Bantams); J. Forsvth (Black P,ed aamel ; J. ste;.liens, Wahall : I. I lion; G. A. Stephens, Dublin (La ! en-spangled K n.inurghs); C. Banberry (Buff Cochin); J. Robinson, Garstang. c, Lady A. Finch (Black Polish); E. Pritohard (Dark Brahma.) „ , „ „ _ . TCBKSTS.-1, J. Smith, Grantham (Cambridge). 2. I. Lythall, he. -'. F"\, M. Bee- ; G. Hustler, st'Jiiut;nect. York. L cl;.— 1, Key. G.Gilbert, 2. F. Lvthall. ftc. .1. Smith. , „„,.,., Geese.-I, G. Hustler. 2 J. K. Fowler. Aylesbnry. he, R. Caltwright, Wergs, Wolverhampton. „ , „ ^ , , T lo , ::..— .li/.V ' .;r .-l.Mrs. M. Pcamons, Ajlosbarr- 2, J. iv. Fowler, ftc. J. K. F..v.l.-r: s. II stott. Rochdale; Mrs. M. S..-. 1. J. White. s. H. - :.iI.Leno(Carohnas) 2, J. K. Fowler (Carolinas). ftc, S. & B. Aahton. PIGEONS. , , „ T'-Tro.F.rs— 1. B. Fclton. Dent.'ord. 2. J. Fieldmc. jun., r.och-.a!e. he, F. enhead; R. Fulton. c,F. Graham (Mottled); S. S V.'yUic, East Cabeiebs.— 1, R. Fnlton. 2. J. r. vr.ole. I'.irm il 5i idons. sen. Bii^nmgham. ftc, V. Hurst, Longford (Biacj. c, J. Watts, Lanss Heatb, Pocitas^-'l and 2, E. Fulton, c, H. Pratt, Hock: y I White I : H. Yardley, Bir- "faLxSm— 1, W. H. Tomlinson. 2, H. Yardley. ftc, W. H. Tomlinson; F. "avtwerps -1. J. Bradley, Birminsham. 2, E. Bemrose, Derby, he, T. Cock, Lancaster; II. Yardley; J. A. Knight, jun . Birmii gham. c, H. Yardley; d. Cox. Wolverhamrton ; T. Cock. . o^-.u„. Dragoons.— 1 and 2. F, Graham, ftc, E. Bemrose ; J. Watts, c, H. Yardley ; ' Jacobims.— l! MiBB F.' Easten, HnlL 2, II. Yardley. ft.-. B. Fulton. ii as.—] and 2. R. Fulton, c. U. Yardley. , jun., Hoehdale. 2, A. Dot inn. ; S. A. IVi Uic : H. Yardkj . -1 H. Ynrdlcv. 2.0. E. Crcswell, Hanworth Bcetor; ■ Idine.ian. ft.-. H. Yardley; E. Bemrose; E.T. Dew.Wca- llcl.i-u. c. II. MappVi ...-: klGermanToys); Miss . i , .- ; R.Whittaker, Bolton (Turbita) ; J. Fielding, jun. Judges. — Poultry: Mr. J. Martin, Cluines. Worcester, and Mr. Joha Douglas, Clumber; Pigeons: W. B. Tegetmeier, Est)., Finchley. NANTWICH POULTRY SHOW. Frou the fact that this Show, which took place on tie -1th and oth inst., was held almost immediately after the Crewe Show, and that the Exhibition at Wolverhampton occurred simultaneously, it is a matter of congratulation to find, that the entries were tolerably near in numbers to those of a long succession of years past. A few of the classes were very liirited in the number of entries, though, singularly enough, even in these the quality was quite equal to that of prize birds in general. This remark particularly applies to the Spanish, Tin-leys, Geoee, and Ducks. Grey Borkmgs and Cochins, though choice, were also very few in number. The heaviest entry, as is always the case at Nanttvich, was in the Game classes, and although hitherto this locality has been so noted for the very best of Game 118 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February 10, 1870. fowlB, especially Brown Reds, this year we regret to say with very few exceptions the Game showed qnite a retrograde movement. Saving a considerable proportion of the prize^rds, the condition and really hard feather, (the leading characteristic of former shows here held), were almost altogether wanting. From some cause there is evidently less care taken at Nantwich in breeding Game fowls than ia years back ; one informant attributes this to the fact of the law being so stringent on cock-fighting, that the parties who once took so much interest in the excellence of the local Game fowls have withdrawn from the pursuit ; but another suggestion we think far more probable, that the Brown Reds of Nantwich, from their notoriety as prize- takers, have, so far as the best specimens are concerned, been so bought up by those who have taken the trouble of travelling all round the district, giving prices that appear almost fabulous, that the best ftrds have been purchased at prices that were irresistible. As to the Black Keds, almost every specimen exhibited, strange to say, was "daw- eyed," a fatal defect, and one that has increased beyond belief in this district during the few late vears. It is still more to be resetted, as it is a most difficult thing to breed out in chickens. As above stated, a few, and only a few, of the old-fashioned true-coloured Brown Reds were present, the majority being nearly all black in the breasts, or, at best, with only a very slight tinge of colour, a great failing that in- fluenced also other parts of the plumage to a disadvantage. The Hamburghs were never before so good at Nantwich as those exhibited this year, the show being remarkablv good, and the Polands were first- rate. The selling class was a failure. Pigeons, as will be seen by referring to the prize list, brought on many commendations, high commendations, and very high com mendations. The Show was well arranged, and the birds were all well cared for. Ihe weather proved fine, and the visitors were numerous, but, perhaps, '> not quite 60 many as in former years, Wolverhampton Show, nodonbt, taking away many poultry fanciers who would otherwise have been at Nantwich. Spakish.-I. E. Hulse, XYinBfrirrl : ,T. Siddorn, xvinsford ..■in£S Vr f 'T-' ','■.'" '"i1 "!ld "• R' AsMey. S. Miss Cawlev. e, XV. Griffiths, Kant- wich; Mibs I. Church; E. Saigcant. Ilurtam -1. T. Bull.' r Crewe. Bi?vfwG8£"-l;',l('':'<"iC-"",1> T- BnrBe«s. Buileydain. he. V. K. Deardon wirli?. .1 i 'r'",'!"',' I!""l""T- >"'']'i orlestun. he, E. Roberts. £2?12t"CB INJ IAn-T eoloiirl.-l. Church & Houlding. c, J. Heath, Nantwich. ?!t5, ,vC",TI^s--1,a?.'1 "• n"ln'h A """'■'ins. 3. J. Heath. a St? E';(°,'1",' *?lCl,l'' G- F- w-"d- 2- J- Podl.v. 3, J. Piatt, he, E. ?.S'' Nantwich ; T. Burgess ; W. Soweihutt, Nanlvicli ; Gallcv o, Will.tt. tESSmSZ'1 H ,uEl G- l- Wanl' Wrenbury. 2, J. Pedlcy. 3, Church and P,our m ~« , ■ ' ' «' ■ Eu,-"ss- Bens.-l. K. Ashley. 2, T. Burgess. HoriidmV Burgess, c, H. Cheswortb, jun., Nantwich; Church and : (B 2, R. Ashley. ; (Brown 1. ii h ''T-~h •'•.Gn!?- 2' '«•• «"" e, J. Cheaters. FautaiU.-l, J. ia-^o-,2;-?-^nIlceV,J',""ot,",^1'A- I!"ote- 2.J- Cheaters. Trumpeters rW'j theaters. o,r ..-1. II. Prince. 2 and ,-, J. Chesters. rurietica.- -'iii .e?,' -. ■'■ "»tt™- liunbury (Magpies). Turl.il :.-l, J. Dulton.. r ?H„ei,e,-l ..iT'wa ""iv"^1' ;'• s- Skidinore. Nantwich. 2. J. Chesters. e, J. Hockenhull ; J. Chesters. Settivf Clou— 1, J. Dutton. 2, H. Prince. Mr. Hewitt, of Birmingham, judged the poultry, and Mr. Redpath of Manchester, the Pigeons. ■>! r THIRSK CANARY SHOW. (From a Correspondent.) TrnusK made its first attempt at a Canary show on the 28th and ■ Jth of last month in the Public Rooms, a building admirably suited lor the purpose. The Show was a perfect success, nearly four hun- dred birds being shown, and every class being well represented, especially the large Parrots and the Norwich Jon.jue and Buff Canaries. Cinna- mons and Lizards, were perfection. There was a good and heavy class of Belgians Mr. Needier, of Hull, taking the front rank, but Mr. Bui- mer, of Stockton-on-Tees, showed his Buff hen, which is perfection, but from the severity of the weather she would not perform when the Judge called on her, and she was not placed. She waB all that conld be desired .on the second day. Messrs. Moore & Wynne, Irons and Gayton, Bexon, and Young, the last-named with his beautiful Mules and other wefl-known "all-England" men, put in their best appear- ance ; whilst the district exhibitors made an unsuccessful attempt to put them behind. This was the first attempt at an open show and it is to be hoped we shall see a striking progress at the next show. It is to be hoped that Mr. Bailey (the Honorary Secretary), will receive Jtetter encouragement to carry out his next attempt, and now the dis- THJE GLASGOW PIGEON SHOW (Nokth Bt.itish CoLmiBAiuAN Society's). (Continued from page 56.) THE POUTER CLASSIFICATION. Our review of the Pouter classes may best bo concluded by some consideration of the Pouter classification. Broadly stated, the central principle of classification should be the promotion and establishment of rigidly correct standards ; and prize lists should have for their object, distinctly, the encouragement of standard excellence. Provi- sion being duly made for standard varieties, the duty of show com- mittees in the matter of classification may be considered as performed ; and only on some outlying principle of convenience or policy can the inclusion of non- standard birds be expected, for the mere multiplication of Mealies, Sandies, Chequers, Grizzles, aud SplasheB can never be put forward as a suitable object for attainment, and their admission to competition must be so regulated as to guard by every precaution the true interests of legitimate standards. So ardent, however, is the love of the Scotch fancier for his favourite variety, that no less than six classes are provided for the above-named descriptions. But " love is bliud ;" thus probably the arrangement in question has not received that careful revision demanded by the present condition of the Pouter — now so established in size and structure, but still standing soiely in need of conservative treatment in the region of the plumage properties, to the due completion of the standard. Now, although the North British Columbarian Society stands towards the public far more responsibly than a casual show committee, and may fairly be expected to take up strictly naturalistic ground in the compilation of its schedule, and although the action and re-action of Mealies, Sandies, Chequers, Grizzles, and Splashe3 for good or evil on the standard varieties is very powerful, there ia not a remark or a word iu the prize list to indicate the principle on which defective birds are admitted to competition or judged. In every re- spect they share equal honours with the standard birds ; the entrance fees are the same, the awards are equal in amouut and number, and '' members " are to be found ready aud willing to promote the culti- vation of defect by the presentation of extra medals. Hence we may infer that the Scotch fanciers hold them in equal regard. As this cannot be the case, we strongly urge upon the Society a more defini- tive policy in regard to its classification. Cordially acknowledging, as we do, the liberality which provides distinct classes for each standard colour — Blue. Black, Red, Yellow, and White — we submit that the Soeiety should not stultify its well-nigh perfect arrangement by a seemingly equal patrouage of defect Either the defective classes should be expunged altogether, or should be placed on a footing leaving no doubt as to the attitude of the Society in respect to them, for its programme should include not only the encouragement of excellence but the discouragement of defect ; and this may be compassed without excluding a single meritorious Pouter from competition. Minutely to analyse the uses of non-standard birds is not within the province of a report, and would bnt lead us into a history- of Pouter culture during the last thirty years. This is rather a question for breeders from whom the really standard specimens are expected for exhibition, whatever may be trip methods adopted in their own domain of the loft or aviary. Making, however, some exception in favour of February 10, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE A^D COTTAGE GARDENER. 119 the pure Silver Mealy — a bird very useful to the darker Blues, and rarely now found in all its perfection owing to certain crosses in the Bine strains — we may say in general terms that it is principally on the side of strength and structure to the standard classes that non- standard birds have been, and can be, best utilised. And thus is revealed the only principle on which they may safely be admitted to competition : — strictly as a class for the convenience of breeders, which in the schedule should be named the " defective plumage class," and should be judged solely for the structural properties, size, strength, and contour. Such a class would cover the whole range of non-stan- dard specimens ; for besides unelassed birds, it would bring out many of sound colour, not now entered in the standard classes by reason of their too extravagant markings or their unpied breasts and pinions. And to this extent it would be of extra value to the breeder, who would occasionally have the opportunity of selecting matches uniting with structure some advantages of counteraction in plumage properties. The reasons for the classification now suggested were argued at much length in this Journal some seasons ago, and are too numerous for complete recital. Whatever may have been the earlier uses of defective birds, certain it is that the standard classes of to-day bear evidence to their too profuse employment. Breeders are not always confining to the seclusion of the loft their methods and operations, — bringing only to the light good results in the shape of improved stan- dard ; but, on the contrary, they are too frequently to be found putting into the show-pen as standard (!) birds, specimens betraying the faults of their defective parentage in proportions quite outweighing excel- lencies ; and betraying, too, that economy rather than standard was the object contemplated in the parental matching. Again, that great consideration for defective birds, which might have been justified when crosses were fewer, and the standard classes more in need of structural help, is no longer warranted, for superiority of structure is frequently found within the standard classes themselves, and they for the present can supply a plenitude of desirable crosses. Indeed, we may safely assert of the Show under report that the standard classes have little to hope, and much to fear, from very many of the non-standard birds exhibited. From all but a very very few, nothing but retrogression could fairly be predicated as the result of their employment, while more than ever the use of an un- standard bird should be regulated by the consideration that the ad- vantage to be obtained completely counterbalances any possible evil. If, therefore, the Society is anxious, as we know it is, to give a further impetus to scientific Pouter breeding, let it strengthen its posi- tion by merging the present formidable array of non-standard classes into a single "defective-plumage class," with the usual sub-division for cocks and hens, and let it be a strict instruction to the judges to award only for superiority of strength, size, and structure. Thus the standard will be guarded at every point from infringement or prejn Kce, provision will be made for every meritorious or really useful bird, breeders will be accommodated, the prize money will be economised, weedy specimens will find their true level, and the repute of the Society will be advantaged. Once more we urge that a tolerance of inferior birds will more than outweigh any good likely to result from the maintenance of non- standard classes. The alternative is, therefore, between their rejec- tion altogether, or a severe treatment in classification and judgment. A few general criticisms will conclude our report. {To be continued.) SKY TUMBLERS AGAIN. I started the correspondence upon this BuVject, and I think that I can close it very summarily. The Sky Tumbler is, I feel sure, our English Tumbler, the long-faced as distinguished by that designation from the fancy short-faced variety, carefully bred — not akin in nesting pairs — for model, in Swallow form, and for length and strength of pinion or wings. I have birds now, not six months old, with flights or wings that cross at the points over the tail, long bodies, rounded at the breast, bullet heads, short legs, sparrow-bill beaks, and pearl eyes, in outline not unlike the Swallow or Swift, and which birds, of their own accord and not driven, will fly cloud height any fine day for from one hour to one hour and a half. My birds are not in a trapped loft, but at liberty, and almost daily, when fine, fly as I state for their own diversion like so many Swallows or Swifts. I feed them, like winged racers, on red wheat, small horse beans split, and little grey peas mixed, inside the loft always, and let the water bottle and salt cat stand at their will, iuside also. Grit they pick up outside at leisure. Birds that fly under training from a trapped loft, would fly a couple of hours naturally without fatigue; when flown longer they fly unnaturally — that is, are driven or trained, and excited by brandy paste, or by a dose of hemp seed before being flown. Hemp seed produces semi-intoxication, so does brandy paBte, bence birds fly themselves sober again, flying for hours, end occasionally they fly away altogelher — i e., lose themselves, as nnfeathered and wingless bipeds do under somewhat similar circumstances. Therefore, my conclusion is, that Sky-Tumbler- flying is an art of breeding and training, exactly as cocking was, and is still, or as horse-racing is at this day. The birds should not be akin, and should be allowed to breed from February to September only ; and every alternate nest should be robbed to keep the old birds to their young until on the wing, otherwise they will breed their stamina out, and dege- nerate. Let your readers procure good mated birds as I men- tion, not akin, and try the art of breediug and feeding — train if they like — on my plan, and I dare guarantee Sky Tumblers in their lofts. I can confidently commend the Birmingham Roller from experience and practice. The word " Koller " is apt to mis- lead, for this Tumbler is no Roller other than skywards, but is vulgarly called a Roller because in its descent it thro ws occasional double somersaults, or rapid rolls, like a wheel, a recommenda- tion, in my opinion, so gracefully and wonderfully performed as this roll is by some of these Pigeons. The appropriate descrip- tion is " Birmingham Sky Tumblers," which these birds are in the strictest sense. The Macclesfield Tumbler I know to be an excellent bird, a fleet high flyer, though, I think, not so enduring as the Birmingham Tumbler, the difference being, I should say, as that betwixt the racer and the hunter in horses, a difference of bone and sinew, and not bottom or pluck, in which both excel. " Old Bob Ridley " — I acknowledge the compliment of this gentleman's repeated reference toMicclesfield, Manchester, and Chester, as likely to answer my search for Sky Tumblers. The music of his letter, certainly "with a tune in it," is as enchanting as the poesy 'neath which he veils his fintasy; for although our correspondent soars well nigh " the mu-ic of the spheres," and leaves us awhile in mystic haze, he drops his wings, and alights again in our midst with the lyrical melody of " Old Bob Ridley" on his lips. I am delighted to fiud " Old Bob," though not the ideal of my former conception of humanity, still to be a sublunary mortal, with sympathies his " nam de plume " awaken in kindred ! souls. " One touch of Nature maies the whole world kin." — Reader. TRUMPETER PIGEONS. I observe on page 77 a letter upon this Pigeon, and being of the same opinion as your correspondent, that interchange of ideas upon the standard properties of the different varieties would be acceptable to fanciers, I offer a few words on the sub- ject he introduces. Having kept and bred Trumpeters for years, I have had a pretty fair experience of the variety, and shall be glad if I can say anything worth reading. In the first place, I agree with your correspondent's pro- position, that the properties of a Trumpeter are hood, limb (or feel), colour, and size. • Rose and hood, are, undoubtedly, the first properties in any colour. The rose should be large, coming well over the eyes, and nearly to the end of the beak, well placed on the head, and ra- diating every way from the centre with the greatest nicety. A split rose is very objectionable, and although size of rose is a great point, I would prefer a rose of moderate size well placed to a larger one which wae irregular and uneven. The hood should be thick, the feathers being long, standing well above, and curving well round, the head in an unbroken outline. The broader the head the better. Trumpeters should have a mane something like that of a Jacobin, though, of course, not nearly so thick in feathering. I have seen some really first-class birds whose neck feathers grew as in a plain-headed Pigeon just up to the point where the head sets on to the neck, and at this point the feathers grew upwards to form the hood. This causes a disagreeable-looking break, though only a minor point. A perfect specimen should have about thirty feathers on each foot, from the under side of the hock joint to the middle claw, without counting the short feathers which cover the inner side of the leg, and top side of the foot. The longest of these feathers should be nearly 5 inches in length. This is a point too much neglected. In their anxiety to secure good roses and hoods, fanciers are apt entirely to neglect the feet-feathering. For my own part, I like to see the three points I have named, in equal excellence, as I place length and quantity of foot and leg-feathering only the merest trifle below rose and hood. Another important point is matching. A pair of Trumpeters 120 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February 10, 1870. should match in size, style, colour, ami marking, also in colour of eye and beak. An attempt has been made in certain quarters to rnal;e the pearl eye indispensable in Blacks and Motile?. I contend that it is quite immaterial whether the eyes are orange or pearl, so long as the two birds in a pen match. Tearl eyes were scarcely known in Trumpeters before the introduction of the foreigners. I have both colours, but prefer the orauge-eyed birds. It is simply a matter of taste, and should not count as a point either way in a competition. In colour the Blacks Bbould be the brilliant lustrous black, such as we see in Barbs. Willi respect to judging Mottles, I beg to differ from "Fleck de Lis." Again, I say rose and hood must be taken first, but colour and marking exceedingly close upon them. My beau idial of a Black Mottled Trumpeter, is flight, tail, breast, and back, per- fectly black ; head black, or slightly mottled, and a patch of regular mottling on each shoulder not more than 2 inches in diameter. It is very difficult to get every feather of the flight black, and though very ol jsctionable, one or two while feathers on each fide do not amount to a disqualification. Entire white flights are utterly inadmissible in a show pen. A while head, though objectionable, does not disqualify, if accompanied by dark flights and tail. I would nut bo thought to undervalue colour and marking, as a Black Mottled Trumpeter perfectly marked is one of the rarest birds in the fancy, and I believe judges are giving this fact due weight in their decisions ; still I do know of a solitaiy case at a large show not long ago, where, in consideration of unusual quality of rose and hood, colour and marking were entirely ignored in a class exclusively for Mottles. This I thought a great mistake.— J. Fikth, jbs., V,'< bsU . BUI, Deu.s- BELGIAN SMEKLES OH ANTWERP PIGEONS. I am glad to see the above most useful Pigeons beginning to be discussed in your pages. I have kept them for about twelve years, and on pronounce tbem to be the most useful Pigeons that fly. They can be trained to soar over home like the Tumbler ; for homing and racing there is none to equal them ; for breeding good, fat, young birds for pies, etc., none can excel them ; and they aie first-class nurses for rearing young Fancy Pigeons whose parents cannot be trusted to rear their own young. There are colours amongst them to suit nearly all tastes. I have bred them of the following colours— viz., clear buff with yellow bars, clear dun with bright red bars] sky blue with black bars, light drab with black or dark brown bars, light grey with black bars, buff-dappled, dun drab-dappled, blue dappled, end sometimes of a nice black. They are neat, strong, and compact, and wo sometimes say more sagacious than any other Pigeon with which we are ac- quainted. They are also very hardy, active, lively, and pleasant- looking. The following are the points of excellence we aim at :— Beak short, thick, and broad at the base, slightly curved at the point ; head rather broad and nicely rounded at the top ; eye large, prominent, and fiery red ; neck rather Jong and deed plain, broad, and deep; shoulder thick and strong; legs bare and red below the knee, rather long, and standing well up ; flight feathers very bread and of moderate length ; tail taper' ing almost to a point, and slightly inclined to the ground ; 'size rather Ies3 than that of the Dragoon. The- colour I prefer is a clear light dun, with neat bright led bars, and a black beak.— J. Pahkeb, Burnley, Lancashire. _ [We shall publish next week a portrait, with cotes on what is considered a standard Antwerp.— Eds.] snpports his theory with the addition that " It has been proved by i [i riment nore " without the least intimation that his first letter had been misunderstood, and he must have seen it clearly enough if this had been the case. I have found both froi n and from correspondence with a large circle of friends in the fancy, that they, one and all, belii fed " Puckwtng " had meant what he said, and said what he meant. — B. Hpsso.s, 11, /.V. I see that " Dur^p.vT-.-f; " spedka of Mr. Darwin's theory respecting the origin of 1 I Himalayan Babbit. Mr. Darwin in hi.- "Animals and Plants under Domestication B matter of fact (not theory) that this Rabbit originated in the way one of yonr correspondents, wb ■: i i lent "Dr/ci row€ doubt upon, stated, and he instances Mr. Barlktt , .: Zoological Gardens, as hat ing pi rsonally proved the fact. — P. [Here the controversy must end. i THE HIMALAYAN RABBIT. It is to be regretted that " Dcckwing's " first letter on the Hima- layan Rabbit, in which he argues that it is a cross between a Silver- Grey and Chinchilla, should happen to he at the binder's, as he appears to have entirely forgotten what he wrote, and only to remem- ber clearly what he did net write. He now Favs. " 'What! mentioned was, a cross between the Silver-Grey and the Chinchilla varieties of the common Rabbit." In all courtesy I beg to say that he mentioned nothing of the sort. There is no sneh vague expression as " the Chin- chilla varieties of the common Babbit," and if there had been " Dr/CK- wtxg " himself could not have told us what it meant. It is significant that he does rot refer to his second and longer letter, where he again during the day, and and. fcliat I was dii from live o'clock I was a fit srli' ct for RECOLLECTIONS OF OUR CANARY SHOW. An dm talk logic with ye." "Do you know anything about the 1*0011, Blahsion?" Did — I — know — anything — about — the — moon ? What a strange question I Did I look like a man connected with lunar aff irs? "Was there something suspicious in my appearance ? Had I a restless, nnquiet expression in my eye? Certainly not. I was busily engaged discuss- ing my share of "grilled hones for three,"' as ordered by telegram from Manchester in the morning, when this mon entons question was propounded. _ That I was hungry, for I hnd had little time for eating g] ' have been picking my hone ravenously, cidedly dirty, for I had been anpacking biros morning, I mentally acknowledged ; but that 1 inquiry in lunacy was an opinion I dissented from. But it suddenly Gashed across my mind that possibly my ex- aminer might Le fully persuaded in his mind that any connection with a Canary show wa 1 an pie 1 vidence of lunacy, and hence his question. So gathering my • it toj 1 Iher as well as I could, and summoning as intelligent an expression as was possible under such embarrassing circumstances, I politely informed him that I did not know much about the moon. " Of course you '11 know that astronomers are of opinion that our earth in about to throw of? another moon ?" "What a relief ! It was simply an interesting bondfidc astronomical question he was introducing1. Now I am rather strong in astronomy. I went through " Keith " when I was a boy (missing all the hard problems), I have " Gleig's '' 9d. treatise at my ringer s' ends, and I occasionally invest a penny with an individual at the corner cf the street, and take a peep at Jupiter's moons through a large telescope. I thought that was "form" enough to back me out in the (liecussiou, and while I was busy laying bare the wondrous skeleton 1 i the wing of a fowl, I believe the instructioi ; of my early youth stood me in good stead. But I have sii,ee, by no very complicated process of reasoning, arrived at the conclusion that the second query was only kindly put to quiet my suspicions as to the object of the first, fur upon reflection I am perfectly satisfied that all managers of Canary shows must be affected in that unfortunate way which is attributed to the effect our satellite has on the inhabitants of its primary. Let us hope the earth is not , going to launch another ns Query if it launched the one I we have '.' I prefer the sublime story of its creation which we have in the good old Book.) But if such a catastrophe be impending the re- sults will Le appalling I The new mau-ki-tbc-rncon will have en- largetl schedules, increased prizes, silver cups ad infinitum,) and universal bankruptcy to answer for. "Coming events cast their shadows before," Mid is it not an open question whether the meteoric shower of silver splendours attached to the Palace schedule may not be attributable to the high state of electrical condition -which is to eventuate in the biith of the second moon ? But it was not direct lunar influence which affected the Committee oi "our Canary Show."' The disturbing force was essentially mnn- flano. " How about your Show ? I regard it as the ' Two Thousand Guineas,' preparatory to the Crystal Palace 'Derby.' Don't let it fall through. Yours ever— H. A." Why did you write that, H. A.? Why did you throw such a firebrand in the midst of a community of peaceful citizens who had foresworn the pleasures (?) of Canary shows for ever? Why did I not burn tho dangerous missive instead of putting it into my pocket ? Why did I pull it out at street corners, and grappling some friend by the button-hole whisper the mysterious I is ear — " Don't let it fall through?" Why did 1 go from house to house, the burden of my song ever the same — " Don't let it full through?" And why did you, Mr. Young, instead of quietly ejecting me from your premises, listen to the seductive strain — Don't let it fall through,'' and smiting my hand with a very heavy smite, say, " Daddy ! (great familiarity, but you know I don't mind it from him), it sha'n't go down ; we'll try again." And who is to blame for all this and all that followed ? " Yours ever — H. Ash—; — ." My pen nearly slipped. A few hasty notices, and our- Committee was soon called together. Phrenologically speaking, 1 should say its tempera- ment was sanguine, with hope largely developed. There have been times in the history of our country when great social or political questions have agitated society, when, perhaps, the subject of reform February 10, 1^70. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. or disestablishment has been uppermost in mtii's minds, and the usual " How d'you do? fine day!" has been exchanged with serious faces and bated breath ; but these minor affairs pale before- the graver topics debated by our "fancy" when in solemn conclave assembled. The '"points" in a Belgian — can numbers count them? or is the English language sufficiently copious to describe them? We ask one member for his idea of correct classification of them. His reply is oracular, and full of hidden meaning ; so deeply hidden, that to this day we cannot fathom its depths. " Belgians camo from the Vatican. They have been kept out of natural history long enough, and it's my opinion the sooner they're into it the better. That's what I told Mr. Kidd. Slip them like two greyhounds, and where are they? Tv'hy, there they are ! " I said our language is defective ; it must be. The praises of a Scotch fancy, can they be chauuted in aught but pure Gaelic ? The value of a tick or a blotch ; what constitutes oven, and what uneven marking; what there ought to be a class for, and what there ought not to be a class for; what is to stand, and what is to be struck out, that our coat may be cut to suit the dimensions of our financial cloth — form matters for deliberation, the importance of which is only imperfectly understood by the outside world. The schedule finally determined on, was posted broadcast from John o'Groat's house to Land's End. A few towns in Scotland absorbed more than three hundred, with a return of six or seven exhibitors ; but we shall entice them over the Border when the new moon comes. The folding, enclosing entry certificate, pasting, address- ing, and stamping of nearly a thousand circulars was a tedious opera- tion for one pair of hands, to say nothing of the maaa of correspond- ence incident to the affair ; but the whole business, divested of the matter-of-fact drudgery attached to it, was exciting enough, especially when the moon was at "change" and "fall." The culminating point was the date of closing of entries. For a day or two previous it was a frequent question, ''How are the entries coming in?" n Slowly, very slowly ! They always do come in slowly till the last day ; so keep your heart up." Inquirer lcoka blank, and goes through a pantomime expressive of doubt, makes vague reference to the amended bankruptcy law?, and thinks it a pity wo didn't have the show in time to take the benefit of the old Act — goes away a sad man. But the day arrives big with the fate of our Show, an cl with a ring which says plainly, " Hare they are, and don't forget my New Year's gift," the postman delivers a bundle, of letters, which at once quiets all Inquirer's apprehensions. Nice, fat, bulky-looking envelopes, well packed with certificates, cheques, post-office orders, and stamps. Some contain letters. One man says his will be the '; honestest bird in the Show," but it wasn't. Another says, " You don't often see such a lot of birds as I am going to send. They are sure to take first prizes, and I'll send you a present of some fish on Monday ; ' but they didn't, and I never got my fish. There are the business-like entries of men who send twenty or thirty birds without a word of instruction ; they know we understand our business ; and there are entries of two or three with three volumes Svo. of cautions ; legible and illegible entries, correct and incorrect, down to the man who enters a " fine-marked cock" as a British bird. I pass over the posting up, the sending out labels, getting up a twenty-eight-page catalogue, and other trifles which come in the way as the moon passes from " opposition " to " conjunction" till we arrive at receiving-day. I know the packages by sight — Moore & Wynne's, shaped like giants' coffins ; J. N. Harrison's, models of neatness, compactness, and clever contrivance ; Tomes and Irons & Gayton, more coffins ; "Scotch Fancy" all in strongboxes; Stansfield, neat crates ; Derby lots very business-like, with Mr. Bexson's actually in a wrapper; sundry lots in mo3t peculiar covers. One man had borrowed the best tablecloth and a woollen shawl, another some pillow-cases, and a third a let of old umbrella covers. Then there are the neat brown hollaud covers trimmed with red braid, the work of some pitman's thrifty wife's fingers. Evening brings "Yours ever — II. A.," with his boxes, just as Mr. Young appears with his; both " cup " men. They possess about 12 feet -4 inches of muscular Christianity between them. Both looked very "fit'' as they clasped hands with a giant's grip, and both looked confident. " Yours ever — H. A.," thought he would just "land," but there was a quiet, placid expression about Mr. Young, suffusing itself over the entire man down to his gaiters, which spoke of reliance on bis ability to win. Meanwhile a very unobtrusive individual was quietly staging birds destined to lower the colours of one, and run the other very close. Mr. Ratter had not been to Belgium daring those awful gales last autumn for nothing. He bad not made love to steam-packet officials for care of his birds when he was in the agonies of sea-sick- ness, nor prayed the sympathies of relentless Custom House authori- ties at Dover for birds of no value ; and while he gave this one a scratch and the other an affectionate scrape, which the acrobatic angels responded to by the most hideous distortions, it was evident that the man who could distance all competitors, and run one, two: three in four classes, would stand a great chance of repeating the coup of last year. A final walk round the hall with a systematic checking off of the feathered beauties, and our most indefatigable attendant pulled his bed from nnder the temporary platform, the gas was lowered, and we said good-bye till next evening, when the judges were expected to deliver their awards. One by one the Committee and anxious ex- hibitors dropped into the Committee-room, " waiting for the verdict." Many a pleasant story and joke pertaining to the fancy went round the circle to while away the last hour, till the merriment was silenced by the appearance of the judgos, and in a very few minutes I was able to announce that Mr. Young was the fortunate winner of all the cups, Mr. Kutter and Mr. Ashton being close up. The correct return of the running in our " Two Thousand Guinea " would be, " won cleverly by a neck, a head separating the second and third." What congratulations followed, what snaking of hands, what hearty expressions of feeling from all sides ! There was but one regret, and that was that our esteemed friend Mr. Walter was not more successful ; but he assured me as soon as he arrived, that he had only come " for the sake of auld lang syne," and did not anticipate taking many, if any prizes. Few men have taken such a hold on our regard as he, and I believe the winner himself would have cheerfully laid down his laurels to decorate Mr. Walter's brow. The glories of our opening day, how His Worship the Mayor kindly presided, and presented the trophies, and how eloquent speeches were made, are these events not duly chronicled in the papers of the day? But the presentation of the cup officially by "Yours ever — II. A.," will not soon be forgotten by those present. Our impromptu ball, our private theatricals, our concert (an annual festival at which we always sing " Hard Times ;" I do not know why, but we do), are now matters of history. It may be that history repeats itself, but it will have a difficult task to repeat all the pleasures attending the " Two Thousand" of 1870.— "W". A. Blakston. BREEDING PAROQUETS. Seeing in " our Journal" some directions to be observed in breeding Paroquets, reminded me of what I saw last Christmas. Mr. Thos. Hallam, watchmaker, Lutterworth, has a pair of the Australian Grass Paroquets. On the Tuesday before Christ- mas clay he was surprised to see a small white egg at the bottom of the cage ; he at once told an old friend and fancier of the occurrence, and together they made a nest, put it into a bos, and placed the egg in it. The next morning another egg was laid, and on the following morning a third, after which the hen bird began to sit. The eggs were very like those of the Kingfisher in shape, hut not quite so large. Is it customary for them to lay at this time of the year? And do these birds often breed in confinement? — Charles Baker. HOW ITALIAN BEES ARE MARKED. Many persons do not understand what the yellow bands are that distinguish the Italian from the native bees. Some sup- pose that when we speak of yellow bands we mean the lines round the lower part of the abdomen. This is quite a mis- take, for these lines are alike defined in bo-h native and Italian bees. The yellow bands are around the upper part of the abdomen, and are frequently more of an orange colour than a yellow. The first band is a narrow stripe next to the thorax, and not always clearly defined, though it is always to be seen, in the pure bees. The second may be culled a broad stripe separated from the first by a hair-line of black. The third, when it appears, is perhaps a little more than half the breadth of the second, as a general thing, though sometimes it is not half the breadth, and not so clearly defined. Many persons take the broad stripe for the first band, and hence discover only two bands where three may be distinctly seen. The third line is also separated from the second by a hair-line of black.— J. H. Thomas (in Toronto Globe). OUR LETTER BOX. Fowls kot Laying (IU\ A. S.).— Either you have all old hens, or there i3 mismanagement, or you overfeed, or your eggs are taken. Something of this sort must occur, or you would have more eg^s. From a smaller number of hens we get from two to three dozen daily, and we nre looking for an increase. Very old hens will not lay till nest mouth ; if they are irregularly fed they will not lav. Overfeeding U not only giving too much food, but it is giving it in the wrong way— for instance, giving gram, meal, or other food in a trough or any vessel where fowls feed by niontns- ful instead of by grains. This makes them dull, sleepy, and uncomfort- able ; thev squat about and grow fat. If tbe eggs are taken you must find out the rogue; rats take them sometimes, and marvellous tales are told of their dexterity in doing it, but they do not take dozens daily. Give a meal of maize or good barley at duvbrcak, meal biter m tbe day, and one or two repasts of whole corn afterwards Tbe distribution of food is half the battle. Feed often and little— that is, allow no food to lie about, and only give it so long as they run after it. You do not want so much instruction as you fancy. Try to feed your fowls as Pheasants, Partridges, and wild birds feed* themselves. Points of Got den and Silver-spangled Polands (B. P.).— We will give you as much information a3 we can find room for; but for PniT>tp. colours, markings, &c ," we must refer youto some of tbe books published. JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February 10, 1876. on the Gnbject. Golden Polauds must have neither comb nor wattle ; they must be straight-backed. Their plumage Bhould be spangled, and not laced ; the cock's wines should be laced and barred. In the Silver the tail shonld be white tipped with black; in the Golden the colours Bhould be correctly blinded. The less white there is in the top-knot the better for the birds. White feathers, like grey hairs, come on with age. The markings of Gold and Silver are alike, the foundation colours alone differ. Hen Laying Docbleyolked Eghb (E. B.).— Laying double eggs has nothing to do with being too f*t. Fowls which are too fat do not lay at all. There is something amiss in the egg-or^aus. Furge her freely with castor oil, and she wi'l be well in a short time. Points of Black Red Game Bantams (Youtuj Fancier). — Game Bantams require to have tbe same points as Game fowls ':— sharp snake head, close hard plumage, especially the wines ; these carried close to the body, and without tbo suspicion of a droop. The tail should not be too largo or heavy, the sickle feathers long and rather drooping. Hen-tails are abominations except in Sebright*, and we hoped we shonld never hear of them again. The two red feathers in the breast of your Black Red cock would disqualify him, unless the class were for " Black-breasted and other Reds." He would win as a Brown-breasted Red. The two featters would disqualify him as a Black-breasted. Brahmas Dwindling (Brahma).— Our experience of Brahmas is, that the only complaint they suffer from is the " Anno Domini." We find them always hardy and doing well. We should write and ask how they have been hitherto fed. Instead of cabbage leaves and turnip-tops, buy some sods or turfs of growing grass cut with plenty of mould. Give the Brahmas bread and milk. Cock's Influence (A. B.).— You arc going into vexed questions. We can only give you onr own opinion. We say to your first question, the whole. We do "not know 1 ow to answer your second. The egg would be laid at its proper time without reference to external influence on the others, that influence would be felt within twenty-four hours. Nantwich Poultry Show (A Cheshire Subscriber).— You must send your real name and address, and wo must make inquiries before we can insert even a part of your letter. Boeder Counties Poultry Show.— Mr. J. Sibson says that the second prize for Tumblers was awarded to him, and not to Mr. Yardley. Black Hamburgh Hen Paralysed (W. C.).— The loss of the use of her legs most probably arises from over-fatness. The " high condition " and the" laying "indii'ilo that during the exertion to expel the egg, a blood- vessel ruptured on the brain Lower and soft diet, and perfect quietude, are to be adopted. If she recover, which is very doubtful, you may safely breed from her. 41 Brown Red " and " Leicestrp. " are wished to be communicated with by J. F. Btansfield, Esq., Solicitor, Accrington, Lancashire, if they will send to him their addresses. Address (J. Frame).— We never reveal the name of a correspondent who chooses to write anonymously. Poultry Shows (Q. G. J.).— We know of no shows but those which appear in our weekly list. Dublin Poultry Show.— "You say, ' Grey Dorkings were exceedingly good, and, to the credit of the Sister Isle, all the prizes remained at home.' A reference to the prize list, which I have before me as 1 write, will show that the third prize w? s awarded to a pen belonging to myself, the other prize and commcndel birds were, however, Ishown by Irish exhibitors. My birds only reached home from Newark (where they had taken the second prize) about L.30 ; at 2 10 they were in the train again t n route for Dublin.— E. Bartrum, Great Bn-kha muted, Herts.1' Aylesbury Ducks' Bills (Devon).— The probable cause is, that the water which your Ducks use has, through rains, changed its colour. If you are unfortunate enough 1o live in the vicinity of heath land, and the water comes down from it charged with peatv matter, that will cause it. Wait till the weather changes, and the bills of your Ducks will change at the same time As the show draws nigh, let them be turned every morn- ing into meadows, with the cold dew upon the grass. The cold damp weather has somewhat interfered with the circulation of your cocks. Give them some bread and ale, and while the wet .lasts give them stimu- lants daily. Ducks' Eggs IB. R. P.).— We constantly use Goose and Duck egss for puddings and kitchen purposes, and they are approved. We have never need Swans' eggs, but we should expect them to be as good. It is even said by many who are no mean authorities that a Duck's egg within an hour or two of being laid is superior to a hen's. At that stage the white, which is afterwards so leather-like, does not set, but is almost as light as whipped cream. Millet and Dari Seed ron Pigeons (A. C. S.).— No Pigeon authority that we know of has ever rt c unmended the above as Pigeon food. The dari might do, for it ib a kind of tare. Fantail Putting Her Wings Through Her Tail (Poplar).— As you say the trick is a recent one, we would recommend you to draw both flight feathers, and by the time tiiey were grown again the habit may be forgotten. Birmingham Rollers, &c. (Fido).— These birds always have feathers pn their feet, and they tio not fly high aud keep up like ^ky Tumblers They are called Rollers becansa they continue their tumbling, rolling ov«r for twenty times toother. Carriers are too valuable to be allowed to fly. Dragoons do instead. The flying of these birds is wholly diffe- rent to that of Tumblers. We cannot teach all Pigeon fancying in an answer to a correspondent, f-o recommend you to get Brent's " Pigeon Book," free from our office for twenty stamps. Study that book, and you will obtain abundant Pigeon knowledge. Runts {John A. Venour). — Runts have only one property— size ; they are esteemed simply on ruvo'jnt of their bulk. First-class birds should weigh over 2 lbs. each. Indian corn adds to the weight, and so docs time, as they increase until four years old. Buying Pigeons (R. H. C..— Whether Fancy or Dovecote Pigeons, never pay for tliem until you have seen tbem. If you prepay by a post- office order, payable ten days after date, which can be obtained at any post office issuing money orders, then, if in time you give the post-master notice not to have it paid he wiil &top the payment. Pulling-out Feather Stumps -Blackbirds Bald (C. J. J.).— Pulling out the stump of a Canaiy's tail will cause no pain if the feathers be old and dry. The new feathers will t.how themselves in from ten days to a fortnight, or thereabouts, aud the tail will soon grow again to its original dimensions. The baldness results from a kind of scurvy, at least it is known as such. Rnb the place with sweet oil. Canary and Linnet Mule-breeding [E. EX— " About May is the best time for pairing, them. Any sort of hen Canary will do. The reBUlt is all a lottery, many blanks and very few prizes. — W. A. Blakston." Canary Six Years Old (poplar).— "If the bird be in health it is not too old to breed from. If it be a Yellow cock, mate him with a Buff hen, and vice versa. It is not good stock to begin with. Brent on "The Canary and other Song Birds." Is. 6rf , or free by post, Is. Id. Consult Nos. 352, 364, 3r6, 367, 370, and 374 of the Journal for simple hints on the eubject. I shall be happy to afford any information, and congratulate the ' fancy ' .in having another lady enrolled among its numbers.— W. A. BLAXfeTON." * Address (/. Magnier).—W. J. Pettitt, Hive Manufacturer, Dover. Dislodging Bees froji Wainscoting, &c. (.If. E. B ). — "It will be a difficult matter to dislodge the bees after thirty years' location in the walls of your house ; and it is also verv difficult to suggest any mode of proceeding in any individual case without an actual inspection of the state of affairs. Should it even be practicable to destroy every bee and remove the accumulated stores, yet, unless every portion of the comb be extracted, and every crevice stopped, the vacant spaces may again soon be taken possession of by another colony. At least this has been the experience of the writer in five cases out of seven where the dislodged bees have been removed to a distance, and ae much a6 possible of the combs cut away. I fancy the bees in this case must be destroyed, and the easiest and most certain mode of effecting this wiil be to insert into every available crevice pieces of rag saturated with a Etrong solution of cyanide of potassium. This salt being, however, a dangerous poison, care is requisite in its application, and there is some risk in having it about you, but the vapour is very penetrating, and by it every bee may be destroyed. The mison's services should then be called into requisition, and when the combs are sufficiently exposed they should be carefully and effectually excised. The present season is a suitable time to effect the operation, tbe bees being less numerous than at any other period.— G, Fox." Haybands Round Hives (I*. DA— Swathing hives with haybands or any other non-conducting material is beneficial in moderating changes of tempprature. Three or 4 ozs. given by means of an inverted bottle about twice or thrice a-week as the weather permitB, until the bees are able to proride for themselves, will probably be sufficient. POULTRY MARKET— Febf.uary 9. The change of the season is coming on. Game is disappearing from the inarktt, and we Bhall soon he dependant on the farmyard only. p. d. s. d. ' s. d. 8. d. Partridges 0 0 to 0 u Pheasants 0 0 0 0 Pigeons 1 0 1 2 Hares 2 6 8 0 Rabbits 14 16 Wild ditto 0 9 0 10 Large Fowls 3 6 to 4 Smaller ditto 3 0 3 Chickens 2 0 2 COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— February 9. We have experienced a large influx of out door produce, and rough vegetables are not so saleable. Forced vegetables are plentiful for the demand, which is not so good as usual at this period of the year. Cornish Broccoli is good, and our Continental supplies are also good, and now becoming reasonable in price. 8 0to5 0 I Mulberries quart 0 0 to 0 0 .. doz. 0 0 0 0 Ne . lb. 0 0 0 0. . bushel 8 0 14 6 . ■{■■?. . do. 0 0 0 0 Goosehurri.'-i quart Grapes, Hothouse lb. 4 0 Lemons ^100 6 0 Melons each 2 0 lb. 0 0 0 0 Plums.. . lb. 0 6 0 9 | Qu" Oranges ^* 100 Peaches doz. Pears, kitchen doz. dessert doz. Pine Apples lb. Raspberries .. 10 6 ' Strawberries lb. 0 10 0 Walnuts bushel 10 S 0 i do t*100 1 VEGETABLES. . doz. 0 0 0 0 Beans, Kidney do. 3 Broad bushel 0 Beet Bed doz. 2 Broccoli bundle 1 Brussels Sprouts.. 4 sieve S 0 to 6 0 | Leeks bunch 0 14 0 Lettuce score 0 0 0 i Mushrooms pottle 0 0 0 ; Mustard&Cress.. punnet 0 2 0 0 3 0 4 0 0 4 0 8 .flOfl 0 0 0 0 , bunch burnUe .doz bunches 2 0 4 0 Endive doz. 2 Fennel bunch 0 Garli< quart 0 Potatoes bushel 2 Kidney do. 3 Radishes . . doz. bunches 1 Rhubarb bundle 1 Savoys doz. 1 Sea-kale.... baBket 2 Shallots lb. 0 Spinach bushel 2 Tomatoes dez. 0 Turnips bunch 0 Vegetable Marrows . .doz. 0 February 17, 1870. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Month Day of Week. FEBRUARY 17—23, 1870. Average Tempera- RK°,m Pun ture near London. Lg^&J Rises. Sun Sets. Mocn Rises. Moon Sets. Moon's Age. Clock before Sim. Day of Year. 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Th F S M " To W Meeting of Royal and L:nnean Societies. Length of night 13h. 50m. SEXAOEsnlA Sunday. Meeting of Entomological Sccictv, 7 "M. Meeting of the Society of Arts, 8 p.m. Bay. 40 6 45.2 44* 45 5 4(1.7 46.8 47.4 Niqki. 30.6 31.1 31.0 80.7 32.3 319 81.5 Mean., Dave. *n. h. m. b. S8.6 | 17 , 12af7 ' 16 af 5 33.2 ! 17 i 11 7 18 5 87.9 1 15 9 7 ' 19 5 38.1 14 7 7 21 5 39.5 20 5 7 1 23 5 39.3 19 3 7 1 25 5 39.4 14 ! 1 7 27 5 ! i m. h. 12 af 7 35 8 5S 9 18 11 morn. 39 0 55 1 m. h. 7af8 83 8 57 8 23 9 48 9 18 10 52 10 Days. 17 18 19 20 21 C 23 14 14 14 9 14 3 13 57 13 53 13 42 18 34 48 49 5) 51 52 53 54 From observations taken near London during tie last forty-three Years, the avenge day temperature of the week is 46 1°; and its night temperature Sl.S'. The greatest heat was 58°, on the 21st, 1840 and 1639 ; and tio lowest cold 2", on the 17th, lsM. The greatest fall of ram was 0.51 inch. eyery-day ' PINEAPPLE CULTURE. OUR correspondents, Mr. Simpson and Mr. Record, have recently made some interest- ing remarks on the time in which they have found it possible and profitable to fruit Queen Tine Apples, calculating from the time that suckers are potted to the time at which these produce ripe fruit, and they invite corre- spondence on the subject — a request with which I take the liberty to comply. I think it may now be termed almost Pine-growing to ripen the fruit in twenty or twenty-four months ; and I think it quite possible, and profitable as a rule, where there are good, light, well-heated Pine houses, to ripen the fruit in fourteen or fifteen months from the time the suckers are potted. In the summer of 1867 I potted a number of suckers from the Queen Pine Apples which ripened in June, and from these suckers cut ripe fruit in fourteen months, and I have no hesitation in saying, that as a rule, with good culture and light houses, that time is sufficient to produce 3 to 4 lbs. Queens, which, for ordinary purposes, is a very service- able size. My experience has always been that the younger the plant the larger the fruit in proportion to the size of the plant, and vies versa. You may bid good- bye to fine fruit when the plants are mounted on a stilt of a stem. The most important points of culture for speedy returns are first, to get a stout short sucker, and to keep it grow- ing' in as much light as possible, and with rather a mini- ma m of moisture in both soil and air ; above all, avoiding monster pots, and particularly in the case of Queens. It may be interesting to refer to an experiment I once made with the view of testing what could be gained by large pots. Thirty-six plants of the Smooth Cayenne and Charlotte Rothschild varieties, which I consider more in need of pot-room than Queens, were selected, and the eighteen finest plants were shifted into 15-inch pots, and the remain- ing eighteen were in 11-inch pots, plunged in the same bed. and in all respects treated alike. The following shows the result of the experiment when the fruit were ripe : — ff.o:i 15-nscH lbs. ozs. 6 i 9 3 2 1 9 7 4 FEOJI 11-INCH P0T3. lbs. 02P .. 8 .. 8 13 11 . . i 7 .. 6 in .. 8 , 8 n 19 .. 6 in .. 7 1 fruit . c 8 .. 7 7 7 Though in these weights of twelve fruit from each size of pot the weights are in favour of the large pots, I do not consider anything was gained by the larger shift, as the plants in the 11 -inch pots were decidedly less than their competitors at the time of shifting. Out of the thirty-six, seven fruit were under 6 lbs., and one under 5 lbs. They No. 464.— Vol.. XVin., New Seeies. were ripened between October and Christmas, and in 1867 I had nearly as fine fruit in 11 -inch pots ripened at the same dull season, and which were potted rootless suckers in August, 1866 : so that these stronger-growing sorts do not require much more time in which to do their work than Queens. — D. Thomson. The object of this paper is not to condemn Mr. Records system, but simply to state my experience and opinion, and if others would adopt a similar course much might be learned that we cannot meet with in any one work on the Pine Apple. Surely the time is long past when good cul- tivators like to keep secret their success and experience. That the Pine Apple can be fruited in less than three years is, I think, generally acknowledged, and I know no reason why it should not be fruited in half the time — namelv, eighteen months. If Mr. Record can obtain 3 lb. fruit in one year, it is a step in the right direction, but he must have very large suckers to commence with, and have a 12-inch pot "either full or well filled with roots in nine months, allowing three months for rest and ripening. If Mr. Record's svstem can be carried out, I hope to see this fruit . . vn again in all those places where it used to rank so highlv. How melancholy it is on revisiting a place where the Pine Apple was grown to find its culture given up as too expensive ! I will now describe my mode of cultivation. Queens are the variety I grow most of, and I shall, therefore, con- fine rnv remarks to it. In August thirty suckers, or more, about "a foot long, and stout in proportion, are selected ; they are potted in fi-inch pots, plunged in tan, and no water is given for some time. The pit is kept rather close at first, watering with warm water when wanted, and avoiding extremes. Should the weather be fine and sunny, a slight shading is used, at the same time damping the walls and passages to encourage rapid and sturdy growth, also the tan or plunging material. I never damp over- head at any stage. I preserve a temperature of from 75 to - i", with sun, and a bottom heat of 90 . as at this stage there are no roots to burn. As the season advances the temnerature is lowered. In Februarv the suckers will be all well rooted, and they are potted in 8-inch pots. The plunging material is turned over, and if there is not sufficient heat,Iadd a little fresh material. They are plunged and kept growing until August, with an increase of temperature in the summer months. It does not hurt the Pine Apple to be shut up at a temperature of 120° in the afternoon, for two or three hours, if a little air be given all night. In August I shift the plants from s-inch to 12-inch pots, and in these I fruit them. They are taken into the fruit- ing stove, and encouraged to fill the pots with root;, which will be accomplished, if all go well, by November. The temperature is then lowered, water withheld for some time, and then a good watering is given, the water used being warm, not hot. and the bottom and top heat increased. In Januarv the most of the plants will " throw up," and in June and July the greater portion of the fruit will be ripe. Thirty plants are all I have room to fruit here, allowing No. 1116.- Vol. XLIIL, Old Seeies. 124 JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February 17, 1870. 2 feet between each plant. I have fruited forty in the same house, but nothing is gained by crowding. The bed in the fruiting stove is 24 feet long; and C feet wide. To grow plants for a house of these dimensions a pit 18 feet long, with a pluDging space i feet wide, is wanted, 6 feet by 4 being for suckers, and 12 feet ly 4 for advanced or succession plants. My pit is larger than this, and is divided by a wooden partition ; one end, where the plunging material is nearer the glass, I use for the suckers. I agree with Mr. Record that for growing the plants to the fruiting stage, nothing is better than Oak leaves for bottom heat, and a lining of stable manure for top heat, if in frames. The foregoing syEtem I have practised here for seven years, but I confess the average of my Queens has been 24 lbs. ; in 18C8 I had ten fruit each weighing upwards of 3 lbs., and one of 3} lbs. These had small crowns — what I call Bmall is a crown of from 2 to 3 inches for a 3 lbs. fruit — and I consider a 8 lbs. fruit with a crown a foot long anything but what it ought to be. I again agree with Mr. Record that age has not much, if anything, to do with the size of the fruit ; for I have had plants which refused to fruit in from eighteen months to two years, but they were none the better for the long timo they had taken, the fruit being, if anything, smaller than that from plants not grown so long.— C. M. McC. ROYAL ASHLEAF POTATO. I will cnce again, with your permission, disclaim any right to my name being prefixed to this well-known Potato, as in page 58, by Mr. Fenn. In so doing I know well that he has merely copied the advertising seedsmen of the present day, so eloquent about Potatoes ; they are, of course, not authorities with regard to nomenclature, so that I have not thought it worth while to clear myself of the indirect charge of appro- priation. It is quite a different matter with Mr. Fenn, who is a classic in Potatoes, and should not be allowed inadvertently to quote an error without friendly notice. The truth is, the Royal Ashleaf Potato is not mine, nor was its creation ever claimed by me. Its history, which I published when it was first sent from here (Sawbridgeworth), is as follows : — Some year or two prior to 1860 I was on a visit to the late James Ashwin, Esq., at Bretforton Hall, near Evesham j he was an enthusiast in horticulture and agriculture, but at the time I refer to he had a great passion for orchard-house culture. On passing by some Potatoes he asked me if I had ever raised any seedlings in the course of my practice, and added that those I saw at our feet were seedlings raised from the old Ash- leaf, and that they might prove of value. He had distinguished them as A, B, and C, and told me I was welcome to some tubers ; these I received iu the autumn. I found A was quite a curiosity, a true Ashleaf in miniature, not growing more than 6 or 7 inches high, and bearing a cluster of beautiful tubers. In the wet summer of 18G0 this charming variety perished from the disease. I need not say how much I now regret it, for it would by thi3 time have been in every good garden as a winter Potato to grow in pots in forcing houses. B and C proved most robust and distinct, and one day attracted the notice of Mr. John Spencer, then of Bowood, who was walking with me. I at once called a workman to examine their roots, as they looked so promising. The end of it was our decision in favour of B, as the tubers were more regular in shape than those of C (I am quoting from memory). B was accordingly selected as a good Potato, and as Mr. Ashwin was deceased, I decided to call it the Royal Ashleaf, fearing that the relatives of Mr. Ashwin might object to the prefix of his name. With regard to my own choice of Potatoes, it has settled down to very narrow limits. My first crop is the Early Ten- week, the oldest and the earliest of all. 2nd, the Old Ashleaf (true), the finest in flavour of all the race, but rarely found pure. 3rd, the Royal Ashleaf. 4th, the Lapstone, or' Haig's Kidney. This sort I received from Messrs. Backhouse, of York, more than twenty years since. These four kinds supply my table from May till May in the following year, and are always good. Mr. Radclyft'e has kindly sent me a few of the Yorkshire Here, and also some of Pebbly White, both of the Lapstone race, which is so remarkable for its fine flavour. It may be to the peculiar soil here that the excellence of the above kinds is owing, for in tone cases it is sandy loam resting on sand, clayey alluvial loam resting on gravel, and the same resting on the boulder clay, all highly calcareous. I have tried many kinds, nearly all of which have proved failures with respect to flavour, and I have come to the conclusion that all those who love a good Potato should try several kinds, and ascertain which suits their soil beforo they cultivate any sort to a large extent. Mr. Radclyfle's calcareous soil seems to suit the Kidney Potatoes, and those who can grow them well would not eat any round variety for a continuance. The Early Ten-week is in use here for about a fortnight, and then adien to the Rounds. It is strange to see the Early Rose Potato puffed as it was a year or two ago in America. Neither that nor the Early Goodrich are early, second early, or eatable, when grown in my soils. I strongly suspect that the dry, hot American climate will not admit of the cultivation of our fine Ashleaf varieties, or they would never boast of such an inferior sort as the mis-named Early Rose, so insipid, so late, and so coarse, that one must be in a state of Potato hunger to eat it. The Ashleafs, as far as I can learn, seem to attain to great excellence in calcareous soils, for in the neighbourhood of Bath the market gardeners sell their baskets of Royal Ashleafs more readily than those of any other kind ; to use my inform- ant's term, " it was a fortune to them." — Thos. Rivebs. TANKS FOE BOTTOM HEAT. I have seen several questions asked in " our Journal " as to the best way of making tanks for bottom heat, and have strongly dissented from the answers given. I have four tanks now at work, and have had five, but with my present experience I would never make another. I think they answer no purpose which cannot be as readily effected by pipes at leEs expense. But the most serious objection to tanks is the constant trouble, annoyance, and expense they occasion. If built of bricks and cement, the constant contraction and expansion caused by the change of temperature will always crack them, and this gene- rally occurs when it is rno3t inconvenient to repair them. After many repairs I did away with one tank of this kind, and covered two others with lead ; this is nearly twenty years since. Lead is expensive, but at least I argued it would be safe. Here I was mistaken, as all know who have had to do with a lead- covered roof. I think one of these tanks has been repaired every year once, and often twice, since it was made, and the other nearly as often. The expansion of the lead cracks the solder. About the same time I had one iron tank made, or rather two wide cast-iron troughs connected together by pipes. These I thought were cast unnecessarily strong ; but it was a good thing they were Btrong, for I have been quite surprised at the way they have rusted. Finding they did not work well lately, I had them examined, and found the return pipes con- nected with them almost filled with oxide of iron. Now, I contend that the heat from these tanks is in no way superior to what I obtain from beds heated with pipes. The common idea is that a bed over a tank is damper than one over pipes, but this is quite erroneous. If yon cover a tank with slates, a bed of leaves or soil resting npon them will become as dry as dust if unwatered, as I can show anyone, and the same with pipes. But even if this were not the case, evaporating troughs on the pipes would produce the same effect. To any one thinking of building a tank for any purpose except the growth of aquatics I say, Don't. With a tank, the more regular the temperature at which the water is kept the less danger of leakage ; and as a tank for the growth of plants is never very hot and ought never to be cold, lead ought in such a case to last for many years. But a tank which is sometimes cold and at other times filled with almost boiling water must crack, whether built of cement or lined with lead. — J. R. Pearson, Chihcell. DOES THE ELM IN OUR WOODLANDS PRODUCE SEED.' Theee has been an argument in " Science Gossip," between a lady friend of mine and Messrs. Holland and Britten, concern- ing the Elms of our woodlands (Ulmus eampestris), perfecting their seeds when growing in cultivated soil. Messrs. Holland and Britten have made it appear that this has never been the case, and the former says, " And very seldom show any signs of fruiting at all." The author of the fact informs me that she has frequently noticed instances of the Elm fruiting when growing in cultivated soil, and she has written to ask me if I February 17, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAliDENER. 125 have, and if so, it I would mention it in " Science Gossip j" but as I bad not noticed tbis myself, can you oblige through your correspondents' columns ? — G. N. FRUIT-GROWING IN FRANCE AND ENGLAND. No. 4. — Peaks. On no Bnbject has the horticultural battle more strenuously raged than on the vast superiority, as it was alleged, of Pear culture in France as compared with the culture of the same fruit in England. Now, into the merits or demerits of this controversy I have no wish to enter. Many of the points in dispute are of little moment in whatever way they may be decided. My object was not so much to enter into these points as to ascertain the profitableness or otherwise of Pear culture about Paris as compared with that round London, and whether the system of training was such as to necessitate an alteration in our method. To ascertain these points I-visited not only some of the largest fruit nurseries about Paris, but some of the most celebrated gardens of amateurs, especially those of M. Nallet, of Bruuoy, and M. Chardin, of Chatillon. My decision is arrived at, not merely from my own observation, but from the statements of those gentlemen who, I suppose, vrill be allowed to be the best judges on the point. Let me, then, describe first theEe two gardens, which are, I may say, places of pilgrimage to all those who, interested iu pomology, care to see what can be seen in Paris regarding it. M. Chardin, to whom my good friend M. Jamain introduced me, is an engraver ; having acquired a competency for himself he has retired to Chatillon, and there, amidst his trees, his life is spent. Nothing more curious than this garden can possibly be conceived. Pears, Pears everywhere ; Pears trained in all sorts of ways — palmette, pyramid, upright cordon, oblique cordon, all are there — on walls, on trellises, alongside of walks, trained over walks, forming arbours, in fact, in every possible way that Pears oan be grown. They are grown alongside of the walks; about 4 feet from the path, iron trellises are run, sometimes reaching 12 or 13 feet in height, and up these the Pears are trained; then some Bhoots are allowed to lengthen, and are trained overhead. It may be at once gathered from this that the garden is iu a very sheltered position. It has, moreover, a thorough Pear soil, that rich unctuous loam in which the Pear rejoices, so that M. Chardin has every advan- tage. Moreover, he is an enthusiast ; his garden is his child ; it receives his first attentions in the morning, his last at night. At i and 5 a.m. he is iu it, and is only driven out by the dark- ness. For neatness, for beauty of training, and for general effect in its own peculiar way, this garden is unique. The garden of M. Nallet is somewhat different from that of M. Chardin. The soil is not so good, the situation more ex- posed, and the position of the proprietor is likewise to some extent different. * It was not very easy quite to understand what that was. He gives lessons in fruit-training and pruning at certain times, and he looks to making something out of his garden, and yet he is to some extent an amateur. His garden is much larger than M. Chardin's, and his collection of Pears very numerous. The various systems of training are here also carried out in great perfection. Perhaps the most interesting were the pyramids in the form of a crinoline, where stout iron rods are used to give the shape, and the branches are tied a3 they grow to the iron framework. This gives a greater current of air and more light than when the pyramids are grown in the ordinary method ; at the same time I would add that I saw, shortly after my return home, in the grounds of the Duke of Norfolk at Arundel Castle.pyramidal Pear trees which had been obtained originally from Mr. Rivers, of Sawbridgeworth, on which there was a crop of Pears as numerous and as fine as any that I saw at either M. Nallet's or M. Chardin's. The pal- mette Verrier seems to be the favourite form, and, as this has been so frequently described, there is no necessity for saying anything further on it. It is a modification of our English system of training, whether adopted independently or not I do not know ; and I think it has the advantage of ours in some respects, as being likely to afford a more regular flow of ^sap to all the branches. When I had gone through these gardens and the nursery of M. Jamain, the questions to be answered were first as to train- ing. The oblique cordon can never, I think, be more than a ready way of at once furnishing a trellis or wall with a variety of Pears ; for such a purpose it is well adapted, but I very much question whether, for all that, we shall see it largely adopted amongst us ; when we have walls with a southerly or westerly aspect we are more inclined to cover them with Peaches and Nec- tarines than with Pears, although the latter are a more certain crop. The palmette Verrier is, as I have said, a beautiful form of tree, and from what I Eaw we might advantageously copy it either on trellises or walls ; but after all the question which most concerns us is this, Does this system pay ? Do all the pains, care, and skill bestowed on these trees return to their owner an adequate recompense ? Now, on this I have con- clusive evidence. M. Nallet, when I asked him this question, said, " Decidedly not. If," he said, "Icoull grow only such kinds asDoyenne dHiver(EasterBeune),andB3rgamo;teEspe- ren, which would come in late in the season, then they might ; but I cannot grow these except on the wall. "When I send Pears in early in the season the market is so full that I get nothing for them." And in talking to M. in the Rue dn Marehe St. Honore, he distinctly said that the finest fruit that be had to sell did not come from these highly trained trees ; in fact, it is not the neighbourhood of Paris that supplies the fine fruit that we see in the fruiterers' shops in Pari3, or that come over to our own Cuvent Garden ; we must go further south, to Tourraine or Adjou. When I was at Angers some years ago, in the month of October, I saw immense quantities of splendid fruit, which were being gathered for transport to Germany, Russia, and even America ; and M. Leroy, I remem- ber, told me some astonishing statistics of the number of tons weight of Pears annually exported from that part of France. There, with a brighter sun and more favoured atmosphere, the finest vaiieties ripen on pyramids and bushes ; and let all those who, captivated by the extreme neatness of appearance of these French trees, think of " going in " for a trellis cr wall on any of these systems, consider that it involves much more trouble and constant supervision than the bush or pyramid system. It will not do to put this up and give it up to your gardener with the idea that he will thank you much for it ; he can tell you already what time it takes to train the trees he already has on his walls, and this entered upon to any extent must inevitably entail additional aid. For myself, I say de- cidedly that I should be quite satisfied with such pyramids and bushes as I have seen a hundred times in English gardens ; and that while we may learn a great deal theoretically and sci- entifically about the pruning of -the Pear, I very much doubt whether this system will supersede ours, and that, not because we are so "entete" as to prefer our own simply because it is our own, but because, taking all things into consideration, it is more likely to be profitable. — ]>., Deal. CONIFERS DEPRIVED OF THEIR LEADERS. Havixg lately planted ornamental Conifers to a large extent, and being much interested in their treatment, I send a few remarks, which may be corroborated or refuted by some of your readers. There is a general prejudice that losing their leaders is a detriment to ornamental trees of the Spruce tribe. No donbt it makes a great difference whether the loss is due to weakness in the tree or to accident, but the question I wish to raise is whether in either case it is any advantage to rear a new leader artificially, and whether trees of this kind may or may not be improved by having their leaders cut off? Perhaps the most ornamental of the newer species of Spruce is the Abies Nord- manniana. This seems to have a disposition to become blind in the leading shoot, and to change its leader. Several trees of it in Kew gardens have at present side shoots artificially trained and tied to make leaders. The species is remarkable for the luxuriant beauty of its lower branches, which are its most ornamental feature. In the garden of Mr. Pearson, of Chilwel), near Nottingham, I lately saw two plants of A. Nord- manniaua, one of about 12 feet, the other about 9 feet high, the smaller by far the handsomer and better-shaped tree. That gentleman told me they were formerly an exact pair, that when about 3 feet high his son had cut one in two with a scythe at about half its height, and that he had left it to take its chance, doing nothing at all to it. It soon spontaneously formed a new leader from the end of a side branch. The branch gradually elevated itself, and now the place where it was cut in two cannot be distinguished. Mr. Pearson told me on the same occasion that the garden of the Rev. J. Robinson, Rector of Widmerpool, Notts, is conspi- cuous for its ornamental Norway Spruces, which are remark- able for the luxuriant spread of their lower branches, and 126 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February 17, 1870. have been treated in the following way : — Mr. Robinson, who haa been in possession of the place for about fifty years, acci- dentally discovered the ornamental effect produced by Spruces being topped. He therefore adopted the plan of cutting them off at about half their height when 10 or 12 feet high. Mr. Pearson saw them there in every stage of recovery, until after a few years the point of seotion was no longer visible. It is probable that of yonr readers some will not believe this account, others will accept it in a modified form, but none will proceed to treat all their ornamental Spruces in the way sug- gested. I am anxious, however, to know whether any of your readers can confirm it by personal experience. — C. W. D. HOT-WATER BOILERS. I for one am exceedingly obliged to Mr. Peach for his papers on this subject. There are many things one takes for granted, and never thinks about, much less do we think of calling in question the generally-received opinions npon ihsm. That water could not with any effect be heated from above, seemed to me so self-evident, that I must say I felt quite startled when I heard Mr. Peach's opinion on the subject. When he paid me a visit he was so short a time with me thit he did not enter into reasons, and did little more than say very decidedly that the general opinion was quite erroneous. Now, though I felt he might as a clergyman be in a position Jo speak ex cathedra on some subjects, I thought he was hardly likely to enlighten me on the subject of heating by hot water, as few have had more practical experience than I have had. As to the science of the matter I believed it so simple that I had nothing to learn. Now, I am free to confess this was an entire mistake on my part, which I shared with most persons who thought themselves best informed on everything con- nected with boilers and hot-water apparatus. It is quite clear we have not taken into account the dif- ference between water in motion and water at rest. Knowing that water heats by convection, that the hottest particles being the lightest will not descend, it has always been taken for granted, that a flue passing over a boiler acted only as a warm jacket, to prevent the escape of heat, and had little or no effect in warming the mass of water beneath, and in the case of steam boilers, I think this reasoning is correct ; but in a boiler through which water is circulating, it i3 certainly a mistake to suppose the same reasoning applies. We all know that heat radiates downwards; the top of a bciler over which a flue is carried must, therefore, be heated. Now, if the flow-pipe rises, as it ought to do, from the top of the boiler, it is manifest fresh particles of water must be constantly brought in contact with the under surface of the top of the boiler so made hot, and as a matter of course will receive heat as they roll along in contact with it. As they rise in the flow-pipe, others will take their place and be heated in turn. This all appears so self-evident when one thinks upon it, that the Wbnder is we did not all see it before. An independent thinker, like Mr. Peach, is a great acqui- sition to " our Journal," and I for one am almost as pleased to be set right, as if the first publication of the idea had been mine — not quite, but nearly so. It is to be hoped he will often favour us with his ideas. If he upsets received notions he must not expect to convince everyone, but I hope he will take it for granted some are willing to be set right. — J. fi. Pearson, Chilwell. ESSAYS ON FLORAL CRITICISM. I cannot understand why Col. Scott should have mounted his charger and put his lance in rest to bear me down, because I asked a simple question. On referring, however, to the re- port of the Society's meeting I see that he charged Mr. Godson somewhat in the same manner. I suppose I must set it down to his air militaire. 1. Col. Scott calls me a severe critic of the construction and action of Floral Committees. Will he be kind enough to tell me when I have ever found fault with the action of the Floral Committee? Its construction and the manner in which it is manipulated by the Council I have written against, and appa- rently with some effect. 2. Does Col. Scott imagine that the fact of the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society having the examining of the essays is one likely to inspire confidence in the competitors ? If so, he must have grievously mistaken the signs of the times. 3. Col. Scott requests me, without any " unnecessary in- sinuations," to give my opinion on certain points in connection with the subject of his essay. I do not know what he means. I am apt to say what I mean, and not to insinuate. I must therefore decline to answer his question, and shall certainly not now include myself amongst the number of competitors for his prize. — D., Deal. BEET-ROOT LAST YEAR. At page 113 of " our Journal," the Rev. C. P. Peach solicits the experience of others as regards Beet, and its cultivation during the past year. As with other things, so with Beet, there is a variety of opinions as well as of kinds. Some prefer red Beet, while others prefer crimson Beet. I am an adherent to the latter, and think that crimson Beet is far preferable, and 1 believe, in general, more appreciated. My experience for last year is, in the last week in April, I sowed Dewar's, Henderson's Pine Apple, and Carter's St. Osyth Beet, on well-prepared moderately rich ground, in rows 1 foot apart. When the plants were large enough to trans- plant they were thinned out, leaving the plants in the rows G inches apart. I planted what I wanted, and though we had a very dry summer, by constantly stirring among the plants and keeping them free from weeds, we had a most excellent crop of well-formed roots. Those of Dewar's variety were the most perfect in shape, but I should give the preference to Carter's for colour. The three kinds were pretty equally balanced as regards quantity. . Whyte's Black Beet is the deepest crimson Beet I have seen, but it is of very rampant habit, and raiher coarse. It is very apt to run to seed, unless it is late-sown, and then in case of autumn frosts it does not attain perfection with us. It should be grown in poor soil. Carter's and Nuttaii's are useful kinds, and have their admirers, as have many other good kinds ; while some say, "Give me Lindsay's Beet, and you may do what you will with the others." I have had no experience with Beta chilensis ; therefore, I am not in a position to offer an opinion about it. — M. H..,Acklam Hall, 1-Iiddlrsbroughon-Tees. In reply to the inquiry made by your correspondent, as regards this root, I have the pleasure to inform you that we were very successful in thi3 crop last summer. The seed was put in on the 9th April, and the plant was dressed with four or five dressings of sewage. The return from half an acre was £28 9s. Id. — Henry J. Morgan, Lodge Farm, Barking, Essex. CISSUS PORPHYROPHYLLUS. This fine climber is a native of the East Indies, and when grown well I think it is as beautiful as Cissus discolor. It is not so often met with as the last-named, but when grown, as I will describe, it presents a most chaste and attractive appear- ance. I have found it valuable for the decoration of the stove ; and on the dinner-table, beneath the chandelier, it is perfection. It is rather a slow grower, and has slender stems rooting at the joints, clothed with foliage of a brilliant emerald green in the young stages of growth, changing as it becomes older to a rich purplish green, covered all over the surface with blotches of pale pink. Its being a slow grower I consider an advantage, as it is handy to use for the decoration of the dinner-table. It requires to be shaded from the rays of the sun ; to have a soil compounded of peat, loam, and leaf mould in equal quan- tities, and a liberal sprinkling of silver sand added. I grow my plants in 5-inch pots, and train them as pyramids about 20 inches high. My plan is as follows : — I take a 5-inch pot, drain it well, and then fill it with the com- post. I usually put in two plants, one on the opposite side of the pot to the other. When established I take some small rods to form my pyramid, I then place sphagnum moss outside, and fill up with cempost. I build it up neatly to whatever height I require, and then train my plants round that pyramid. It makes a beautiful specimen. — F. P. L. Correction or Thermometers.— For the information of your correspondent " Veritas," and probably many more of your readers, respecting the verifying of thermometers, I beg to inform you that the charge for verifying thermometers at Kew is Is. " Veritas " has only to send the thermometer and the stamps addressed to Dr. Stewart, when the instrument will be February 17, 1S70. ) JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 127 returned in a few days with a certificate of verification, with some other valuable information respecting mercurial thermo- meters ; but only those instruments that are divided on the 3tem or tube will get a certificate, as thev are verified unmounted. The address is, " Kew Observatory, Richmond, London, S.W." — J. Bryan. OUR TREES. Of all Nature's gifts to man, gifts which make beautiful this world of ours, none are more rich or varied in aspect, or longer life-enduring than our trees. They possess a magnificence, a wealth of beauty, with which even our choicest flowers may not compare, for the beauty of these flowers is but for a short time ; a few hot summer days, a touch of fro3t, a cold rainy wind, and it is faded, goDe for the season. The golden Wheat, or the bearded Barley, waving over acre3 of sunny slopes beneath a soft blue sky, has a glory we reverently ackaowledge, as we stand and look and wonder; but then how soon the "harvest homo" echoes over the hills, and of our bright pic- ture nothing is left but the brown soil. Yet our trees, like tried friends, are with us through all seasons — -nay, season after season, stretchiug far back into remote times, a part of our history, and yet living with us to-day — strong, and green, and fresh, and wide-spreading; the old resting thankfully be- neath the shade of the same trees generations of their fore- fathers played under when children — trees which retain through the passing years (how many, they with a strange inward fidelity never forget to count) a beauty which i3 dear to our English hearts — so dear that we associate them with the greatest events of our lives. In j )y we plant the young sapling to mark the gift day of a new life. And royal hands sometimes deign to leave such mementos of a passing visit to keep their me- mories green. 'We plant them not always wisely, nor well, and often much too near the new homestead; but how they are watched, and guarded, and cared for, and loved, only the planter knows. Then, too, how they grace our mansions ! What, indeed, would the stately homes of England be without the old ancestral trees '? — the old trees that have grown for so many years side by side, intertwining their spreading branches under and over each other, until they have made a roof of living green, through whose density the June sun cannot penetrate, and in whose mysterious gloom night gathers before the day is done. The dear trees ! They stand by our quiet homes with a solemn presence, companions we should grieve to part from. They adorn tho wayside cottage, hiding its unsightiiness, refining its roughness. They are on our lawns, sweeping their long feathery branches in regal state over the soft green grass, and wooing the mosses to put on their brightest emerald. They are on the high hills, sturdy and strong, playing with the summer breezes, battling with the winter winds. They are in the shady lanes, and the sheltered valleys, where the silver Ditchwort and the Hue Hyacinth spread over their tangled root3 and make glad the sunny banks. They are by the sides of the murmuring rivers, looking down into the shining depths, and answering back with a sweeter murmur. Where beauty is they increase it tenfold; and to the least interesting spot, what a charm they impart of light and shade, of life and motion ! They are said to be large consumers of the elements of life, careful of their own needs, gathering from the soil, from the sunshine, and irom the rain-cloud more than enough ; yet they are mo3t generous returners, they give back far more than they take, often turning the evil into good — so much so, that the man is considered worse than a heathen who shall dare to injure or destroy the town tree, however poor and miserable its appear- ance may be. Then, too, they are of most ancient lineage ; they claim kindred with the marvellous gigantic growth of thousands and thousands of ages ago — that wondrous sunny growth which is working in our factories now, the centre power of movement, the helper of science in her mighty progress, the warmth of onr churches, the first comfort of our homes, and the keeper- alive in our northern climes of Flora's sweet gifts, whereby we are enabled in gladness to place flowers on our Christmas-day altar. How cold, and bare, and unproductive would onr island be if there were no trees, either for use or ornament, no long thick plantations to shelter our houses and gardens from keen biting blasts ; no noble parks for the deer to wander through ; no old woods for the birds to chant forth their melody in, nor for the squirrel to gambol in in safety. How would the cruel east wind sweep with unbroken power from shore to shore, and everything with life suffer from its unsoftened influence ! After dwelling for a long time in the midst of a large town, when we escape into the open country, how onr hearts leap for joy when we catch sight of our favourite tree, be it patient Oak, or graceful Ash, or silver Birch, or touch-me-not Walnut. They have from us a great welcome; we never tire of their pre- sence. How they bud and bloom, and drop their foliage, and are never quite bereft of beauty, for even when leafless they possess a symmetry of form, a peculiar individuality of character, never separated from their natural gracefulness. And in all their many changes, and these are ever recurring, they never change beyond recognition ; even in the stern winter time, which we are prone to speak of as lifeless and joyless, when Nature wears her greyish garment; they are our greatest orna- ments ; they atand out boldly in the clear frosty air pointing their silent fingers to the cloudless sky, or they make a fine net- work of interlaced twigs, through which the moon looks down upon the snow-covered world. Yes, through all seasons they retain their interest ; they battle bravely with the winter storms, and wait patiently until the hard stone-like soil hag warmed and softened; then, like magic, they burst into rapid growth, not here or there by fitful temper, but everywhere wondrous revelations ; myriads of clustered leaves of soft de- licate tissue, and various shades of colour, proclaiming with a hymn of gladness to which no ear is deaf the new world of beauty, the awakening-up out of the long sleep of rest. And is there not a beauty of the trees when summer comes with her firmer tissues, her darker hues, and larger growth, and strange moving shadow3 over field, and garden, and way- side ? And when autumn comes, what Dan equal the glory of our trees ? How they change spring's hymn of gladness into one richer and deeper — of thankfulness, Nature's very jubilee. How suddenly, as by fairy wand, they turn all their sombre fo- liage into bright leaves more deeply coloured than ever Millais painted. And when winter comes in earnest, and the hoar frost and the silent snow fall down upon the trees, covering every branch, and twig, and leaf with a garment of pure glitter- ing white, what of all Nature's yearly gifts to man can equal the dazzling beauty of the gho3t-lika trees?— Maud. Easter Beurre Pear. — I have sent this morning a Email box containing a few fruits of the Easter Beurre for your in- spection, being a fair sample from a tree growing on an east wall, which produces a good crop every year. In fact, in this locality we consider it one of the best late Pears we have, although it may and has a slight tendency to become mealy when overripe, also to ripen rather sooner than we would wish ; still, as far as my experience goes, it is worthy of a standing with any of the late kinds, and does remarkably well with an eastern aspect. — B. Godbold, The Gardens, Chipstead, Kent. [The Pears were very fine, and fully ripe. Send your notes on Camellia culture at the same time as von send the specimens. —Eds.] __ ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. It will be seen from the report of the annual meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, which we published last week, that the beginning of the end of Chiswi<-k has come. This is an event which all who knew anything about the matter have for some time looked forward to, and one, also, for which some provision had to be made at no distant date. In some ten or eleven years the lease of the garden, held under the Duke of Devonshire, will terminate, and, nolens vole;xs,ihe Society must then have relinquished the garden. Circumstances not by any means new to the Society have, however, hastened the consideration of the abandonment of Chiswick. The expense of maintaining it is said by those in authority to be greater than the Society can bear, and if the Society is to exist at all it must be dismembered, and this right hand must be cut off. It 13 a bitter pill to swallow, but sooner or later it had to be done, and this is thought the best time to do it. This is not a subject upon which there is but cue opinion, for there are many, and these too well grounded, some of them ; but the answer to all i3 the total inability of the Society to maintain two large establishments. Horticulturists then say, Why not let Kensington go ? for though the Society has ex- pended £120,000 there, it has not a stick or a brick it can call its own, while at Chiswick it has its houses and plant collec- tions, and the finest collection of fruit trees to be found any- where. The answer to this is, that a new garden is to be ob- tained, and will be secured, before Chiswick is given up, so tha the trees, and plants, and structures, which are of value to 128 JOUBHAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February 17, IcTt). the Society, will be transported thither, and the old garden will be maintained jnst in such a condition as to keep every- thing in proper order at the lowest possible expense. It is this assurance by the Council that a new garden will be provided that reconciles a large portion of the Fellows to the course that has been determined upon, and we trust that no unnecessary delay will take place, so that many who are incredulous enough to believe that no new garden will ever be made, will have their fears dispelled, and their allegiance to the Society doubly strengthened. Fruit Committee, February lGth.— G. F. Wilson, Esq., P. U.S., in the chair. Mr. Thomas Bray, gardener to E. A. Sandford. i head, Wellington, Somerset, sent a bundle of forced Asparagus of very superior quality, to which a special certificate was awarded. Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son sent specimens of the Egyptian Red Beet, a small Turnip-rooted variety, well adapted for growing on shal- low soils. These were grown broadcast like Turnips. The colour in some of the specimens was excellent, but there was an evident tendency in others to go back to the Bassano. With careful selection this may be brought to a more fixed character, and thereby prove a valuable variety. The Wellington Long Red Beet was of excellent quality, and was considered an excellent stock. A letter was read from Messrs. Eutley & Silverlock calling the attention of the Committee to a de- cision come to last October, that the Bedfordshire Champion Onion is a good stock of the Globe. Specimens were exhibited at this meeting, and after considerable discussion the Committee decided that they saw no reason to rescind the decision formerly come to. Mr. Meredith, of The Vineyard, Garston, near Liverpool, sent a basket of very handsome Grapes, consisting of Muscat of Alexandria, Alicante, and Lady Downe's, to which a special certificate was awarded. He also sent an enormous bunch of a seedling Grape called Child of Hale, raised by crossing Syrian with Muscat of Alexandria. It has all the appearance of Syrian. The Rev. George Kemp offered two prizes, one of £3 for the best. and one of £2 for the second best three dishes of each, winter dessert Apples and Pears, for which there was strong and close competition. Mr. Parsons, of Dauesbnry, obtained the first prize with Flat Nonpareil, Wyken Pippin, Cockle Pippin, Ne Plus Meuris, Josephine de Marines, and March Bergamot; and Mr. Garland, of Killerton, Devon, was second with Sturmer Pippin, Eoyal Russet, Hubbard's Pearmain, Winter Xelis. Glon Morreau, and Bergamotte Esperen. The other competitors were Mr. Sidney Ford, of Leonardslee :* Sir. Gardiner, of Eatington Park ; Mr. Cox, of Redleaf : and Mr. Earley, of Digswell. The Society offered prizes for the best three dishes of dessert Apples, for which there was also a strong competition. Mr. Ross, of Welford Park, took the first prize with Scarlet Nonpareil, White Nonpariel, and Carraway Russet ; and Mr. Lynn, gardener to Lord Boston, at Hedsor, was second. The other competitors were Messrs. Saul, of Stourton : Gardiner, of Eatington Park ; Ford, of Leonardslee ; Garland, of Killerton ; Wallis ; Parsons, of Banesbury ; and Cos, of Redleaf. For the Society's prize for the best three dishes of dessert Pears, Mr. Wells, of Holme Lacy, was first, and Mr. Gar- land second. The other competitors were Mr. Cox and Mr. Ford. Floral Committee, February 16tti— Rev. J. Dix in the chair. Owing to the coldness of the weather there was on this occasion a smaller show than usual, still there was a better display, especially of Orchids, than could have been expected under the circumstances. Prizes were offered for six Chinese Primulas, for three Dielytras, and for six Lycastes. Of Chinese Primulas two sets of six were exhibited, the one by Messrs. F. & A. Smith, of Duhvick, the other by Mr. A. Wilkie, Oak Lodge, Kensington. Messrs. F. & A. Smith, whose varieties were all named, had well-bloomed plants of a double pale flesh-coloured kind, opening white, and with handsome Fern-like foliage ; two free-flowering, pretty, double, blush white varieties, named Candidissima and Incarnata ; Rubens, double salmon pink, a large and showy single lilac purple, with a yellow eye ; and a double flower similar in colour but somewhat lighter. Mr. Wilkie sent single white and purplish lilac varieties. The first prize was awarded to Messrs. Smith, the second was withheld. Messrs. F. & A. Smith also exhibited a collection of single and double varieties, including two of the above, and one in which the margins of the lilac purple petals were Btreaked with white. A white -flowered variety, called Purity, also shown by Messrs. F. & A. Smith, had large, double, pure white flowers, which are said not to change colour with age. The leaf-stalls being red, it has probably originated from one of the red- flowered sorts. Primula sinensis tilicifolia kcrmesina, with salmon red flowers, was a fine, large-flowered, single variety, said to reproduce itself from seed. Of Dielytras there was none shown, and of Lycastes only one collec- tion, which came from Messrs. Veitch, to whom a first prize was awarded. The collection consisted of Lyeaste alba, with beautiful wax-like white flowers, the remainder being Lyeaste Skinneri gigantea and other varieties of the same species, varying in the depth of 'colour and markings, and having from five to eleven blooms. Mr. Stevens, of Ealing, sent a numerous collection of seedlings of Cyclamen persicum, some of which had large and brilliant-coloured blooms. From Mr. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, came a small collection of herbaceous plants, consisting of baskets of Hoteia or Spirasa japonica, a double yellow Wallflower, Iris reticulata, very pretty, and Primula Fortunei or erosa. Mr. D. T. Fish, gardener to Lady Cullum, Hardwicke House, Bury St. Edmunds, sent Myosotis dissititiora. which had been flowering with him since the middle of January, but the specimens shown were in a drooping condition. Mr. K. Ismay, gardener to the Hon. W. O. Stanley, Penrhos, Holyhead, sent a new hybrid between Libonia flori- buuda, also known as Abutilon vexillarium, and Sericographis Ghies- brecbtiana. It was called Libonia penrhosiana, and its flowers have the yellow mouth of the Libonia, and the scarlet tube of the Serico- graphis, though not so bright, while the leaves are larger than those of the Libonia, and smaller, and of a darker green, than those of the other parent. From G. F. Wilson. Esq., Heatherbank, Weybridge Heath, came cut flowers of Japanese Chrysanthemums to show how long they con- tinue in bloom. Mr. Hubbert, gardener to 0. O. Wrigley, Esq., Bridgo Hall, Bury, Lancashire, sent beautiful cut blooms of Lycastes and Caelogyne eristata, and of Goodyera Bawsoni : also Sarraccnia Drnmmondi rubra and S. purpurea nigra, the former having the ap- pearance of being marbled with white on a blood red ground ; the latter with a dark purple pitcher, more like that of a Nepenthes than of a Sarracenia. Mr. Thomas Burnett, gardener to W. Terry, Esq., Peterborough House, Fnlham, had a special certificate for a large and beautifully-flowered specimen of Crelogyne eristata, whose fine racemes of white and yellow flowers produced a magnificent effect. From Mr. Lawrence, gardener to Bishop Sumner, I i.rnham Castle, came Cattleya Trianae Laurenciana, a fine variety, and ethers of the same species. The great feature of the day was the grand display of Orchids made by Messrs. Veitch and Mr. Denning, gardener to Lord Londes- borough, a display highly creditable to the courage of the exhibitors in bringing their superb plants out in such weather. Messrs. Veitch had, besides fine varieties of Lyeaste Skinneri, Odon- toglossums, such as Rossii, Cervantesii, and cordatnm ; Oneidium Phalaenopsis, 0. nubigenum, and O. cucullatum maculatum ; a finely bloomed specimen of Dendrobium crassinode, the yellow and brown D. heterocarpum, D. cueullaturn gigantenm, very tine ; Cypripedium villosum, the scarlet-flowered Nasonia punctata, Aerides teretifolia, Dendrobium moniliforme in fine bloom, and the beautiful Vanda ceeru- lescens, the flowers of which though small are very pretty, pale blue with a violet lip. Mr. Denning. Lord Londesborough's gardener, had a most remark- able example of Bendrobium speciosum upwards of ?A feet in diame- ter, and having some fifteen noble spikes of flowers ; a noble specimen of Ccelogyne eristata, glorious in white and gold ; splendid cut spikes of Phalamopsis Schilleriana, such indeed as we have never before Eoen ; Odontoglossum Alexandra, very fine ; a very fine spike of a Stanhopea, Epidendruin Karwinski, Cattleya Trianfe. Angraecum citratum, Brassavola glauca, several Dendrobiums, Oneidium cuculla- tum maculatum, Odontoglossum Cervantesii rosea with six fine flowers ' and Oneidium splendidum, reddish brown barred with jeilow, with a most conspicuous bright yellow lip. This is a noble species, and will without doubt prove one of the finest of the genus, and a rival to O. macranthum. Mr. Anthony Waterer, of the Knap Hill Nursery, sent Cupressns Lawsoniana erecta viridia. a very striking and handsome variety, almost as upright in its growth as an Irish Yew or eastern Arbor-Vita, and which will certainly be most valuable in gardens. The same exhibitor likewise brought C. Lawsoniana gracilis, well so named, for it is of very graceful drooping habit. First-class certificates were awarded to Mr. Laurence for a cut spe- cimen of Cattleya Triana? Laurenciana ; to Mr. A. Waterer for Cn- pressus Lawsoniana erecta and gracilis ; and to Mr. Denning for Oneidium splendidum. A second-class certificate was given to Mr. Ismay for Libonia penrhosiana. Special certificates were awarded to Messrs. Veitch for Dendrobium crassinode, and for their collection of Orchids; to Messrs. F. & A. Smith for a collection of Primulas; to Mr. Burnett for Ccelogyne eristata : to Mr. Denning for Odontoglossum Alexandra?, Calogyne eristata, Dendrobium speciosum, and for his collection of Orchids ; to Mr. Stevens for Cyclamens, and to Mr. Hub- bert for cut Orchids. General Meeting, February 10th. — G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S.,in the chair. Twenty-five new Fellows having been elected, the Rev. M. J. Berkeley remarked that he scarcely expected much variety on such a day. but the meeting was greatly indebted to Messrs. Veitch and Lord Londesborough for their exhibitions of Orchids. The latter had a van warmed by hot water so that his Orchids might not suffer on the road from Yorkshire to Loudon. Among those from Lord Londes- borough were two which he believed had never been exhibited before — viz., Oneidium splendidum and Stenia fimbriata. Vanda carules- cens, exhibited by Messrs. Veitch. Mr. Bateman considered would ultimately be very fine. It bad been described by Lindley many years ago ; there was also Lyeaste alba, the most charming Lyeaste he had ever seen. Among the cut Orchids a variety of Cattleya Triana?, from the gardener to Bishop Sumner, had caught his eye by its beauti- ful colouring, and in another collection of cut blooms Goodyera Baw- soniana, which had been originally supposed to belong to the genus Anasctocbilns, but which does not require to be kept nursed up under a bell-glass like plants of that genus, though qu'te as beautiful. The Sarracenias in the same collection were then noticed, and Mr. Berkeley remarked that they were very charming plants, but difficult to cultivate, though nothing could he more splendid than those grown at Dangstein. The hybrid between Libonia floribunda and Sericographis Glues- February 17, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEXER. 129 brechtiana, of which the former wa3 the male, the latter the female parent, was next referred to as being in some respects intermediate between the two. and an improvement on Libonia tloribunda. The upright-growing variety of Cupressus Lawsoniaua from Mr. A. Waturer, Mr. Berkeley said, was an extremely desirable form for gardens, and one of the finest Conifers ever brought to the Society's meetings. Attention was then drawn to a Primula producing red and white flowers on the same plant, the flowers in one truss being red with red stalks, and in another partly red partly white, the white flowers having white stalks. A new sulphnrator was nest noticed as being extremely simple and cheap, and one of the most efficient things ever invented. The next subject he had to advert to, Mr. Berkeley observed, was of extreme importance. In France the Vines had been attacked by what was supposed to be a gall on the leaves, but which proved to be an insect like an Acarus. It had now appeared in England, This insect did not materially injure the leaves, bnt in what is apparently its adult state it exhausts the roots. The best remedy in his (Mr. Berkeley's! opinion would be to cut off the gall-like bodies on the leaves and barn them, and the application of gas water. In a memoir published some time ago on the Continent, it was asserted that the insect had been seen in a winged state, but it had never as yet been observed in that condition in this country, but he recommended a care- ful watch to be kept to detect it. [Of this insect, Phylloxera vastatrix, an engraving will be found in another page, and a long account in pages 45. 4t>, and 17 of vol. xvii.^ Mr. .Berkeley concluded by remarking that forty essays had been sent in to compete for the prizes offered by Mr. Egerton Hubbard, jun., for the best essays on Cottage Gardens and Window Gardening, but of course it would take time to arrive at a decision on their merits. Mr. Andrew Murray then made some remarks on Cupressus Law- soniana, which, he said, he had been the first to describe, and which had been discovered in California by the side of a waterfall. Within the last two or three years Cupressus macrocarpa had been cut down by frost, but in the multiplication of Mr. A. Waterer's erect variety of C. Lawsoniana there would be a hardy equivalent for it in point of form. Mr. Berkeley remarked that although Cupressus macrocarpa had been cut off in the valley of the Thames, at the Marquis of Huntley's, at Orton Hall, there were a large number perfectly healthy, and the same was the case in the neighbouring counties. Damp and not cold seemed to be the cause of non-success — at least it succeeded in localities where it was not exposed to damp. The Chairman having announced that Mr. Edward Salt had sent a number of cut Orchids for distribution, and that there would be a ballot for plants, the proceedings terminated. Gladiolus Exhibition'. — A meeting of the supporters of the pro- posed Gladiolus Show was held on the same day as the above Com- mittees, and a very encouraging list of subscriptions having been read by the Chairman, the Rev. Joshua Dix, it was decided that the show should be held on August 17th. Further particulars as to the classes to be formed, fee,, we hope to give next week. The following is the " Appendix I." referred to in our report last week of the Society's Anniversary Meeting : — Prospectus ob the Annual International Exhibitions of Select Wi i ss ov Fine and Industrial Art and Scientific Inventions. Her Majesty's Commissioners for the Exhibition of 1851. Presid The Bute of Buccleuch, E.G. The Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. The Earl Do Grey and Ripon, The Right Hon. Sir Alexander Y. K.G.. or Lord President of the Council for the time being. The Earl Granville, K G. The Earl Russell, E.G. The Lord Portman. The Lord Overstone. General the Honourable C. Grey. The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P. The Right Hon. Benjamin Dis- raeli, M.P. The Right Hon. Robert Lowe, M.P. The Right Hon. Sir S. H. North- cote, Bt , C.B., M.P. The Right Hon. H. A. Bruce. M.P. The Right Hon. John Bright, M.P.. or President of the Board of Trade for the time being. The Right Hon. W. E. Forster, M.P., or Vice-President of U12 Committee of Council on Edu- cation for the time being. Spearman, Bt The Right Hon. A. S. Ayrton, M.P., or First Commissioner of Her Majesty's Works for the time being. Sir Charles^Lyell. Bt. Sir Roderick 1. Murchison. Bt., K.C.B. Sir Thomas Bazley, Bt., M.P. Sir Francis Grant, P.R.A. Sir Francis R. Sandford. Thomas Baring, Esq., M.P. Edgar A. Bowring, Esq., C.B., M.P. Thomas Fairbaim, Esq. Thomas Field Gibson, Esq. C. H. Gregory. Esq., or Presi- dent of the Institute of Civil Engineers for the time being. Professor Huxley, F.R.S., or Pre- sident of the Geological So- ciety for the time being. Dr. Lyon Playfair. C.B., M.P. Henry Thring, Esq. A. — Her Majesty's Commissioners for the Exhibition of 1S51 announce that the first of a series of Annual International Exhibitions of selected works of Fine and Industrial Art and Scientific Inventions will be opened at South Kensington, London, on Monday, the 1st May, 1871, and be closed on Saturday the 30th September, 1871. B. — The Exhibitions will take place in permanent buildings, about to be erected, adjoining the arcades of the Royal Horticultural Gardens. C. — The productions of all nations will be admitted, subject to obtain- ing the certificate of competent judges that they are of sufficient excel- lence to be worthy of exhibition. D. — The objects in the first exhibition will consist of the following classes, for each of which will be appointed a reporter and a separate Committee. I. Fine Arts applied or not applied to Works of Utility. 1. Painting of all kinds, in oil, water colours, distemper, was, enamel, and on glass, porcelain, mosaic, &c. 2. Sculpture, modelling, carving and chasing in marble, stone, wood, terra-cotta, metal, ivory, glass, precious stones, and any other materials. 3. Engravings, lithography, photography, &c. 4. Architectural designs, drawings and models. 5. Tapestries, carpets, embroideries, shawls, lace, &c., shown not as manufactures but for the fine art of their design in form or colour. 6. Designs for all kinds of decorative manufactures. 7. Copies of ancient or mediaeval pictures, mosaics, enamels, repro- ductions in plaster, fictile ivory, electrotypes of fine ancient works of art, fee. II. Scientific Inventions and New Discoveries of all kinds. III. Manufactured. a. Pottery of all kinds — viz., earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, Parian, &c, including terra-cottas used in building; with any new raw materials, new machinery, and processes for the pre- paration of such manufactures. b. Woollen and Worsted Fabrics. With any raw produce from new sources or newly prepared, and new machinery for woollen and worsfed manufactures. c. Educational. 1. School buildings, fittings, furniture. Sic." 2. Books, maps, globes, instruments, &c. 3. Appliances for physical training, including toys and games. 4. Specimens and illustrations of modes of teaching fine art, natural history, and physical science. Detailed rules applicable to each of the above classes, and lists of the separate trades engaged in the production of objects of manu- facture, will be issued. IV. International Exhibitions of new and rare plants, and of frnits, vegetables, flowers, and plaut3, showing specialities of cultiva- tion will be held by the Royal Horticultural Society in conjunction with the above exhibitions. Special rules for horticultural exhibitions will be issued by the Royal Horticultural Society. E. — In classes II. and III. producers will be permitted to send one specimen of every kind of objoct they manufacture, such object being distinguished for novelty or excellence. F. — The arrangement of the objects will be according to classes and not nationalities, as in former international exhibitions. G. — One-third portion of the whole available space will be assigned absolutely to foreign exhibitors, who must obtain certificates for the admission of their objects from their respective Governments. Foreign countries will appoint their own judges. The remaining two-thirds of the space will be filled by objects produced either in the United King- dom or, if produced abroad, sent direct to the building for inspection and approval of judges selected for the British exhibitors. Objects not accepted for exhibition must be removed according to the notices given, 1 nt no objects exhibited can be removed until the close of the exhibition. H. — All exhibitors or their agents must deliver -at the building, into the charge of the proper officeis, the objects unpacked and ready for immediate exhibition, and free of all charges for carriage, Arc. I. — Her Majesty's Commissioners will find large glass-cases, stands, and fittings, free of cost to the exhibitors, and, except in the case of machinery, carry out the arrangement of the objects by their own ofiicers. J. — Her Majesty's Commissioners will take the greatest possible care of all objects, but they will not hold themselves responsible for loss or damage of any kind. K. — Prices may be attached to the objects, and exhibitors will be encouraged to state their prices. Agents will be appointed to attend to the interests of exhibitors. L. — Every object must he accompanied with a descriptive label, stating the special reason, whether of excellence, novelty, or cheap- ness, &e., why it is offered for exhibition. M. — Due notice will be given of the days for receiving each class of objects, and, to enable the arrangements to be carried into effect, strict punctuality will be required from all exhibitors, both foreign and British. Objects sent or brought after the days appointed for their reception cannot be received. N. — Reports of each class of objects will be prepared immediately after the opening, and will be published before the 1st June, 1871, O. — Each; rei -ill be free to accredit an official reporter JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February 17, 1870. for every class in which objects made ic Bnch country are exhibited , t'or the purpose of joining in the reports. P. — There will be no prizes, but a certificate of having obtained the distinction of admission to the Exhibition will be given to each exhibitor. Q. — A catalogue will be published in the English language, but every foreign country will be free to publish a catalogue in its own language if it think fit. Henry Y. D. Scott, Lieut.-Col. R.E., Secretary. Office of Her Majesty'? Commissioners for the Exhibition of 1651, 5, Upper Kensington (.ore. London, W. asrdJuiy.lWS. DRECHSLERS FUMIGATOR. IvIk. Drechsler informs us that the best way of using this fnmigator, independently of comfort, is by passing its spout through a hole the width of a brick in a direction with the wind then blowing. The material generally used (tobacco paper), is placed in the) basket without any live embers, such as coke or coals ; but some dry paper, shavings, or leaves are put in in their stead. Ignite these by striking a match on the under part of th8 lid ; then turn the handle, leaving the lid still open, and the rotary motion will produce a whirl of fire. This fire must be kept small, by quickly filling and refilling the fumigator, in order to produce the largest volume of smoke with the least amount of heat in the shortest space of time. When the operation la«ts for seme time sprinkling will be found ne- cessary, for the fnmigator ought never to become so hot as to take the japan off, or so that the hand cancot bear to be on it for a minute. Tms would be a sign that the smoke was also too hot for the plants. The material used ought to be rather dry to get over the work quickly, but if very wet material be used add a few chips to the tobacco paper to start with. I do not advise coke or coal embers, for they become cumbersome in the basket. Persons who wish to take extra care in fumigating very delicate plants, especially cuttings in pits, ought to be provided, Mr. Drechsler says, with his " safety spout," made for the purpose of still more reducing the temperature of the smoke. It is placed in the spout, point inward". Those who wish to take still greater care may have the revolving basket of copper wire and copper gauze, but both require to be kept clean, otherwise they are useless. This fumig-i'or is economical on account of its great speed in the production of smoke, thus filling a house or pit before the smoke has time to escape. The inventor considers his is, of fumigators, the most compact, the lightest, the most eco- nomical, and the least likely to get out of order. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. In our report of the Annual General Meeting or the Royal Horticultural Society last week (page 103), we inad- vertently omitted to state that James Bateman, Esq., F.R.S., occupied the chair. We have received a charming little Apple called The Fairy Aitle. It was raised by Mr. Jennings, of Shipston-on- Stour, frem the Scarlet Siberian Crab. It will prove a formid- able rival to the Lady Apple, and being so hardy and such a free bearer, will, we have no doubt, attract the attention even of growers of fruit for market. We understand that a hand- some coloured plate of this valuable acquisition will Bppear in the March number of the " Florist and Pomologist." We have received the schedule of the Manchester National Horticultural Exhibition, to be held on the 3rd of June next, from which we learn that prizes of the most at- tractive kind are offered to competitors. The citizens' prize of £30 for sixteen stove and greenhouse plants is unusually liberal; and the same liberal spirit, though not in the same proportion, pervades the whole schedule, the total sum offered being upwards of £1000. We have also received the schedule of the Leeds Horticultural Society's Great Exhibition, which is to be held on the 3rd of June and three following days. Here again the prizes are of an equally liberal character, £30 being given in three prizes for twelve stove and greenhouse plants. WORK FOR THE WEEK. kitchen garden. It is now necessary to determine what the different quarters of the garden shall be filled with during the season. Though one vegetable may be grown on the same ground for years, yet such a method causes a greater expense for manure and labour than when a regular Bystem of rotation is adopted, as the culture of one vegetable prepares the soil for the growth of another. The chief rule to be observed with all annual vege- tables is never to have two crops of the same class directly following each other. Though excellent plans of rotation may be laid down, yet the period that will elapse before the ground is again occupied by a similar crop will depend upon the wants of the establishment, and the quantity of ground at the disposal of the gardener. Those who require to have several crcps on the ground at the same time, will find that Celery gives a good preparation for Carrots, Turnips, Parsnips, Onions, and early- Cauliflowers, or for Peas, with Potatoes and Winter Greens, or Broccoli, between the rows. Autumn-sown Onions may be succeeded by Spinach, Lettuce, &c, and early Cauliflowers by autumn Onions. Spring-sown Onions will be advantageonsly succeeded by Cabbages in beds, with Scarlet Runners be- tween ; and if the Cabbages stand all summer and next winter, the ground will in spring come in. along with Broccoli ground, for Celery, Potatoes, and Peas, the early Potatoes being planted in the trenches and the Peas sown on the ridges. To provide against failures in vegetable crops already sown, or where the climate is too cold to trust seeds for the present to the open ground, I advise again sowing Peas, Beans, Spinach, etc. ; in addition to kinds formerly named, good early varieties of the first should be selected. They may either be sown in small pots for more easy transference to the open ground, or, when the quantity is considerable, cut fresh pieces cf turf, 12 inches long, and 4 or 5 inches wide, turn the grassy cide downwards, and make a channel along the centre of the now upper part, in which sow the crop as you would in the open ground. Managed in this way the Peas will sustain but little check, will root through the turf into the soil, and grow freely. If not already done, a sowing of Radishes may be made on a warm border if the weather is favourable, but the beds must be carefully covered in severe weather. Vacant ground, if any, may be dug, and everything that will forward the spring work should now be done before that busy time arrives. fruit garden. Pruning of all kinds should soon be brought to a clo;e, except that of Fig trees, which may yet remain. When Filberts are close-pruned, a deficiency of male blossoms sometimes occurs, in which case place some of the common Hazel having a crop of catkins about the bushes to fertilise the female flowers. Before Peaches are tied to the walls they should be dressed with a composition consisting of soft soap, tobacco water, and sulphur, to which add quicklime to give it consistency. When- ever any appearance of Bcale is found on other wall fruits, they should be dressed during winter with the above composition. FLOWER GARDEN. As before observed, see that all planting is completed forth- with. Improve as much as possible all outlines. Plant fresh masses or groups when necessary, and introduce specimen plants where fitting opportunities offer. Much mischief iB done by planting single specimens in recesses ; these should be care- February 17, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 131 fully preserved, as a general mle, to give deep shadow, and to throw the prominent features into bold relief. If severe weather continue, every available means must be adopted to protect Tulips, Auriculas, &c. Early-planted Tulips and Hyacinths will now be appearing above ground. Let them have as much light and air as possible during fine days. Auriculas and Poly- anthuses which have been top-dressed and replaced in their spring quarters, should now be fumigated with tobacco. Re- member that prevention is better than cure. Keep a watchful eye over Carnations and Pinks lest they sustain any injury from slugs or mice, both of which, at this season, work sad havoc amongst them. Rough weather has lately put a stop to out-door operations, but as soon as the ground is divested of its snowy covering prosecute as vigorously as possible those operations which remain unfinished. Delay the pruning of Roses for another week. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. The conservatory should now be fall of interest, and ought, where much attention is paid to flowers, to be as full of beauty as at any period of the year. Any Camellias done blooming should, if possible, be removed forthwith to some of toe houses at work. A moist atmosphere, a temperature averaging C5°, and a canvas shading overhead, are the requisites in order to cause them to produce wood freely and targe leave?. The Bhading must by no means be neglected. The leave3 of Ca- mellias by this treatment are large, and so healthy that they appear nearly black. Liquid manure should be used abun- dantly. The climbers should have a thorough dressing at this period, cutting away weak and decayed wood, and shortening hack shoots (to furnish back-wood) previous to the growing season. It is somewhat difficult to give directions successfully for the management of a mixed greenhouse. Plants from all climates will occasionally obtain a place there ; and as no special treatment in regard to temperature may be long in- dulged in with impunity, as to the plants from tropical climes, a compromise of some kind must continually take place. As a principle, therefore, cf frequent and somewhat harmless ap- plication, a rather free increase of heat is advised on sunny days early in the afternoon for a few hours, sinking at night to the old point, or nearly so. In this structure there will fre- quently be found Ericas, Pelargoniums, New Holland plants, bulbs, and even Orchids. A division of these families is there- fore advisable. Let the Orchids and plants from hot countries occupy the hot end with little air, and the Ericas, &c, the other end, where there is a much freer circulation ; the Pelar- goniums may stand midway. STOVE. Some little increase of temperature may now take place here, and that chiefly in the afternoon, by shutting up early and using plenty of moisture, taking care to thoroughly dry the foliage previously by a free circulation of air. As a sort of compromise between the eastern and western Orchids, a tem- perature averaging 65° by day, and a maximum of 60° at night, may suffice, allowing the thermometer to range to 70° or 75= on sunny afternoons by closing the house early. Look over the fastenings of Orchids en blocks or in baskets, and renew the wires where necessary. Fasten a little fresh material on those not to be shifted, but beware of burying the buds on the eve of pushing. Set baits for snails and cockroaches, and attend closely to the extirpation of scale. Examine, and shift where necessary, stove plants in general ; also cut back some of the kinds after floweiin,; to produce cuttings. PITS AND FRAMES. Alpines and other rare plants in pots should now be looked over ; remove all decaying matter, and stir the surface of the soil. Those which it may be desirable to propagate should be divided into pieces, repotted, and placed again in the frame. Sow Eeed of Salvia patens, for seedlings make better flowering plants than cuttings. Sow seeds of Lobelia and the Golden Feverfew; the seedlings will make good plants for the edgings of beds, borders, or rustic vases. Bedding plants must have attention, for in all likelihood many of them are suffering, and such plants as appear to be injured most should be removed to other quarters where a more favourable temperature is kept up. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST "WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Here nothing could be done outside, except turning over some ridged-up ground after the frost set in on Wednesday morning, and making secure everything tender, by a little pro- tection. Fortunately we had plenty of Sea-kale and Rhubarb roots under the protection of earth and litter, and we placed a succession in the Musliroom house. Some time ago we stated that a somewhat large Mushroom bed (for us), had become rather hotter than we liked after spawning, and the mode we took, on examining the spawn, to make all sure, by inserting some more little pieces. We were after all more afraid than hurt, as the yield has been very fine, and after gathering every day for some time, the bed seems to be yet coming white all over. It often astonishes us how long and how heavily a thin bed averaging scarcely a foot in depth will produce. In our rough lean-to house we can assist with a little hot water in pipeB below the passage, when necessary. The bed referred to is a shelf bed. and though the bed on the ground below it is gene- rally made deeper — say from a foot to 18 inches deep, and does in general very fairly, the pieces or beds there on the ground seldom equal, and are less under control than those elevated on the shelves, though the latter contain much less material. We attribute this chiefly to two reasons — the beds on the rough wooden shelves are assisted by the beds beneath them, when these are in the preparatory state, too hot for spawn- ing, and then if the water in the pipes is allowed to be heated, the heat frotn them also ascends and warms the bed above, so as to keep it more uniform in temperature. We have no ob- jection to a little heat in the bed— say about 70°, and if the spawn is active it will generally be little less than that ; but if the air immediately over the bed is more than from 55° to 60°, the Mushrooms are apt to be thin, and long-stalked, insSead ci firm, and scarcely showing a stalk at all. These beds have fre- quently been watered with water warmed to from 70' to 30', bnt we scarcely ever use clear water. Our favourite auxiliary is old, dry, sweetened cow dung, soaked in a warm place to give out its virtues, but sheep dung and deer duDg are also very good. Any of these is more effective than horse dung, as the crop may be supposed to have enough of that. Frequently, when a bed has appeared to be exhausted, but which on examination we i. und to contain material not yet decomposed, and spawn not quite run to waste, a good watering with manure water, and a little cover- ing of the bed, have in a few weeks given us another good crop. We have several times stated how low a temperatuia a Mush- room bed will bear, even to frosting ; but when we want free pro- duction in a house or shed, it is as well to avoid all this cooling. This brings us to the disputed question of covering, as con- tended for as being unnecessary, littery, and unseemly at the best. " What lady would touch your Mushrooms if she knew they were covered with such mouldy hay and litter?'' This was deemed an evident conclusion to an argument against covering at all. We fear that ladies, and gentlemen too, would at times look a little shy at some of the finest made-dishe3 if they only knew or thought of all the processes, and handlings, and touchings through which the materials had passed. There are, occasions when, if ignorance be bliss, 'tis folly to be wise. It might just as well be said, who would think of partaking a a close white Cauliflower that had the roots well drer,.heu with dung water? Still we like to go into an elegant Ml m house with box platforms constructed of durable iron, slu'e, or flagstone, heated to a nicety by hot water, and to look on cech covered with Mushrooms in all stages without a panicle of litter about them, and all the surroundings as clean and oem- fortable as a sittiDg-room. Very often our beds are equally presentable, though far behind as respects the attends ness and elegance. Let us never neglect the elegant ii we can obtain it; but for one man who can make a show of his ii h- room house, there are forty-nine, and even we suspect ninety- nine, who would go to no such first expense, and yet who would rather have the Mushrooms without ever putting the question as to how they were produced, or where they came from. In all rough, homely modes of growing Mushrooms, so as to be comeatable by the many, whether in sheds, stables, cow houses, cellars, caves, &c, a little covering of the bed is often of great assistance for maintaining something like equability of tempe- rature and moisture. It is true the covering may be so abused as to do more harm than good, bnt that is no argument against its right use: What is good in itself may soon become an evil when carried to an extreme. The remarks we have received as to the answers given to several correspondents, whose want of suc- cess might have easily been turned to success, lead us to think that to them a more minute detail, embracing onr own general practice, may be of importance, so far as this question of covering is concerned. 132 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February 17, 1870. In making the beds, however made, and whatever the mate- rials, it will generally be found that for a time the beds will be too hot for spawning. They must be watched and tried every day. The firmer the surface in general the more quickly will they cool down, and the less likely will they be to heat violently, as air, the great decomposer, will not so easily gain an en- trance. If the temperature is on the decline it will be safe to spawn when the heat is from 80° to 85°, or about the same as that of new milk. On spawning, the moving and beating of the surface will tend to increase the heat a little, and a few degrees of rise will do no harm, and the bed may be left un- touched until it is on the fall again, when the earth Bhould be put on. Sometimes, after spawning, the heat of the bed will fall instead of rise a little, and in such a case we generally add from 1 to 2 inches of hot droppings or dung, and beat well down, and this is generally sufficient to set the spawn gently working. When we place on the lj inch or so of soil, we beat it firmly, water the surface, and draw a clean spade firmly over it, so as to leave a smooth surface. The addition of the cold soil to a shallow bed helps to cool it. We examine the trial sticks frequently to see how the heat is below the soil, and if we find that is giving way, we put a covering of hay or litter over the bed, so that the heat shall not escape, and no check shall be given to the spawn. This helps to keep the bed equable in respect to temperature and moisture ; but now the bed must not be neglected, or the covering may cause it to become too hot, for whenever the spawn begins to work in earnest it raises the temperature of the materials about it, and whenever this rise begins the covering must be gradually lessened, according to the place in which the bed is ; so that in a place which can be heated the bed may be uncovered alto- gether, or have a very thin covering, as the Mushrooms appear. When the heat begins to decline, a little covering, and espe- cially after watering, will tend to renew it, and set the spawn working afresh. In stable3 and mere unheated sheds, much of the success will depend on judicious covering, and on regulating the covering according to the heat of the bed, bearing in mind that when the spawn is working freely among material not quite decomposed it will always raise the temperature. We have known beds very much injured because in covering no allow- ance was made for the heat produced by the running or work- ing of the spawD. In using covering, we like the surface of the bed to be firm and clean, and the covering material dry, so that the spawn may have no inducement to enter into and waste itself in the covering. In some cases we have secured a space of a couple of incheB between the bed and the covering, but in general we just lay the covering on the bed. Nothing answers better than rough hay, but we have used litter, straw, &e. There will be no danger if the bed do not get too hot when the spawn runs. Then in mild, warm weather the cover- ing should be lightened, though in an exposed place it would not be prudent to remove it altogether. Cold Pits, Frames, and Houses. — We have frequently alluded to the management of these of late. In the generally drench- ing days up to the 9th of the month, these places were either kept shut, or had air given at the back and front by tilting the sashes according to the weather. Besides washing the glass, so dull were the days, that when it was dry for a few hours, and the sun gladdened us with Li3 presence, we pulled off the sashes altogether, and Potatoes, Radishes, Carrots, Pinks, Carnations, Calceolarias, Sea., were much benefited by the exposure. On the afternoon of the 8lh the damp drizzle be- came searchingly cold, followed during the night by snow and fr03t, and the remainder of the week has given us severe frost, ranging from 12° to 18° below the freezing-point at night. The little snow has been a great protection in this emergency, and the frost was less felt, as it Wis unaccompanied by wind until the 12th, when the wind was piercing. A little more snow would be a great relief. With such a piercing wind we must be satis- fied with a lower temperature in all places where the glass is not protected, so long as the inmates are safe. In a large metal conservatory we have removed the plants from near the front, as they would be easily injured there, whilst further back they would not suffer. Additional cave was taken not to spill water so as to cause extra evaporation and extra condensa- tion of moisture, and a lower, though safe, temperature lessened both evils. Plants near a heating medium required, however, to.be well watched as respects watering, as Camellias, Cytisuses, Epacrises, and other plants would soon suffer from dryness, and so would Hyacinths and various bulbs in bloom. In pits and frames where there was any artificial heat, watering was chiefly needed for plants near the heating medium. In all such cases, even where a little heat was given by fermenting material, the glass was exposed for about half the day when there was sun, or rather, clear light ; but very little air even at the top was given, and that for short periods. Where there was no heat we uncovered merely in bright sun- shine, and in dull days uncovered not at all, but as the cover- ing was not thick we shook it afresh night and morning. Cauliflowers under hand-lights, thinly covered with litter, have not been uncovered since the frost set in. 'Xhe stimulus of the sun would have done more harm than good. They will just have a comfortable sleep if no intruders in the shape of mice attack them. Houses for fruit and flowers we prefer keeping during the day at a low temperature as respects arti- ficial heat, instead of giving them much of such keen frosty air. A little opening at the top was quite sufficient, shutting up early, and setting the fire going to raise the temperature as the sun declined. Young Cucumbers were in a pit, heated by hot water, with a very narrow pathway behind, and these we could attend to without opening a sash, as we would have been obliged to have done in a common dung frame. In this respect a place you can get into has an advantage of its own. It is well, too, to have even low pits and frames in a properly se- cured place.— R. F. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS In tlie Suburbs of London for the week ending February 15th. BAROMETER. rHERMOMETEI Wind" Date. Air. Earth, Rain. Max. Min. Max. Min. 1 ft. 2 ft. Wed. .. 9 29.900 29.702 31 19 38 89 E. .00 Thnrs. . In 30.100 29. SI 38 32 16 38 39 E. .00 Fri. ... 11 30.222 30.192 30 18 36 37 E. .00 Sat. ... 12 89.989 30100 29 23 S5 37 E. .00 Sun. . . 13 30.050 29.948 31 21 35 36 E. .00 Mon. . . 14 30.082 29.950 32 28 36 35 E. .00 Tuea. . 15 30.171 30.110 39 27 33 35 N.E. .00 Mean.. 83.109 30.017 32.C0 22.14 3G.28 S6.S5 0.00 9.— Fine and frosty ; very fine ; clear and frosty. 10.— Fine : sharp frost : sharp frost. 11. — Snow ; fine, cold wind; cloudy, severe frost. 12. — Snow, exceedingly frosty ; cloudy; brisk wind, snow. 13.— Stormy, snow ; densely overcast; boisterous. 14.— Boisterous ; densely overcast ; cold wind, frosty. 15.— Foggy, very fine; densely overcast at night. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *#* We request that no one will write privately to any of the correspondents 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, d'-c, 171, Fleet Street, London, B.C. N.B. — Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. Books (J. Pink). — " The Garden Manual" contains directions for kit- chen and flower gardening suitable to your purpose. You can have it post free from our office if you enclose twenty postage stamps with your ad- dress. It also includes the culture of the Carnation and Pink. (H. E.). —We do not know the books you mention. Any country bookseller will tell you the price. Back N-sibers (One in suspense).— If you repeat in your letter the dates of the five numbers you need, and enclose twenty postage stamps with your address, you can have thein post free from our office. (Lis' heard, Cornwall).— -You can have the three numbers if you enclose twelve postage stamps with your address. Specify the numbers you want when you write. Grafts of Pitmaston Duchess Pear.— "If ' C. Z.' purchase a tree from the Messrs. Yeitch, of Chelsea, and if it be as large as the one they sent me, he may get twenty grafts from it. — John Greenshields." Imitating Frosted Glass {Ignorant).— Frosted or ground glass may be imitated by pasting white tissue paper on the inside. Budding Roses on the Manetti Stock (T. \v. TF.) — "Do not bud the crown wood of the Manetti stocks, by which I mean the wood of last year. Bud as near as you can to the part from which the roots emanate. If the main stock is rooted up to the crown wood, remove the roots to allow of your budding on" the main stock, either underground, by removal of the earth, or as close to" the ground as you can. Why do you remove them at all ? Bud them where they are. Bud the stocks, that have failed, again. Till severe weather is over do not cut the budded stocks down. If the buds are dormant, and look fresh, let them alone. If the eyes look doubtful, or badly developed, I Bhould at once cut them down to an inch or so above the bud, so as to stop the spring sap upon the bud. I bought in dormant bud last autumn Duke of Edinburgh, Charles Lee, Monsieur Noman, Vicomtesse de Yezins, and Madame Rivers, and I cut them down on the 10th inst. to within 4 or 5 inches of the buds. You may cut your February 17, lc70. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. stocks down at once, or by instalments. Bud on your stocks, the size of your finger, this year again, as 60on as you have buds ready, and as 90on as the bark of your stocks will run. Charles Lefebvre is a famous grower, and very hardy and healthy. I do not know how it succeeds on a Briar. You cannot havo the true sort. There is no crimson Rose nearly equal to it.— W. F. Radclyffe." Rose Beds (J. £.).— Your beds were not likely to succeed when ;raade of 3 feet of clay dug out of foundations, as the clay would never have been exposed to the fertilising action of tho sun and air; and though Roses on the Briar stock do well on strong soils, yet it is only on those soils which have been well pulverised by constant care and attention, and thoroughly manured. By all means do a3 you propose ; take up the plants as soon as ever the weather will permit you, take all the soil out of the bed, and thoroughly incorporate it with lighter soil, with a good propor- tion of leaf soil, and a liberal supply of well-decomposed farmyard manure. If the beds are much exposed to the sun eow manure is the beat, but as a general rule there is no better manure than pig manure; or, if you adopt the old-fashioned way (which under the form of Mr. Honle's earth closets is again being very generally adopted), of mixing night soil and ashes, it would prove a valuable addition to tho soil of the bed, as the ashes would help to make the soil more porous. By all means try and renovate your beds this spring rather than wait till autumn, and if you should in any way be prevented, do so aarly in October, and do not wait for November. As your Roses are mostly on their own roots there could hardly have been a worse treatment for them than that received from the hands of your predecessor. There is an old adage, " Save me from my friends." TWENTr-FODR ROSES FOR POT CULTURE (J. T. B.).—Eyh, '■' P , < -c als.— Charles Lefebvre, John Hopper, Dulic of Edinburgh, La Duchesse de Moray, Marguerite de St. Amand, Pierre Notting, Princess Mary of Cambridge, Jules Mar got tin, Comtesse Decile de C-habrillant, Mdlle. Bon- naire, Alfred Colnurb, Due de Kuhan, Madame la Baronne de Rothschild, Senateur Yaisse, Victor Verdier, and Xavier Olibo. Bourbon. — Souvenir do Malmaison. TeanccntcL—Gloire de Dijon, Adam, and La Boule d'Or, Souvenir d'ua Ami, and Madame Willermoz. Noisettes.— America, and Marechal Niel. There are some of the old varieties of Hybrid Bourbons, &c, which succeed very well iu pots, as the International Exhibition of 1862 sufficiently showed all lovers of Roses. Such are Charles Lawson, Coupe d'Hebe, Juno, Paul Perras, and Paul Ricaut; hut these only bloom once, and are, therefore, not so useful for general pot culture as those above mentioned. We have omitted one which ought to bo added amongst the Tea Roses — viz., Yicomtesse de Cazes, which, though of a delicate habit, is a very free bloomer in a pot. Garden Plan (Hoitefctrst).— We think the general arrangement of the sunk flower garden is very good, there is so ;much free lawn space between the group in the centre and the beds rouud the outside. We have searched in vain for tho figures 6. All the garden seems to be in fours— that is, in four groups, or double pairs of one thing. The plant- ing should depend somewhat on the colour of the coping or surround- ings of the large central fountain, and also on the colour of the coloured glass which forms the divisional paths. If that glass is dark, then edging the whole of the beds with Cerastium would look very well, with one exception, the four beds marked 4, for yellow Calceolarias, which will not come in well with white; but if you bolted them with Purple King Verbena, the white outside would then come in well. As the four 8's stand free on the lawn, we would plant them as proposed, but have a slight ring of yellow, as Golden Pyrettirum, between the Lobelia and the grass. You might then have blue round 12, as well as 11. Golden Feather Pyrethbtjm (Q. Q.).— Its bad appearance is owing to the plants having been token up in autumn and planted round beds of bulbs. Cut off the unsightly parts as soon as the weather becomes mild, cutting rather close to the ground. Tho plants will start from the bottom, and have good foliage by May. Hyacinths and Narcissuses after Flowering {Idem).— They should be continued under glass, have protection from frost, and be watered as required, so as to keep the foliage fresh. After being hardened off they may be planted out in April, or in«March if Iho weather be mild. Variegated Pelargonium Cuttings {Idciiv. — The 20th of February is not too early to put in cuttings in a dung hotbed ; but you must have the bed sweet, and take care that the cuttings do not damp off from the steam of the bed or the excessive moisture of the soil. Zonal Pelargoniums for Winter Flowering (Agnes). — There are but few such Pelargoniums that flower well in winter. The best that we know are Clipper, "Stella, President Lincoln, Rebecca, Lord Palmerston, and others of the Nosegay family. The plants should be placed in their blooming-pots early in August, after being pottedon and forwarded until that time. Pinching the shoots ought not to be practised after the end of August, and the plants should be housed by the end of September. The Show and Fancy, or what you know as greenhouse Pelargoniums, will not answer for the* purpose Tom Thumb and Christine, with many others, though they have no horseshoe or zone, are, nevertheless, Zonal, being derived from kinds that had the zone or marking characteristic of the Zonal Pelargoniums. Iresine Treatment (Idem).— Cuttings should have been put in during August in sandy soil, and struck in a frame with a gentle heat. The cuttings may remain in the cutting-pots until the middle of February, being wintered in a house having a temperature of 45 to 50°, and then be potted off singly in small pots, in a comrost of two parts turfy loam and one part leaf "soil, with a free admixture of sand. Place them, after potting, in a house with a gentle heat, and in a rather moist growing at- mosphere. When the plants nro growing freely, you may, if you wish for more, take off any shoots suitable for cutting?, and in a hotbed of 70c they will strike freely in about three weeks ; if potted-off and forwarded these will make good plants by May, their points being taken out at the third leaf to make them bushy. The autumn-struck cuttings should be shifted into larger pots when those in which they were first potted be- come filled with roots, and have the points of the shoots taken out at the third leaf of every growth so as to keep thtin bushy, on which depends their utility for bedding purposes. Do not over-water, and to encourage growth keep the plants in a rather shady position. Harden them well off by the end of May, and plant them out at the beginning of June. Conservatory-heating by Gas (J. P.).— Write to Mr. Shrewsbury, ironmonger, Lower Norwood, and tell him the dimensions. His appara- tus will Buit you, and is cheaper than you could erect one. Annuals for Redding (J. W. S.).— Bore.— Bftponaria calabrica, and Silene pendula r uberrima. White— The double white variety of Senecio elcgans, and Sweet Alyssum. Blue— Nolana prostrata, and Whitlavla grandiflora. Scarlet and Pink. — Linum grandiflorum cocciuenm, and Yiscaria oculata coccmea nans. Fi llow.— LeptoBiphon aureus, and Esch- scholtzia oalifornica compacta. Purple.— Dwarf Dark Cluster variety of Convolvulus minor, Nolana lanceoluta, and oaradoxa violacea. Trees on Rack Wall of Vinery (W. A. S.).— As to what you prefer, it is a matter of choice. Peaches and Nectarines would do very well against the back wall, as we presume the border will be from 8.4 feet in width, and it is all the better of being raised above the path. ~ If yon preferred Vines we would plant them there, training them up the wall and down the roof. You can hardly have both, if the place is only G feet wide, and the fowl-house in front is roofed with boards and felt, as thus no light penetrates into the narrow house except from the roof. If the fowl-house had been roofed with thick glass it would have been different, more especially if you had a glass division ; and since yon propose heat- ing the house, if you had Vines, we would prtfer planting them at the back, instead of at the front, and having the roots at the mercy of the fowls. With your proposed division of open wire-netting, you will do very well, if you do not use much artificial heat. Various about a Vinery {A Subscriber In the North).— 1, We think you can have the three numbers referred to, if yen send their respective dates and twelve postage stamps with your address. 2, We think that your new boiler is quite large enough to give yon all the heat you deem necessary in the various houses. 3, We are not so sure, if we see the propritty of making the communicating pipes from the boiler to the houses 2 inches instead of 4 inches in diameter, as these houses are, re- spectively , 29 feet and 5 feet from the boiler. Unless the '2-inch pipes are thoroughly isolated in non-conducting material they will radiate much heat before they extend the 53 feet in length. Kept dry and packed in sawdust they would not lose much, and if it be kept hollow, but cased round with wood and sawdust, with openings into the house, much of the heat given off in this conduit would he propelled into tho house, more especially if a small opening were given to the conduit near the boiler. 4, We presume as the vinery is nearer, that there you have enough of heat. 5, The one flow and one return on each side of such a lofty span- roofed greenhouse will not do much more tb?,n keep out frost in severe weather. We presume, that the pipeB do not go to the 15-feet-wide ends. If not, if you wish to keep up an average temperature of from 40 to 45- in severe weather in winter, say with the thermometer 203 below the freezing point, then you had better have another flow on each side. G, If you make the end nearest the boiler a stove, you will be helped with what comes from the conduit of the connecting pipes between the boiler and house; but here, at least, you would require three pipes on each side3 and if you wanted a high temperature for tbe most tender tropical plants, we would prefer four pipes, three flows and one return on each side. In severe weather that would enable you to keep up a temperature of from 60Q to 70°. If you had three pipes on each side, you could manage by running a mat along the upright side-glass in very severe weather, such as we have had this week. 7, To give this greater heat to the stove end, you would require to he able to heat this division independently of the greenhouse end, and this involves having stop-valves, &c, so that il yon really require the whole length as a greenhouse, we would advise building a house for a stove against tho wall near the boiler and vinery. If you wished a lofty house you could have a hipped roof, or make it with an upright like the greenhouse and a lean-to roof. The best arrangement would be a narrow platform all round, and a table or pit in the centre. If a lean-to, four 4-inch pipes in front and at the ends would do, or three along the ends and front, and two at back. It is poor economy to have insufficient piping, as the plants will thrive all the better when the heat of the water in the pipes is not so very high, say seldom above 170?. Vine Border {A. A'.).— For your Vine border, the first proceeding is to secure drainage, then a concrete or paved bottom, with from 6 to 9 inches over that, and then a reversed turf will make a good bottom. Next yon should have about 2 feet of soil. Sandy fibrous loam from an old pasture stacked from six to nine mouths before using, will form the best material ; if npt, you must take the best you can, sell neither too sandy nor too much clay in it, but a loam moderate in these opposite conditions, and fresh and dryish when used. To every ten parts of this loam add one of lime rubbish, one of thoroughly charred wood, broken but not dusty, one of horse droppings, heated enough to prevent the growth of corn and kill all spores of fungi, and about 3 cwt. of broken bones that have previously been boiled. Mis all together. You may make the border at two or three times. Removing Vinery (W. B. B,)— Your "understanding" with the land- lord not being in writing is, as usual, a misunderstanding. You cannot remove the woodwork if he objects. The Grapes being sold makes no difference; on the contrary, if you had lived by such sales — that is, been a marlet gardener, you might remove the vinery, probably even without an agreement. Black Hamburgh Vines will suit for pot culture. Belle- garde Peach will do for the hack wall. An Apricot might succeed. Insect in Vine Eorder (Amateur).— Is the insect like that represented in the accompanying engraving? If so, it is Phylloxera vastatris, of which yon will find a full account in pages 45, 4o", and 47 of vol. svii., No. 433. If not, send us a specimen. Pbvllosera vastatrix (J. E. Pianchon).-Fema!e specimens and their eggs. 'a antenna-, h, hnrna or suckers; c, eg(j plamlj visible m the body. of the insect ; f, winged form of the insect. All magnified. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February 17, lt-70. Destroying Daisy Roots (.4 Young Subscriber).— Ley made from wood ashes would not kill Daisies, and would improve the growth of the grass as well as that of the Daisies. We kuowof no remedv but grubbing them up by the roots with a knife. This may seem a troublesome process, but women and boys may be advantageously employed ia carrying it out. Fountain BasinIU. C.).— We cannot advise you farther than to write to one or other of those advertising in our columns. State what you require, and ask for an estimate. Destboyino Crickets (a. U.).— Procure a not of phosphorus paste, spread it like butter on thin slices of bread, and put it at night near their haunts, removing it in the morning. It will poison them. Echsyebia metallica (C. N. it.).— When young plants are put out they attain a height of from 9 inches to a foot in one season, and they may be used as a second or third line in a border, or as an edging to beds or borders with higher-growing plants in the centre or at the back. For small beds it makes a good centre. Eendle's Ground Vineries (Idem).— Wo are unable to famish the information you require. Write to Mr. Eendle, and state what informa- tion you wish. Moss on Bowling Green (J. 31.).— We advise giving the grass a top- dressing of rotten manure now, and by raking it well the lawn will not be injured for playing upon, as the dressing would disappear with the erst rams, the rough of the manure being raked off. At the same time we would give a good dressing of ground bones, aud with good rolling the lawn may be used a short time aftr-rwards. By encoura "iog the "rowth of the grass the manures will destroy the moss". Tigeieia coNcnirLORA Treatment (A. B ).— It is a bulbous plant, and usually flowers at the beginning of July, earlier or later according to the season and period of planting. Tho bulhs should be potted now, placing three or so in a 6-inch pot, in a compost of light turfy loam two parts, and one part leaf soil, with a free admixture of sand. Place them in a house or pit from which frost is excluded, and continue them there, keeping the soil moist until Mav, when thev may be planted out, with the balls entire, in beds or borders of good rich soil, light rather than heavy, and well watered in dry weather. Take them up in autnmn, and either pot tho bulbs and keep them drv, or store them in a place f'-om which frost is excluded, potting again in Februarv or March, and forward- ing in a pit or house before planting out. Propagation of Herbs (/. B. Serbs).— Sage is propagated from seed sown early in April, in lines 1 foot apart, and the" seedlings so thinned that they stand at that distance ; also bv slips which are taken on" the oldrlants about the same time, put in up to the leaves, aud well watered in dry weather until established. They are usually planted in beds 4 feet wide with 1-foot alleys between, an interval of 1 foot being allowed between the plants. Fennel seed should be sown at the end of March, in rows 2 feet apart, and the plants thinned cut to 1 foot from each other in the rows. It may also be propagated by division of the plant. This may be done at the beginning of March, every division havin» a crown and portion of root ; plant in lines 2 feet apart, and 18 inches from division to division. Chamomile should bo propagated by dividing the roots early in April, or when it begins to grow, putting in the rooted divisions in little groups about 1 foot apart overv way, in 4-feet beds. Light well- drained, not very rich soil, is most suitable. Thnrr.e mav be sown at the end of March or beginning of April, aud when 'the seedlings are large enough thin iuem out to 9 inches apart. Propagation is also effected in the same way as described for Sage. Mint is increased bv taking off the shoots m spnng, when from 8 to 6 inches long, and with" roots to them, planting them a foot apart, in light, rather moist soil, and watering until they aiv established. Pot Marjoram is sown early in April, in lines 1 foot apart, and thinned-out when large enough to the same distance in the rows; or divide the roots in April, and plant out 1 foot apart, water- ing in dry weather. Rather light soil is best. Sow Winter Savarn, or pat in slips, in April, and treat it the same as Sage and Thyme. Laven- der is sown early in April, and treated like Sage i or take off slips and put them in like those of Sage. Pennyroyal should have the roots divided early in Apr,], aud lie planted about 1 foot apart in light soil, in a rather moist situation. All they require the first vear is to be kept clear of weeds, to be watered until well rooted, and 'throughout the summer if it is dry and hot. Peach House (B. A. P.).— II you had given us a rough section of vour house, with the height in front and other particulars, we would have been better nble to advise you. For Peaches and Nectarines, your best plan would bo to cover the back wall, and have a low trellis in front. You may plant three trees at tho back, and the same in front. For the back, plant oue Noblesse and one Bellegarde Peach, aud one Violette Hutive Nectarine ; in front, one I'itmastou Orange Nectarine, one Elragc Nectarine, and one Walburton Admirable Peach. Two trees back and front woul i be enough ultimately, but bv close pruning and root pruning at times these would till tho house sooner. You could also, if disposed, have four 'X mes on the roof, as that would enable a good amount of light to reach the back wall-say, Black Hamburgh, Black Muscat of Alexan- dria (Muscat Hamburgh), Bucklaud Sweetwaisr, and Koval Muscadine. The floor of the house might be tilled at first with fruiting' plants in pots. Limestone fob Eookwobk in Stove Fet.nebt (IT T P H B ) — Limestone is not the best of material for rockwork, but it is not inimical to the growth of Ferns : indeed many kinds ln-uriate in vegetable mould in the chinks. We prefer sand or freestone, but almost any kind of stone answers well. We recommend you to make the rockwork massive and thoroughly rooklike by joiuting and lacing with cement. No ffowering climbers would succeed in a fernery, as the Ferns rtquire more moisture and shade than is good for flowering plants. Roses are out of the ques- tion. Lygodium scandcin is a good and elegant climbing Fern suitable for training up pillars ; but if the place where vou require the climbers is not used as a fernery the case is different, and vou may have Roses or other plants if the temperature is that of a greenhouse. Three Roses are Isabella dray, liloirc do I'ijon, and Mar. ehal Niel, all Tea-scented Of plants have Luculia gratissima, Habrothamnus cleans and PlumbT'o cipensis. = • *o Seeds Sowing (Ren. E. W. S.B.)-Borage, sow where it is to remain in an open situation, in rather light good soil, early in April. Thin oat to 1 foot apart. Sunjlou-er, sow in an open situation in lines 2 feet apart, and thin the plants out to 1 foot 6 inches from each other in the row Light rich soil is most suitable. Early in April is the time to sow San- flower seed. Cliilian Beet, sow in April where it is to remain, and thin out to 1 foot apart. ArunJo, sow in a pan or pot of sandy loam and leaf soil, place in a frame with a gentle heat, and shade so as to keep tho soil moist without having to give much water. When up remove the seed- lings to a greenhouse, and ultimately remove them to a cold frame, potting off the seedlings when large enough, and continue thorn in the frame until the potting is recovered : tiiea harden them off. It is a Grass, and not hardy except in warm sheltered situations ; therefore protect the plant3 in winter in a cold frame or cool house, and plant oat early in summer. Celery Bolting (Q.) — Celery certiinly requires a considerable amount of moisture when growing, but we do not like wet ground for it, as it cannot be kept long without rotting in such soils. The bolting, or running, we should say, was not due to too rich soil, but the reverse, and the ground we should tnink wholly unsuited to Celery cultivation. Run- ning is a resalt of a check given the plants during the season of growth — for instance, sowing in heat, then starving the plants for a time, allow- ing them to become large before pricking-off, transplanting without good balls, want of water in dry weather, &c. Poor soil encourages it ; rich soil and plonty of manure are necessary for fine, nutty, well-grown Celery. Eight Peas fob Succession (IF. H. B.).— Sow now as soon as the weather becomes mild Dickson's First and Best Early, and the crop will be in use early in July, and at the same time sow Princess Royal (Mac- lean's), which will Bucceed the first about the middle ol July. When those sowings are above ground sow Beck's Prizetaker, and if sown on the 15th of March they will be in use from the middle to the end of July. A fortnight afterwards sow Veitch's Perfection, or Champion of England, and every fortnight afterwards in order as follows : — Yorkshire Hero, British Qaeen, General Wyndham, and Ne Pius Ultra. The last sowing in this case will be on the loth of Jane, and we should sow Ne Plus Ultra again at the end of June, and if the autumn be favourable you will havo Peas late. We have had them in December not many miles from where you write, and in a colder place. Peat (X Y. Z.).— The specimen enclosed is only 6t for fuel. The Fern cannot be named from soimperfect and immature a frond. PiT3 and Frames (C. P.).— You had better write to the firm yoa men- tion ; we cannot explain their meaning. Boilebs and Boiling. — "Allow me through the medium of The Journal of Horticulture to assuro Mr. Wooineld that I had no cause or wish to complain of the tenor of his articles iu the recent discussion with re6pect to heating horticultural boilers. I should be sorry if any- thing I said in my last conveyed this impression to him. That we differed, and still do differ, in opinion on the theory of the subject is what I expected ; in practice I can clearly see we should set the boilers nearly in the same way, and U3e the same-sized pipes, etc. ; and though I may regret that I have not in any degree converted him to my theory, yet I must thank him for the courteous way in which he has expressed his own opinion on the subject. — C. P. Peach." Gbues at the Roots of Fuchsias [Insect), — The grubs which have attacked your Fuchsias (you do not state in what manner, but we suppose by gnawing the roots), are evidently those cf the troublesome weevil, Otiorhynchus vastator. The earth must be carefully moved from the roots and sifted, the grabs destroyed, and fresh sifted earth supplied to the plants.— W. Names of Plants (A Young Gardener, A. B.).— Sericographia Ghiea- brechtii. (James Lndlow, Alderley). — Stephanophy3urn repens. (Trist- ford). — 1, Cyrtomium caryotideum ; 3, an Asplenium in a condition too voung to be named with certainty, possibly A. rigtdum ; 3. Polvstichum anguiare. (Quintin Beed).— Both Selaginella Martensii. (J. B.).— 1, Wit- senia corymbosa ; 2, Lapageria rosea; 3, Boronia Drummondi. (Liver- pool Subscriber).— We cannot n ime a plant from its leaves only. (B.C.H.). — Lagurus ovatus, Hare's-tail Grass. POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON CHRONICLE. A FASTING HEN— PAROQUETS LAYING AND HATCHING. Just now when we have been hearing so much of " fasting girls," I am induced to send you an account of a fasting hen. About six months ago my servant informed me that two hens had been missiog for thtee days. All possible inquiries amongst our neighbours, and active search, were made, but in vain, and we came to the conclusion the hens had been stolen. At the end of a fortnight the servant's notice was attracted by a few feathers which he traced to the back of the nest-boxes, rjhere, wedged in between the bcxes and the back of the house, he drew oat one hen partly eaten by rats, and then the second in the last stage of exhaustion, almost too weak to eat, and quite unable to stand. She, however, recovered wonderfully soon, and is now in perfect health and one of our best layers. I imagine that, frightened by a rat, they ran head first behind the nests, and so wedged themselves in that they were nnable to turn or retreat. I saw in last week's Journal an inquiry about Australian Paroquets laying. Jline laid and hatched during several seasons, and I believe they do so very commonly in this country. — R. M., Hants. PENRITH POULTRY SHOW. THra Show was of extraordinary excellence, most of the birds being of the highest character. An alteration in one respect would have February 17, 1870. ] JOURNAL 0? HORTlCULTCTRE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER. been a decided improvement. A Dog Show being combined with the exhibition of poultry, the principal classes of Game fowls were placed directly over the benches for the bull and terrier dogs, of all others perhaps the most waspish and uncertain in their tempers. This proved a great drawback to the Judges, when taking out a cock for close in- spection, or when a stick was raised to move the Game fowls in their pens, for the dogs below at once resented such an interference, and displayed an amount of auger difficult to subdue. It would have been far better to have placed any other variety of poultry that did not re- quire handling in such a position, as the dogs would not then have been so excited. With the exception of this trifling oversight, the arrangements could not have been improved, and the whole of the specimens were very carefully attended to. The Game fowls throughout were most excellent, and such as can only be met with at a few meetings ; the condition of most of them was perfect. Game Bantams, on the other hand, though naturally first- rate birds, were as much out of exhibition trim_as could well be imagined, broken plumage and even roup being apparent in many of the pens entered. It is impossible to speak more highly than they deserved of the Dorlcvujs, and the Buff and White Cochins, but the Partridge-feathered were very deficient in quality. Dark Brahmas were very good, hut there was not a single entry of Light ones. Spanish fowls were quite a feature, and remarkably well shown. So far north, a good display of all the varieties of Hambvrrjhs might reasonably have been expected, but the competition was almost exclusively con- fined to the winning pens. There were several kinds of birds not frequently shown which were worthy of mention. A pair of Buzzards, male and female, were shown, and though interesting exhibited much natural wildness. There were two pens of Red Grouse which, on the contrary, were so familiar as to eat from the hands of any visitor, and consequently proved general favourites. Mr. Brierley, of Middleton, sent both Mandarins and Shovellers in splendid condition. The Selling class for poultry was a tolerably large show in itself, there being nearly one hundred entries ; nothing could repay any Committee better, besides leading to a great amount of sales. The Pigeons which were also a capital entry, were shown in the Assembly Room, close to the general Show ; and the exhibition of Canaries and Singing Birds was held there also. We fear this portion of the Show was overlooked by many of the visitors, not knowing its location. Game (White and Piles).— 1, J. Laming, Cowburn, Spalding. 2, J. Brough, Carlisle. 3, J. Bowness, Newchurch. Game (Black-breastcd ami u;her Kid-!.— 1 and Cup. C. W. Brierlev.Mi.Idleton. 2, H. Mason. St. John's, Wore, -.tor. 3, YV. Boyes. Beverley, lie. Miss E. lira- ham, Penrith : Graham .V Robinson. Kendal ; J. Laming, r, W. Myers. Ulver- stone; J. Broue.li. Chickens.— 1, J. Laming. 2. J. Brough. 3, J. Hodgson, Wliittington, Burton, he, W. Boyes ; G. Bell, Wigtun, Cumberland ; G. H. Branston, Newark. GAME(Any other variety).— 1, W. "Walton, Cocklake. 2, YV\ Boyes. 3, W.J. Cope, Barnslev. he. W. A. Fenwiek. Game.— Cock.— 1, C. W. Brierley. 2, W. (1. Parkinson, Kendal. 3, J. H. Wilson, St. Been, c, J. Brough. Cockerel— 1. C. W. Brierlev. 2, J. Brough. 3, J. Hodgson, lie, T. Dyson, Halifax ; M. Redhead, Kendal ; J. Brough. c, W. Bearpark. Hamburg us (SHVer-spangled).— 1 and 2, H. Eelden. Goitstock. 3, H. Pickles, jun., Earby. he. H. Stamvorth. Bumley. Hamburohs (Golden-spangled).— 1, H. Beldon. 2, J. Robinson. 3, H. Pickles, jun. he, J. Andrew, Ashton-under-Lyne ; M. J. H. Sweeten, Penrith, c, H. Beldon ; J. Jardiie, Kilmarnock. Hakburghs (Sflver-penoiHed).— 1 and 2, H. Piekles, jun. 3, H. Be'don Hamburg us iGeldc.i-pcilcilicd).— 1. II. Pjekleg. jun. 2 and 3. H. Beldon. Dorkings (Silver-Greyi — 1. R. Smnlley; 2, J. Cunningham. S, J. Shorthose, Newcastle, he, Miss Borthwick, Flimhy. Dorkings (Coloured).— 1. Giuison & Jefferson, Whitehaven. 2, J. Stott, Healey, Rochdalo. S, W.W. Ruttlidge, Kendal, he, W. Bearpark ; J. W. Stir- ling ; J. Nicholson, Penrith. Dorkings (Any variety I— Chickens.— 1, Gunson & Jefferson. 2, J. W. Stirling, Bridekirk. 3, J. Stott. c, W. Bearpark. Cochin-Chixa (Cinnim, m and Lull'i.-l, J. Masliker. Ulverstone. 2..T. Short- hose. 3, E. Fearon, Whitehaven, lie, J. H. Dawes, Birmingham, c, Gunson and .Jefferson. Cochin-China (Brown and Partridge-feathered).— 1, T. Stretch, Ormskirk. 2, J. Mashiter. 3, Withheld. Cochin-china (Wliitei.— 1, R. Smaller, Lancaster. 2, J. Weeks, Bootle. 3, J. Mashiter. he, E. Fearon. ,\ S. sherwin, Whitehaven. Spanish (Blackl.— 1 and 2, Hon. Miss Douglas Pennant, Penrhvn Castle Bangor. S. H. Beldon. he, T. J. Harrison, Kendal; M. Gibson; C. W. Brier' ley. c, T. J. Harrisson. Brahma Pootra.— 1, Hon. Miss Don-las Pennant. 2, J. H. Piekles. 3, E. Leech, Rochdale, he, C. W. Brierley. Any other Distinct Vap.iet; Except Bantams.- 1, H. Beldon. 2, W. R. Park, Melrose. 3, R. Hawkins, s.ahim (Malay), he. Miss Winn, Pooley i Silver Polands); E. Fearon; M. Nicholls, Perl. Isle of Man. c, J. Fentori, 'enrith. Game Bantam.— Cock.—l, J. R. Robinson, Sunderland. 2, E. Fearon. 3, W. Richardson, Kirkl.y Stephen. Game Bantams (Black-breasted and oilier Reds'.— 1, J. R. Robinson. 2, Eell- ingham & Gill. :1, W. Hodgson, Darlington. /ic,W. Barnes, Blennerliasset. c.W. Hodgson : J. i- W. Towerson, Egremont. Game Bantams (Any other variety).— 1, E. Fearon. 2, Bellingham & Gill. 3, J. Mashiter. BANTAMs(Any other variety except Game).— 1. Master A. Frew (Silver-laced). 2, S. & R. Ashton, Mottram (Black Bantamsi. 3. Miss II. -garth, Penrith, ftc.W. H. Tornlinson. Newark, c, W.Newton itslaeki: H. Beldon. Docks (White Aylosl,ury|.-l, S. H. Stott, Rochdale. 2. J. Cowman, White- haven. 3. .1. Davidson. Penrith. he, R. Sanderson, Penrith. DOCKS (Rouenl-1. .!..(. Waller, Kcnda). 2. c. W. Brierley. 3, A. McDougall, Penrith, he, J. Richardson. Whitehaven; S. H. Stott. Docks (Any other variety).— 1 and 3, C. W. Brierley. 2, S. & R. Ashton. c, J. Brough, Arkelby, Aspatria I Muscovy); J. Brown. Selling Class (Anv varietv).— 1, J. Brough (Game). 2, J. Barrow, Kendal (Game). 3, G. Hall, Kendal (Partridge Cochins). 4, ,t. H. Wilson (Spanish). he, J. Barrow. juii.lGamel; S. Sherwin; Gunson i Jefferson; J. W. Stirling; Miss E. M. Maclean; 0. W. Brierley ; H. Beldon. c, W. M. Mann, Kendal; Gunson & Jeftcisn ; -l.W. Stirling ; J. Bell. Lazcnoy (Black- breasted Game); E. Fearon; J. J. Waller; J. Brough (Game.) Cochin-China (Any variety).— 1, R. Rawlinson. 2, Mrs, Birkett, Ainstable, Penrith. 3. M. Taylor, jun.. Penrith. Brahma Pootra (Any variety!.— 1, R. Rawlinson. 2, B. Sweeten, Penrith. 3, A. Me.Dougnll Any other Variety, -Hom.-I. J. Davidson. 2, H. Mitchell, Eamont Bridge. 3, Mrs. F. Parker. Penrith, e. Miss E. Pears. Ducks (Anv variety).— 1 and 2, R. Rawlinson. 3, Mrs. Birkett. Geese.— 1,'R. Rawlinson. 2, Mrs. Rae, Penrith. 3, G. F. Stotter, Carlisle. Tubkeys.— 1, R. Rawlinson. 2, R. Thompson, Penrith. PIGEONS. Carriers.— 1, E. C. Stretch. Ormskirk. 2. J. & W. Towerson. he. T. Kew, Burton, Westmoreland, e, S. Sherwin ; T. W. Kill, urn. Bishop Auckland. Pocters.-I, T. Kew. 2, T. W. Kilburn. he, E. C. Stretch; H. Beldon; J. and W. Towerson. Runts— 1. Lady F. Busbby, Kingston Hill, Surrey. 2 and e, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Jacobins.— 1, Saunders & Thompson, Penrith. 2, H. Yardley. he, Saunders and Thompson; II. Beldon. Fantails— 1, R. Gibson, Kilmarnock. 2, W. R. Park, he, H. Yardley ; W. II. Tornlinson ; W. Scott; F. Graham, Birkentie id. -, S sunders A Thompson. Trumpeters -1. S. Sherwin. 2. H. Beldon. e. T. W. Kilburn. Owls.— 1, J. Fielding, jun., Rochdale. 2. J. & W. Towerson. he, Saunders aud Thompson : U. Vardlev: I. Fielding, jun. Nuns.-I, H. Yardley. 2. F. Graham. Turbits.—I and 2, Saunders Ot Thompson, he, W. Bearpark ; W.R.Park; Miss E. Pears; J. & w. Towerson. Bakes.— 1, H. yardley. 2 and c, W. Jackson, Bolton-le-Sands. he, J. Fielding, jun.; Saunders & Thompson. Tumblers (Almond).— 1. J. Fielding, jnn. 2, H. Yardley. Tumblers (Any varietv).— 1, J. Fielding, jun. 2. .1. & VV. Towerson. he, T. Ashburner, Dalton-in-Furness ; R. Whittaker, Bolton; J. Fielding, jun.; F. Graham, c, T. Kew. , Any other Variety.— 1, H. Yardlev. 2, Saunders ,v. Thompson, he, T. Kew; W. Bearpark; Saunders ,-c Thompson: J. Fielding jun.: F. Graham; H, Beldon. c. Saunders & Thompson; T. W. Kilburn (Swiss.) Selling Clas3.— 1, J.&W. Towerson (Pouters). 2, Saunders & Thompson. Rabbits.— Lop-*oreL—l, F. S. Arkwright, Sutton Scarsdale. 2, W. Scott, he, Mrs. G. Johuson. Brampton ; W. Scott. Any other neiehi.—l, E. E. M. Royds. Rochda! • (Silver-Greyl. 2. .1. Rawstron. Ha3lingden (Himalayan). he, E. Robinson, Penrith; J, Hardy, Kirkoswald. Judges. — Poultry: — Edward Hewitt, Esq., Sparkbrook, Binning ham, and Richard Teebay, Esq., Fulwood, Preston. SELKIRK POULTRY SHOW. The seventh Exhibition of poultry and Pigeon3 was held on the ilth and 10th inst. in the Volunteer Hall, Selkirk, a building admir- ably adapted for the purpose of a poultry show, being well lighted from the roof. The Show was a great success, there being about 150 pens more than last year, and the quality of most of the birds shown was such as would stand well at our largest English shows. In addition to the poultry for competition, there were about forty pens sent as extra stock by Lord Binning, all of which were sold by auction on the afternoon of the first day of the Show, but we are afraid, from the low prices many of them realised, his lordship will not do the same another year. These birds were chiefly Dorkings and Brahmas, and some nice specimens were amongst them, bat from the well-known excellence of Lord Binniug's stock we should have thought breeders would have wished to purchase even at high prices. There were some very cheap birds — the first-prize Brahmas in the cottagers' class were very good, and the low price of 15.;. was sure soon to bring a purchaser. The Show was ia all respects well managed, and the birds well fed and cared for. The pens were all placed at a uniform height, but if at a future show they were, raised 18 inches further from the ground it would be a great comfort to the Judge, and display the birds better. The first class was for Spanish, among which there were some good birds. The adult Dorkings were a good class, and the Dorking chickens numbered twenty pens, many of them of superior quality ; besides the three prize pens, five were highly commended and two com- mended. Some of the Cochins were very good, and the Brahmas were both a good and a large class. The cup for the best pen in the first four classes went to an excellent pen of Buff Cochins, belonging to Messrs. Thornton & Hine, of Morpeth. The Hamburgh classes were well filled, and contained many good birds. The cup for the best pen was awarded to a very neat pen of Silver-spangled, belonging to Messrs. S. & R. Ashton. The Game classes were very well filled, there being upwards of twenty pens in each class. The cup was won by Mr. Boyes, of Beverley, with a first-class pen of Black Reds. The Game Bantam class numbered twenty-one pens. The winning Rouen Duels were very good, bat many of the others were not good in the bill. The cottagers' class was a mixture of ail kinds, forming a very interesting collection. The rents of these exhibitors were not to exceed £5 per annum. The Pit/cons were mostly good. The silver medal for the best pair was won by Mr. Skinner, of Edinburgh, with an unusually good pen of Blue Pouters. Spanish.— 1, M. TurnbrJl, Melrose. 2 and 3, R. Somerville, Edinburgh he, II. Wilkinson, Earbv : W. Pat erson. Langholm. . Dorkings.— 1, D. Hardie, Sorbie. 2, W. Men". Aberdeen. 3, T. Raines, Bridoehauch. Stirling, lie, T. L. Jackson, Bush ,f Ewes (Silver); Miss H. R. Lind, Ladiesford. Chickens.— I, D. Raines. 2. D. Harilie. 3, A. Hnggart, Leslie, he, T. L. Jackson ; Miss Malcolm. Milnliolrn, Langholm; G. Walker, Selkirkl; Miss M. Brown, e, W. Reekie. Selkirk. Cochin-China.-I and Cup, Thornton ii Hine. Morpeth. 2, W. Men. 3, W. Cheyne, Selkirk (Buff), he, A. Wilson, Armadale, Bathgate (White) ; W. R. Park, Abbutsnieaduvr. Melrose; Major Dickens, Col istivam. Brahma Pootra.— 1, J. A. Dempster, Stirling. 2. T. U.iines. 3, R. Brownlee, Kirkcaldy, he, J. W. Mormon,' Kirkcaldy; W. Rutherford, Selkirk; G. H. Plummer, Dalkeith; H. Stephenson, Fenton Barns, Drem J. Meldrum, Kirk- caldy ; Thornton & Hine. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEN EB. [ February 17, 1870. W. R. Park. .:;, J- . . Bolton, 2, W. Hall, West Sloekburn. 3, W. Bearpark, Ahr! (h>\ib '<■■ iruuih-d.—l.J. V. LovercidfTf, Newark- on- Trent. 2, W. Bearpark. 3. and he, R. Dickson. Selkirk, r, W. Br. Mottram : A. Heatlie. Sr 2, D. Cheyne. 8, W. B, P. Game (Any 8, Henderson & Allan. (Brown Red); .1. W. Wi Heatherlie, Selkirk (Bn Ravenswood, Bolton, Lj ■ Brown Bed) ; .(. n i ■ - Leslie; -T. Smuli, Brouifhtv Fetrv ; J. W. Will (B: ingone, Dollar (Black Red). ., Abercairney, Crieff; S. & I — 1 and Cup, S. A: E. Ashton. W. Hall. , W. Boyea, E veiley. 2. R. Stewart, K>lty i ft 0). Bantams.— UZ«cfc or 7>o;r;t £rth< r nir<>tu.— \, W. Scott (Duckwingi. 2, Miss Brownlee. 3, A. De/ar, Clunv (Duekwing). Bantams(Aiiv vari.;t\ rw t Game). — 1, T. C. Harrison. Hull. 2, Mi- E. C. Frew.Sincburtown, Kirkcaldy (Silver Sebright!. 3, S. & R. Aahton (Y.hite1. fcc, J. W. Will (Black i. Amy other Variety.— 1, W. R. Park (Cn'.-ve-Cteur). 2, Mrs. J. M'Adam, Ban- chory leman (Houdan). 3. 1';. Par suns f Poland;, . Ducks.— Aylesbury (White).— 1, J. Scott, Newhall, by Li 1 I Hardie. 3, A. Hoggart. he and c, G. Dryden. Kouen— 1 and 2, D. Hardie. 3, F. L. Roy. Cottagebs' Class (Any variety). — 1. T. Murray, Jan.. Selkirk (Brahma Pootra). 2, W. Inglis, jun., Selkirk (Spanish). 3, J. Beattic, Rink, Selkirk (Brahma Pootra). he, 1>. Waugh, Melrose (Spanish); A. Sherriff, Selkirk (Brahma PootraJ; .T. Hope, Heatherlie, Selkirk (Dorkings); W. Rutherford, Selkirk [Silver Dork p Selling Class.— 1. Miss Malcolm, Milnholm. 2. W. K. Park. C, D. Hardie (Rouen), lie. Major Dickens (Cochin-China); F. L. Roy (Dorkings); H. StephenBOn, Fenton Barns (Brahma Pootra) ; R. Parsons (Cochin*. Reekie (Dorkings): G. Dryden I -vylrsbr.i-y Ducks). Sweepstakes.— 1, J. Archibald, Earlston. ' ' (Black Red). PIGEON?. Tumblees (Any variety;.- 1. W. Elliott. Musselburgh { Almond). Carlisle (Almond). 7u\ Mc. G. Skinner, Edinl i eh; H. Y.irdVv, Birmingham. Carriers— 1, H. Yardlev. 2, J. Guthrie, Hexham, he, W. Bearpark: J. . W. Brownlee. 3, J. L. Br >wn Bibs (Dun). Fantails.— % W. R. Park, he, A. Smith, Broughty Ferry. Pouters— 1 and Medal Mc. G. Skinner (Blue). 2. A. Wright, Edinburgh, he, W. Moon, Edinburgh (White) ; J. Waddcil. c, Me. G. Skinner (White). iss.— l, J. waadi — 1, F. L. Roy. 2, .... Owls.— 1, d. Fielding, jun., Rochdale. 2, R. Paterson. he, W. Goddard. Earlston (Yellow). Turbits.— 1. W. R. Park. Any othek Vabxbty.— 1, Pouters). Selling Class— 1, A. Wright, Edinburgh (Red Pouters). 2 and he, "W. Beai- park. 8, W. Cheyne (Fantails). Judge. — James Dixon, Esq., North Park, Clayton, Bradf 1 1, CRYSTAL PALACE BIRD SHOW. On the 12th inst. commenced one of the finest shows of Caniries and Bi-itish and Foreign Birds that it has ever been our lot to inspect — a Show, which for the beauty of the specimens may have been equalled by others, but which in point of the number exhibited has had no parallel. The number of prizes awarded prove the ex- cellent condition and quality of the birds. There were 1191 pens altogether, and 846 of them contained Canaries. The latter suffered much from the cold, although the Show was held in the Tropical department of the Crystal Palace. Two of the most beautiful Canaries belonging to Mr. Young, were killed by the low temperature. The Canaries are very fine, particularly in one or two of the Nor- wich breed ; and among the variety of German hens is an ex- traordinarily marked bird. The Mule classes appear most beautiful, and would, of themselves, form an exhibition. The Goldfinch and Bullfinch Mules being exceedingly handsome, distinctly showing the two breeds. Our British Birds are most splendidly and numerously represented. Those especial favourites, the Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Black- bird, and Thrush having representatives, the beauty of some of which, words utterly fail us to describe. Amongst the most curious specimens we observed a pure white Blackbird, and a peculiarly marked variety of the Goldfinch. The Foreign Birds are also very excellent and make a goodly dis- play. Some of the Paroquets we noticed to fce exceedingly beautiful in colour and of great variety. Great praise must be accorded to the able Superintendent, Mr. Wilkinson and to his assistants, for the admirable manner in which so extensive a collection is arranged. The Judges, also, must have felt their task was one of no little moment, and numerically considered somewhat heavy. A coloured specimen having been discovered among those exhibited by Mr. Jerram, of Nottingham, the Judges decided to exclude the whole of his birds entered in the Show. "We hope to have some further comments sent us upon this Exhi- bition, which will close to-morrow. Norwich (Clear Yellow).— I, H. Vine, East Cowes. Equal 2, Eemrose and Orme, Derby. Equal '_', Moore &. Wynn, Northampton. 8, Bemrose & Orme, 4, T. Newmarch, London. Extra, T. Mann, Camberwell New Road, vhe, P. Flexney, Caledonian Boad; W. Havers, Norwich; J. Bexson, Derby; R- Macklev, Norwich; W. Walter. Winchester, he, P. Flesntv; H. Vine:' Dove and Poole, Sutton Ashludd : M-n-rcv. Wvnn. c, T. Fenn.Irjswieh ; W. Havers; J. Bexson; W. Barwell, Northampton; H. Apted, Worthing ;. J. Judd, Newing- ton Butts. Norwich- (Clear Buff).— 1, Cup, and Equal 2, B< mrose & Orme. Equal 9, T. ; T. Fenn; H. ft Yellow).— 1 and 4, Moore ft Wynne. 2. J. -ludd. K . ■- i:\nnard, Norwich. vhe, Irons & Gavton, North:;-..' t i, : E. Haw kin- , . ikm ; Moore & Wynne. he, J. Bexsu^: H. Apted; Irons & Gayion; W. Walter, c, J. ludd; T.Fenn; Dove & Poole ; P.. Maeklev: T. N'i -.vmarch : R. J .it i. •. Norwich (Even-mark' a or Variegated lUtfti — 1 1 I tfoore & Wynne, Equal j, U. Vine. £400! t and B, B. Banting. ■'■ . H. Apted. he, R. Mackley; Irons ifcGayton; v., ■ J.Yonne,alonkweax< month, e, a. laaacB; 1:. MacWey; J. Jndd; W. B. Horeil, Norwich. Norwich (Ticked or Unevenly-marked Yellow'.— 1. S. Bun: inc. ^ W.Walter. ?, Moore & Wvnne. c/ic, T. Feim : Bemrose & Orme ; W. Walter : Moore and Wynn. he, Bemrose & Orme; H. Apted; R. Mackiey. c, W. Barwell: H. Apted : S. Bunting; T. N- ivrciYh ; Mnorr ^ \\ Nobwzob (Tieked or Unevenly-marked Buff).- 1, .. and 3. Bemrose vhe, J. Bexson; H. Apted; Irons & Cray ton; s. Bunting; Dlooie he, W.J. Toon; Bemrose & Orme: W. Havers, c, T. Fenn; W. HaTerS; H. Apted; J. Judd; J. Chapman, Hipham, Norwich. Norwich (Crested Yellow)— 1, T. Fenn S, Irons & Gaytos. vhe, T. Fenn; S. Bunting; J. 3 ; B, Mackiey; S. Bunting; J. Young, c, H. Warren. Nor.-, ieh : Uoore & ''■''■ Norwich (Crested 3uff).—l, J. STonng, Equal 2, J. Judd. Banal SjJ. Goode, LeaceAter. Equal 8, H. Apted. i Tomes; J. Judd; W. Walter; J. Young, he, J. Tarr, London; H. Apti Moore & Wynne, c, J. S. Swithenbank : R. Illacluey : Ezons & Gayton ; Moore and Wvnne. Belgi*s (dear Yellow).— 1 and Cup, W. Walter. 2, E. nawkins. vlic, C. Carver, Lamport; T. Fairbrasa, Canterbury : E. :: ■ ha, Vf, inson, Red- land; W. Holmca. Eelgian (Clear Buff).— 1. E. Hawkins. Equal 2, J. Turner. Binningham. Equal 2, J.Doel, Stonehousc. vke, J. Do el; E. Hawkins, he, C.Carver; Dove and Poole. Belgian (Variegated or Ticked Yellow).— 1, E. Hawkins. 2, II. Ashton. Prestwich. vh* . \\ . Hi \m ■-, : E. Hawkins, e, O. Nich.d son, Lamport. Belgian- (Variegated or .' ,— J 1 J. E. Hawkins. London Fancy (.Iinaue).— 1, 2, and Cup, W. Broarick, Chudleigh. Equal 2, J. Waller, he, J. McMillin, Pentonville ; T. ' Waller, c. J. Waller. Londan Fancy. (Mealy).— L W. Brodriok. -2. T. M^nn. Equal 2. J. Waller. vh ■, T. Mann: J. Waller, he, T. C. Westfield, London: J. Waller. C, T. C. F. Waller. Lizard tGolden-spangled).—!, H. Ashton. 2, J. ■ '. . II. Ashton; T. Fairbras , ,.T. 3 s: E. Hawkins. LiZABD (Sflver-spangled).— 1 and Cup, E. Hawkins. 2. J. Stevens, Middles- brough. Extra 2, J. .ludd. ?., < '. W. Hooke. London, ohc, H. Ashton. he, T. C. Westfield; H. Ashton; Woodhouse & Lor wood, King's Lynn; T. Fairbrass; H. Apted; S. Bunting, r, A. Isaacs, Lon Ion ; Rev. V. Ward. Cinnamon (J. nque).—l, J. Bexaon. 2, H. Vine. ! Cockle, Ter- rington, St. John's, he. IroDS & Gavton; J. Ree&s : M lore & Wj-nn; J. Young. c, W. Peach, Brighton ; S. Tl mes, Northampton ; E. Mills. t Cinnamon (Buff).— 1. Cup, audi. H. Vine. Extra 2, J. Bexson. r7ic,H.Vinc; S. Bunting ; J. Young, he, H. Vine ; E. Mills ; J. Waller, c, H. Warren; Irons and Gavton ; J. Waller; Moore & Wynne. Cinnamon (Marked or Variegated, Irrespective of Colour). -1, H. Apted. 2,Moore & Wvnne. vfi . i- ns ft Gsyton. lie, S. Tomes; H. Apted. c, BL Vine; S. Tomes. ' .l ■■ ■ .- tand2,W. Ale .mder, Edinburgh (Yellow Don v ,;.ti (Yellow Manchester Coppy) : Miss Nation, E real .1 .. 31 S.M -. 9 , - Hambledon. Equal S, Moore ... . '■■ - . Black), vhe, H. Ashton (Bn.i Manchester Coppv): Irons & Gayton (Crested Cinnamon^; a. Webster, Kii . fow Don); R. 1 : in M m ppy). ke,T. C. Westfield (Crested Baff Cinna- mon and Crested Varii sated Cinnamon); H. Ashton Glasgow Don); W. Barnes, London (Yellow Yorkshire.) Goldfinch Mcle (Yellow).—! H. Ashton. 2, J. Doel. vhe, J. Baxter, New- :tl-. 3, H. Ashton. vhe, J. Goldfinch Mule (Buff).— 1, J. Doel. 2, Baxter. Goldfinch Mule (Variegated Yellow).— 1. Cup. and 3, J. Doel. 2, J. Young. Equal 2, H. Ashton. vhe, H. Ashton; J. Doel. Ac, J. Baxter; H. Vine; E. Stansfield, Bradford. Goldfinch Mule (Variegated Buff;.— 1 and Extra 2, J. Young. 2, J. Doel. 3, R. .Mackiey. Equal 8, E. Stansfield; -I. D01 1. vhe, E. St osneld; J. Young. he, J. Baxter; H. Ashton; J. Doel. c, W. Needier, Hull: Rev. V. Ward; T. Goldflnch Mule (Dark Jouque'.— 1, II. Ashton. 2. J. Steven. 3, Moore and Wynne. rJic, J. Steven : E. Stansfield. he, T. Fenn; £. Stansfield; C. Ober- muller, London, e, W. B. Bailey. Purfleet. Goldfinch Mule (Dark Mealy 1— 1, J. Young. 2. E. Stansfield. vhe, H. Vine: E. Stansfield; Rev. V. Ward, Canterbury; Moore & Wvnne. he, w. Walter, c, S. Tomes. Linnet Mule.— 1, J. Young. 2, II. Ashton. vhe, J. Baxter, he, U. Ashton : J. Doel. Mules (Any other variety).— 1, E. Stan and Bulmnch). 2, J. Oaken, Brighton fBednoU-i. V. . ■ : ■>■ c, [: ('i.ddtiacli and Bull- finch): E. Stansfield (Goldfinch and Bullfinch), he, J. W- Few, Forest Hill; Irons ft Gayton (Cinnamon Linnet.) Six Norwich Canaries in One Cage (Irrespective of Colour'.— 1 and Extra 2, W.Walter. 2. Bemrose 5~ at night, and of t".j by day without sun, rising to 70 '. 75 . or more with sun, maintaining a moist atmosphere. Admit air freely, and water copiously as required. When the plants ha%'e completed their growth, and are forming their bloom bads, keep them rather drier and with abundance of air, and after the buds are formed keep them as cool as possible, and shade from bright sun during the hottest part of the day. Continue to keep them cool and duly supplied with water through the summer and autunm, and when you require them to bloom the tempera- ture may be kept at 40 , and then raised to 50° in the course of a fortnight, which is sufficient from fire heat at night ; and let 55° to 60° by day be the maximum from fire heat, with sun and air. Growing Azaleas (Id* n). — Pot them, if necessary, now, and maintain a temperature of 55° at night, with a rise to 60 or (i'j by day, and 70Q to 75 with sun and air. Kc p a moist and rather close atmosphere, and so encourage freo growth. When thi3 is complete admit air freely, and expose fully to the sun, so as to secure the ripening of too wood and formation of the buds. When the bud3 are set admit all the and keep cool. The plants may be brought into flower by p] in a house, or increasing the temperature of the house they are in to 50°, and in the course of a fortnight to 55°. Dracaena Propagation (Idem). — The best mode of propagation is by eyes. The plants should be cut down to within two or three eyes of their base, and the part taken off should be cut into as many lengths as there are joints, which should be inserted singly in small pots, vertically, in light sandv peat and loam, just covering the eyes with soil. Place the cuttings in a hotbed of from 75° to 80°, and keep them close and moist, but avoid making the soil wet. "When they have grown a few inches high remove them to the stove, shifting them into larger pots as required. The top of each shoot should be formed into a cutting, wbieh will strike freely in a temperature of from 70° to 75°, if covered with a hand-glass, and kept close and shaded from bright sun until rooted. Ficus elastica may be propagated in the same way at this season, bcth from eyes of the well-ripened wood and the short-jointed shoots. Potatoes.— G. R. wishes for an opinion on the Saltan Pink Kidney by some grower of it. Eplphyllum truncatcm Ste:js Falling (Alplui).— The stems flagging and turning soft show the plants have few if any roots, and the stems coming away at the joints would result from the plants being kept too cool, and the soil too wtt. We advise you to pot the plants at once shaking away all the old loose soil, and providing extra good drainage, and a free open soil : place them in a house with a gentle heat of 55c at night, watering sparingly until the plants are in free growth. There can be no doubt but placing them in a cold conservatory his helped to produce the evil, if it has not been the sole ciuse of it. We can supply back numbers of the Journal for January, 1869. Browallias (Gay Dreams}.— The Browallias are pretty annuals and sneceed under the same treatment as Balsams— that is, they require to be sown and grown in a hotbed or bouse where there is a good heat, as that of a vinery or cool stove, until of fair size; and when showing for flower they may be removed to the greenhouse or conservatory. They give as little trouble as Balsams, and they are equally long-blooming and pretty— indeed fine when well grown. Three or more plants should be grown in a pot. Potato Sports [G, -We do not think there would Ve any advantage in a white-skinned Potato over a red one, and the change from white to red cannot be considered an acquisition unless other properties accompany it— such as greater productiveness and improved quality. Pelarooniois (Idem) — It is now impossible to determine the parent- age of the Show and Fancy Pelargoniums. In Sweet's time a great many hybrids were figured and described by him and others as garden varieties, and it is from those hybrids that our present race of cross- breds have sprung. P. cordatnm is certainly not unlike many of the Fancy section, and P. cucnllatum some of the Show kinds, but we know nothing positive. Pelargonium zmale is a distinct species cultivated in botanical collections, and it is not unlikely that the species you have from South Africa may be it. We think your proposed crossing will give some curious results if it should prove successful, which we very much question. It is, however, well worth trial. Clematises as a Scree" {A. Q.).— Anything worse for a screen than these could not well be conceived, and we do not know how you will get them to any height without a trellis of some kind, for they are strictly climbing plants, and where there is nothing to cling to they ore trailers. We think them altogether unsuitable. A hedge of Berberis Darwinii, or Laurustinus, as you wish for flowering shrubs, would be far more suit- able, and both are evergreens, and after flowering will well bear cutting to the shape required. The former should bo planted 2 feet, and the latter 3 feet apart. Diluting Liquid Manure [E. M.).—lt is difficult to say how much water should be added to the "drippings of heaps of manure in a yard where cows only aro kept ;" but we have not found it necessary to dilute such liquid, owing to rains making it weak enough. If, however, the urine drains into the tank, then it will bo necessary to dilute the liquid, but in dry periods only with twice its volume of rain water. It ought to be applied to plants as soon as the buds appear, the pots being full of roots, and discontinued when the flowers are expanding. Centadrea candidissi.ua Treatment (Brum.).— The leaf sent is that of Centaurea candidissima, which is an evergreen half-hardy perennial, much used at the present day for flower gardens. The treatment re- quired is to keep it in a light, airy position in a greenhouse, and from October to March give no more water than enough to prevent the leaves from flagging. Pot it in March or April in a compost of two-thirds Uftht, fibrous loam, and one-third sandy peat, with a free admixture of silver Band. Good drainage is neoess&iy, watering freely with the growth. When the plant is hardened- off it may be planted out at the end (if May or beginning of Jane, and taken up in October before frost. Propagation is effected by taking off tbe side shoots close to the stem, paring the base smooth, and inserting them in silver eand singly iu small pots; then put them in a house with a temperature of from CO to 75", and a bottom heat of 701-, keeping them close and shaded until rooted, and being careful not to keep them very moist or the sand wet, otherwise the cuttings will damp off. Early in spring and the end of summer, are the best times for taking off the cuttings. Incrustation in Hot-water Pipes fir. IT.). — All hot-water pipes will become furred in time with a calcareous deposit. The best and simplest preventive is putting 2 or 3 ozs. of muriate of ammonia (sal ammoniac), in the water in the boiler. Management of Vines (J. S. H.).— We agree with you that you would tave succeeded better if you had kept the Yir.es iu pots; and then, again, we attribute your disappointment much to over-kindness to the Vines. The rotten leaves over the hot-water pipes encouraged tbe Vines to grow too long, and, no doubt, in consequence there was a want of ripeness, and resting to tbe wood, though it seemed so plump and firm. If the plants had been in pots you conld have taken them out in Septem- ber. You might try a weight of a quarter of an ounce suspended from the point of some of these tendrilled bunches. Seeds Given out to the Gardiner (A Go - ' Whether should a gardener have the seeds under his own care, or should he go to the mistress tor them, whenever he wants a few ■"" " What next, and next, and next I" Seriously, however, in large places it will conduce to the comfort of all parties if the gardener looks after the seeds, and has them under his care. In small places it i- often to the advantage of the gardener if the mistress or master would take care of them. In such places there is often no secure lock-up for seeds, and depredators of various kinds are apt to get at them, much more so than in a secure cupboard in a house. Such customs, when they exist, are generally based on some prudential consideration. Meanwhile. marks to make— First, if the lady docs not object to the trouble, the gar- dener has no reason to grumble at having to make application for the seeds as wanted. Secondly, These applications will in time become so tiresome, that if the gardener secures by his at, and in duatrious conduct the confidence of hi e will, ere long, be relieved from the necessity of making many journeys to the house after seeds. Unless he lives in tl - to be avoided if possible), the less he goes there the better, ■ The want- ing seeds might rather too often be made n matter of business. Small Gbeenhouse (Brighton).— We do not see why your 8-feet- square house should not succeed. It will be quite time enough to bring your well-wrought sweetened dung into the house, sav by April, and get the soil so heated as to plant out by the beginnini - ■ • ■ Vou could raise the plants by having a bed at one end, and covered with a hand-light, or such a little box as was alluded to in "Doings of the Week," in our number of February 3rd. A small frame would be very useful in such a house. In growing Melons on a shelf at the top, boxes would be better than pots, as the sun heats the latter so mach. Cucumbers and Melons do very well in the same place until tbe Melon? approach the ripening time, when they want a drier air than the Cucumbers. We would rather advise yoa to have a thin calico division, and to grow Cucumbers at one end and Melons at the other. Use stronger, Crmer soil for the Melons. We would try Ivy for the proposed trellis. Red Beet as a Redder. — "I am much obliged for your correspon- dents' answers to mv queries about Beet, but I am afraid I did not make it sufficiently clear that I wished to have information on the best method of managing Beet for dec-native purposes, to introduce ;^s a back- row plant iu a ribbon- border. I want, in short, to know whether it is better to sow it in moderate heat, or in the open ground ; whether it ought to bo transplanted, or sown where it is to stand; and what is the best way to prevent its running to seed ? It was so handsome in rows down the Bide of a walk in a new quarter of bush fruit trees last year, that I intend to try it in my flower garden, but I must have it early.— C. P. Peach." Forcing Rhubarb on a Vine Border (W. N.).— Rhubarb and Vines cannot be expected to thrive in the sarae border, for the Rhubarb roots will mononolise the nutriment from the soil, and the shade of their leaves must be verv detrimental to the roots of the Vines. The best plan would be to remove the Rhubarb from the border altogether, force a part of it, and plant a part, which, being coversd with litter, will come into use nearlvas soon as that forced or placed in a cellar; indeed, unless the cellar be artificisllv heated, by taking up the Rhubarb with as good roots as possible, planting where it is to remain, placing pot3 over the crowns, and covering with hot litter, you would have Rhubarb sooner than in the cellar. Force no more than half the roots this year, and the other hall will be available for forcing next year, and will afford a succession. You are right as to the treatment of the Vines. Making Asparagus Beds (Idem),— The ground should be well trenched, and if there is a verv heavy clay soil remove it, replacing it with good light soil. Manure he~avily as you propose, and apply sharp sand liberally. Turn over so as to thoroughly incorporate the manure with the soil. April is a good time to plant. Plants one and not more than two years old are best. PRnruxA Culture (A Lady Subscriber). -Ik is of little use expecting good flowers unless you have seed of a good strain, and we should attri- bute the damping off to the plants being potted too deeply, and too much water being given. In potting, the soil ought not to be brought higher than the leaves, for if it touch them they decay at the base. The short- ness of the footstalks of the flowers is a result of weakness, in most cases caused by defective root action. Gesnera Leaves Spotted (/. L.).— The red spots on the leaves we are unable to account for, except by the house being kept nioUt, and air being admitted in cold currents." The name of the plant is Sparmannia africana. Treatment of Succulent (K.).— We aro unable to name the plant from the specimen sent, which was smashed, and too small for identifi- cation, but we think it is one of the Mesembi-yanthemums. Being a kind having stems, you may propagate it by cuttings, taking the parts that are firm, and inserting them in sand; be careful of damp, and place them on a shelf in the greenhouse slightly shaded— they will root freely. Succulents require to be potted when their flowering is past ; or it may be done now, using a compost of turfy sandy loam four parts, me part of crocks broken small, and one part of old cow dung, with one-sixth of silver sand. Water rather freely when in full growth, and encourage with JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February £4, 1870. a moist atmosphere ; hut when the growth ifi complete reduce the supply, exposing the plant fully to light and sir; and in winter keep the soil dry, giving no more water than enough to keep the foliage from flagging. Keep the plant near the glass in the greenhouse, and cut it down next month if it has grown " leggy." LiyciD Manure for Camellia" ■/' To encourage a free growth it is well to water Camellias with liquid manure, if the roots are in a healthy state. The " Fertiliser" you name is good for the purpose, or 1 oz. of gaano to a gallon of water answers well. Transplanting Conifers (R. H, A.).— From now to the beginning of April, before they begin to grow, is a good time to transplant the choice Conifers you name, but we should defer transplanting lor a fortnight or so until the ground is in better order. Applying Fullers' Earth to Rose and Fecit Trees (G, X.). — We oannot conceive that fallers' earth can be more beneficial than a sandy loam, for its chief constituents are silica (sand), -1-1; alumina (clay, 23; lime, 4 ; magnesia, 2 ; protoxide of iron, 2. A good dressing of turfy loam and well-rotted manure would be better, and if the soil is light we should think cow dung and heavy lo^m would be more serviceable. Custard Apple Treatment [Idem).— We are not able to tell you how long your plant will he before it fruit. It would be very desirable to graft it if yon have means of obtaining BCionB from fruitful plants. Chow it in turfy loam. It will succeed in a house having a temperature of from 5(P to 55 in winter from lire heat, with a rise of I or 10: from sun. In summer a temperature of from GO' to 6fF at night, 75 -" by day. and 85 to 90 with sun and air, would be suitable. We should be obliged by par- ticulars from anyone who has succeeded in the cultivation of the Custard Apple, or other tropical fruit?, in this country. Shading a Conservatory [R. Fry).— The best plan for keeping the heat of the sun out, which no inside blind does, would be to have a can- vas or strong calico shade outside the house; but as the roof is orna- mental, and not regular, there would be some trouble in getting this to pull np and down with pulleys. The next best plan, if you did not mind the shade in winter, wonld be to paint the glass thinly, and then follow with a dry brush, so as to give the glass the appearance of ground glass. For lasting a summer, a little whiting mixed with milk or weak glue water, put on thinly when the glass is dry, and daubed with a dry brush, will look very well, and can be taken off by washing late in autumn. If yon do not mind the gla&s being permanently coloured, then the prettiest thing of the kind we have seen was the dome-roofed conservatory at Woodstock, near Incistioge. Ireland. The dome was of a beautiful blue ; there was no burning nor scorching beneath, and every plant seemed to thrive nnder the blue-coloured canopy. We forget what Mr. McDonald, the celebrated gardener, coloured the glass with, but the dome was a very effective object from great distances. For fixing shad- ing material inside of a house, we have seen no plan more simple than that adopted by Mr. Cox, at Kimpton Hoo, near Welwyn. Clean, white, thin calico, and stout hook muslin, are chierly used. These are bound round — the pieces of suitable size— and small rings are fastened at the ends and sides, and the rings are attached to little hooks on the roof to keep the shading somewhat tight. In a lofty conservatory, with several ridges and furrows to form the roof, these pieces went across from fur- row to farrow, shaded the roof well, and gave no trouble from the day they were put up until they were taken down again. Heating a Pit (J. T. L.) .— As vour flue runs through the middle of your pit, unless that pit is very wide, of which you say nothing, we do not think you would gain much benefit by having dung on each side of the flue from 18 to 24 inches deep. We would rather advise you to turn your moveable stage into a platform across, S3y 6 or 8 inches above the flue, and on that place your soil, as suggested to another correspondent to- day. About four openings at back and the same in front, as upright 4-inch drain pipes, furnished with wooden pl«g^, would enable you to have top heat at will. As your earthenware 7-inch flue is apt to become so hot, we would surround" it with clinkers, brickbats, &c,, for from 4 to 6 feet of its length from the furnace. There is no doubt of the plan answering for a Cucumber bed if the flue be strong enough. With a pit 7 feet wide, and a stout brick flue in the middle, we rough-chambered each side with clinkers made into a sort of air flue, and covered with rough and then fine gravel. Havina left spaces at the sides communicat- ing with of en rubble, we could then have bottom heat and top heat at command, and moisture by pouring water down these openings among the stones, &c, a very different affair from pouring it on a flue. Even in your case we would advise a heap of clinkers, &c, beneath each opening for this purp ~-se, as it would not be safe ever to pour water over your flue. The best covering for your chamber would be slate. We have had ser- viceable covers made .: f rotigh slabs of wocd laid across, and the spaces between them stuffed with bricks, stone3, Ac, and roughly plastered over. The boards should be from 9 to 12 inches from the flue. We have seen boards that were only f> inches from a flue kept rather warm, yet they had not a trace of u-inering from heat when they began to decay after being used ior such a purpose for ten years. If your flue had been in the front of the pit we would have advised differently. We would then have run a wall of brkk-on-bed 2 or 3 inches from it, and depended on a dung bed at back. The flue could also be made then to help to maintain the bottom heat. Emigration to America (F.Jordon; IT. Chlppenfidd).— Write to Mr. C. F. Palmer, 4, Ludgate Hill, London, E.C., for information. Old Yew Tree (G. S.I.— Unless we knew the size of the hollow, we could not advise about topping it ; we must know the size of the open- ing also. If the stem is quite hollow, nothing beneficial can be done except fastening a piece of sheet lead over any opening that admits rain. Orchard House Ventilation (A. F.).— In such a house as you de- scribe, 40 feet long, 10 feet wide, 7 feet huh at back, and 3 feet "high in front, we think that a ventilator 9 inches wide all along the front, and 6 inches wide at the top, will keep all safe, especially if you have a tri- angular piece to open beneath the apex of the roof at each end, and can open the doors at the ends in very hot days. The heat from such a plane of glass with large squares will seldom do anv harm if there are no knots or spots in the glas», and if the beat rises gradually, as when air is left on all night or givt-n gradually. In excessivelv bright sun you might dull the glass outside by syringing with water Blightly whitened, as by dissolving a piece of whiting twice as large as a small walnut in four or five gallons of water. In such extreme cases, the floor inside may prinkled with clear water. The comparatively vigorous growth late in autumn must be surmounted by comparative , T. C. «E. Newbitt, Epworth. he, D. Waugb, Melrose ; R. Somerville, Edinburgh, c. T. Stevenson, Melrose; R. Somerville ; M. Turabul), Melrose. Cochin-China.— I.E. Fearon. 2. W. R. Park, Abbotsmeadow. Melrose, he, A. Campbell, Lares ; W. Cbeyne, Selkirk, e. F. Elston, Bchofield, Morpeth. Brahma Pootra. — 1, R. Brownlie. Kirkcaldy. 2. T. Raines, he, J. A. Dempster, Stirling, e, 3. W. Morison, Kirkcaldy ; G. H. Plummer, Dalkeith. Game.— 1, D. Hardie. 2. Henderson & Alien, MuBScIburgb. he, J. Anderson Meigle (Black Reds); D. Harley, DonningtolL e, A. Omuston (Uuckv/ings); D. Nichol, Morpeth Illack R.dHr. 11. lidcison & Allen. Hamburgh.— Golden-pern (/.'■ <(.—], W. R. Fark. 2. H. Beldon. he, H. Pickles, inn., Earby. c. W. Lintcn, Selkirk. Goldentpangled,— 1, !>■ Geuatty. 2. S. and R. Asuton, Mottram. lie, R. Dick.-on, Selkirk, e, J. F. Loversidge, Newark ; H. Pickles. ;un. Stlrer-p, neille,t.-l, H. pickles, jun. 2. W. R.Park. e, 3. Piatt, Dean, Bolton. SHver-*imnnle,\.—\, H. Beldon. 2. W. R. Park. vhc, S. & R. Asbton. he, H. Pickles, jun. c, C. Armstrong, Bebaide Colliery. Ant other Variety.— 1. VV. K. Park (Creve-Cceur). 2, H. Beldon IPolands). he, Mrs. G. M'Adam. Banchory Tenian (Houdans); G. M'Adam (Houdans); H. Pickles, jun. (Polands). c, J. Elgur, Newark; G. Todd, Monkweannouth Silver Polands); E. Fearon. , Bantams— Come.— 1, F. L. Roy (Black Reds). 2, W. Greaves. Bradford. vhc, W. Cheyne. he, W. Adams. Ipswich (Black Red Game); G. Dowie' Bedlington (Black Reds); W. Hodgson, Darlington (Black Reus), c, 3. R, Robinson; T.Raines; E. Brownlie; T. Barker (Black Reds) ; Mrs. Miles Newstead. Ann Variety.— I, H. Beldon. 2, Miss B. P. Frew, Kirkcaldy (Silver- laced), he, T. c. Harrison. Hull; S. i I:. Ashbui il.li.kl; R. Brownlie (Se- bright), c, Lord Burning (Silver-laced); H. W. Pople (Japanese); J. Elgar (Black). Any Variety.— Cock.— 1, G. Dowie (Black Red). 2, T. C. Harrison. he, J. Archibald ; \Y. Adams (Duckwing); W. M'Donald, Floors, Kelso (Duck- wing). Ducks.— Aylesbury.— 1, 3. Tod. jun., Bowhouse, Stirling. 2 and c, D. Hardie. he, A. Hoggart, Leslie. Rouen— 1 and 2, D. Hardie. 7tc, J. B. Story, jnn., Milnhead. e. T. Hawkins. Langlee. Any other Variety— 1 and 2. T. C. Harrison. Hull, he, S. i R. Ashton. c, T. Stevenson (.Africans.) Selling Class.— 1,3. B. Story, jun. (Light Brahmas). 2, D. Hardie (Dorking). e, W. R. Park : F. L. Rov (Dorkings). Pigeons.— Fa '< . -1, '.V. R. Park. 2. A. Croebie, Gattonaide, Melrose. he, Miss I. Waugh, Melrose. Poute,*.— 1. \V. Moon. 2, J. Fairley. Edinburgh, lie, H. Yardlev. Birmingham. Num.— 1, H. Tardley. 2, 1;. Paterson, Melrose. he. A, Crosbie'. Jaeob ins.— 1, H. Yardlev. 2, R. Paterson. Turbits — 1. R.Pater- son. 2, W. R. Park. he. H. Yardley. Oir<< i English).-!, R. Paterson. 2, W. Goddard. rhe. W. Turnbull. he, R. Whittaker. Tumblers.— 1, Withheld. 2, H. Yardlev. he. W. Elliot, Musselburgh. Any other variety.— 1, A. Crosbie (Letz). a and e, W. Goddard (Magpies), i . 1 . M'Crae (Ijranswicks). he, W. Goddard (Blue Runts and Black Austrian loutersl; R. Paterson (Ice). Sell- ing Class— I. A. Crosbie. 2, S. & R. Ashton (Archangels), vhc and he, R. Paterson. , . . _ Canaries— Bon (Yellow).— Tocfr.— 1, T. riawkjni. 2, .T. Kemp, Galashiels. he, H. Donald, Galashiels. Hen— 1, J. Ken i. 2, J. Hardie, Galashiels. ftc.W, Boggie. Melrose. Don (Buff).— Cock— 1, J. Hardie. 2, T. Wilson, he. A. Maclean. Melrose. Ben.—l, T. Hawkins. 2, H. Donald, he. 3. Hardie. Don (Yellow Flecked).— Coek.—l, 3. Kemp. 2. T. Darling, Hawick. Hen.— I, 3. Ritchie, Selkirk. 2. T. Darlmg. Don (Buff Flecked).— Cocfc.—l, T. Wilson. 2, J. Kemp. Hen.— 1, T. Darling. 2, J. Kemp. Ant other Cage Bum (Canaries excepted).— 1, J. Robson (Goluhnch Mule). 2. Miss C. Paterson, Melrose (Goldfinch), he, R. Paterson ; T. Walker, Shiels, fatow (Starling). Judges.— Mr. E. Hntton, Pudsey, Leeds, and Mr. James Dryden, Kelso. SKY TUMBLERS— BIRMINGHAM ROLLERS. The Birmingham Rollers refcired to in my commendation of this Pigeon, are a stock supplied to me by a Birmingham fancier, and re- presented to he bred distinctly for high flying and tumbling, and the muffed legs, peculiar to some, not all of these birds. I speak, therefore, to the high flying and tumbling properties of the Birmingham Roller upon my own' observation of the stock supplied me. and which answers the representation I had with the birds. As Sky Tumblers, these birds are such, in fact, if not by appellation ; hut, whether Birmingham Rollers, or not that variety of Pigeon, rests on the fancier who supplied me with the birds, and he is an experienced keeper of Pigeons. I think some confusion of identity subsists between the ground or house Tumbler, a Pigeon that rises and rolls [down again, and the Birming- ham Roller, which is (if my birds are Birmingham Rollers) a distinct bird, as described bv me. I communicate these facts, lest any subscriber to yonr Journal patronise Birmingham Rollers, without searching inquiry, in reference to the object and purpose of his fancy. — Reader. I have often wondered -when Tumblers were the subject, that so little has been said abont their high-flying and tumbling, their principal characteristics, and so much about the form of their heads, the smart- ness of their beaks, and, in the case of the Almond variety, the beauty of their plumage. It is true I have seen descriptions and pictures of them in which they equalled, if not excelled, the Pheasant or Hamburgh fowl in the regularity of the markings of their tri-coloured feathers, and have made a pilgrimage or two to the Birmingham Show to see the living representatives of those same, but without obtaining the re- ward. The markings of those I saw had more of the appearance of birds which had been handled in the lump by unclean hands, rather painted feather by feather ; and as to the beaks, I think the bonnets of some ladies of the present day, and the wasp-waists of others, are nearly as good illustrations of proportion. This, however, is a matter of taste. Will " Readep. " or Mr. Crook be so good as to tell us at what time they recommend robbing the nests ? as if done as soon as the second egg is laid, only from a week to a fortnight is gained in time, and the Pigeon's strength|is diminished by excessive laying ; while, on the other hand, if left to sit the time out, strength may be lost by sedentary life. The same queries and doubts apply also to winter treatment. Have any of yonr correspondents known a case like the following : — One of my Tumbler hens, three or four years old, accustomed to make only one somersault at a time, at once continued spinning from a good height down to the ground. After the first time she could not fly again for more than two months ; the second time she hurt herself so much by contact with the ground, that I think she will never fly again. 154 JOUKNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February 24, 1870. I will only add now that I wish your Swansea or Leicester correspon- dent would "hand over to me, instead of to the guillotine, those m- capables which cannot fly more than four hours at four months old, as my hest never kept up more than two and half or three hours, generally only one and a hall'. — W] PIGEONS AT THE WOLVERHAMPTON SHOW. (/•>< m • ' Altogetheh 103 pens in ten classes, with scarcely a bad pen amongst them. The arrangi mints were good, and the pens large and clean. I was rorrj a] gentlemen were disqualified for trimming. (Why were the canse not published ?) I.— Mr. Knlton was first, with a fine pair of Almonds, per- fect in feather, head, stop, and bill. Mr. Fielding was second, with a pair of Almonds, deficient in stop, and the hens poor in colour. Mr. Graham was highly commended and commended for Black and Silver Balds respectively". Mr. Fielding was disqualified with a pair of Black Mottles. .—Mr. Fnlton was again first, with a very good pair of Blacks ; and Mr. White second, with moderate Duns, the same gentleman having a pair of Blacks, "left ont in the cold," far su- perior to his second-prize birds. A pair of Blacks, which was highly commended, ought to have keen entered in the Dragoon class. What a judge could see in these I know not. Mr. Siddons exhibited two pairs in this class which by some mistake wero wrongly penned. A Black and Dun were put in each pen. Had they been penned aright, the Duns would most certainly have gained a prize. Several pairs of Blues were also exhibited. This was a good class. .—Only four entries, Mr. Fulton winning both prizes ; the first with Blues, and the second with Blacks. The other pair were Whites. , , Fantails. — Mr. Tomlinson first, and Mr. Yardley second. Both of the winning pens were Whiles. Unquestionably the second-prize pair were far superior, having the hest tails and carriage. Antwerps. — Mr. J. Bradley was first, with a nice pair of Duns, good in style, character, bead, and colour ; Mr. Bemrose being Eecond, with a pair of Bed (?) Cheqners, badly matched, and thin-billed, the cock being light-headed and open-throated, the hen dark-headed and frilled. Both birds were flaky— that is, the red running into the white in the chequer. Such a pair of birds a Birmingham fancier would consider not worth the peas they er.t. Mr. Yardley was highly commended for a pair of Dun's, the hen certainly the best of her sex in the class ; exception must be taken to the flat bead of the ceck. An Antwerp ought to be barrel-headed and throated. Mr. Fox showed a pair that should have been disqualified, as the cock had a frill cut out down his chest. Dragoons.— This was a good class, consisting of all the recognised colours. Mr. Graham was first, with a pair of Blues, good in colour and bill, but far too coarse in skull. The same gentleman was second with Yellows, in splendid condition. Mr. Yardley exhibited by far the best pair of Dragoons in the class — good character, long, straight, and narrow-headed, though badly matched, the hen being white-rumped, and the cock blue. Jacobins. — Miss Easten was first, with a nice pair of Beds ; colour, frill, hood, and condition good. They were large in the body, which gave them a very coarse appearance. Mr. Yardley was second, with a neat pair of Yellows. Trumpeters. — Only four entries. Mr. Fulton was first, with a pair of Mottles ; the hen very gay and white-flighted ; also second with a pair of Blacks. Every bird in this class had the feathers drawn from the centre of the rose. Owls. — Mr. Fielding was first, with a beautiful pair of Whites, Mr. Dove second, with a pair of Blues, having only colour to recommend them ; Mr. Fielding and Mr. Fulton both showing far superior birds. This was a splendid class. The " Any other variety " class was the largest one in the show, numbering twenty-three pens, including Barbs, Swallows, Labores, German Toys, Turbits, and Nuns. Mr. Yardley was first, with good Black Barbs ; Mr. Creswell second, with a remarkable pair of good- coloured Bed Turbits, perfect in cap and frill, but far too large in body. Mr. Fielding was third, with a pair of Black Barbs. Mr. Wyllie was disqualified for Yellow Swallows plucked on the bead. The entries of Pigeons have not increased in number as I expected they would have done, after three classes had been added to the schedule. Why is this ? Is it because the Committee have raised the entry fee Is. per pen, and not increased the prize money ? Are not Pigeons self -supporting at shows ? BREEDING PAROQUETS. Seeing in your issue of the lOlk inst. some questions respect- ing the breeding of Budgiigars, or Australian Grass Paro- quets, I beg to inform Mr. Baker that numbers of these birds are bred here every year. They invariably lay about Christ- mas, and sometimes have three or four nesta in the season. They have been known to hatch in an ordinary breeding cage, although the majority of the cases which I have known have occurred in largo aviary cages. The markings in the young ones are much less distinct than in their parente. — H. Thos. Kelsey. THE CRYSTAL PALACE CANARY SHOW. I ELITE been to the Palace Sbow once more. I don't wish it to be generally known, for somehow or other you know people will make unpleasant remarks ; but I was there. The way it came to pass was something in this wise — I didn't intend to go ; indeed, I thought I had fully made up my mind not to go. The night mail, the only available train for me. leaves here at 6.50, and after tea I settled myself in my easy chair, most devoutly wishing the pointer? of my timepiece would travel faster and put it out of my power to change my mind. How slowly they travelled, and with what a mocking, aggravating tick the pendulum chopped off the seconds one by one ! I had lighted my pipe, and, watt-Ling the rising circles of smoke, my thoughts strayed away to the fairyland at Sydenham, and being only a frail mortal, I wished I was there. I really did. But Mr. Young wasn't going, and Mr. Shiel wasn't going, and nobody was going, and, of course, I wasn't going. I tola my wife so, but she laughed, actually laughed at me! And in such , too! Then she went quietly on with her work, while the timepiece stared at me and ticked out a disjointed chuckle ! But I smoked on ; neither my wife nor the clod; knew me as well as I knew myself. I was not going, not I ! I blew denser clouds of smoke, fragrant with incense of Latakia, obscuring the face of the hateful chronometer, which seemed to be ticking a duet with my wife's thimble. ''Mamma.' I said, "you would jperhaps, hardly believe it, but if anyone were to pay my expenses to London, I don't think I would go." " No," ahe replied. "I hardly sltould believe it, ' and then she gave a quiet cough and continued the duet with the clock. I thought it might have been the smoke which caused the cough. Perhaps 11 A ring at the front-doorbell! It was too I postman. Who could it be ? What did it matter to me ? I felt calm, but some- thing told me a crisis was approaching. The thimble took a few bars rest while the clock ticked a solo. " Will you walk into my parlour ? s.-.id the spider to the fly." "Papa! Mr. Young wants to see you, and — and — and — there's a cab at the door." Another cough ! I felt certain that the smoke had nothing to do with that one. Glancing at the clock I saw it had ticked away to such good purpose that it was now too late to think oi leaving by "the G.50, even if I had been disposed, which I wasn't, and I saluted my friend with all the self-satisfaction of the man who does a wise thing when he has no alternative. And so we sat on either side of the fire. And wasn't it natural that we should talk about what was uppermost in our minds ? Of course it was. And didn't I, well knowing it was nearly seven o'clock, make great boast of my strength of mind in resisting the allurements of Sydenham ? Certainly I did. And didn't I feel all my great purpose oozing out at my fingers' ends, supplemented with a frantic desire to embrace my friend, when he hinted in the most delicate wav possible, that there was a train from Newcastle at 11.23 ! Alas I for the frailty of human strength. I did. Little remains to be told, except that when I rejoined my wife, she and the pendulum and the thimble had managed by some land of intuition to fathom the object of my friend's call, and there lay my clean shirts, and collars, and handkerchiefs with pink "W. A. B.V in the corners, all ready for the 11.23. When I was a lad I was under a tutor who taught his boys to walk about with both eyes wide open, and encouraged us to cultivate an intimate acquaintance with Nature ; and whether it was a dormouse or a chemical chest, wild flowers, birds' eggs, butterflies, fossils, or hairy caterpillars (which we used to race on our desks for slate pencil, and put in the French master's hat), there were few boys who had not a hobby of some kind. We used to do some pretty things in the way of crystals with alum, and very interesting it was to watch the pro- cess ; but Jack Frost's manipulations on the windows of the car- riages of that 11.23 train were marvels of crystallography. My friend, the man in the moon, danced about behind the leafless trees, laid wait for us as we emerged from long tunnels, looked over the ridges of deep cuttings, and tried all he knew to get a peep at us. rolled up like two mummies, but it was of no use. Our bedroom windows were covered with blinds woven in a pattern no human fingers could trace, worked by subtle agencies in obedience to laws framed by a Wisdom "past finding out." A few minutes at York, which I spent in silent attention to a tongue (avoid " bones " and much speech when you have only ten railway minutes for supper), and we were off again. The moon had been waiting outside the station, and kept up with us to Peterborough, where it helped to collect the tickets, and walked boldly into our carriage, saluting us as personal friends, after which, I think, it went to bed, an example I was nothing loth to follow on arriving at King's Cross, as the Show was not to be opened till 12 o'clock. I paid an early flying visit to the office of " our Journal," but the Editors had not yet arrived. I was very heartily welcomed by a large black-and-white cat, which was waiting at the door either for me or the milkman. He rubbed himself against my new black trousers in the most familiar way, and said as plain as a cat could say, "Very L glad to see you — can smell you are in the small-bird fine — more in February 24, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEK. 155 niy way than flowers — very glad to see you," and then he set up his back like a (I don't suppose my friend Wallace will read this) Belgian, and mounted guard again. "Here y' are, sir! sixpence a mile, or two shill'ns a hour. Whereto, sir?" " Crystal Palace station." 11 Fine mornin', sir. I 'd like to run yer all the way down, sir ! " We had no time to spare for the road, but took the rail, and landed at the Palace in time to take a short stroll before the doors of the sanc- tum sanctorum were thrown open to the public, which was dono with commendable punctuality at twelve to a minute. The collection was, as stated last week, for numbers without a parallel ; and now for a short run through them. We don't all see with the same eyes, and perhaps it's as well we should not. I com- pared notes with friend Barnesby in one or two classes, and in the main we agreed. Where we did not agree — well, we agreed to differ. In my remarks on this or any other show, what I say I say in a friendly spirit. I must say it in my own way, or I cannot say it at all ; but the wish is far from me to write as an oracle, and quarrel with those who think differently. Said a fiery-faced old gentleman to his fellow inmate of a coffee-room, " Wo'n't you take mustard with your beef?" '* Thank you, no." After a pause, " Do take mustard with your beef ! " " Thank you, I don't like it." Another pause, and then says the fiery-faced gentleman, " Wo'n't you take mustard with your beef.'" "Thank yon, no; I'm much obliged." Then, rising fiercely, he left, with, " I wo'n't sit near any man who wo'n't eat mus- tard with his beef! " Readers of "our Journal," I shake hands with you all. You may all eat mustard with your beef, or the contrary. I only wish you may always have plenty of beef to eat with your mustard. Class 1 and 2, Clear Yellow and Bvff JNbrwich.— The best birds were, beyond doubt, those exhibited by Messrs. Bemrose & Orrue. Condition and completeness of feather assisted the first-prize Jonque (H. Vine) ; No. 19 (Bemrose & Orme) and 65 (Messrs. Moore & Wynn), equal second, showing signs of recent visits to the laundry. Condition rightly turned the scale. The first (89, cup) and two equal second Buffs (Bemrose & Orme), were gorgeous birds, but to my eye deficient in meal. No. 117, very highly commended (W. Walter), was my idea of a Mealy Norwich, and I liked it much better than 118, third prize. Class 3 and 4, Even-marked Yellow and Buff3 I could not under- stand. According to my ideas of Even marking (or Variegation proper), there were not half a dozen birds correctly entered. The bulk of them should have been entered among the seventy-nine birds in tho next two classes, comprising the Ticked and Unevenly-marked birds. No. 158 (Moore & Wynn), first prize, Even-marked Yellow, was marked on each wing, and had a cap. Whether such be even marking or not, is one of the points whi^h ought to be definitely settled by the Jockey Club of the "fancy." My own opinion is that it is not. No. 159 in the same class (Moore & Wynn) was the best pencilled bird in the class, but not so pure a Jonque. No. 188, first and cup, Even- marked Buff (Moore & Wynn), was all quality, and the awarding of the cup to him was sound judgment. No. 167 (H. Vine), and 181 (S. Bunting), were the right sort. The T/fhzd classes contained some very beautiful and very cheap birds. The winners were excellent. Bemrose and Orme's Buffs were " found " at the prices, as compared with catalogue figures generally. Class 7, Crested Yellow Norwich, were a very moderate lot, the first-prize bird, No. 2S2 (T. Fenn), only having very decided merit. The Burr's, however. Class 8, were a good sample. No. 332 (J. Young), is the best bird I have seen out this season. 325, second (J. Judd), carried a beautiful crest, as did 302 (W. J. Toon), and several others " mentioned." 331, very highly commended, was a tine specimen of a clean body with dark green crest ; and 324, very highly commended (J. Juddl, though very heavily marked, was magnificently crested. The Belgian entries were not numerous, only forty-three in four classes. Mr. Walter took the first prize and cup with 343, Clear Yellow, and also first with a group of six in its place. Can it bo possible that Mr. Walter is going into Belgians ? He whose name has always figured so highly among the Golden Jonques and splendid Mealies, sitting like brides beneath their gossamer lace veils? Walter, don't let this cup wean your affections from your first love. I am serious — bond jidc. I saw nothing marvellous among the Belgians, but Mr. Hawkins made his mark among them. — W. A. Blakston. (To be continued.) SUGGESTIONS ON THE CRYSTAL PALACE CANARY SHOW. It seems to me that a great advantage would result from placing the tickets at the bottom of the cages, as when placed in the centre, in order to obtain a glimpse at some birds, it became necessary to frighten them from behind their screen of tickets, which in some cases numbered three — viz., the number, award, and " sold " labels. The labels being fastened with long pieces of wire were vary dangerous — birds' legs become easily entangled. I saw several lamed, possibly from this cause. Draughts ought to be carefully guarded against by exhibitors, especially in the case of Belgians. Some of the cages not covered at the sides and back contained shivering specimens ; one bird in particular had already become asthmatical. I noticed a sad case of fighting among " six British birds in one cage " — the victim seemed al- most dead; when I called the attention of a policeman to its sufferings, the cage was strewn with its feathers, and the bird's back bare and bleeding. Surely this " happy family " were of too short acquaintance to be sent to a public exhibition. The height of the stage bearing the Lizard and Cinnamon Canaries was much preferable to that of some others ; that of the Clear Yellow Norwich, No. 1 and upwards, was too low to examine the birds with comfort. I had quite a backache in consequence, although I am only of medium height. I hope the numbers next year will be placed more in consecutive order. I had often to apply to the attendants for guidance. I must just mention one little circumstmce (I would it were less rare), and that was the amusing tameuess of a three-year-old Goldfinch, No. 813 ; on presenting one's finger it was instantly and vigorously assailed by " Goldie." — C. A. J. Fob several years a few exhibitors have been allowed to show, without charge, birds and cages for sale as extra stock, the company taking the visual commission on all sold. The number exhibited in this way has so increased year by year that this Show nearly every extra stock list was returned, with notice that only about half the number could be admitted ; the number shown as extra stock to be regulated by the number of entries for show. When at the Palace my attention was called to eight birds and cages, " extra stock," not included in the catalogue, and without any name attached, which I was assured belonged to one of the company's servants employed in the Show. Personally I very strongly object to extra stock being exhibited, as it is unfair to private exhibitors, and very often spoils the sale of show birds ; but nothing will justify the company in allowing their servants (who are always about among the birds, and are being constantly asked by intending purchasers to recommend them a bird), to compete with regular exhibitors in this underhanded manner. Unless these practices be discon- tinued, I for one shall decline to exhibit at the Palace another year. — An Exhibitor foe Many Years. PREVENTING BEES SWARMING. I will state what is my intention unless you can suggest any better plan. I have two stocks, swarms of last year, with which I commenced bee-keeping ; the one, by-the-by, is very strong, as it consists of a double swarm, through two swarms having taken place in one day ; and the latter, one of its own accord, following the other which had been hived just before ; the other stock being a very good single swarm hived in the end of May. What I propose doing, is to put a super on (a wooden box to hold about 20 lbs.) as soon as expedient, and also to give room underneath by placing a box as a nadir, of about 5 inches in depth, the top of the box having a hole 6 inches in diameter in the top of it, the entrance of course in the floor-board. Will this be right, and will it prevent swarming? I should like you to be good enough to advise me as to the best time to put on the super, as also the time for the nadir, and which should be put on first ? It is my intention to put a small piece of guide comb in the super, and also to remove the nadir again at the end of the autumn. I am anxious to give room before the royal cells are made, and at the same time not give the room too soon. I may add that the bees are in good- sized and well-made straw hives with flat tops, having adapter boards, with a 2-inch hole in the centre, fastened to the top ; they are in a bee house entirely closed in front, and I have room for eight hives in it, in all, and am anxious to increase my stocks by purchasing swarms, instead of letting my own stocks swarm if possible ; this is mv reason for troubling you. — E. M. [We may as well state at once that we know of no mode of management which can be absolutely relied on to prevent swarming, and more than this, that we have very grave doubts whether any such system will ever be devised. All that we can do is to give sufficient room at the proper time, and endeavour to avoid an extreme temperature. You must use your own judgment according to the circumstances of the cr.se, and the strength of the colony, as to the best time for putting on a super. If put on too soon it cools the hive, probably checks breeding, and sometimes seems to be altogether disregarded by the bees, which ultimately swarm without ever taking possession of it ; and if put on too late, it is of course equally useless. There seems JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAOE GARDENER. t February 24, lb70. to be, however, a happy medium which experience generally en- ables the practised apiarian to hit without very much difficulty, and which would appear to be just the time when the bees are sufficiently numerous at once to occupy the new territory, hut when they have not suffered much inconvenience from over- crowding. We should prefer giving additional super room as required so long as honey continues plentiful, and only resort to a nadir if the bees become overcrowded towards the end of the honey harvest, or after the supers have been removed.l ] rail oat a hackle feather and lay it on the wound ; FORCING BEES. Having read in some book treating on bees, that if they are kept warm they will swarm early, would the following plan do ? Here (Dundee) amateur gardeners take mill-pob— that is, the dust or refuse from flax, hemp, or jute in process of manufac- turing, and put about 18 inches of it into their frames, pack it hard, then -.vet it. and in a few days a firje mild heat is raised. I propose to pack that bulk of it round a hive or two this month, thinking the queens will thereby commence egg-laying. I shall try it with hives having from 30 to 40 lbs. of honey! My difficulties are— 1st, Can young bees be reared without pollen, as there will be none here for some time ? 2nd, I fear the bees will go out in search of it, and may be lost with the cold. 3rd, Will the damp heat have any tendency to iiijure the combs? 4th, Supposing the heat causes the queen to commence laying, would her laying season finish before she makes the autumn brood that survives through the winter and spring ? I would like to hit npon some plan to get early swarms, as then they have ample time to store both for themselves and me, whereas, when late, instead of helping me for my trouble with them, I have to help them.— H. L. [What you propose is a very interesting experiment, and we therefore hope you will try it and report the result. With regard to the difficulties which you suggest, we should say, 1st, that although young bees certainly cannot be reared with- out pollen, we never knew any difficulty arise on that score in this country, having always found sufficient of last year's stock ! on hand to last until the new collection began ; it might, how- ever be advisable in your case to try if the bees would take meal or flour (ryemeal is considered the best), which is given I them m considerable quantities during spring both on the Continent and in America. 2ad, Some extra loss of bees will probably take place from their getting chilled abroad, but this will probably be much more than compensated by the increase of young lees. 3rd, If the hives are protected by being covered w:ib 5nme waterproof material, such as oiled calico, no injurious effects seem likely to arise; but this precaution should net be omitted. 4th, Early breeding in spring will not interfere with egg-laying in autumn.] OUR LETTER BOX. 11 8 3 9 S 11 41 64 6 Sun 1 Sunday rN Lent. 48.6 32.2 40.4 18 88 G 46 5 31 s 7 10 4 11 27 65 7 M Meeting of Entomological Society, 7 p.m. 49.1 32.4 411.7 18 36 G 48 5 51 8 11 11 5 11 13 66 8 To 49.1 81.5 i 40.3 18 34 ft 50 5 14 9 morn. 6 10 58 67 9 W Meeting of Society of Arts and Royal Mi- 49.2 31.1 40.1 12 31 6 . 51 5 41 9 16 0 7 10 43 68 croscopical Society, 8 p.m. 1 1 From observations taken near London during the last fortv-three vears, the average day temperature of the week is 49 2° ; and its night temperature 318=. The greatest heat was 7iF, on the 4tb, 1863; and the lowest cold 14", on the 3rd, 1862. The greatest fall of rain was 0.48 inch. TABLE MAIZE. ^^ EELING greatly interested in spreading this very useful autumn vegetable, and a certain responsibility always attaching itself to the first promoter of such matters, I take this occasion to report on two seasons' experience. As the last two years differed so considerably, it is fair to assume that some knowledge has been obtained both as to the right method of culture for our climate, and also as to the most suitable of the twenty varieties intro- duced. Certainly the popularity of Maize for table life is increasing, for spontaneous notices of it have appeared in several leading journals besides those devoted to horti- culture. At first it was attempted to spread the seeds among friends, but these took so languid an interest in it that I sent the rest to Messrs. Barr & Sugden. I mention this here, for the number of letters sent to me since the notices abovementioned appeared required this relief, and a few seasons will decide as to the value of Maize now. In order to secure a fair chance for this very important table vegetable, let me state the results of our own trials of it. In 1808, which was an exceptionally warm year, the cobs were very large and line, but the dry season and my own inexperience of its culture, which comprises attention to water supply at such times, was perilous to its success. In 1809 the plants — from seeds sown without bottom heat in boxes under glass early in April — were planted out at the end of the month, being then about 0 inches high. This proved to be, even in our island, too early a date, for the cold nights of May turned the plants yellow, and they made little progress. About the middle of April some rows were sown in the open garden ground, and they took time to grow, became taller than the first eventually, but did not, as the year proved so cloudy and stormy, ripen their seeds so thoroughly as was desirable. Seeing this, we selected them for table use in a green state during the whole of October, and they were in sufficient number to supply manv friends. Later I obtained through the Editors of the Gardeners < 'hronicle some Ten-weeks Maize from Boston, which was sown early in May. Mr. Clarke, of Hampstead, who has made numerous experiments by mutilating the male flowers, so as to increase the quantity of the whole crop, sent me some seed from mutilated plants, and also some very curious hybrids from Pau, grown in Yorkshire by the Rev. J. D. Horner. Two other varieties of Ten-weeks Maize from Covent Garden, and some splendid common yellow Maize from Algiers, made up, with my twenty new varieties from all parts of America, a collection for essay such as had never previously been brought together in England. The season of 1869 proved most trying to the success of Maize, being here extremely cold in the spring, gene- rally sunless in the summer, and stormy in the autumn. My plants were subjected to an exceptional trial ; for, having been staked insecurely, or rather at too low a height, on September 12th, when at their full height, they No. 466.— Vol. XVIII., New Series. were exposed to a hurricane of 55 lbs. pressure to the square foot, being a force of wind unknown to English cultivators, who have other difficulties to meet, no- doubt ; though, as I write, the island is covered with snow 9 feet deep in the drifts, with a gale of cutting wind from the north-east, and my thermometer (much exposed, regis- tered 10c of frost on the 12th. Wind is. iiowever. very hurtful to Maize, for my plants were prostrated, and many injured, but being still rooted they were raised up, and staked afresh, and with every leaf scorched and torn, they still ripened their seeds. After tliis no one can say Maize will not succeed. It would be a pity if isolated failures, caused generally by ignorance or neglect, should prejudice the minds of any ; for the introduction of this long-known and most nutritious foreign vegetable ought to be aided generally. I should imagine, if the plants were well forwarded in April under glass, and hardened a little afterwards, that during May, whenever the spring frosts were no longer very dangerous, would be a fair time to plant them out. The seeds have also now had two seasons of acclimatation. The plants require a very rich soil and moisture during their chief period of growth in July and August, but the culture is as easy as that of any other vegetable. They are grown generally in rows at, say, 15 inches from plant to plant. Last season the blue varieties showed a dispo- sition to disappear, and some pure white kinds to become more yellow. The red'varieties remained as usual. Some small, extremely beautiful purple sorts were not so suc- cessful, but these are not so valuable from their size or delicacy as the large pure white from Georgia. The mutilated seeds certainly produced more cobs per plant, which was itself sensibly shorter and better adapted for windy localities. The Ten- weeks Maize was, of course, ripe before the rest, but the cobs were small, though nume- rous. On the whole it is the large white, pink, and pale yellow sorts which I prefer for table use. I am told that in Canada the red cobs entitle the finder to the privileges accorded to the Mistletoe ; perhaps this might render them the most popular. The well-known " pop corn " of the confectioners is very pretty in the cob, and explodes into quaint shapes like melted lead in water, and is always a favourite with children. These last, it may here be said, appear to be amazingly fond of " green corn,'' and we know that the youthful palate is not that indiscriminate approver some consider it to be. No one would believe the difficulties experienced in obtaining information as to a system of culture which would suit our climate, but perhaps the one point where I was left to decide for myself was the proper moment to use the green cobs, and the varying time to cook them. By groping, however, carefully at the extremes, we soon arrived at the knowledge of the size and condition we liked best. It is when the grains are about as large and as hard as a full-grown Marrowfat Pea. Before this period they can be taken of course, but are then more tasteless, and require less boiling : thirty minutes we found to be about the time. Then, with fresh butter spread over them and a little pepper, they were served up, genei'ally No. 1118.— Vol. XLIII., Olb Seetes. 158 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March 3, 1870. cut into three pieces when the cobs are so large. It certainly requires some skill to detach the grains neatly with the silver instrumentH iu use; the popular hut ungenteel way being to eat them off the cobs when these are cut into small pieces. This plan will be always ia vogue with children, and is not. to be despised. The flavour is between that of Asparagus and Peas, with a dash of corn, and considering that these general fa- vourites are past in the autumn, it is no small advantage to reproduce them. As to the nutritious qualities, the comparison remains in favour of Maize, which, indeed, is unsurpassed in its way, and constitutes the food of millions of people as well in the green state as when dried. The plants when petted as a row of Hollyhocks would be, are very handsome and fine-foliaged. — T. C. Biiilhaut. CONIFERS REPLACING THEIR LEADERS. In a late number " C. W. D." mentioned some small Spruce Firs having formed fresh leaders after beheading, and inquired if such an occurrence is common with Conifers of other kinds. For his information and that of others, I may state that some members of this great family appear to submit to partial cut- ting down almost as well as deciduous trees. Certainly none of them will hoar completely cutting off at the collar, but many appear to form fresh leaders of as upright and symmetrical a growth as deciduous trees do under similar circumstances. There is, however, much difference in this respect, the worst sufferers being the cla9s of which the Scotch Fir may be regarded as the type. This includes Pinus insignis, austriaca, ponde- rosa, Ceinbra, and others ; while the Thujas, Biotas, and some of the Cupressuses form fresh leaders with more or less rapidity according to the condition of their health and other circum- stances. Perhaps the be3t of all in this respect is the Welling- tonia, which almost equals deciduous trees in forming fresh branches and leaders, when the situation it is growing in is fa- vourable to its doing so. Some years ago one of the best speci- mens we had, by some means which I could not exactly make out, though I blamed the squirrels for the mischief, had its leader cut off early in summer, 8 or 10 inches being nipped clean off. This, I believe, was in 1801, and the habit and accommodating character of the tree not being so well known then as now, I naturally feared that two or three years' growth might be lost. This, however, was not the case, for the plant speedily formed a fresh upright shoot, and, long before the season was at an end, it was impossible to discover where its former leader had been cut. The same thing happened again two years later with the same result, and in neither instance was anything done with a view to train up a leader from a tide shoot. Still more remarkable instances of this tree acommodaiiug itself to circumstances have come under my notice, for iii the winter of 1865-00 we planted out a number of trees of this species that had been standing two years iu a nursery bed, and were from 3 to 5 feet high; these, although well rooted, and token up and replanted with care, did not, as a rule, succeed well. Some of them grew without showing a check, while a few died entirely, and a good many died down more or less, some only showing life in a few of their bottom branches ; in fact, the centre stem, with all its branches, died down to within :) or 4 inches of the ground. Being anxious to see the result of this, I left many of them untouched, and their appearance was anything but prepossessing duiiug the whole of the summer of 1800, but towards the autumn I observed indications of fresh shoots from the collar, and the next season three shoots pushed up amongst the dead branches. As I had made up my mind to act on the principle of "non-intervention,"! did not re- move their branches, except in one or two cases, and never tied up nor attempted to train a leader in any shape or way whatever, and the whole of the trees so treated present now as uniform and symmetrical an appearance as on be desired ; moreover, as there were twenty or more of this class, it was not a solitary case. Some of those which did not die down so low as those above described, recovered iu like manner. Turning to other Conifers, I may observe that many trees of this class that are liable to lose their leaders, are difficult to coax into the condition of remaking one. Among these are the family of Picea — the Silver Fir itself not being very ready to do so. Generally when it does, several rivals of equal vigour appear, and two or three tops are not uncommon, the con- trolling influences of this tree to limit its leaders to one not being 60 great as in the Welliugtonia, neither is its power of forming one so perfect, as we often enough see young plants for years at a standstill, with no leader whatever. This is especially the case with young plants of Picea Pinsapo, and some plants of Y. cephalonica are not much better; but it often happens that a plant after remaining three or four years in a stationary condition will suddenly make a rapid growth, and continue that growth for years if the situation and other circumstances be favourable to its doing so. One of the most remarkable instances of this kind we have here occurred some years ago. A tree of Picea nobilis, which I believe was planted about 1845, lost its leader two or three years afterwards, or failed to form a perfect bud to furnish one, and for eight or nine years this tree resembled a low spreading shrub, not more than '.i feet high. Eventually, however, two leaders were formed, and as there was some uncertainty whether a like misfortune might not befall the tree again, both were left to grow for two years, when the taller of the two was ascer- tained to have made a growth of a little over 8 feet, the other only an inch or two less — tolerably good work, it may be said, for two years ; and this growth, I may remark, was not without side branches. Oae of these leaders was subsequently re- moved, and the growth has continued to be almost equally rapid ever since, the tree being now upwards of HO feet high, and, doubtless, would have been more, only the last three or four years it has borne heavy crops of fruit. The growth, I may add, is as symmetrical as it is possible to be, the leader being as upright as a flagstaff, and although not so densely clothed with branches as some other trees, they are by no means thin. I will now mention, among other instances of Conifers pro- ducing leading shoots without the artificial aid ..f tying up a branch to make one, Taxodinm sempervirens, which, however, like the Picea nobilis, has a tendency to produce several heads when only one is wanted ; but of course these can easily be reduced in number. 1 may here observe that the plan I have adopted with the young shoots of this plant and that of some Thujas and Cupressnses, where there is a greater number than is wanted, is to tie a string tu the tips of those not wanted, bend them downwards, and tie it to the stem lower down or to some of the branches. Such treatment converts a leader into a branch, without the hurtful operation of cutting, and it is easy to see how all the tiibe of Arbor- Vitro mny be treated in this way. I cannot close this article without detailing another case, perhaps more remarkable than any of the above, where a Conifer was induced to form a fresh leader under treatment different from that to which such trees are usually subjected. In the conservatory here a fine Araucaria excelsa occupies a central position, and is about 25 feet high, with a uniform spread of branches 18 or 19 feet iu diameter. The growth of this tree of late yenrs being more rapid than was required, especially during 1808, towards the autumn of that year I cut off about 18 inches from its leader, and was agreeably surprised to find that last year it furnished another as upright and symmetrical as before, and with a line tier of branches in the usual whorl fashion of rive branches. I may add that last year the upright growth was scarcely less than in the preceding year, notwithstanding the check it must have received at start- ing; but as greater height is not desirable, we have subjected the tree to further amputation to the extent of a foot, and I hope a similar result will follow. I wish the same check could be given to the growth of the tree in a lateral direction, but I fear that to shorten its branches would destroy that beauty of form for which the tree is admired. — J. Robson. THE ROYAL ASHLEAF POTATO. I believe I was one of the first favoured few to receive the Royal Ashleaf Potato after it came into Mr. Eivers's hands. Mr. Rivers in a letter informed me of its private history,- and not long afterwards the Rev. W. F. Kadclyffe did me the same act of kindness. James Ashwin, Esq.. of Bretfortou Hall, near Evesham, had not then been long dead ; and delicacy in conse- quence of what Mr. Rivers wrote always prevented me mention- ing otherwise than privately the true name of the raiser of the Royal Ashleaf. The very first person to whom I sent the Potato in the spring of 1803, along with other sorts for her to grow for distribution amongst her cottage parishioners, at Wotton - under - Edge, Gloucestershire, was the late Lady Georgiana Oakley, and soon after that I sent it to a gentleman at Bath. In one sentence:— to whomsoever I have privately presented the sort, I believe I have always told its private origin up to this day. Once more, I am happy to find that Mr. March 3, 1870 ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 159 Rivers has informed the public of the history of this variety; nevertheless, as it is so suitable for most soils, aud is sure to have at least another ten-years run of popularity, allow me to request that the much respected name of " Rivers," should be preserved. Everybody to whom it is of consequence is aware of its origin, but as it has been so long aud universally known by its present prefix, it would be no boon now to withdraw it. I at once aud for ever disclaim having conuected this Potato with Mr. Rivers's name ; that is everybody's fault, if fault it can be called ; for at auy rate Mr. Rivers was the chief cause of its being introduced to the public. Unlike Mr. Rivers, I have about '200 kinds of Potatoes to make trial of this year, and I wish my ground were as extensive as his is at Siffbridgeworth for the purpose. — Roet. Fexn. LETTUCES, AND THEIR CULTIVATION. (Continued from pajc 142.) The greatest scarcity of Lettuces is usually iu May and June, when those. from the autumn sowings are over, and those from the spring sowings should be in use ; but from due regard not having been paid to the first summer crop, there is often a want of succession between the spring aud early summer crop. SPRING AND SUMMER LETTUCES. For the first summer crop preparation should be made in the September preceding, by making up a dung bed 2 feet high at the back, and 1 foot high in front. On this place a two-light frame. The site should be dry and sheltered from the north and north-east, but open aud sunny. The lights must have a I steep incline, so that accumulated moisture may run down the sashes, and not drip on the plants. The heat of the bed not being required, the bed should be made sufficiently early to allow of the heat subsiding before sowin™, which should be i performed in the second week in October. The bed should be covered with I) or S inches of light soil, which must not be rich, though if poor you may mix with it a little leaf soil, which will be sufficiently stimulating. It must be brought to within o inches of the glass, but not nearer thau 4 inches, j The kinds best for this sowing are Cath Cos, AU-the-Year- Round, and Tom Thumb. Sow moderately thickly, and keep the lights close until the seeds germinate, then admit air freely, and in mild weather draw them off ; and when they are replaced at night or iu wet weather tilt them, so as to admit an abundance of air. In severe weather the lights should be kept close, and no air admitted until the temperature within the frame becomes as warm as that of the external air. This will be the case when the plants have been for a time deprived of air in severe weather ; the plants and soil may be frozen, and if air be given before the leaves are thoroughly thawed they will be liable to damp off. Protected as the Lettuces ought to be by mats over the lights in severe weather, the protecting materials must not be removed until the plants and soil are completely thawed. Little water will be needed, aud if it nrist be given, give it early in the day, and in fina, mild weather only. If the plaut3 come up thickly, thin them out as soon as they cau well be handled to an inch apart, drawing out the weakest. The weather is often in dot climate quite mild and sunny in December or January, and the plants, if the lights are at all kept over them, are apt to become drawn. To keep down growth more air must be given, for it is nothing more than a slow, steady growth we seek at this period, therefore allow a free circulation of air whenever it can be done safely, at the same time afford- ing protection from wet. By February the young Lettuces will he fit to plant out if the weather is mild; at least the ground for planting should be prepared by that time. The situation should be sheltered, the soil light and rich, but no manure must be applied near the surface. In damp soils, and indeed all soils, it is well to take out trenches 2 feet wide and 1 foot deep, put in each 9 inches of fresh stable litter, cover it with soil from the next trench, andjso on. The plants, being v. ell hardened-off, ruay be planted out at the end of February, or as soon after that as the weather permits. Six inches each way will be ample for Tom Thumb, 9 inches for All-the-Year-Round, whilst Bath Cos should be allowed 1 foot from plant to plant every way. The holes must be well closed around the plan's, and if it is mild, dry weather, water should be given as the planting proceeds. The ground should be frequently stirred with a hoe between the rows, but not in very wet weather. At the end of January another bed should be got ready in the same manner as for the October sowing, and by the second week in February the heat will have subsided sufficiently for sowing the seed. The kinds recommended for the October sowing are the most suitable. The same course of treatment should be followed as for the October sowing, only as the sun will have greater power more air will be necessary ; by tilting ei withdrawing the lights it must be freely admitted, so as to keep the plants stiff, for if they become leggy and weak they are of little value. Thin the plants out, wheu large enough, to 1! inch apart, and though water is to be given as required, it must be done cautiously and early in the morning. Plant out in April on sheltered borders. Early in March another sowing should be made at the foot of a south wall, the kinds being those mentioned for the October and February sowings in frames, aud the plants from this sowina will afford a good succession to those obtained by sowing in February. Protection bhonld be given them at night, and by day during severe frost, by branches of spruce or other evergreens, and though such protection is necessary, it must not be practised in mild weather, as the plants are then liable to be drawn up weak. The plants from this sowing must be thinned out when large enough to handle, and be watered as necessary ; and as water will only be required in bright weather, when the nights are generally frosty, the water ought to be given in the early part of the day. The plants will be St to plant out at the end of April or beginning of May. At the same time as the above last sowing of spring and early-summer Lettuces is made, summer Lettuces, both Cab- bage and Cos, should be sown in a similar position, to forma succession to the hardier sorts sown at the same time, which, from their greater hardiness, will come in some days before the summer kinds: hence the necessity of towing the first summer Lettuces when the last of the hardier kinds are sown. The best summer Lettuces are : — Malta or Drumhead— Large, crisp, and excellent. Neapolitan.— Very large, forming a good heart, aud earlier than the Malta; crisp and tender, but not so good in thosa respects as the Malta, though by some preferred to that ex- cellent sort for its better hearting qualities. It is the best of all the Cabbage Lettuces for summer. The above are Cabbage Lettuces. Wheeler's Tom Thumb and Dickson's All-the-Year-Round are also good for summer and autumn use, and as they heart more quickly than either the Malta or Neapolitan, they are very desirable for successional summer sowings. Of Cos Lettuces : — Ivery's Xonsuch.—Veiy large, blanches well without tying, stands long without running to seed, crisp, and excellent. Paris White. — Of good size, leaves turning in well, so that blanching is effected without tying ; it is crisp and excellent. It requires rich soil, and is then the best of summer Cos Lettuces. The Black-seeded Bath Cos is equally good for summer or for standing the winter, and is the most useful of all Lettuces. When well cultivated and properly blanched it is equal to any other iu crispness aud llavour. There are, besides, many Lsttuces possessing excellent pro- perties, in some respects equalling those named ; but the above answer every practical purpose, and there is no necessity to multiply names when we have in a small number of varieties all that is desirable. — G. Abbey. (To be continued.) THE CRYSTAL PALACE FLOWER SHOWS THIS YEAR. I ah glad to be able to say that the shows at this favourite place of resort promise this year to be as good and interesting as usual, and the managers, with that liberality and good judg- ment which mark all their proceedings, have introduced some new features aud given more prominence to some old ones. Thus, at the May Show, there will be reuewed the grand con- test in bouquets, which made so fine a display last May ; but in order to give a fairer chance to competitors there will be separate classes for amateurs and professional artistes; then some special arrangements are in contemplation to make the competition more international than it was last year by in- ducing the best bouquet-makers of Paris to send over some of their bouquets. At the June Show there will be a contest in table decorations on the same scale as last year, while there ICO JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDNEER. will be offered for that moat popular class of flowere, the Zonal Pelargoniums, prizes for nurserymen and amateurs for the best Tricolors, Bicolors, and Double?. In these we may expect a grand display, the time of year being favourable. Messrs. Cut- bash will make their Oflaal grand display of Hyacinths and other spring flowers; and when I add that Mr. Raines has come near London and will be a constant exhibitor, we may expect to see some grand stove and greenhouse plants. The autumn Show is discontinued. Lat us hope that a successful season may reward the Company's efforts.— D., Deal, CONIFEKS AT KENFIELD HALL. I read with interest the remarks of your correspondent, "C. W. D-," in your number of February 17th, respecting ornamental Conifers. We have three trees of the Abies Nord- manniana, one measuring 21 feet high, and 15 feet in diameter ; the second 15 feet by 10; and the third 10 feet by G. These trees are in perfect health, and give no signs of blindness, as described by your correspondent. There are two kinds of Conifers which become blind here (Kenfield Hall) ; they are Picea Webbiana, and the Sciadopitys verticillata, which I am sorry to say, do not succeed well with us. We have lost several of these trees through blindness. I have not seen any of the Spruces topped as mentioned by "C. W. D." They grow very bushy in our soil, which is a rich yellow loam. The following is a list of most of the Conifers grown here : — Abies — alba, excelsa nana, Brunoniana, canadensis, Cian- brasiliana, denso, Afenziesii, Morinda, nigra, orientals, rubra, sibirica, Smithiona, Webbiana, and Wittmanniaua. Araucaeia imbricata. Biota mehlensis. Cedrus atlantica, Deodara viridie, Libani, and Libani argentea. Cephalotaxus Fortunei (male and female), koraiana, and tardiva. Crypto- meria japonica nana, and C j ^p mica Lobbii. Ccpresscs Knightiana, Lawsoniana,Lambertiana, lueitaDica,MacKabiana3 and macrocarpa. Dact.ydioi Franklinii. Fitzrota patagonica. Jtjsipebus chin en sis, and communis. Picea amabilis, bal- samea, bracteata, cephalonica, cilicica, Douglasii, Fraseri, hudsonica, grandis, Khutrow, nobilis, Nordmanniana, pectinata, Pichta, Pindrow, Pinsapo, and Webbiana. Pixcs anstriaea, Benthamiana, Bungeana. calabrica, Cembra, contorta, Coulteri, Edgariana, excelsa, Fremontiana, Gerardiana, halepensis, inops, insignis, Jeffreyii, laricina, Laricio, Lambertiana, lasio- carpa, magnifies, maritima, monstrosa, montana, monticola, Mugho, Pallasiana, palustris, excelsa, patula, Pinaster, Pinea, pyrenaica, radiata, Sabiniana, Strobus, and montana. Reti- nospoea ericoides. Saliseuria adiantifolia. Saxe GoxHiEA conspicua. Sciadopitys verticillata. Sequoia sempervirens. Taxodium distichum. Taxes baccata, adpressa, argentea, and ericoides. Thujopsis dolabrata and borealip. Thuja aurea, gigantea, japonica, pendula, and plicata. Torreya grandis. Wellingtoxia gigantea. These trees have been planted in our pinetum from ten to twenty years.— Edward Covexey, Gardener, Kenfield Hall, near Canterbury. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. March 2nd, Fruit CoHirrrrEE. — G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., in the chair. Prizes were offered on this occasion for the best single bunch of early Grapes, for the best single bunch of late Grapes, and for the best dish of Asparagus, Sea-kale, and Rhubarb. Mr. George Johnston, gardener, Glamis Castle, Forfarshire, sent a fine bunch of Muscat of Alexandria, somewhat shrivelled in the berry, but of excellent flavour. Mr. Bannerman, gardener to Lord Bagot, Blithfield, llngeley, sent excellent examples of Lady Downe's, beautiful in every respect, and of fine flavour. Mr. J. Woodward, gardener to Mrs. Torr, Garbrand Hall, Ewell, sent Lady Downe's, the bunches of which were small, but of fine flavour. The first prize was awarded to Mr. Bannerman, the second to Mr. Johnston, an^ the third prize to Mr. Woodward. Mr. T. Bray, gardener to E. A. Sanford, Esq., Nynehead Court, Wellington, sent a very excellent dish of A:paragns, also of Rhubarb, the Sea-kale being rather inferior ; he was awarded the first prize. Mr. Meredith, The Vineyard, Garston, Liverpool, sent a fine basket of Alicante and Lady Downe's Grapes, which had been grown in a house having a north aspect, and to this Mr. Meredith attributed their superior preservation, the sun not affecting the berries in this situation. In flavour they were inferior to the other examplea before the Committee. A special certificate was awarded. Mr. J. Walker, nurseryman, Thame, Oxon, sent some seedling Apples, which were not considered equal to others in cultivation. Mr. Hibblethwaite. gardener, Acklani Hall, Middlesbrough, sent a large collection of Apples and some Glou Morceau Pears in very good con- dition, which was awarded a special certificate. Mr. Craddock, gar- dener to Lord Willonghby de Broke, Comptou Verney, Warwick, sent a fine collection of Apples, which had been grown on young trees, to which a special certificate was also awarded. Mr. George Beech, Castle Ashby Gardens. Northampton, sent some examples of variegated Brussels Sprouts, which, excepting as a curi- osity or for garnishing, would be of little value, and were not approved of by the Committee. J. R. Fernyhough. Esq., 18, Belaize Park, N.W., exhibited a very splendid lot of coloured drawing* of tropical fruits, which he bad presented to the Society, and for which the Com- mittee passed him unanimously a vote of I b Floral Committee.— Mr. Charles Lee in the chair. There was on this occasion an excellent and varied display, the room presenting quite a bright appearance from the numerous brilliant -coloured flowers of Camellias, Chinese Primulas, Cyclamens, and Orchids. Prizes were offered for six Camellias in pots, for twelve cut blooms of the same shrub, for six forced or unforced shrubs in flower, and for six pots of Lily of the Valley. Of Camellias in pots, two collections were exhibited. That from Mr. Turner, of Slough, to which the first prize was awarded, was of great merit, the plants be ing from 4 to 5 feet high above the pots, having nne glossy foliage, and being well furnished with flowers. The kinds were Saccoi Nova, La Constituzione, Mexi- can a nova, De Notariis. and Madame Lebois, shades of rose and red, and II Cygno, white. Mr. WiUrie, Addison Koad, Kensington, was second. For twelve cut blooms of Camellias, Mr. A. Wilkie was first, Mr. Turner second, and Mr. Howard, of Balhani, third. Messrs. Veitch, who did not show for competition, had a special certificate for a stand in which were Reticulata rlore-pleno, n splendid brilliant crimson variety ; Mathotiana, one of the finest of blood-reds ; De la Reine and Jenny Lind, two of the most beautiful of the white slightly-striped kinds ; La Pace, &c. In the other stands were good specimens of the old Double White, Donckelaarii, Fimbriata, Chandler's Elegans, &c. Mr. Stone, gardener to J. Campbell, Esq., also sent a few cut blooms ; and Mr. Osnian, gardener to R. Holland, Esq., Staumore, a stand of twelve blooms. There was only one exhibition of flowering Bhrabs, consisting of a Hydrangea, Rhododendrons, Deutzia gracilis, and the yellow-flowered Azalea Gloriosa. This came from Mr. Wilkie, to whom a second prize was given. For Lily of the Valley. Mr. W. Howard, Bedford Hill, Balham. was first with excellent pots. Mr. Wilkie being second. Of Orchids, Messrs. Veitch sent a fine collection, in which were Dendrobium aggregatnm mains, very conspicuous by its numerous orange blossoms ; a very fine Cypripedium villosnm, Cattleya Warsce- wiczii delicata. a lovely variety with the lip beautifully tinged with lilac, and yellow in the throat : Dendrobium lasioglossnm, D. crassi- node, very fine; D. cncnUatum giganteum, a very fine specimen, forming as it were a cascade of flowers ; Odontoglossnm cristatmn, a fine specimen of Dendrochilnm glumaceum, Cypripedinm Harrisi- anum, Phah-enopsis Schilleriana, Lcelia Pileheri alba, a pretty variety ; Mormodes colossus, and fine varieties of Lycaste Skinneri. Messrs. Veitch also had along with this group fine pots of Crocuses. Mr. B. S. Williams, of Holloway, sent a large collection, contain- ing many rare Orchids and fine specimens of others more generally cultivated. Among them were fine specimens of Van da 9, including V. gigantea, Phajus grandifolius. Lycaste?, Odontoglossums, as Alexandra?, Cervantesii, and cristatum, and Lycaste lanipes, with the lip delicately fringed ; and though their general colour is greenish- white, with the centre of the lip yellowish, the flowers have a pleasing effect. Mr. Williams had intermixed with this collection ChanKerops Ernesti-Augusti, and several Palms. Mr. Denning, gardener to Lord Londesborough, also contributed a fine group of Orchids, anions which was a remarkable specimen of Dendrochilnm glumaceum, with its peculiar pendulous grass-like in- florescence in great profusion, forming a fringe all round the pot; Fkahtnopsis Schilleriana, with very large flowers ; Odontoglossnm Alexandra?, remarkable in the same respect ; Cypripedium villosum, hirsutissimum, and Lowii ; Calanthe nivalis : Lycaste Skinneri, with very large flowers ; Odontoglossnm triumphant, very fine, and O. Rossii, several Dendrobiums, Vanda tricolor, &c. The most remarkable specimen among the Orchids was. however, the Dendrobium nobile shown by Mr. Pilcher, gardener to S. Racker, Esq., WeBt Hill, Wandsworth. This was growing in a wire basket and suspended, but if spread out would doubtless have had a diameter of 10 feet. Thus grown the plant had a most graceful appearance, aud being covered with a multitude of flowers it formed a magnificent object. Another remarkable specimen was the Odontoglossnm Rossii, shown by Mr. Wilson, gardener to W. Marshall, Esq., Clay Hill, Enfield. This had twenty-four fine flowers, and was the finest plant of the kind ever exhibited. Mr. Wilson also sent blooms of ten beau- tiful varieties of Cattleya Trianse. A large pan of Anaectochilns Lowii from Mr. Bennett, gardener to W. Terry, Esq., Peterborough House, Fnlham, was one of the finest wo have ever seen. Mr. Williams, of Holloway, had Da?monorops plumosus, a very distinct Palm, not requiring a high temperature, and a new Astrocaryum ; also a collection of his lnbrid Solanums noticed in previous reports, and with the numerous fruit now colouring well, and having a very ornamental appearance. Mr. Green, gardener to W. Wilson Saunders, Esq., sent the male March 3, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. and female plants of Stangeria paradoxa, each with its peculiar cone- lite fructification ; likewise Agave cuspidata, a handsome species. From Mr. \Y. Paul, of Waltham Cross, came bedding Pelargonium Waltham Bronze, with a very richly coloured bronze zone, of great depth. This promises to be a great acquisition if the colour remain as bright in summer as it is at present, and we are informed that it does so, and even improves. This, however, is too early to judge of its properties for bedding. Mr. Turner, of Slough, again exhibited a collection of Ivies, which were fully noticed in the report of the January meeting; the new Rose, Marquise do Mortemart ; three fine baskets of Chinese Primulas ; Mr. Ratter and Mrs. Headly Tricolor Pelargoniums, and a small col- lection of Dracamas. Mr. Wiggins, gardener to W. Beck, Esq., Isleworth, contributed a splendid collection of Cyclamen persicum of various ages ; some of the plants one year old could not have had less than one hundred flowers, and one three years old had between two and three hundred blooms. Mr. "Wiggins also sent a white-flowered variety, named album fimbriatnm, from the edges of the petals being irregularly toothed, giving a fringed appearance. Messrs. Dobson & Sons, Isleworth, ex- hibited a collection of Chinese Primulas, several of which were very good in the colour and size of the flowers, as well as in the habit of the plant. Mr. Wiggins likewise seut very good red and white varie- ties ; and some, having the flowers striped, may become the parents of a new straiu. Messrs. Standish & Co. of the Royal Nurseries, Ascot, brought an Azalea called mollis carnca, which, it is stated, is from Yeddo ; the flowers are ualmon-pink, with a peculiar orange tinge in the upper petal. From Messrs. John Waterer & Sons, Bagshot, came a beautiful golden-variegated variety of Cupressus Lawsoniana, and Retinospora obtusa erecta, a pretty Arbor- Vita-like variety ; also Cupressus Lambertiana dumosa, a most singular-looking dwarf. First-class certificates were awarded to Mr. C. Turner, for Rose Mar- quise de Mortemart ; to Mr. Green for Agave cuspidata ; to Messrs. J. Waterer & Sons, for Retinospora obtnsa erecta and Cupressus Law- soniana anrea ; to Messrs. Veitch, for Dendrobium euenllatnm gigan- tenm and Lffilia Pilcheri alba; and to Mr. B. S. Williams, for Daemo- norops plumosns. Special certificates were given to Mr. Green for Stangeria paradoxa ; to Mr. Wilson, for Odontoglossum Rossii ; to Mr. Pilcher, for Dendrobium nobile : to Messrs. Veitch, for a collection of cut Camellias; to Mr. T. Burnett, for AnsectochilusLowii; to Mr. Turner, for Primulas, for Ivies, and for Dracsnas ; to Mr. B. S. Williams, for Solanums, and for a collection of Orchids ; to Mr. Wiggins, for Primulas and for Cyclamens ; to Mr. Denning, for a group of Orchids and Dendrochiiuru glumaceum ; and to Messrs. Dobson, for a collection of Primulas. Mr. Looker, of Kingston-on-Thaiues, exhibited what he terms his patent capped garden frames, ground vineries, and Fern cases. These -essentially consist in two parallel rows of earthenware chairs or slabs placed at any convenient distance apart. On the top of these chairs rest sheets of glass in a sloping direction towards each other. A space is preserved between the upper edges of the glass, which is fitted with moveable earthenware caps, having grooves at the bottom. The top of the chairs or slabs is so constructed that the glass rests securely on them without any other support, and the frame or caso is made thoroughly firm by the addition of the caps. Ventilation is obtained by removing any or all of the caps, which can be placed across the top of the glass. When bottom ventilation is required, spaces can be left between the chairs. The advantages claimed are, that while possess- ing all the uses of ordinary garden frames, hand-glasses, and cloches, the frames have the advantages of being more durable, promoting the healthier growth of plants, &c, being far more ornamental, and of being considerably less in price. The Chairman closed the proceedings by announcing that the next meeting, which would include the Hyacinth Show, would take place on March 16th. On this occasion seventeen new Follows were elected, and the Council Room, large as it is, was crowded even to an inconvenient extent — both healthy signs that the Society is doing its work, and that that work is appreciated by gardeners and by garden-lovers as well. CULTIVATION OF ONIONS. This being one of the most indispensable of crops the gar- dener has to produce, being in request almost every day through- out the year, I will describe a mode of cultivation I have adopted with uniform success for some years. The ground for Onions should be laid up in 2-feet ridges as early in autumn or winter as it can be cleared of other crops, and frequently turned over during frost. A dressing of soot or lime at that time will be of much service. At the end of February or the beginning of March, it should have a good dressing of rotten dung spread on and forked in not very deeply ; this must be done during open dry weather. The ground will then be ready for sowing, which should take place about the middle of March if the weather is fine. Choose a dry day for sowing, put the seed intended to be used into saucers, and cover it with warm water ; let it steep for two or three hours, during which time the ground should be troddeu over from one end to the other, then cross-trodden, making it quite hard. Just smooth it over with the back of a rake, stretch a line across on the surface, and sow the seed in drills, treading it as you go on. Let the drills be 9 inches apart. Sprinkle a little dry soil or fine ashes over the rows after sowing, and beat them with the back of a spade. By this mode beds and paths are dispensed with, the rows being a convenient distance for hoeiug and weeding. A dusting of soot or guano during showery weather when grow- ing, is a great assistance. Since practising the above mode of cultivation, I have never missed having a good crop of fine sound Onions without a maggoty one amongst them. After steeping, the water should bo drained from the seeds, and a little red lead — just sufficient to colour them — mixed with them whilst wet; a little dry sand will make them part readily. Last year I grew four kinds — namely, Danvers' Yellow, Brown Globe, Bedfordshire Champion, and Nuneham Park. Danvers' is a first-rate kind, coming in early, very regular in size, of good flavour, and keeping well. I have grown it four years, and like it better every year. Brown Globe is a very gc od kind ; indeed there is little difference, that I see, between this and the Champion, the last-named being very thick-necked. Nuneham Park, after a three-years trial, has proved worse than any other I have tried. The seed has been that from sealed packets, the Onions grown on the same ground, and they received similar treatment in every respect. — J. T. Creed, Gar- dener to F. Swanwick, Esq., Whittington House, Chesterfield. General Mkbtimu. — W. Wilson Saunders, Esq., F.R.S., in the chair. After the awards of the Committees had been announced, the Chairman, in the absence of the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, mentioned the most prominent objects exhibited. As regards the Fruit Committee's province, he moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Fernyhough for his draw- ings of tropical fruits, and in the Floral Committee's department he took occasion to refer to the effect of grafting in producing variega- tion, as in Abntilon Thompsoni. Where the graft was green and the stock variegated, the result was that the whole of the leaves became varie- gated by degrees ; where the stock was green and the graft variegated, precisely the same result occurred. Some specimens illustrative of this were shown by Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing. In this case variegation seemed co be the result of disease, but such was not always the cause of variegation. The most remarkable of the Orchids were then pointed out, and it was mentioned that ou this occasion, for the first time, Stangeria paradoxa was shown in tlower, and that at first the plant had been mistaken for a Fern. The Chairman concluded by remarking on the utility of the Ivies, both for enlivening the garden in winter, and for covering arches in summer. Major Trevor Clarke drew attention to the beautiful collection of Cyclamens, but be had found there was not a single fragrant flower among them, although the Cyclamen was naturally inclined to be fragrant. Fragrance was one of the highest attributes of a flower, and though florists pinned their faith to cn-cularity of form he thought they should " go in " for fragrance as well. GARDENERS IN THE OLDEN TIME. The following may be interesting, as illustrative of the man- ners of the gardeners in the olden time. In 1315 (19 Edw. III.) " the gardeners of the earls, barons, and bishops, and of the citizens of the city of London," petitioned the mayor, John Hamond, that they might " stand in peace in the same place where they had been wont in times of old, in front of the church of St. Austin, at the side of the gate of St. Paul's Churchyard, there to sell the garden produce of their said masters, and make their profit." But the mayor, finding that " the scurrility, clamour, and nuisance of the gardeners and their servants there selling pods, Cherries, vegetables, and other wares to their trade pertaining daily, disturbed" the priests in the church of St. Austin, as well the reputable inhabitants, ordered that henceforth the gardeners " should have as their place, the space between the south gate of the churchyard of the said church and the garden wall of the Friars Preachers (Black Friars) at Baynard's Castle." THE LENTISCUS OF CICERO. I Ait much obliged to you for your reply to my question on this subject, which I think contains the right clue to the ex- planation of the puzzling passage referred to. I really believe 1G2 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENED. [ March 3, 1870. that yon understand the allusion better than Cicero did him- self, who translated it from the works of a Greek poet named Aratus, a native of Tarsus in Cilicia, who lived B.C. 270. Alatus, in a poem called "Signs from Jupiter," says, "Now the Mastich (Schinus), is fertile three times, and even three growths of fruit are produced by it, and by each in due course it brings signs for ploughing ; for they (the three growths) make a triple division of the ploughing season, (marking) the middle of it and the two extremes." Cicero, in his poem called " Prognostica," translates these lines, not exactly as you quote them, but, according to the best authorities — •' Jam vero semper viridip, semperque pravata Lentif cus Bolita triplici prandescere fetu Ter iruges lundcns, tria tempora mODBtrat arandi." The passage occurs in " De Divinatione," lib. i., ch. ix. ; and in the next line he adds, " Ne hoe quidem quaro, cur hire arbor una ter floreat, ant cur arandi maturitatem ad signum floris accommodet ?" — " I do not ask even in this instance why this one tree flowers three times, or why it makes the right season for ploughing coincide with the sign given by its flower ?" I cannot help thinking that this addition shows that Cicero understood the words " flos," "fetus," " florere," " arare," in their usual acceptation. At the same time I think it very probable that the three gatherings of gum, which were probably always the same in the Mastich country of Chios, gave rise to the popular error of the three crops of flowers and fruit, and I feel much indebted to you for the information you have kindly supplied.— C. W. D. [It is quite evident from your second quotation from Cicero that he had mistaken Arfitus ; and Florentinus, in the " Geo- ponika," does the same. They considered Aratus used the word kaiyos literally, and not metaphorically. — Eds.] THE FIG AND ITS CULTURE.— No. 2. It is necessary, before proceeding to general cultural details, to take into consideration the nature of the plant, its characteristics, its peculiarities, or habits of growth, and its methods of fruit production, as thus I shall the more clearly make myself under- stood, and the more easily explain the reasons for the various practices I shall allude to. General Character.— The Fig is a deciduous tree or shrub, frequently attaining the height of 30 or more feet. In the pro- duction of its fruit it is at once singular, and distinct from all the rest of our fruit trees. Instead of producing one crop only, it will bear two and even three crops in a single season.^ This peculiarity in its fruiting renders special systems of cultivation necessary, especially in regard to priming. Production of the Fruit.— The first crop of the fruit of a Fig tree is borne on the wood of the previous season's formation, as. Fig. 7. represented by fig. 7, the young embryo fruit being shown at a That of the second and succeeding crop is produced in the axils of the leaves on the wood of the current season's formation, which will be represented hereafter. Fig. 8 represents the rem- nant of the last crop of fruit of the previous season, as they are to be seen frequently on the plants after the fall of the leaves in autumn. These fruits are ignorantly believed by many to be those which form the first crop of the following year, and are jealously protected throughout the winter on that account. They are, however, merely late fruit of the past season which failed to arrive at maturity through want of heat or the conditions required for that end. These fruit are not worth consideration. A few may, under very favourable conditions, remain on and ripen, but very seldom. Fig. 9 is a representation of a shoot having wood-buds only. These three figures, then, represent the different characters of shoots with the position of the fruits, &c , as they are commonly to bo met with on a Fig tree at rest during the winter time. Where the wood is well ripened and in its best conditions, as will be found with pot plants and trees in houses, shoots, as in Jig. 7, will predominate. A little will, however, depend upon the varieties, and when the wood is badly ripened, as where the Fig. 8. Fig. 9. shoots are crowded, those with wood-buds only, as in fig. 9, will be produced. It is necessary to fully understand the characters and the offices of each of these before attempting the office of primer. Pruning. — It is an old saying, "that a pruned Fig tree never hears," which is to a certain extent true, but only with relation to the first crop, or with trees in the open air, or where sufficient heat is not available to ripen the second crop. This must be dis- tinctly understood — that it is entirely owing to the want of heat if the second crop of fruit is not obtained, either in relation, in the first place, to immaturity of the wood which fails to produce fruit, or to the fruits being produced and failing to ripen, as shown by fig. 8. Knowing, then, whence and how the fruits are all pro- duced we are enabled to prune with certainty for a required end. If we tut bark the fruit-bearing shoots (fig. 7), we destroy the first crop of fruit, and if heat is wanting the second or ip also, the shoots produced after pruning being very frequently of a watery and un-fruitful character. Fig trees bcaiing shoots, as in figs. S and 9, may bo pruned without any loss of crop. It is, however, clearly shown, that to prune a Fig tree to any extent is a distinct loss of fruit. As, however, the operation must at times be performed to keep the trees within form and limits, it is my duty to show how that can best be done at the least sacri- fice, and this must be considered under various conditions. 1, Trees on walls and as standards in the open air will, if pruned (by which is meant that particular shoot), through the want of heat or the shortness of the season, produce no fruit, so that, excepting in extreme cases, a portion only of the shoots should be cut back. 2, Trees planted out in houses, with or without heat, being generally inclined to vigour of growth will, if pruned, produce gross shoots, and, consequently, but seldom produce fruits that season. In this case also partial pruning only is advisable. 3, Trees in pots having their roots entirely under the control Unroll 3, 1870. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 163 of the cultivator, and the wood being properly ripened will, if pruned, produce an abundant second crop. In the 1st example it is the first crop of fruit only which can be depended on under any circumstances. In the 2nd example both the first and second crops may be secured if the trees are un- pruned, but not otherwise. And in the 3rd example, with trees in pots, by non-pruning we secure the first crop, and by pruning, the second and free] uently a third crop. Only with pot trees, then, can pruning bo effected with a certainty of a crop the same season. If in this case, then, the first crop is desired, the shoots as in fig. 7, must not be cut, excepting just a few here and there to keep the plant in trim. All shoots, however, bearing only wood-buds, as in fig. 9, may be shortened back if necessary, with exactly the same result as to fruiting as if left unpruned. —A. B. 0. PREPARING FOR EARLY POTATOES AND CUCUMBERS. A few words on both these matters may be interesting jest now, and more especially since many are anxious, but still very much afraid to try using the bulk of the dung in a compara- tively fresh stato, not greatly reduoed in bulk by decomposing. First let mo state that my box frames are shallow, say aver- aging 1G inches in depth at the back and 10 incheB in front, and require, therefore, in general, to be set on the tops of the beds. For such crops as Cucumbers and Melons, though the soil of the bed should go against the back of the frame inside, after being firmly fixed against the front inside, it Blopes down to give space for the foliage in front. These frames had been used for forwarding various crops all through the winter, with a little heat beneath from fermenting material. The box in- tended for Potatoes had been nseu for helping bulbs, Finks, itc, and these were partly close to the glass, and there was a nice mild heat, chiefly obtained from rather fresh dung and a coating of tree leaves. Such a bed would have been of no use for Potatoes without much extra trouble afterwards. The box was therefore taken off, the bed forked over, so as to form an elevated ridge all round considerably the highest at the back, on which to set the box, so that when the soil was placed inside that would pretty well, except close at the back, be beneath the base of the box, and thus the Potatoes would perfect themselves with little or no raising of the box afterwards. There would be just enough of heat left in the bottom of the bed enclosed to heat the soil sufficiently for Potatoes. If there had not, I might have added a little fresh to revive it, but it was not needed. This is one advantage of using material not too much decomposed — that every time yon use a fork in it you let in the air, and thus increase the heat gently. A barrowload inside will yield more heat than half a score outside in the way of lining. There was more heat in the two boxes of two lights each intended for Cucumbers, but the beds were formed chiefly of green dung eased with tree leaves. The beds were too shallow to stand long if used for Cucumbers, and I had about two loads of litter and droppings (tew of the latter) thrown into a heap and once turned, but owing to the weather it refused to heat so kindly, or become so decomposed, as I should have liked for the upper layers of a bed. I would not have minded if I had had leaves, but of these I had none at hand, and I did not like to wait, knowing that this dung, rather fresh and refusing to heat in the frosty weather, would heat fast enough when added to the old bed. The covering of loaves, Borne 8 inches thick, was carefully tuken off, the bottom turned, the fresh material alluded to added, and the back kept well up. The bed of this rather fresh material was fully 4 feet high at back and nearly 3 feet in front, the back and front being formed into a ridge and covered with the sweet leaves, the inside being left like a trough in the centre some 18 inches deeper than the outsides, and the whole bed being from 30 to 3fi inches wider than the frame. The frame or box being set on, Borne boards were run along inside, back and front, leaving in the centre a trench of from 30 to 36 inches wide, and fully 18 inches deep. The space on each side of these boards back and front was filled up to the level of the boards with the Eweet hot leaves. The boards, slabs, &c, were painted with quicklime as a precaution against fungi. The trench between them was filled up with soil, and when warm enough will receive the plants, and, to make all look alike, the spaces at back and iront will be ulti- mately covered with a couple of inches or so of soil. The plan his grown upon me from a wish to save labour with linings, earthings-up, &c. It takes a little more to make such a wide bed at first, but as the materials are fresher nearly the half is saved, and the heat, on the whole, lasts longer. Last season the sides were not pulled down to make a lining to similar beds until September. In many seasons we nevor touch them at all, but protect them with a wattled hurdle, and to insure plenty of atmospheric heat merely keep tho spaces outside banked-up to the top of the frame, for though wood is a bad conductor still it conducts heat, and when well warmed keeps it. Then, again, all the trouble and injury to the plants from frequent earthing-up are obviated ; and how often have smoiings, &c, been necessary, because it was required to earth- up the hills of Cucumbers in an unsuitable day, or with soil that chilled them. From the first planting I want no addi- tions except, perhaps, a top-dressing in summer. I am well aware that the Cucumber plant when young delights in the vapour and ammonia proceeding from sweet fermenting ma- terial, and this the plants obtain from the sweet dung or leaves left at first uncovered at back and front, for at first these spaces are generally filled with pots with seeds, or pots with cuttings. Then, again, as it will be perceived that the 3oil is placed in a sunk trench in the middle of the bed, or rather nearer to the back than the front, there is rarely or never any danger of burning the soil or roots, matters which used to be of great concern ; whiist, again, the soil and boards being bounded with a bank of fermenting materiel the roots are kept in a nice warm state. Lastly, thongh from such an arrange- j ment, and the soil being sunk below the level of the frames, the shoots and leaves are allowed to extend from the middle to the back aDd front, the roots are chiefly confined to u width of from SO to 36 inches, and a depth averaging 18 inches. I have long found that more Cucumbers may be thus cut than if the roots had extended over the G feet in width. In fact, I lave never cut more Cucumbers in a limited space than when I confined the roots in pots and boxes. Of course, there was more trouble in watering and top-dressing. I have thus for ence been rather egotistical, but I could not well attend to a number of inquiries without being so. I have no fault, quite the reverse, with well-sweetened manure, but everyone knows the sweetening greatly lessens itB bulk, and I have merely stated how, in many ways, the heat given off in sweetening may be used. The great point is to prevent the rank Eteam getting among growing plants. Many a farmer might have numerous delicacies, if boxes required too much attention, merely by piling part of his farmyard manure around the sides of a close-walled brick pit, which would keep out all that was noxious, and let the heat in. From beds formed as above, and pits heated by hot water, and planted at a similar time with Bimilar plants, there is generally a keen contest every year as to the early cutting of Cucumbers in spring. — R. F. TANKS versos PIPES FOR BOTTOM HEAT. I am sure that Mr. Peach will not take it amiss when I say that I cannot agree with him that pipes are superior to tanks for bottom heat. I have tried several arrangements, and I believe that my present tank arrangement cannot be surpassed ; it has been in constant use day and night for eight years, and appears as good as new. It is made of thin boiler plate, and with the flow pipe that passes through it is heavily galvanised, after having been rivetted together. The cover is somewhat shorter than the tank to allow of the escape of moisture into the houso, and in place of fitting on the tank, is made in the shape of a Bhallow tray to drop into the tank, so that it must always be somewhat immersed in the water. Tho plunging material is cocoa-nut fibre dust, and at first I found that the heat was completely checked by the dust becoming dry. In order to rs medy this I covered the bottom of the tray with very old soft bricks, laid flat, and placed the fibre on these inside the loose frames that I use for propagating ; I then pour water into the trey to the depth of hali an inch, and this is absorbed by the bricks, and effectually prevents any drying of the refuse. The heat is most genial, and of course the fibre remains sweet for an almost in- definite period. It is amusing to notice how everything vegetable at once roots into the fibre. Any fragment of a Begonia, Gesnera, or Gloxinia leaf will make a plant. A cnttiDg of Cereus or Cactus, if laid on it, will throw out roots in about a fortnight, so that it can be lifted out of the fibre with a ball as large as a good-sized egg, and in fact it almost justifies my eulogium, when advising a friend to use it, that anything short of a broom handle would 164 JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March S, 1870. strike id it ! I wish Mr. Peach could try the plan on a small scale, as I am sure he would be satisfied with it, and might be the mean3 of recommending it to many, who would pay that attention to his experienced advice which I fear they would not be inclined to give to the suggestions of an amateur. I may also say that it is very useful for sprouting seeds that would require seating in tepid water, as it enables one to have the pleasure which is so much appreciated by children — thatof digg- ing up the Eeeds to see how they go on — only with this dif- ference, that the young radicle is not injured, and when the growth is sufficiently advanced the whole can be transferred into suitable soil, hnd almost with a certainty of Buccess. I hope before long to try a tank on a very large scale to heat a Cucumber frame, and will not fail to let you know the result. — CM. Major, Cromwell Souse, Croydon. THOMSON'S STYPTIC. Extensively as this antidote is used, and highly as it is eBteemed by those who have tested its qualities as a preventive of bleediDg in Vines, I am not sure that its sufficiency as a •cure where obstinate cases of copious bleeding exist iB so well understood. The extraordinary amount of pressure accompanying the flow of sap in the Vine, and the unhappy consequences occurring from that sap getting egress, require no comment. The cases are too common, and make it all the more acceptable to know of a perfect remedy. This has induced me to offer a few re- marks descriptive of my non-success, in the first instance, to suppress bleeding while adhering to or following the directions on the label on the bottle containing the siyptic, and the success that attended the application in a different form. The experi- ments are as follow : — Amongst a small assortment of Vines in pots, now in the forciDg house here, a few bled severely from spur wounds, which were cut close to the main stems. These cuts, from some oversight, were not sealed with the styptic along with the others after being pruned, and as the Vines were by no means so well ripened as one could desire, the natural consequence was bleeding with the first flow of the sap. To arrest this, the styptic was lesorted to ; and after drying the wounds properly, laying on a coating as expertly as possible, I found the task hopeless. No amount of rubbing and daubing the styptic into the pores served to stifle the wound. A few moments and the sap accumukted beneath the covering, forming a bead-like body, which burst again and again. I endeavoured by fresh applications of the remedy to attain my object, but as often was defeated. While musing on my lack of success the thought arose, What influence will fire have if applied V At once I had recourse to the flame of a candle, first playing it on the wound until the part when touched was so hot as almost to burn the hand. This had the effect of drying the wound perfectly, and forciDg the sap back from the point acted upon. A pointed stick was next dipped into the bottle, and withdrawn loaded with the styptic, which was set fire to and applied to the wound while blazing, hissing, and boiling. The applica- tion of this fiery liquor was repeated over the part a few times until a body was formed over the wound, at which moment my wet thumb was pressed hard upon it, and held there until, when the heat was much diminished, it was withdrawn. The result of the experiment was perfectly satisfactory. The styptic had in the course of a few moments acquired a consistency equal to sealing-wax, with an adhesion that re- sisted the egress of the sap effectually, and now those wounds, so detrimental to the growth of the wood, leaves, and fruit, are effectually cured. It may, perhaps, be of interest to some to know that the styptic, applied in the usual manner as a preventive of bleed- ing, acts beneficially in arresting damping-eff at the points, and " black rot " on the branches of Pelargoniums of all sec- tions—a matter of no small consideration, especially when the latter unsightly malady manifests itself on the main stem of some dainty Tricolor. Many of this class of plants are very sub- ject to this disease, more especially when they have had strong feeding in the previous summer — a condition which makes it more difficult to cure them, and the only effective method of treatment that I am conversant with is, on the earliest indica- tion of spot on the stems — dull blotches or rottenness — to cut off the shoot or branch at the second joint below the affected part with a thin, sharp knife, dry the wound with a piece of cotton, and at once seal it up with the styptic. This com- pleted, turn out the ball, and should any unhealthy roots be nmong6t the others, cut them clem back to their source, les- sening the ball a third, and repotting in a smaller-sized pot in a poor, light mixture. Give no water though the leaves flag, and merely preserve the stems from shrinking from the lack of moisture at the root. For simple cases, such as rot being communicated to a shoot by a decayed leaf, and which cannot be considered to arise from disease, the affected portion of the shoot ought to be very care- fully scooped out without allowing the least vestige of dis- coloured tissue to remain, at the same time tying a thin splinter of wood behind the wound for support, and sealing the cut with a copious layer of the styptic after drying it properly. Before proving the virtues of the styptic, or, indeed, knowing of its existence, I have often tried the effects of quicklime to remedy the same distemper, aud sometimes with success. The mode of proceeding is nearly the same as that last described, with this addition, that after the diseased part is removed, and the stem secured to the wood, a wrapping of cotton rag is wound loosely round, and first tied at the bottom, after which a quantity of lime 13 filled in by the opening at top, and when the operator is satisfied that there is a sufficient coating of lime, the upper opening is tied also. The healing effect of quicklime may be attributed to the lime absorbing the moisture thrown off by the wound, and ultimately form- ing an incrustation, thereby, to a great extent, excluding the external air and damp, as well as accelerating the healing of the wound. — A. Kerr. ABOUT POTATOES. I received the following from Mr. Henry Taylor, of Fencote, Yorkshire : — " Last year I grafted twenty-four Potatoes, making twelve sets. From these I have some seed crossed to a cer- tainty, but I cannot tell much about them until they are grown again. I shall see in the autumn whether there is anything good or not. Mr. Fenn is greatly interested in Potato-grafting, and will ultimately convince people at Kensington that the grafting system is right. The Pebble White is the best of the sorts you sent me ; I like it, and Napoleon, and Early Uprights. The Dunbar Regent, round white, is very fine; it is a good and heavy cropper, and the finest and most useful round Potato out. I planted ten tubers of Webb's Imperial, and only took up two tubers. It was annihilated by disease. Milky White is a shy cropper, and subject to disease. These would suit you : — Dunbar Regent : The Lawyer, raised by grafting around red and a Lapstone ; it is a handsome red or pink kidney, fine for exhibition in the red kidney class : and Fencote Exhibition Kidney, obtained by grafting, is a long smooth kidney, and ripens with Mona's Pride." Such is Mr. Taylor's account. What will Mr. Dean say ? If it be true that a Lapstone grafted with a red round has pro- duced a red kidney, there must surely be some influence of the red Potato on the kidney, and rice versa. I commenced Potato-planting January 24th. As a severe frost set in I covered the Potatoes with straw. Some for experi- ence I left uncovered. I examined them on February 21st, and found them perfectly unharmed. I hear Potatoes in store have been much frosted about here. People must keep the air from them. I sent M. H. Vilmorin on request Hero, Gryffe Castle, and Taylor's Hybrid, with seven other sorts. He wrote, " Hero is the finest thing of the sort I have ever seen. They (the whole) are fine indeed. I will test them with our best French varie- ties and report." I sent Mr. Turner Hero ; he wrote, " It is a splendid sample." Mr. Rivers says in the Journal of February 17th that I sent him Hero and Pebble White. This is a mistake. I sent him six tubers of theBryanstone Kidney. It is a fine sort raised at Lord Portman's, and never sent out. The sample — a large hamperful — was the best sample of kidney Potatoes I ever saw. Finally, I took to Mr. Sturt's, who was entertaining a number of lords and ladies, the Cobbler's Lapstone. Their admiration of it was unbounded. These Potatoes were at my request served up in their jackets. I also took Pebble White and Hero, which also brought the curtain down with applause. I quite concur in Mr. Rivers's remarks. Finally, these Potatoes are on trial : — The Union and Tran- sell's, both white rounds, sent by Mr. Turner ; Bryanstone Kidney ; one tuber of a sort not named coming from Mr. Hooper, of Covent Garden, who wishes me to test it; and I March :3, 1S70. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 165 suppose Mr. Taylor will send the Dunbar Regent and the other two. My Potatoes are so good that I cannot see how they can be improved. By continually selecting seed of uniform shape I have my samples of Hero, Taylor's Hybrid, Pebble White, and Lapstone (which came in all forms when I first had them) perfectly uniform in shape. Never plant malformed seed. " Similia shiiilibus parantur." I dislike the terin " they will do for seed." — W. F. Radclytfe. P.S. — Since writing the above I have received from Messrs. Hooper the tuber referred to. It is 1 lb. weight and very fine, a flattened oval, with eyes sufficiently prominent. It is called Monk, and evidently an American. I will do my best with it. THE ELMS OF OUR WOODLANDS. In the near neighbourhood of London, north, east, south, and west, the English Elm (Ulmus eampestris), abounds in every hedgerow bordering the market gardens and fields. The trees are for the most part ugly only because they are pruned so unmercifully, so that their umbrella-like heads seem to be stuck on bare poles. This variety of Elm bears seed rarely, but occasionally, if the trees be suffered to grow as nature dic- tates ; still it is seldom or never perfect, and is sparingly pro- duced, leading one to suppose that this variety is not indigenous, although by suckers from its roots it peoples every hedge if the soil be good. This variety must be the Elm of " Science Gossip," which in places where it suckers abundantly, " seldom shows any sign3 of fruiting at all ; " but if detached trees are iound growing near trees of Ulmus glabra, they often bear seed perfect enough to produce young trees. In the country to the north-east, south-east, and east of Lon- don the Elms of our woodlands are of a different race. They commence to show themselves some ten or twelve miles from the city, often growing with the English Elm ; in the east of Hertfordshire they abound in all the parks and hedgerows; also in the north of Essex and eastern Suffolk, nearly to the coast, the so-called English Elm (Ulmus eampestris), being comparatively rare. This variety is the smooth-leaved Wych Elm of Loudon, and is remarkable for bearing seeds in abund- anse in some seasons, so that the parks and fields are strewn with them, and the parts of the country in which the trees abound would, apparently, in a few years become forests of Elms ; the young plants are, however, so delicate in their tex- ture as to be greedily devoured by sheep, so that in parks like those of Pishobury and Gilston, both near this place (Saw- bridgeworth), in which the trees are large and often bear from three to four bushels of seed, it is rare to find young seedling trees making their way. This seed is very capricious, for in some seasons it is diffi- cult to find a tree bearing perfect seels, although the trees^nay be crowded with their Hop-like burden — for when strewed on the ground they are much like dried Hops. At other times trees may be found not so thickly crowded with seed, in which some thirty to fifty per cent, are perfect, and if sown within a few days after being gathered they vegetate quickly, and if the soil be rich they make young trees some 2 feet in height before October. The seel ripens in June. I have always been inclined to hold that this is an indi- genous Elm, the Eodish Elm par excellence, and I used to have some pleasant disputes with dear old London — " Alas ! we ne'er shall look upon his like again — " And my strong ground of argument was its seed-bearing ten- dency, in contrast with Ulmus eampestris, which is so loth to give seeds, and so unlike in that respect our native trees — the Ash, the Beech, the Oak, and many others ; and I have always urged that hundreds of thousands of Ulmus glabra may- be raised from seed without finding one like our dark-foliaged, compact-growing tree, the English Elm, or even approaching it in habit. I say this from experience, for in years long passed some ten or twenty sacks of seed were sown here when a favourable Elm seed season occurred, which was and is about twice in five years, rarely more frequently. The difference in the appearance of the Elms in Middlesex and those of Hertfordshire is most remarkable, even to the least observant ; the former with leaves dense and dark, the latter with light green and often sparse foliage, and in many trees the twigs are graceful and pendulous. When the trees are old and inclined to be«r seed freely, they are often ungainly objects, for if their blossoms are abundant, even if seed does not follow, the leaf-buds are destroyed, and others remain bare of foliage taU the middle of July ; so that in the hedgerow of my neigh- bour, where there are some tre6S of the English Elm growing near those of Ulmus glabra, the smooth-leaved Wych Elm — or as it is called here, the Hertfordshire Elm — it looks strange to see in Juno the Eoglish Elm (Ulmus eampestris), in its full summer foliage, while its near neighbours, the Hertfordshire Elms, are as bare of leaves as at Christmas. To this species (Ulmus glabra), we owe most of our numerous varieties of Elms, from Ulraus microphylla to the Huntingdon Elm, with its large leaves and vigorous growth. Anyone travelling from Dunkirk to Lille by the old diligence road, would feel interested in the Elms, their stems are so smooth and so light in colour, and their leaves large and of a pale green. They are everywhere — in the hedgerows, in coppices, and in detached groups. By those who know Elms they will be recognised as the variety called in England the Huntingdon Elm, growing with great luxuriance in the rich, deep alluvial soil. It is quite probable that this variety was brought over by the Earl of Sandwich about the middle of the last century, and the trees planted in his park, near Hunting- don, hence its English origin. The same variety may be seen in Bushy Park, where there are avenues of it leading from the northern entrance. Were they imported by " Dutch William ?" Ulmus americana has a strong resemblance to Ulmus glabra; its leaves are of the same light green, and it bears seed freely. It is usually more pendulous than the generality of our smooth- leaved Wych Elm3, but its resemblance to them is very striking. The Scotch Elm (Ulmus montana), is a species, if such s. thing as a species exists, for although millions of this tree are raised from seed annually, no such variation in habit is ever found as with Ulmus glabra. It is true that we have pen- dulous trees of this sort, and also upright varieties, but there is, as far as I have seen, no material variation, as they all have those rough, large, hairy, dark green leaves, so characteristic of the sort. Why seedlings raised from this Elm should be so constant in their characters, while those of Ulmus glabra, which seems to be equally indigenous to the eastern parts of Eng- land, should vary to the extent they do is a mystery, for in a thousand seedlings of Ulmus glabra no two trees can be found alike. Some have very small leaves, some cork-like bark, some are pendulous, and others scrubby and dwarf in habit. We do not find this variation in other seedling forest trees, the Beech and the Ash but rarely vary ; and so, perhaps, as some authority, I think, has asserted, there is but one well-defined species of Elm in the northern hemisphere — the Ulmus montana, and that all our numerous species (so-called) and varieties have in the course of ages and changes in site and climat9 been origi- nated from it. The question is full of interest. Since writing the above some remarkable specimens of Ulmus glabra growing in the park at Pishobury, opposite to my residence, came to my recollection. They were planted at the end of the seventeenth century or very early in the last, and form a portion of a grand avenue. This park, although not extensive, once possessed four avenues — one of Ulmus glabra, one of Oaks now seven centuries old, one of Limes, and one of Ulmus eampestris, the latter two planted at the same period as that of Ulmus glabra. About the year 1780 that avenue-destroyer " Capability Brown," then in great fashion, was called in to improve the park. His improvement, as usual with him, consisted in destroying three of the avenues, forming the trees into clump3, planting clumps of mixed trees in the park, and making a belt nearly round it. An idea occurred to me that these old specimens of Ulmus glabra much resembled in their habit the Scotch Elm, Ulmus montana ; and so to-day I refreshed my memory by a close examination of them, and I found them, as compared with Ulmus eampestris, to be of less altitude, and inclined to throw out horizontal arms of enor- mous size, near the ground ; one, in bulk a good-sized tree, only 7 feet from the ground, measuring 45 feet from the bole. In appearance they much resemble the Scotch Elm, which in this part of the country is a spreading tree rarely attaining any considerable height. The young shoots of this kind of Ulmus glabra have a reddish tinge, thus differing from those of the Scotch Elm, which are grey. The most remarkable character- istic is, however, its foliage, which is equal in volume to that of the Scotch Elm, but perfectly glabrous. This sort bears seeds in abundance. The trees are now loaded with blossom buds. It is, however, curious to note that seedlings raised from these very old trees do not reproduce the variety, but at once diverge into varieties with comparatively narrow leaves, and in habit exactly resemble our common hedge Elms, the Smooth- leaved Wych. These old and very remarkable Elms lead one 103 JOUHKAL OF HOttTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. [ March 3, 1870. to Darwinism, for it would Beem as if they are bat a very early remove from L'lmiu montana, which after all is, I believe, the parent of all our EIm3, although many of them, like " Ulmca cornubieneis," are as far removed from it as the pouter from the rook pigeon. — Tnos. Kiverb. Youn correspondent " G. N.," in his note upon this subject, has fallen into one or two errors which I shall be glad if you will allow me to correct. No " argument '' on the matter of the Elm producing seed has appeared in " Science GosBip." Mrs. Watney Bpoke of it as occurring with its " foliage and fruit in perfection," at a time when Foxgloves and other sum- mer flowers were in blossom ; and Mr. Holland corrected her by drawing attention to the fact, that " the membranous seeds usually drop off and strew the ground just about the time that the leaves aro opening — that is, in April or Hay." Why my name twice rigures in " G. N.'s " notice I am at a loss to imagine, as I have not wi-itten in " Science Gossip," or else- where, a tingle word on the subject, and on carefully reading Mr. Holland's note, I am unable to find the sentence which " G. N." places in inverted commas — " and very seldom show any sitms of fruiting at all." He says, " The fruit seldom, if ever, does come to perfection in this country;" and that he has never seen it "in perfection ;" but the remark which " G. N." would lead us to suppose is a quotation, does not appear in Mr. Holland's note. The questions at issue are simply these : — 1st. Is the Elm "in perfection" of "foliage and fruit " at the same time > '2nd. Is that time the month of June, or there- abouts?— James Britten, Royal Herbarium, Kew. PORTRAITS OF PLANTS, FLOWERS, and FRUITS. MoNOLENArr.iHUL.ErLOKA (Primrose-flow6redMonolena). Nat. ord., Melaitomicea?. Linn., Decandria Monogynia. — In gardens this beautiful stove plant is usually called Bertolonia primula- flora. It is a native of New Grenada. Flowers pink; under aide of leaves plam-coloured. — {Bot. Mag., t. 5818.) Delphinium nudicaole (Naked-stemmed Larkspur). Nat. ord., Einunculaceaa. Linn., Polyandria Trigynia. — Hardy perennial. Native of California. Introduced by Mr. Thomp- son, of Ipswich. Flowers scarlet and yellow. — {Ibid., t. 5819.) Hota acstealis (Australian Hoya). Nat. ord., Apocynaceas. Linn., G.ynandria Pentandria. — Introduced by Messrs. Back- house. Flowers white. — (Ibid., t. 5820.) Cukccha petiolata (Long-petioled Curcuma). Nat. ord., Seitaminacese. Linn., Monandria Monogynia. — Native of the Pegu and Martaban forests. Flowers yellowish green, lip pink. —(Ibid., t. 5821.) Enkyakthus jafonicus (Japanese Enkyanthus). Nat. ord., Ericaceae. Linn., Decandria Monogynia. — Introduced by Messrs. Standish, from Japan. Flowers white ; but most beautiful in autumn, when its leaves become bright orange. — (Ibid., t. 5822.) Solanum yencstum (Graceful Solanam). Nat. ord., Solan- acea?. Linn., Pentandria Monogynia. — A slender stove climber, probably a native of southern Brazil. Flowers pale lilac, in long drooping panicles. — (Ibid., t. 5823). Oncidium vaf.icosum var. Bogebsii. — "Few species of the grand genus Oncidium have yet been met with of a more showy and ornamental character than that which we now figure, from a fine specimen which bloomed last autumn in the collection of the Messrs. Veitch & Sons, of Chelsea. The flowers, indeed, are quite equal in size and beauty to those of 0. Marshallianum and 0. pectorale, while in brilliancy of colour they far surpass those of 0. macrauthura. The plant was introduced into this country by Dr. Bogers, of East Grinstead, after whom it has been named ; and was exhibited by him for the first time when j'lBt going out of flower in November, 1868. Both 0. varicosum and the variety under notice are natives of Brazil, the latter uiffeiiug from the former chiefly in the Iargersize of its flowers, and in the fewer crests developed on the disk. It is one of the more ornamental of its race, and all the more valuable for its habit of flowering during the late autumnal months. " The hab't of the plant resembles that of 0. bifolium. The jweudobulbs are of a long ovate form, and somewhat compressed :iod ribbed; they support a pair of ligulate-lanceolate acute leaves, while from their base proceeds an ample branched . , panicle of large yellow flowers. The sepals and petals are 1ui'e small, pale greenish-yellow, marked with brown bar3. The lip i3 lar,.;e, much crested at the base, where it is mottled with reddish brown ; it is furnished with rounded basal lobes, and has a large reniform middle lobe, which is upwards of 2 incheB across, divided into four lobules, and of 'he purest and brightest yellow. The panicles attain about a couple of feet in length, are much branched, and bear sometimes as many as 170 flowers. Like 0. varicosum itself, this is one of the finest Oneida we have in cultivation. In gardens it bears the name of Oncidium Bogersii, but Professor Beichenbach is, no doubt, quite correct in referring it to O. varicosum, the four-lobed front portion of the lip affording an unmistakable characteristic. " Being a native of Brazil, it should be cultivated in the Cattleya house ; it grows freely when suspended in a baBket near the roof ; and sphagnum, peat, and charcoal form a suit- able compost for it."— (Florist and Pomologist, 3. s., iii., 25.) WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN OABDEN. Attend to the due preparation of the ground to be used for the main crops of vegetables. Give all Asparagus beds a Blight salting ; this should b9 done after soiling ; the rains will carry the salt down. In dry weather let the Carrot and other ground which has been ridged-up all the winter, be levelled ready for sowing. Let the time be ruled more by the state of the soil than by the day of the month. About the second week in March is an excellent time to aow the main crop of Onions. The ground being prepared, it is marked out into beds 42 inches wide, with 15-inch alleys. Before the seed is sown, the beds are raised by soil from the alleys 9 inches above the ordinary ground level. When they have beccme very dry indeed, the seed is sown and trodden twice over by the feet until the beds appear a3 hard as the gravel walk. A very thin coating of soil is then strewed evenly over the whole, and finally the roller is passed over the bed. When the Onions are fairly up, they are weeded at two different operations, not a weed being left at the last one, and they are thinned out also at two distinct periods, leaving them finally about 3 or 4 inches apart. The hoe is never used, as hoeing, by looBening the surface, exposes the Onions to every storm, and if luxuriant throws them pro- strate on the surface. The narrowness of the beds enables the operator to weed clean with facility, and without injuring the plants. Sowings on well-situated beds may be made of Green Kale, Savoys, Brussels Sprouts, Chou de Milan, Broccoli, early Cabbages, a small quantity of Cauliflowers. Leeks, and early Dutch Turnips. Make frequent sowings of Lettuces, Badishcs, Horn Carrots, and Mustard and Cress. It is a good rule to sow successions of these when the last sowing is fairly above ground. Cover with litter in frosty weather all early slopes of Badishes, Lettuces, and early Peas. The last-named should be staked and well attended to. Fir or Tew branches put on the outside of the stakes will shelter them from withering winds, which are more to be dreaded than frost. Sow more Broad Beans, and a succession of Peas ; there are no varieties better adapted for general purposes than Blue Prussian, and Knight's Dwarf Marrow Peas. It is an excellent plan to bow them widely apart, with other vegetables between. FBUIT OABDEN. Bring pruning to a close immediately ; root-prune over-luxu- riant trees, allowing about a foot to every inch of diameter at the base of the trunk — that is to say, for a tree of 4 inches in diameter open a trench 4 feet off, and so on. Cover Apricots and Peaches forthwith. Uncover Fig trees, but do not prune them until they begin to swell. Prune and nail Vines without delay, stopping the fresh cuts with white lead. FLOWED OABDEN. All grass lawns should now have a thorough rolling, and all turfing repairs must be completed. Where it is absolutely necessary to edge lines of walks let it be done now, and as soon as accomplished run the heavy roller several times up and down the edge to soften the cut line. All edgings should, if possible, have a slight inclination towards the walk, and they should only be fresh cut in consequence of irregularities in the line. Highly-kept lawns should have a slight mowing just after rolling. The coverings must be removed forthwith from all half-hardy plants, climbers, Boses, i-c. ; also, all coverings of sawdust and heavy mulchings from Fuchsias and other tender plants. Do not remove the latter entirely; leave a little to protect the half-blanched buds. If the Auriculas aro not already top-dressed it should immediately be done; care, however, must be takeD not to injure the surface roots when removiug the soil. Though most florists are conversant with the operation, still to the amateur (for whom these obser- March 3, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COITAGE GARDENER. 167 vations aro particularly made), a short description may be acceptable. With a blunt stick carefully loosen the soil to about the depth of three-quarters of- an inch, avoiding any injury to the collar of the plant. Having removed this, re- place it with Eom3 compost of per/ectly decomposed cow manure or horse manure, mixed with leaf soil. No soil should be allowed to drop between the leaves. After having filled the pots to the required height, give the plants a slight watering to settle the Roil, and place them in their situation for blooming. Cover the Tulip beds with large-meshed nets ; when too small the plants are apt to be drawn, which should be avoided. Beds of Pansies are best made in the autumn, but where plants have been kept in pots during the winter months, they may now be planted with their bulbs entire on richly-prepared beds. Pinks ought now to be carefully gone over, the surface soil slightly forked over, and a top-dressing similar in its com- position as that fibove recommended for Auriculas should be put over the bed to the depth of half an inch. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Poinsettias done fljwering should be removed to other houses at work, to make new wood from which cuttings may be struck. The Euphorbia jdcqiiniseflcra, too, may be removed to heat, but not pruned, if cuttings be an object ; they will break better without pruning, being liable to bieed. The routine in the conservatory will 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 cf atmospheric moisture without drip. Those who follow up the cultivation of Pelar- goniums in the mixed greenhouse, should have their plants duly attended to in regard to staking out, &c. They will bear shifting the moment the blosscm bud is formed in the ter- minal point. Water very moderately after shifting, while the pot is half full of roots ; those not yet shifted will now take water freely. Tender annuals, as Balsams, Cockscombs, &c, should now be sown ; they will come up better, however, in a frame with a slight heat. Make al! the cuttings possible of choice Verbenas, Fuchsias, Petunias, and other popular and gay flowers. This is a good time to start Leschenaultias of kinds, giving them a liberal shift into decayed turfy peat and sand, to which, if it is not rich, some good leaf mould may be added. Boronias delight in a similar soil. Keep the house close for a week or two until the plants indicate new growth, and then the air must be admitted mere freely. STOVE. Posh forward Clerodendrons, Stephanotis, and Allamandas, as briskly as possible, but do not be in a hurry to train them. Pot-ofi Achimenes, and any seedling plants which are suffi- ciently large, and start a fresh lot of Achimenes, Gloxinias, &c, to form the second succession. Stimulate the young growing plants as much as possible, consistently with the state of the weather, and while you give plenty of air, at all times guard against sudden change3 and cold cutting winds. Orchids will now be budding fast. Beware of drip lodging in the young buds ; when suspicion exists as to danger in this respect, it is sometimes well to remove some of the old coating which sur- rounds the bud, by which means a free circulation of air is established. 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 mid- day, after which period the air should be gradually withdrawn, and atmospheric moisture renewed. This treatment will be found to suit the majority of stove plants, as well as Orchids. FOBCINO PIT. Introduce fresh plants for succession as fast as others are removed to the conservatory. Pinks which have trussed up will be better in a milder heat, and Lily of the Valley should be removed to a lower temperature a3 soon as the first flowers are open. Keep a brisk growing temperature, with plenty of air and moiiture in clear weather, and avoid crowding your plants. COLD PLANT PITS. Fuchsias, Calceolarias, Petunias, Verbenas, Iko., intended for an early display, should be removed from hence to a warmer atmosphere, and liberally . watered, shifting those which require it. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. Protccti< p. — We have alluded to this lately, and now again to reassure the timid. In the severe weather we did not un- cover Calceolarias for a week, and they looked as green as if they had been deprived of light for only a dozen hours. It was the same with Cauliflowers. Potatoes which had only a little heat below them were covered up during the four coldest days. Toung Cucumbers, where a good heat could be given, were covered up in two of the darkest snowy days — that is, forty-eight hours, or, perhaps, nearer sixty hours in all. In their case we should have expected a yellow tinge in the foliage if we had kept them covered up longer. Even as it was, it would have been as well ii the glass had been half exposed each of the cold, dark days. With heat to encourage extension, wo should expect weakly growth if the plants did not have light, but on those two days the light was hardly equal to an ordino _-y twilight. The wind, too, was very trying, and as the covering was properly secured we knew there would be a diffi- culty ia putting it well on again. In such a case we allowed the thermometer to fall several degrees lower than we would have dine in light. We mention these facts, as some of our reader i are quite nonplussed about the time that protection or covering may remain over glass in severe weather. The plants will be safe when thus covered up frcm the light, just in pro- portion as, from cold, they have no stimulus to grow or elongate. Even in the case of a Cucumber plant with a suitable high tem- perature, it may be often wise to keep the glass protected in a dark, stormy, very cold day, instead of exposing all the glass ; but this should not be done often, as for consolidating growth light must ever be proportioned to heat. On uncovering we found nothing injured, except a few young bedding Pelargoniums at one corner of a frame for a space of about 15 square inches. The back had here swelled out from the ends, leaving a short opening about 1 inch wide, and at that opening the frosty air had entered. There was a slight heat from the old bed, otherwise the frost would have extended farther, thus showing the importance of attending to the out- sides cf pits and frames in severe frosts, as well as covering the glass. When half-hardy plants have been long covered up it is as well not to expose them at once to direct sunshine, but to give full light by degrees. This is still more necessary if the plants are at all frosted. In this case it is well to let all the covering thaw before removing it, thu3 allowing the plants inside to recover in partial shade before being exposed to the light. We once had a frame of young Calceolarias, standing li inch apart, that had their foliage stiff, and the soil crusted. They were kept covered two days after the thaw, and twelve hours after it set in they were syringed with cold water, and did not have full light for three cr four days. Not one was eventually injured, and no plants could have succeeded better than they did ; but still we would rather let them get near the freezing- point without being frozen. Have our readers thought and wondered over the penetrating powers of a mild balmy air, when a rapid thaw succeeds a severe frost ? Frost is a terrible tyrant, but the thaw is a more powerful king. We stop not now to dwell upon the causes, but such facts as the following may be observed every winter, as to the pewer and rapidity of action of warm as con- trasted with cold air. Let us take just one illustrative in- stance. Here is a cold pit that, as the frost is likely to con- tinue, we wish to be safe with little trouble. We allow the place to get so cool that one-half or more of the glass becomes crusted with the frost before we cover it up. However keen the air, a thin layer of litter will prevent the rest of the glass being crusted over. If the frost become still more intense, a tittle more litter added, or even the shaking and turning of the liiter there, will baffle its efforts to reach and freeze the glass still untouched, except in keen winds ; even then a Blight covering does much to baffle it, as the frost seems obliged to do its work very gradually, and along the straight lines of conduction and radiation, and whenever these lines are broken the frost has to begin its work again at the surface. When there is a gentle thaw, with the air at from 35° to 40", how quickly will the glass that was frosted be thawed beneath all the covering, and how soon, too, that covering, though hard a few hours before, will become soft and limp ! We may manage to keep out ircat; we are next to powerless to keep out warmth ; we can only moderate it by shale, and usiDg non- radiating, nonconducting materials. We might illustrate this by facts of everyday life, but we shall merely allude to one instance in connection with our subject that impressed u« much at the time — years ago. We had covered up a cold pit with litter. The frost so increased in severity lhat we thought of adding more litter, but a eudden fall of snow of fome 3 inches in den'h saved us all trouble in this dirtction, and the pit was 168 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. I March 8, 1870. so covered for a fortnight more. The thaw set in with a slight drizzle, which consolidated rather than melted the snow. The warmer air had but little effect on the surface of this glass- like iced snow, but in a very short time, though not averaging above 38°, it penetrated to the whole of the covering and glass beneath the snow, and melted the snow itself from beneath, leaving a cake of ice on the surface for days after the thaw had obtained the mastery beneath it. This was just one instance out of many that warm air will find its way where cold air could be kept oat. Pits ami Frames. — We would like to say a few words to several correspondents who want a little advice about pits and frames, that they may be able to act on it this month. " A " is to make a brick pit, 6 feet wide, 4i feet deep at back, and 3j feet in front, half of the height to be under the ground level. He wishes to grow Cucumbers and Melons in summer, with a little dung for bottom heat, no other heat, and keep bedding plants above the old bed in winter. For summer work there will not be room for more than 2 feet of dung on the level, and it would be of little use turning out the plants before the end of May, even though the glass was covered at night. We have kept plants in such a bed with protection in winter, but it is peculiarly liable to damp. It would be much better, in building the pit, to leave a ledge of brick — say 2 inches wide, all round inside at 2J feet from the bottom, so that you could lay boards across from side to side for receiving all the dwarfer plants after the soil and dung were removed. With careful watering, plants could be better kept on the boards with air beneath them, than set on ashes, &c, on the top of the soil of a bed. In answer to " B," we would say that going down to secure warmth where no artificial heat is given is generally a mistake, as, though more warmth is thus secured, there is more liability to damping and the spread of fungus in winter. " C " says he can have a pit 2 feet above the ground at the back and 14 inches in front ; width not much more than 5 feet. He only wants to keep cuttings and low and small plants, and wishes to know how much he should sink. We say none at all. We would make the inside as hard as we could with con- crete, and would like to finish with a washing of cement to keep damp from rising, and the inside surface we should prefer to be 2 or 3 inches above the surrounding level. We would have a small hole in the wall at every 2 or 3 feet to let moisture out, especially in summer, for with careful watering there would be none to come out in winter. " D " is in great straits because he can obtain no bricks, but he can have Larch or Scotch Fir boards 2 inches thick if he will have them sawn. Well, we would not grumble in such a case. If well, or even if roughly put together, the boards would be as serviceable as a brick pit, and the putter of them up would have to live long to see the end of them. In such a case we would have a raised platform of concrete, with the ground sloping from it ou both sides, and we would give the bottom of the boards resting on the concrete a good coat of pitch. If we didnot pitch we would anticorrosion-paintthe inside when well seasoned ; and if we did not wish to use the place for some months in summer we would tar the outside when well sea- soned, but by no means when the wood was green. We should feel ourselves as secure with these boards as with a brick wall. We met once with a case where there were plenty of thinnings of young Larch trees, and where even sawing might be an object. These young trees, about 3i inches in diinieter, were cut into the requisite lengths, a small trench taken out, the pieces put in wide end and narrow end alternately, and a some- what thick rail put along the top for a wall plate; the plan answered very well as a neat makeshift, and admirably for Hardening-off bedding plants in spring. The Larch thinnings would have lasted better and looked better if peeled. A double row of such stakes, with moss and sawdust stuffed between them, would make a good pit where it would not be worth while to use the thinnings for rails or small props. " E " finds he cannot have paint, finds his plants damp much in his pits and frames, and wishes to know if he could not use tar for paint inside and on the ground, to keep the damp from rising. No, not by any means inside of a place where plants are kept until every scent of the tar has gone. Did we intend to have a frame or a pit above ground next autumn, then we would have no hesitation in making a raised platform now some inches above the surrounding level, and making the ascent of moisture next to impossible by a coating of tar and gravel, as, if that stood exposed during summer, it would be deprived of its noxious taint before being wanted in winter, and the same might be said as to painting with tar in- side. But even as respects the latter we have some doubt, as when heat iB applied, as even a strong heat from the sun, it is long before tar becomes insensible to it. We should have no hesitation in using pitch, as that is comparatively inodorous. With boards well seasoned, limewash coloured to suit, tends to preserve them. Bear in mind, however, that everything you coat a board with, if the board is not dry and seasoned, will only hasten its decay. We once noticed a lot of gates made at the same time, and of similar material. Some were never painted, and could sport a few lichens as drapery in fifteen years, but beneath the mossy exterior were quite sound, whilst many of those painted at once when green were rotten before they were twelve year3 old. " F." is in great perplexity whether to have a pit or a small lean-to house, as he has a wall 10 feet high. Why should he be perplexed ? A lean-to house under such circumstances, with a fixed roof, would cost much less than a pit with move- able sashes, and then with a little stove of brick or iron, he can keep out frost and damp without mats or litter, and whenever disposed, and especially in bad weather, he can walk inside and give what treatment is necessary to his favourites. The very quantity of air contained in, and light admitted into snch a house, renders the management easier and more agree- able. See answers to correspondents, pages 113 and 114. FECIT GABDEN. Proceeded with pruning, and in the case of bush trees, whitening after pruning, the birds going more to a pruned tree than an nnpruned one. We are just waiting for an oppor- tunity of fresh surfacing and watering orchard house trees, at least partially, but we should like the water to be a little | warmer. We have had a few fine days for Peaches, and Strawberry plants in bloom, or coming in. We have had only j one drawback as respects Strawberries this season as yet, and that is the number of plants that have had their crowns nipped out by mice, and especially grass mice, which are be- coming alarmingly abundant. No bait or trap seems to be of | any use, and they seem to care nothing for green food when laid down for them. Small snares in their runs might answer, but snares, though small, would be objectionable. Where they become so numerous as to be troublesome in pleasure grounds, we have little faith in getting rid of them except by encouraging some colonies of owls, as their natural enemies, or allowing cats to have unmolested nocturnal rambles. The number of mice that a few barn owls will nip up would never be believed by any who had not examined their nests, &c, but a score of Watertons, however versed in the natural history of the owl, would never convince a gamekeeper that the owl was not one of his worst enemies, and therefore to be destroyed without mercy. It is true that our boyish recollections force us to own that at times the owl will pounce on a young bird, but those the gamekeeper cares about, are generally when small under the protection of the parent bird at night, and it is rarely that the owl goes abroad during the day, while there can be no doubt that mice, when to be had, form the bulk of his food. We could not say as much for cats at large. If any of our numerous readers can tell how to get rid of these grass mice, he will confer a great benefit on many. OEX.UIEOTAL nEPAETMEHT. We have suffered also in this department. The Czar and the Neapolitan Violet under glass have been monopolised by the teeth of mice. Scarcely a flower-bud of any size has been left ; and though blooms have been dissected, and spread all over the ground, little if anything of the buds seems to have been eaten, so that the destruction has been for mischief, unless the mice obtain something sweet in the scent. They seem to get in when tho places are open, and take themselves off, or hide themselves, when they do the mischief. In this case we mean to water with something unpleasant, even though the aroma of the flowers should suffer at first in consequence. Tulips coming through the ground need protection from cold searching winds, and the spring planting of Ranunculuses and Anemones should be proceeded with as soon as the weather will permit. Pinks and Carnations need looking over ; our. greatest enemies are mice. For Calceolarias, etc., in cold pits, give all the air possible now to keep them sturdy. Water- ing must ke eirefally given to all plants where no artificial heat is afforded. We are delaying thinning bedding plants, as at present we are so scarce of room. In a week or two we may expect more settled weather, and then orchard houses and earth pits must come in as our helps. We potted what we could of Pelargoniums, See., and commenced with Fuchsias, in tho March 3, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 169 case of old plants shaking all the earth from the roots and soaking them in clean water a few minutes before repotting. This cleans the roots, and prevents the necessity of much water- ing at first. We have commenced overhauling Ferns, using for all potting purposes soil that is well aired, and warmed in shed6 where there are stokeholes. Many plants suffer from being potted in cold soil. All watering, even in greenhouses, should be done with water slightly warmed — say nearly 60°. In stove houses the water should be from 75° to 80°. More air may now be given to the conservatory and greenhouse, and especially at the top. Blooming Epacrises, Heaths, &c, and even bulbs, should not have direct front air on them in cold days. We find that the great fault of common waterers is, that they send the water too much to the centre of the pot, instead of allowing it to percolate through from the outsides of the ball. This injures many hardwooded plants, as Epacrises and Heaths, as the collars of the plants are injured by the damp, and many a fiue plant of single and double Primula has thus been irretrievably injured in dull, damp weather. When the collar of the plant 13 wetted and kept wet in dull weather, rottenness and gangrene are almost sure to ensue. A lady used to beat us with Chinese Primulas in her windows. They were gems to attract every passer-by. She used to laugh and tell us she acted on the advice we gave, which it seems we could not act on ourselves — namely, to sail the outside of the ball all round, so as to moisten the roots, but to leave the collar of the plant dry. The same rule holds good as respects early Strawberries in pots. Watering overhead in dull weather often rots the flower-bud, and destroys the flower-truss. As the sun gains strength, we gave weak manure water to Camellias and Azaleas, and as respects the first nearly finished blooming, we shall move them where their growth can be encouraged. The only secret for having Camellias early in winter i3 not to force them, but rather to let them come in in a »ather low temperature, but to help growth and the early setting of the buds in spring and early in summer. Thus treated nothing is so obedient to the wish of the gardener as the Camellia. We may say almost as much of the beautiful varieties of the Indian Azalea, only they will stand a little forcing ; but they will only do this when growth and bud- setting are accomplished early. We have known cases in which gardeners with their one greenhouse, or the help of a little pit, were blamed because they could not equal the splendid Azaleas exhibited early by Messrs. Veiteh and Mr. Turner, but it would never pay to show such plants, except for the orders they help to bring. The secret of this early blooming is just this, clearing the plants of their blooms as soon as possible, and placing them in a light house where growth may be encouraged quickly by giving them the heat and atmo- spheric moisture that would suit a house of Orchids, and giving more air and dryness of atmosphere when it is desirable to set the buds. The gentleman who cannot afford or give similar means, must not expect similar results. In this respect the Camellia is more under command. A man with one house, by keeping his plants at one end, by damping, syringing, and little air, may insure early growth, and this is the first essential to early bloomiDg. Could we have our way, either with plants in pots or planted out in houses, we feel we should have little difficulty with Camellias, and where there are ladies to please, what is moie useful in winter and spring ? Even in a single house, and with Vines on the rafters, what a fund of enjoyment may be realised even from a few plants in winter and spring, such as Camellias, Epacrises, Cytisuses, Daphnes, Primulas, Cinerarias, and Violets. We have been putting in a good many cuttings, and every- thing strikes best eow in a little bottom heat. If under glasses, or such little boxes, covered with a square of glass, as lately described, all the more readily will the cuttings strike if rightly attended to ; but much of our propagating is done in the open bed under glass, and so long as a distance of 18 inches or so from the glass, and a slight skiff from the syringe, keep them from flagging we do not shade, as all shading tends to elon- gate the' cutting without hastening its rooting. By covering with glass you may have the rooting in half the time, but the plants thus obtained want more hardening off afterwards. The great secret of striking quickly is never to let the cutting feel more than is absolutely necessary the check of its severance from the mother plant. Hence, except in special cases, no cutting if it can be avoided should ever flag, either before or after being inserted. A moist atmosphere or a dewing from the syringe will often prevent that and render shading unnecessary. We have sowu many flower seeds intended for the flower garden — as Lobelia, Perilla, &c. ; and for pot plants, as com- mon Cockscomb, feathered Cockscomb, See. All these will be benefited by bottom heat. The soil in all cases should be sweet and well exposed to the air. The only thing particular is to have the soil fine and moist for all dust-like seeds as of Lobelia, Calceolaria, &c. ; give merely a sprinkling of fine sand, press down, cover the pot with a square of glass, and shade. We often dispense with the glass, place the pots close together, and cover with a double thickness of newspaper before the seedlings make their appearance. We do not now state how the pots should be prepared, cleaned, moistened, drained, sup- plied with soil from rough to very fine, as that has frequently been done, but we would merely remark, that if these matters are attended to, we should never hear the twentieth part of the blame that is thrown on nurserymen for sending out bad seeds. Unfortunately the habit, though a bad one, is easily learned of trying to throw the blame from ourselves on some- one else. For early-blooming, Cinerarias, and more especially Chinese Primulas, should be sown early in March. The seeds of the latter are alwayB expensive if good, and those who have good-coloured varieties should bo reminded that they will have little chance of obtaining seed, unless they take the trouble of artificially assisting the flowers in the usual way, by bringing the anthers into juxtaposition with the pistils when both are ripe for the operation. — R. F. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS In the Suburbs of London lor the week ending March 1st. BABOMETER. rHEBM Wind Date. Air. Earth. Rain. Max. Min. Max. Min. lit. 2 ft. Wed. .. 23 29.53s 29.150 42 32 37 35 S.W. .00 Thnrs. . 21 2.1.471 29.434 50 19 40 36 w. .00 Fri. ... 25 29.51-8 29.38 i 47 32 37 37 S.W. .00 Sat. ... 26 29.541 29.427 51 29 41 S7 w. .00 Sun. . . 27 29.533 29.352 54 89 42 87 S. .00 Mon. . . 28 29516 2M.440 55 45 45 38 s. .00 Tues. . 1 29.606 29.528 55 49 46 40 s. .14 Mean.. 29.553 29.430 50.57 85.00 41.14 37.14 0.14 23.— Overcast ; cloudy but fine ; densely overcast. 24.— Overcast ; fine ; clear and fine at night. 25.— Clear and frosty; very fine, fine, very mild. 26.— Very fine ; cloudy but fine ; overcast. 27. — Fine but cloudy ; fine ; clear and fine. 28. — Overcast ; densely overcast ; clear. 1. — Boisterous ; densely overcast ; rain at night. TRADE CATALOGUE RECEIVED. J. Carter & Co., 237 and 238, High Holborn, London, W.C.— Carter s Practical Garden' r, Fourth Edition. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *** We request that no one will write privately to any of the correspondents 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^ dc, 171, Fleet Street, London, E.G. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them an- swered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. N.B. — Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. Books (Wimblctu}iia>i).—The book is out of print. A better and fuller one will be published before long. TJvedale's St. Germain Pear (F. Sooden).—The Belle An^evine, if true, as is that exposed for sale by Mr. Solomons, is the same as Uvedale's St. Germain. It has more than twenty other synonymes, which you will find detailed in Hogg's ** Fruit Manual." You may have a Pear wrongly named. Hyacinths and Narcissuses after Flowering (D. E. N.).—lf Hya- cinths and Narcissuses are left in the pots in which they have bloomed they will not be any better thaa were they taken out when the foliage 170 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March 3, 1870. decavo anil kept in a cool dry place until autumn, when they may navetho offiieta removed and be potted. They will flower the second year, but will not be nearly 80 good aB this year; indeed, we think it moth better to plant thein oat in the borders and purchase fresh roots for pot culture. SlLSAFY AND Scorzonera Culture (D. I).).— Sow about the middle of \nril in (rood riob soil, bat not in newly manured ground, and have it well and deeply dw, and the lumps broken and made tine. The rows may ho 1 foot apart, and the plants thinned out to 6 mcbeB distance in mo rows Birds arc very fond of the seeds, therefore scare tbem away, or cove; with nets if the seeds are likely to bo taken. All the treatment r.-ouirod is to hoc the ground between the rows, and keep clear of weeds. In O-tobsr the roots should be taken up and stored in sr.nd like Uarro s and Beetroot, in a cool place. A light 6 feet long and 3 I leet wide will re., uire 16 superficial feet of glass, less the sr.shbars and top, bottom, and side rails; but the laps of the squares make up for that, so ;hat it is nsnal to measure over and include all woodwork in measuring glazing. Wallflowers in a Conservatory (A Ladu in Clt. ,;.irc i.-The seed ou»bt to bo sown in March in pans, and be placed in a gentle teat until the1 plants are up ; then place these near the glass in a cold frame, and when they become large enough to handle prick them off in an open Situation in the open ground in good rich soil, shading and watering for a time until established The plants should be taken up w.th balls and potted in -f-inch pots early in July, and have the pots plunged in coal ashes, shading from nri put sun u ntil established and in A ugust thej 'should have 6-inch pots, and he placed in a warm situation, supplying them well with water up to October, when they should be removed to a cool airy hoi ' beplaced nearthe glass. They will bloom at the time required, the'forwardest r'.ants I.eiuzplsc. -1 in gentle heat, or in a house ^om which frost is excluded, early in November. Yen will find full particu.ars of the forcing o! Lily of the Valley for Christmas blocmmg m last volume pace 498 No. 456, of this Journal. Of Violets we can add but little to what has been stated in the late volumes, and we could not answer your ques- tion without going through the whole of Violet cu.ture, which we shail do at no distant date. Date stones or seed may be sown m sandy soil, and be placed in a hotbed of not less than 85r or 9)c ; in the course cf three mouths they may germinate, and may be removed to the stove, and be potted in a compost c: fandv rout and a little loam, and grown tDe same as other Palms. See answerto another correspondent in No. 463, page 113. Zonal Pelargoniums foe Winter Flowering (7<2;m).-Clipper, Pre- sident Lincoln, and Scarlet Globe are good. See answer to another cor- respondent, page 133 of the present volume. Tulips not Rooting (W.E.).— We are unable to account iortbetnlbs not rooting, but think the bases of the bulbs have been gnawed or eaten off by m:ce or otherwise injnred. We have known the bulbs go off alto- gether, but vours seem to have grown, and how they could grow to a blooming state without roots is to us inexplicable. Destroying Woodlice and Green Fly (Ntmee).— Sulphur will not kill woodlice nor hellebore powder ; but you may trap a great many by niacin" in a Email flower pot a boiled potato wrapped in a little hay, layino'it on its side near their hauute, and in the morning shaking out the woodlice into a bucket of boiling water. A number of such baits will soon thin the woodlice. For green aphis on Cinerarias fumigate the house with tobacco, or dust the plantB with tobacco powder. Liquid Manure foe Robes (Idem\— We advise liquid manure to be given P.oses in pots when the buds show, and up to the flowers expanding. The liquid manure ought not to be strong ; one peck of cowdung to twenty gallons of water, or one ounce of guano to a gallon of water are good. Fowls Scratching Beds (An Amateur).— Nothing that we know will keep fowls from scratching beyond putt ingtkem in boots, which is ruinous to them. Salt would not prevent their scratching, or, if it would, it would be injurious to the plants if aprlied in quantity. Wire netting, we think, will be the only mode of keeping them from the beds. Clearing Asparagus Eeds (Idem).— Early this month you may clear the bed of the loose litter and fork the surface neatly, making it fine, but not going so deep as to injure the roots or crowns, and you may then give a dressing of 1 to li lb. of salt per square yard. 8owtng Melons (Idem).— You will gain nothing by sowing the seed early in March, growing in brisk teat, shifting into large pots, and planting out in June ; for the plants will no doubt become stcnted and make but poor progress after planting out. We should sow early in April. and by growing on you will have strong plants for planting out in June. Protecting Peach Trees (B.P.).— A double thickness of garden net- ting, say three-quarter-inch mesh, is good protection for Peach and Apricot blossom, but not equal to Beech branches with the leaves on. We should use both— i e., the netting permanently at night and on cold davs until danger from frost is past, removing it by day in mild bright weather, and have the Beech branches in readiness in case of severe frcst It would not do the treeB good to give them an engine-washing •with soapsuds after the trees are nailed if the buds have begun to swell, but on the contrary it would injure the buds, especially if the soapsuds are 'from a laundry ; snch hold soda in solution very often in no limited quantity. You can have " Bee-keeping " from our ofiice post free for five postage stamps. Camellias Unhealthy (J. A. r.).— You can do nothing with unhealthy plants that are potbound but repot them. That we advise to be d me as soon as the flowering is over, removing all the old soil and washing the roots clean. Pot in a compost of turf taken from a pasture where the soil is a light sandy loam, and pared off not more than 1} inch thick. Tear it in pieces with the hand, and make it rather small, using it in its fresh 'ougu state, being c ireful in potting, and making a firm surface with the finer portions of soil. Drain the pots well, and you need not use potB lar'-er than sufficient to hold the roots comfortably. Shade from bright sun for a time, and keep moist, and in a temperature of 50 .o 5j at night, being careful to keep the soil moist, and when the plants are growing' freely copious supplies of water will be required. Books— Conservatory Floor (DeVa).— We know of no specific work on Palms but only the hardiest would do well in a common conser- vator say with an average temperature of from 45 to 50". Most tropica Palms require a higher temperature. For the management of store and greenhouse plants we recommend Keane's " In-door Gardening, which you can have from our office fur twenty stamps. As the conservatory is to be on the first floor, we hardly know what would be best ti make a waterproof flooring for receiving Minton tiles; I but on « goun^floor wo would have suggested concreting, and then a lsjer cf Portlana or Rom n .cement. Toe tile merchants would be good advisers. Large S«,™ wooden boxen sunk in the floor woull do wel for growing p, „,: and other decorative plants, but the soil could only bo kept .healthy and sweot by the bottoms being drained so as to preye nt all s tagnant water 7/ithout this the watering could not be done too carefully, and vou could not easily know what condition the lower strata would be in. On the ground floor we would prefer brick pits to wooden bans. We may nit mention that for a small conservatory on the hrst floor, sup ported on wood, the floor might be made wi terproof by be. ng well covered with pitch, acd then the tiles set in sand and cement. A boiler ■„ . ,iire attention only once in twenty-four hours, would fe«n«e«obe of goSe-conical, self-feeding, or otherwise-then with plenty of fuel ana a full command cf the damper and air, combustion may be active or rnereiy the fire kept in. We could not honestly recommend any such , ,e it would always be attended with u Xsumnliot ° of mor? fuel than was generally necessary, and therefore objeSSnableon the score of economy. We have known large furnaces ?hat might have been managed even for forcing for the time stated .a rrrcat ease as respects stoking, but a vaBt loss as respects fuel. Some time' roc W€ • pass7d 1 one such furnace to a boiler in the evening, the ashpit door shut, the furnace door open, and the damper well in, and a hre seemingly large enough to have done the work for two or three days. Virions (A You.no G<2ri!riirr).-When you failed with your Mushrooms it was most lit lv from not keening them warm enough and recent re- marks ™ covering in "Doings of the Last Week" might be of service to you It is evident that the failure was not owing to the Mushroom spa7™ not running in the dung, as the dung seemed to I be, , and s ui s so full of it If you wish to save the Mushroom spawn, select that the lM.!vt run with threads like fine silk, and store it in a dry, airy, cool place. Weare °We doubtful whether your Cucumber bed did not prclueU. iSusnroorn spawn from its own dung and whether or "f • ™ f"^ see how vou had good gatherings of Mushrooms from it , but we tnmi. you wereyfortunatIin getting a rood fresh crop of Cucumbers afterwards from Taking that dung full of Mushroom spawn and mixing itwitJ a the STwloads oi old Mushroom dung, which we put in compos t to-day for Cucumbers, on carefully examining every spadeful . KB ead out we Picked out about hall a peck, which we would think sm.be for going m onnther Mushroom bed tut which we should not have liked to put in an eKlyCnctSnberbed ' We have had fine gatherings of Mushrooms from old CnSer and Melon beds, and for a quickly-gathered crop little mTurVwasTone to fhe Cucumbers ; hut when the Cucumbers were con- tinued until the Mushroom spawn began to take possession of the soil, we always judged that then the roots of the Cucumbers suffered. As stated above, foo may keep the best spawn. We cannot name ptents from bfts of llaves. Most of the catalogues, when price is not named, will be sent if you forward a stamp for postage. Purple Constants Grape (W. HM—The berries of Purple Con- stantia Grape should be of the same size, or nearly so, as those of the Roval Muscadine being three-quarters of an inch in diameter, the Black Hamburgh be tag fallvl inch. If small in size they make up in quantity, and Tim by us preferred to large berries. We have not found the seeds larger than in other Grapes. Nateow Vine Eorder (Cfcarnwood).-Tho inside border of 3, 1 eot . wdl on^e sufficient if from 24 to 30 inches deep and well drained below, and if vou can give rich top-dressings every year, and if the length of roof is not very great, say 11 or 12 feet. We have had heavy crops from Vines with no wider border, but they had some rich compost on the sur- face evTrv season If yon do not force the Vines, you could easily let hem go outside'bv lining some fair soil beneath the walk. Three or 4 iJcnefs of gravel ever ttJ soil would be ample, and the roots would run nicely beneath it. Strawberries in Pots (TT. Jlfi!l»).-The easiest ™y to manage the Oscar Strawberry plants now well rooted in 4- inch P° '-J?*1"6'0^ are9 ^ving SorTw.'S? tt%t£^&ttttS£Z SSSH» .arg^bou^=fi,» pots were filled with roots. The first mode is likely to be most sue cessfal. _ . „ . , Heatikg a Small Gbeshhodbe (J. II. G.).-Darmg the past, few coU? have a small flue in your pit, and one under the floor, t o act nd s- pendently of each other, as has several times been described of late aid were we to enter into all the details, we should only be saying the same thing over again. However, if you tell us exictly what you want, and we can do more, we will do so willingly. Testing Boilers at Paris (Anchor Iron Works).- We cannot give you any information. Yon had better write to the Secretary. Incrustation in Bollef.s and Hot-water Pipes (P. Boriow).- Sal ammoniac is not injurious to the iron. One ounce to every sixty gallons is the proportion used for preventing the incrustation. Briar Rose Stocks-Pea Supporters (r. -If. W.).-Yon might .bud the Briars in the summer. The twine you enclose is not thick enough for March 3, 1670. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 172 Pea supporters ; it should be lay-cord; the holes in the frames 9 inches apart. Your suggested forms would do, we think. Gardeners' Examinations {E. B.).—IS you write to Mr. Richard?, Assistant Secretary, Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington, he will send you printed particulars. Pea (A. R.).— Among the myriad of varieties the seed of a Pea must be very peculiar indeed fur anyone to tell from them its name. Yours are liie those of Champion of England. Reburrection Plant {E. X. R.).— This, the Rose of Jericho, or Anas- tatica hierochuntica, is an annual, requiring to be grown in a frame like a half-hardy annual in spring, and succeeds in light loam. What you have is not a living plant, but a dried specimen, which has the property of expanding in water, and assuming a life-like appearance for a time. In the " Cottage Gardeners' Dictionary," page 34, you will find the follow- ing statement :— " An annual plant, indigenous to the Egyptian deserts, and called the Rose of Jericho. When full grown it contracts its rigid branches into a round ball, and is then tossed about by the wind. When it alights on water, or on damp ground, the branches relax and open out, as if its life were renewed, hence its name of Resurrection Plant." Hyacinths after Flowering in Water (E. N. R.).— After flowering you may plant them out in an open border, but they are of little use, though we have seen them do tolerably well in borders after a year or two. It is usual to throw the bulbs away when the flowering is past. They are of no further use for growing in water or pota. Forcing Vines (A. 0.).— Now is a suitable time to apply fire heat for the house, so as to keep up a temperature of 40° at night for a fortnight; then advance it to 45°, and in the course of another fortnight to 5j", and have it from 55° to fil>- by the time the Vines are in leaf and showing for bloom. You may syringe them morning and evening until in leaf, and maintain a moist atmosphere bv sprinkling water over all suitable sur- faces two or three times during tbe day. The bleeding of the pot Vines in the greenhouse may be stopped if you dip the ends in a pan of boiling pitch, but this wilt destroy tho eye next to it if at all near. Hot sealiDg- wax will not injure the Vines, but it will not stop the bleeding. The " patent knotting " used by painters is the best composition we know for Stopping bleeding in Vines and similar subjects. Golden Colecses for Bedding (Idem).— Except for warm situations, these are not suitable for bedding purposes. We cannot name plants from leaves only; flowers are necessary, good specimens with fohage. Planting for Budding Manetti Stocks (Y--un:i Ro*arian).— Plant in rows 2 feet 6 inches apart, and 6 inches from each olber in the rows, and do not plant deeper than sufficient to cover the roots. In budding, put in the buds near the Boil, and when they have begun to grow you can cover up to them with soil. Conifers from Seed [Idem). — Sow thia month (March) in pans well drained, and filled to within half an inch of the rim with light sandy loam, placing the seeds evenly over the surface, and covering with fine soil. Water gently, and place tbe pans in a cold frame, or cover them with a hand-glass. Keep -the soil moist, but avoid making it very wet, and when the plants appear admit air freely, keeping tbem as cool as possible. In winter protect them from frost by a covering of mats, and in spring prick-off round the pots, putting about a dozen plants round the side of a 6-inch pot. Continue them in a cold frame for another year; then, after being well hardened-off, they may be planted out in lines 1 foot apart, allowing 6 incbes between the plants in the lines. Water them in dry weatber until they are again established. In two years they will be good plan's, requiring to be again transplanted. Allow them double the distance they had before, or they may be planted out where they are to remain. Hc?iea elegans Dying (A. B.). — We are unable to account for the plants dying off suddenly, and without apparent cause, especially as you have been hitherto successful. Perhaps it is owing to the soil, and we would advise you to try a change of compost, say two parts turfy loam, and one part leaf soil, omitting the horsa droppings and peat; and in shifting the plants do not pot them deeper than tbey were before, and shift before they become pot-bound. Allow them plenty of room, so that air can reach the stems. Pointing an Old Garden Wall [An Old Subscriber).— You will not find anything equal to pointing with mortar, the joints of the brickwork being well raked or picked out previously. Cement will not do, for it is impossible to nail tbe trees afterwards from its setting hard. If it is not impossible to nail the trees from the bad state of the wall, you may now unnail the trees and wash the wall with a mixture of lime, sulphur, and soot, brought to tbe consistency of paint with a solution of 4 ozs. of soft soap to the gallon of water, applying it to the wall at a temperature of 160 . If you do not think it well to unnail the trees, yon may syringe the wall and trees with a solution of 3 ozs. of Clarke's compound to the gallon of water. Canna3 {F. Duke).— A dozen with fine foliage are:— gigantea major, grandiflora floribunda, discolor iloribunda, musa?folia,.metallica, zebrina, Annei Orange, and liendatleri. These are for garden planting. Four others are Warscewiczoides grandiflora, Premices de Nice. Keteleeri, and hybrida Warscewiczoides. They may be obtained of any of the principal London or provincial nurserymen and seedsmen. We cannot recommend dealers. Names of Plants (A Constant Reader). — Gymnogramma ochracea, Fittonia argyroneura. [Charles Hurt}. — Epidendrnm cochleatum. ( W. F. H.).— Nephrodium molle. Dew. (A. £.).— 1, Kennedya (Hardenbergiaj monophylla; 2, indeterminable; 8, probably a species of Gnaphalium, but impossible to tell from the wretched specimen sent. POTTLTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON CHRONICLE. THE SPRING IS COMING, BROTHER FANCIERS: And can I possibly be cheery-hearted enough to write the above ? Is it not far on through February, almost March, and still the fro6t is on the pane ? Has not that north wind sent hall the world to their beds, and the other half tit coughing by the fire? Yes, true; but in spite of this — nay, the more, because of this cold and frost, the spring is coming, and coming quickly too. Let an old legend help me to grasp the soothing truth. Concerning Candlemas-day— that is the 2nd of February, when we take down the Christmas decorations in our churches, there is an ancient superstition universal in Europe, that if it be a sunshiny day the winter is not half finished. The Ger- mans, too, say that the badger peeps out of his hole on Candle- mas-day, and if he finds snow he walks abroad, but if he sees the sun shining he draws back again into his hole. Well, on Candlemas-day this year, even in the genial West of England, there was snow ; and more than that, on Valentine's-day it was bitter, biting cold, and men and boys were skating, and the postmen — Oh ! the poor postmen ! — did not bless the boys and girls for the extra work they gave them, and did not, as usual on fine Valentine days, hand in the bulky letters with a joke and a smile. So putting legends and weather together, the spring must be coming, and coming at a jump, for it is not the first week in January, but the last in February, and it is cold still. " Hope on, hope ever ! " this is my motto. In sick rooms, beside sick beds, say still, " Hope on, hope ever ! " Take the invalid's thin hand in yours, and whisper to your heart and in his ear, " Hope on, hope ever ! " But I am digressing. The spring is coming ! Soon we shall have the first after-tea stroll, and hear the Blackbird's note, and watch the Rooks playing at building their nests — they teem to play at it at first, they, too, taking up the strain, " The spring is coming ! " Now, ye good people, who never loved a bird, whether fowl, or fancy Pigeon, or cage bird, or cared to watch the busy beo republic, ye know not how many resources those who love these alwaj'3 have. Now that spring is coming, I look through my fowl house ; I think of what variety of fowl I shall breed this year, I see about broody hens, talk the matter over with pjultry-keeping cottagers, I see if the cjops aie in order; and then comes a vision of chickens on the grass in the May sun- shine ; for you know spring is comirjg, and soon I shall hear the hum of the bees among the spring flowers. Then I look through my poultry books, and revive recollections of all little clever plans ; I get down back volumes cf "our Journal," and turn the leaves and re-read the choice bits. Then, in intervals of finer weather (the sun does bear power now, for the spring is coming) I adjourn to the Pigeon-loft, and stand and watch how affairs are goiag on there. A great deal of cooiDg there is, of course, for the spring is coming, and there as I stand I plainly perceive a dangerous flirtation be- tween a lady and gentlemaD, which must not he permitted, for it would be an unsuitable match, and like a hard-hearted old baron of old I seize the lady, who has been giving sparkling glances in reply to the cooing, and running, aDd tail-sweeping of that young scamp of a cock ; and I place the lady in the strong prison of the mating cage, and with her the gentleman I intend she shall wed, or " to a nunnery she shall go," a3 Hamlet said to poor Ophelia ; but no fear of a nunnery, for after a little demur she will wed as I wish her. Not fowls or fancy Pigeons alone, there are my (no, I dare not write " my," lest I should have a disapproving chorus from little girls' throat.-) i ur Canaries. What means this extra- vigorous singing that I hear ? Why, it means what I write, " Spring is coming." Away, then, to the school-room, all hen birds ; it shall be a hen convention there— governess, girls, birds. The cocks shall be my company. But more. I go to a certain cupboard and pull out the nest-baskets and look at them, and trifle with them, and think, after spring has come, huw dainty little eggs will be in them, and then I think about nests and all the appurtenances of breeding. I look at the breeding cages, and almost fancy I see the groundsel and chickweed on them, for you know spring is coming. I spoke of the resources which fowl, and PigeoD, and bird, and bee keepers have over and above other people : and they have comforts, too, as well, over and above what otherB have. And now on this head I subjoin a true anecdote, recent as well as true. For twenty years there was a blessed bountiful home— a spa- cious house, large, far-extending gardens, greenhouses, poultry- yard, and all within and without betokening wealth and com- fort. More still ; within that home was a happy and very numerous family — clever, promising children, grown, and grow- ing up ; comforts and blessings. But this home had to be left, and another to be made in a far-off part of England. " 'Tis hard to part when friends are dear, Perhaps "twill ccst a Bigh or tear." 172 J3TJRNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March 3, 1870. And so it was with parting, not only from friends, but from the beautiful home of twenty years. The numerous accumu- lations— ferns, flowers, fossils, &c, which cannot well be car- ried away to another distant place, were given away to friends, and are kept for the sake of the givers. Now in this home was a clever, kind, grey Parrot. Many thing3 were removed gradually, a part of the family were gone, the little children were gone, and the Parrot noticed all, and watched the de- partures. At length the day came for the final leaving, for the looking round the empty house, and for locking the front door, which now closed with a horrid hollow sound. Mistress and Parrot went last, and the bird bowed to the house and said sorrowfully, "Good-bye, good-bye;" and on the way to the railway station he kept turning towards his home of so many years, and repeating his sorrowful " geod-byes." This bird had always been a favourite, but now he is loved, and will be tended all his days with fond hands, because of his part taken, and evidently felt, in the general sorrow. Is not such a bird priceless ? I am afraid the cheery beginning of this paper has, to say the least, a somewhat pensive ending ; but, as Hood says— " There is no nrasic in the life That sounds with merry laughter solely; There 's uot a string attun'd to mirth, But has its chord in melancholy." — Wiltshire Rectoe. PROFITABLE POULTRY-KEEPING. Seeing several articles in your Journal respecting profitable poultry-keeping, I have sent my results of last year, 1809. I have the management of the poultry for the gentleman to whom my husband is gardener. I had twelve Hamburgh hens, and six Cochin-Chinas, and nine Ducks. I had 2500 eggs, and reared seventy-four chickens, and fifty-one Ducks. £ s. a. Received for eggs, chickens, and Ducks 25 13 4 Expenses for food and. exhibition 16 10 1 Profit £9 3 3 — E. H. " S. 0." thinks Id. each a good price for eggs. I get for mine during the winter months, say from October to February, 3s. per dozen, and the rest of the year Is. Orf. per dozen. Dur- ing March and April I generally sell a few sittings at 5s. or 6s. each, say for eleven eggs. 1 do not keep a profit and loss account, but am quite satisfied I have a good balance on the right side. There is no secret about having plenty of eggs all the year round, and the way I obtain them in the winter is by strictly adhering to the following rules:— Keep none but first- rate birds, and sell all bad layers. Choose a good hardy sort ; I prefer Buff Cochins. Clear off all old birds after every first year'B laying, and replace with early pullets, either bought or reared. By this means you will ensure plenty of eggs in winter, and your friends will not be long in learning the fact, and be ready to pay a good price for them. In my opinion, plenty of eggs in winter is the great secret of making poultry pay. — G. H. In reply to " S. O.," I beg to state that the value of the 10(j eggs, for the 106 chickens, was not deducted from £i 10s., as it ought to have been, which is therefore less by 13s. 3d., at lid. the egg. The average price for eggs was in- tended only to have been Id. ; but friends who know the place, said it was not enough, and eggs are now selling at 2(7., 2id., and are often sold for 3d. each ; but the only way for " S. 0." to obtain " such good prices," is first to get the same rate of eggs, and then come to the same place to live. The chickens that were sold for £1 9s., were at rather a fancy price for this place, but they were beautiful Dark Brahmas;* cheap I called them at 5s. and 7s. each, and the chickens killed were averaged at 3s. each, though many weighed their 5} lbs. under six months old, and were as fat as Capons, but much more meaty. I do not keep poultry for profit, but have great pleasure in feeling what may be saved by doing so for the house, and in having the luxuries of good chickens and plenty of new laid eggs.— A. W. POULTRY PENS. I have noticed several complaints of late in the Journal re- specting the wire backs and tops of poultry pens, your corre- spondents asserting that the plumage of the birds gets injured through this arrangement. Well, I am of an opposite opinion, and I contend that when the pens are large enough the birds suffer no injury. I am an extensive exhibitor, and have never yet. that I am aware of, had a bird injured on account of open backs and tops. The pens referred to, no doubt, are Messrs. Turner's, of Sheffield, and I think it only fair to them to say that they are without doubt the best and most convenient pens now in use, at all events I have seen nothing so good. The advantage of having the backs and tops wire, is to keep the alleys in the exhibition as light as possible. The cause, I fancy, of birds having their plumage spoilt is by using baskets unfit for the purpose. Baskets should be large enough, and lined on the sides and top. If such baskets are used, we shall cease to hear much about spoiled plumage. Care should also be taken to have the baskets well fastened up, to prevent urchins at the railway stations amusing themselves by getting hold of the cock's sickles. — Yorkshire. THE OBJECTS OF A POULTRY SHOW7. I have noticed a tendency lately in discussing several questions to argue as if the sole object of a poultry exhibition were to win or to award prizes, and I cannot but feel this is a dangerous way of regarding the matter. I have reason to believe the same spirit has already begun to lead to betting upon the awards ; and if this once become general, adieu to all genuine fanciers, for we may write " Ichabod " upon the whole. The whole is only a means to an end — and that end is the general and real improvement of poultry either in beauty or in solid value, and the increased encouragement of poultry-keep- ing among the people. In this latter aspect of the matter I feel always specially interested, and am, I fear, answerable for leading many a one into keeping fowls. As an instance of what ought to be, I will say that I have ticked off in my Bristol catalogue just about a hundred local exhibitors, of whom more than three-fourths are this year new names ! " Our chaplain " remarked the other day that shows were " coming west." This, too, is another branch of the subject; anyway, after the prizes have been awarded and the cups are carried home, I look upon these seventy or eighty new exhibitors (I mean exhibitors, not pens), as the real work done by the Bristol Show ; and it is worth a great deal in the opinion of — L. Wright. EGGS. The importation of eggs into England increases vastly- From 1843 to 1847 the import for the year amounted to 73 millions of eggs; during the next five years 103 millions on an average; in the following year 147 millions; and in the next 163 millions; in the year 1861, 273' millions; in 1864, 335} millions; and in 1866 as'much as 430,878,S80 eggs, valued at £1,097,197. In 1867 397,934,510 were imported, and in 1868 3S3,969,040. By far the greater part of the imports come from France, and very few from Germany. The cargoes of eggs are chiefly shipped in steam- ers, and go to the harbours of Southampton, London, Folkestone, Newhaven, and Shoreham. The time of egg-laying begins in France from January to March ; April, May, and June are the most productive months; in July the production falls off, takes up a little again in August and Sep- tember, leaves off entirely in October and November, and in De- cember is absolutely nil. Iu order to obtain eggs even at this time the stables are warded, and the hens are fed with buck- wheat and meat. Poultry keeping in France is chiefly in the hands of the small landowners, who carry it on in an energetic business-like manner. This is particularly the case in the provinces of Burgundy, Nor- mandy, and Picardy. Paris alone consumes 12,000,000 francs worth of eggs. The harbours from which the greatest export of eggs takes place are Calais, Cherbourg, and Honfleur ; at Calais tin eggs are packed inchests and straw, 1,100 eggs in each chest ; at Cherbourg and Honfleur in chests of 600 to 1,200. Of late years large masses of eggs are opened in the German markets, and the yolk sold cheap ; the white is sold to manufacturers. TORQUAY POULTRY AND riGEON SHOW. Many were of opinion that so late in the season it would be im- possible for any society to obtain a good entry for a poultry show, but the Torquay meeting was a refutation of such forebodings, for not only were the entries numerically strong, but they came from the bulk of our most celebrated exhibitors of poultry and Pigeons. This may, of March 3, 1870. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. coarse, have arisen from the very liberal prize schedule issued by the Committee, and certainly for a lirst meeting it 'has very rarely been equalled. We may also say that the arrangements for a first attempt were unnsually good ; but we do not doirbt with the experience now obtained, a few necessary alterations of management will bo carried out on future occasions. The Grey Dorkings were undeniably a good class, with a well-filled entry; but the Silver-Grey Dorkings were as certainly below par in quality, and few in number. The class for Cinnamon and Buff Cochins was a remarkably good one, and the winning birds merited our highest approval. In this class, however, a most unpleasant duty as to " disqualification " devolved on the Judges, arising from the fact that the pen No. 35, exhibited by Mr. Thomas Stretch, of Ormslrirk, was by Mr. Hewitt, one of the Judges, discovered to be dyed in the wings of the cock bird of a very natural and perfect yellow. This fictitious " lemon-coloured cock," was therefore taken at once before the Committee, the fact proved beyond question, and by order of the Judges a disqualified card was placed on the pen, stating the name of the exhibitor, and the reasons of disqualification. All who thus compromise their position as exhibitors, must in common fairness be served alike, and we ourselves can only express our astonishment that the risk of detection, combined with the great unpleasantness in case of exposure, does not prevent the too-often recurrence of such attempts to obtain money undeservedly. We shall be obliged if any one so acting will explain in what he differs from a pickpocket ? In short, it is evident such practices must be invariably a subject for com- plete exposure, or tho days of poultry competition among the really conscientious and well-disposed competitors are numbered. The Par- tridge-coloured Cochins were also very good, and the White ones were something beyond such as are commonly shown. Dark Brahmas were excellent, but if placed in a top tier would have been more easily seen. The Light Brahmas were far better than usual, but a considerable number were over-shown. Perhaps few, if even any, of tho classes at the Torquay Show exceeded tho Spanish, and it may be well here to note that in the Selling Class for hens, with a very strong entry of a great variety of breeds, the whole of the four prizes were secured by Spanish Jhens. As all the winning pens in the Selling Classes were reserved to be sold by auction at a later period of the day, we cannot record the result of that sale, but we know that one of the Judges ex- pressed an opinion that either of tho first-prize hens was worth double what was affixed as the price of both in the printed catalogue. The Game and the Polands were marvellous classes, and the French fowls were extraordinarily good. Hamburghs in the southern counties have very rarely been so good as at Torquay, the liberal prizes offered caus- ing competition from the counties even in the far north. The Game Bantams were not first-rate, but the class for any other variety of Bantams has only very rarely been equalled. The extra second prize for the best pen of Bantams was allotted to this class, and there would not have been the slightest difficulty in awarding the prizes we are told by the Judges, if the premiums had been doubled. Geese and Turh ys were very limited in number, but at the same time unequalled for general quality at most of our shows. The Pigeon Show was of high merit, bnt unfortunately in a gallery away from the general Exhibition. The greatest of credit is due to the acting Committee for the untir- ing attention shown by each member to the poultry or Pigeons com- mitted to his charge, and we do not doubt that in future years the remembrance of this careful supervision will add to the entries most materially. The weather being exceedingly favourable the attendance proved very good, and no doubt the Torquay Show will have its effect in leading to the restoration of such meetings in the southern counties of England. Dorktx-gs.- Coloured, i eeept Bilmr-Orty.—l, F.& C. Haworth, Haslingden. 2, L. Patton, Hilhuore, Taunton. 3. Hon. H. Fitzwilliam. Wentworth Wood- house. 4, J. Clil't. Dorking, he, M. Putney. Dorking: L. Patton. c, W. Stan- ford, iun. ; G. M. Walsh. Il;il»,l li,-v,.n :' It. W. Ucaehcv. Kingskerswell : .T. Clift; J. K. Fowler. Aylesbury. Silrer-l.rei, and lilutr.-l and s, F. & C. Haworth. 2, Hon. J. Ataasy, Huland, BOBWorth (Silver-Grey). 4, Withheld. Cocarxs.— Cinnamon an I Buff.— 1 and 2. II. Mapplebcek. Moseley. 3, Hiss J. Milward. New t.m St Loe. I. Check! v ,v Dove. Northampton, he. E. E. Gray, Frome (Buffi; F. ,v C. Haworth. c, Hon. J. Massv. Pen 35. T. tile. lei,, iirin- skirk, disqualified, the ,,-iion of cock dy,d nelbue. Ann other variety— 1, F. C.Haworth. 2. J. Stephens. Walsall . Partridge). 3, L. *H. Ricketts, Banwell (White). 4,H. J. Godfrey (Black), he. T. Stretch. Onnskirk (Partridge), c, W. D. Harvey, Kichmond (Partridge) ; F. A C. Haworth ; F. Brewer, Lostwithiel (White). Brahmas.— Dark.— 1, R. W.Beacney. 2. A. o. Worthington, Newton Park. Burton-on-Trent. 3. I.'. YV. Bo\ Ie, Blackmck, I uildin. 4. J. h". Fowler, he, Hon. J. Massy: F. SC. Haworth; lit. Dowsed, lleshcv. Chelmsford ; K. W.Beachev: J. H. Dawes. Light.— 1 and 3. A. O. Worthington. 2. F. Crook, ForeBt Hill. 4.H.Dowsett. he. J. Pares. PostforJ. Gnildiurd; H. Dowsett; Mrs. Christie, Glyndebourae, Lew.s. Spanish.— 1, 2, and 3, F. Sc C. Haworth. 4, H. Beldon, Goitstock. he, H. Lane; E.Jones, Cliltou. c, E.Jones; J. II. Reed. French Fowls (Houdaus. La Fleho. ami Co ■ve-Coeur'l.— 1. W. O. Quibell, Newark. 2. Hon. c. Fitzwilliam. Wentworth Woodhouae. 3. J. K. Fowlc-r. 4, Hon. J. Mas»y. he, K.v. N.J. Ridley, Ncwl.urv (Ciwe -Occur! ; J. J. Maiden, Biggleswade ; Mrs. .1. Paltison. Wrack]. ■lord House. Dorchester. H AMiaitoHS.— Hold met siirer-*nctii es 1 1 itiekvemel. ::. Rev U.S. Cruwys. 4, J. Laming. he. J. Pares; N.Bart, r ilMi.-kwiug : W. Iti.ooilmrt vingi. c. F. A C. Haworth. AxvoTHEttV a i ■ ., ■ ., "■■.,■, l, .1. H niton (Malays). 2, Rev. W. : ..it. •-■■ii lt|. i II. ,ie ■ ■■' , .. W. It,., - .,: o .. I. V \ It. Haworth. he, .'. Bo.lway (Silkies}; P. A C. Hawor'h i!.l;ok liatnbiirghs!: CounteBS of Aylesford. I enmington ICuckoo Dorkip g); I ■'. Bennett, shifinal (Black Ham- burghe) : T. Wall. r. jun. 1 1:1 c 1: Htimburghs) ; VY. Bo v. s (Sttltansl ; H. Leworthy, Hi up. .it. BanuUpl ■ fWMti M norcas). e, J. D. nford. Ma del obe (Sflkj Negroes); J. C. | or. Lino-rick I Sultans I : J. Vau stone, Torquay .Andalusian) ; W. W.I.I, y, C.-li.ii . Anna Install I: W. It. T. tret, , i, r. iiiiehlev tiizzled.) Bastams.— Gn/iic— 1, W. Mu.lge. P.laedoti. 2,1'. .(.Haworth 3, A. Parsons, Colwick. 7ic, F. & C. Haworth; A. Parsons, e. T. Barker, Burnlev: 3. R. Itol.tto ei, Stni'l. rltnol. Aim , f'o c .■>., h> l.i , .: .:. M I,, n ■ I i;.,ld-laeed). 2, F. & C. Haworth (Black). 3, R. Frew ;.-., . '. , o . lie. H. Beldon (Light Japanese); M. Leno (Silver-laced) ; W. B. Tegetmeier Bumpless): A. Barter (Gold-laced); Master A. Frew. Kirkcaldy (Silver-' ■< ■ : i Watt ., King's Heath, Birmingham (T,io:lit Japanese.! e. W. B. Tegete '■ i ,.o. ■■,.-. I Docks— Aylesbury i md RotKJt— 1, L. Patton (Hi ten Sand I, J. K. Fowler (Rouen and Aylesbury), he, L. Patton (Rouen); J. K. Fowler (AyleBbury). Any oth,r rari'ty—1. M. Leno iMandarinsl. 2. J. Putts. ..p. (Black East Indian)- 3. J. Pares (Carolmas). dc, F. Pittis. jun. iHlack East Indianl ; M. Lenott'arolinasl: J. K. Fowler (Carolinas); W. Boyes (Carolmas); J. Watts (Carolinasl. c. R.Bntl.iml (White Mnscow.l Gar.SE (Any variety).— 1 and 2. J. K. Fov.br (Toulouse). 3. Rev. G. Hustler, Stilling!!, .ft. York (White Etnbd.nl. he, .1 . 1 Vr - -. 1 sstopol). Torkevs (Any variety) — 1 and he, L. Patton I anbr dge). Set, i, is,; Class (Any brccdl. Cock. -1. , . It en 10,1. Ion Polands! 2,11. PickleB, jun. (Dorking). 3, .1. C. Cooper (i !■ ■■■ -(' nrs). 4. Name unknown, (White Cochins!, he, .1. C. ( '. .. ,;.. r In , i ' t F. & C. Haworth (White Cochins);H. Lane. Bristol (Spanish); Mi - I . l.rown. Spanish); H. Yardlev, Birntingltaiu (Gold, p-' mgled Polai ; I , I '. william (La Fbelo-l. c. J. Beir.l. St. lilatt, v '■..': !■ .'..:. 1 "- < Brahma) ; J. H. Nicholls (Light Braltma): V>. 1: yes Iwkv t m. ■: V.-l .-Is & Howard, Cambcrwell (Spanish). Hem.— 1, T. Roe. is c In. 2, Nice.. Is 4 Howard (Spanish). 3. Mi..s E. Ibowne (Spani-h). t. II. I.eio- l^]..ol.sll!. he. H. Beldon (Spanish): F. & C. Haworth (White Cochins!; R. W. Beachey (Dork- ing) : T. Chudl.-igh. Phmontli (Black Polamlsi. e. H. It,. Won ( Huff Cochins); G. M. Walsh ((free Dorkings!; H. D. Pearce. Totnesa (Light. Brahma); F. Brewer, Walsall (Silver Poland and White CochinB). Silver Challenge Cup, value Ten Guineas, presented by Miss Burdett Coutts, for the most successful Exhibitor in tho Poultry Classes, F. Ac C. Haworth, Haslingden. PIGEONS. Carriers.— 1 and 2, R. Fulton, Deptford. vhc, E. T. Dew, Weston-super- he. C. Bulpin ; E. Horner, Harewood. l Tex ' :.— 1 and c, R. Fulton. 2, H. Yardlev. Jtc, E .._. -1 and lie, E. Homer. 2, R. Fulton, e, C. Bulpin : E. Homer. FaNTAils.— 1 and c, W. H. Tomlinson, Newark. 2, F. Graham, Birkenhead he, C. Bulpin. TittMi i.Titr.s— 1 and c, E. Homer. 2. R. Fulton, he, W. Mudge. Owns.—]. J. R.iilv. jun.. Mount St., London. Ni -xs.-l. F. Graham. 2, E. T. Dew. DnvGooxs.— 1, F. Brewer. 2, J. Percivall. lie, G. Smith. Loudon ; J. Phil- pottB. Clapham. c. F. Graham ; E. Horner. Amtwebps.— 1 and 2. H. Yardlev, Birmingham. Any other Vaeiety.— 1, J. Watts, Birmingham (Maine). 2, E. Horner. A Silver Cup. value three guineas, for the most successful exhibitor in the Pigeon classes. Mr. R. Fulton, Deptford, London. The Judges for Poultry were the Rev. G. F. Hodson, of North Petherton, Bridgewater ; and Edward Hewitt. Esq., of Birmingham ; and the Judge of Pie/eons was F. Esquilant, Esq., of London. NEW BOOK. The Brahma Fowl. By Lewis Weight, Author of " The Practical Poultry-keeper." London: Journal of Horticulture Office. We all, the very oldest of ns, are children, at least in one respect — if a new book reaches ns with pictures in it we look at the pictures first. Immediately that we opened Mr. Wright's new work (and very glad we are to see him in print again), we looked at the pictures, which, for a wonder in poultry books, are most excellent. There are four of them : — First, a wonderfully well drawn and equally well co- loured Light Brahma hen, this is the frontispiece ; she seems to pause and look at you with her sensible face, and you expect her to walk on directly. Next in our estimation is the Dark Brahma hen ; then oar old friend whom we knew in his Surrey home, and whose photograph we possess, the Light Brahma cock " Sampson," bred and exhibited by Mr. Pares — this picture is also admirable. The fourth picture is the Dark Brahma cock. If yon get another person to hold the book 3 yards from you, then the full beauty of the pictures will be seen. It is a real pleasure to us to look at these coloured plates, and they reflect the greatest credit upon Messrs. Lavars, of Bristol. It was also wise to let one and not a pair appear in each picture ; too often, if there be two, the hen is half hidden, and to our taste the hens of our poultry yards are as beautiful in their special way as the cocks. Next to come to the letterpress — by the way, the hook is well printed and ornamentally covered — there are four chapters. The first chapter treats of the origin of Brahmas, but that question is finally settled by Mr. Cornish's letter printed in the appendix ; of course accepting that letter as in every word reliable, which we do not doubt it is. Chap- ter II. treats of " The Economic Qualities and Management of the Brahma as a Stock Fowl." This chapter is very honestly written. It does not state that Brahmas lay golden eggs, or that the smallest weigh 20 lbs., but the for and against are placed fairly before ns. Thus, Mr. Wright says, " The Brahma has many and great merits, and takes high rank as a stock fowl, either for a supply of eggs or table JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. mc ; but it will not answer in even- case." Now, when a man writes I thus fairly yon believe all he says in the bird's favour, and do not set him down as too great an enthusiast. This chapter is ably and prac- tically written. Chapter III. treats of " The Characteristics of Dark and Liu'ht Biahraas as Bred for Exhibition." To show the tone in I -which Mr. "Wright writes we must beg leave to make a rather long ' quotation. "He is no true fancier— ho is altogether unworthy the name— who merely seeks to win prizes: still less is he one whose only object is 'to have the best stock in England, and boat every one else,' as is the case with those who 'decline to sell etr^s at anv priue '—a lui^ernble spirit and a miserable ambition this. Forfar higher en ds do the real brethren of the craft breed and show their fowls. They believe that the feathered objects of their interest arc calculated to "render important service to their country ; that poultry is an important link in God's grand economy of nature, and destined to play no small part iu that great * food question ' which is ever pressing more deeply on the minds of those who study the social welfare of man; and they patiently work and study, each in his degree, so to improve and maintain their favourite breeds as may make them better adapted to serve mankind, while at the same time their ex- ceeding beauty shall be so increased as to render them still more attrac- tive in the eyes of that softer sex to whose care and supervision they are so particularly adapted. One woo works with such objects— and many do— will always be unselfish. When a brother fancier shows at last a better pen than his own, he will rejoice that a step has been gained ; and whatever knowledge he may have acquired will be cheerfully and readily communicated. A real fancier is a tine patriot; and if Jonas Webb is remembered and extolled for having improved the word and iocreased the carcase of the sheep to which he devoted such attention, men like John Douglas, who raised the standard weight of the Dorking fowl several pounds over what was known before, or Mr. Hewitt, who has devoted years of hi<< life gratuitously to aiding, by his vast experience and knowledge in awarding prizes, the general improvement of poultry, have also deserved well of their country, and done good work for their day and generation." Tbis is a tone and spirit which we wholly like. Having given the characteristics of the two varieties of Brahmas with great nicety, Mr. Wright passes onto "The Practical Breeding, Rearing, and Management of Brahmas for Exhibition." This i3 a knowing chapter, and Brahma exhibitors will well thumb it, unless we make a great mistake, as also the one on " The Judging of Brahmas." Our author concludes with a passage we entirelv agree with. " Finally, we would repeat that there has been of late an increasing tendency to show birds too fat. All large breeds are subject to thi- evil, and years ago, when it was even more prevalent than now, Mr. Hewitt did good service by passing over in a marked manner several over-fattened pens, and thereby discouraging the practice of feeding show fowls to the highest possible point, to their utter ruin. Again, however, the same vicious -vstem appears to be gradually creeping in : and as the practice is really dishonest, it should be cheeked as far as possible bv never award- ing prizes to pens which evidently carry more f.it than is consistent with real health and condition." On carefully reading Mr. Wright's work we would say— It is able, just, and very readable ; the style of writing clear and attractive, while the illustrations are. as we have said, most excellent. Unless we greatly mistake, " The Brahma Fowl " will increase the number of Brahma breeders. If all the latter now living buv and lend the work, Brahmas, Light and Dark, will be bought np fast enough. "We think " That those now will love who never loved before, And those who Brahmas love, will love them more." — Wiltshire Rector. THE GLASGOW PIGEON SHOW (North British Coluurarun- Society's). {Oond; I fro e 119.) Defective Structure.— Perfection of structure has ever been put forward as the cardinal virtue of the Pouter, and especially is it so emphasised whenever the so-called " colour-and-markings*" fancier dares a remark iu the interest of plumage development. The attitude of the structuralist is, in point of fact, apologetic ; admitting the sacri- fice of plumage, he pleads as a set-off "compensation" in structure. As advocates of the standard, whole and indivisible, we are, there- fore, entitled to exact to the fullest extent the pleaded set-off, and we roundly assert on unmistakeable evidence that such compensation is not apparent in proportions at all equivalent to the continuing degra- dation of plumage. The victories won iu the department of structure are no longer of yesterday s date, and the question for to-dav is, Are those victories bemg turned to proper accouut? We think "not. For taking Pouter shows as a whole, too often are missed those after-effects and refine- ments which should always be the sequence of structural breeding Giving, then, every credit for attainments in structure now long since established, and conceding as invaluable, in their degree and place, size, strength and even coarseness, we must again and aqaiu insist that undivided standard alone should be encouraged in the^show pen. Twenty inches in feather will not suffice, it must be 20 inches in feather combined with the race-horse and not the dray-horse build, for the ultimate of structural breeding is not mere size, but is the utmost refinement of form on the largest possible scale. Defective structure yet exists to an extent hardly credible. Especi- ally is it noticeable in the crop, so often contracted in size and want- ing in rotundity and carriage— a fact the more remarkable since tie Pouter derives its very name from this noble property. Boldly defined and pliant globes, majestic in size, readily dilated, poised aa it were on the shoulders, forward in carriage, and situated at a suffi- cient distance above the insertion of the limbs, are the exception; while hags flabby and pendaut, or stiff-winded and egg-shaped, are the rule; these latter in particular making no disliuctive start from the breast, but maintaining an almost nnbroken line from the limbs to the upper curve of the crop. There is something in a name. Let us hope that the word " globe " will be used more frequently ; for all Pigeons have crops, hut the globe belongs only to the Pouter, and without it no Pouter however lengthy can aspire to be a truly grand and representative specimen. Defective structure may again be found in the disproportion between limb and feather. Indefinite extension of feather without a relative lengthening of the limb i=; a distortion to be avoided, not, however, by curtailing feather, but if possible by ex- tending limb. And here we may advert to the increasing number of birds with limbs short in the lower joint, a defect detracting much from nobility of carriage. Passing over for brevity's sake slenderness of girtb, compactness of shoulder, closeness, height, and stoutness of limb, stockiug-bootiug, length of pinion, and many other properties always to be sedulously maintained, we venture a word in deprecation of "hog-back," that most hideons of Pouter deformities. Fortunately this defect in all its enormity is seldom glaringly visible at Glasgow, hut here and there au ominous tendency to this evil, and to the kindred evil of round shoulders, warrants a precautionary record. Lastly, we may bespeak the attention of structuralists to the head properties, three of which being of primary importance — viz., delicacy of shape, fineness of wattle, and meekness of look. High foreheads, great breadth, hawk beaks, or coarseness of any kind are destructive of feminine expression, and that piquant look of almost wicked innocence, so attractive in this variety. Structure versus the Whole Standard. — Could structuralists show that to their earlier successes they were adding refinement to re- finement, and that artistic results in form are now as wide-spread and established as defects in plumage are rampant and notorious, then the compensatory theory might avail. But they can make no such exclusive claims. Refined development of structure is neither wide- spread or established, and where it is achieved, it is as much due to the conservative efforts of the "whole-standard" fancier as to the coarser methods of one-sided breeding, for such structuralism must be called. Structural compensation for an impaired standard is a fallacy almost too transparent for analysis. Even when unencumbered by in- tricate considerations of plumage, structuralists are producing no ex- ceptional superiority either of size or symmetry. The White classes are a case in point, congested as they are with an extraordinary proportion of inferior birds. On the other hand, whole-standard fanciers with all the difficulties of plumage superadded, are from time to time presenting in the Pied divisions, specimens satisfying exacting conditions alike of plumage and structure, showing that a due regard for plumage is not incompatible with development of form. Especially, too, is this Show remarkable for a general improvement of markings, obtained in a marvellously short time and without any sacrifice of previous gains in size or contour. To refinements of structure may, therefore, be added refinements of plumage, and we look to future ex- hibitions for colours heightened and purified without the abatement of a single standard virtue already attained. The much abused — nay. the almost scorned — colonr-and-markinga fanciers are really the " whole-standard " advocates misnamed. Their demand for improved plumage implies no disregard of structure, but is rather a natural re-action in favour of underrated properties. It is not that they like structure less, but that they love " whole standard " more. They claim even in structure equal merit with the structuralist, but contendfor artistic effects and the operation of good taste in every department. They recognise that with the improved stamina and constitution of the stock more selective methods of breeding are demanded, and thfy fed justified iu opposing that sectional treatment of the standard which first mars attractive properties, and then vaunts a compensation empty and uuproveable, or at any rate of but past significance. Even in the abstract no logic can be found for the affected leaning to structure at the expense of plumage. The eye which exacts satis- faction in colour and comeliness in markings is not likely to content itself with distortion of form. To indulge a detraction of plumage iu the interest of symmetry, is really to foster restrictions in the region of taste, where always the most generous latitude should be allowed. It involves also a disintegration of the standard, which should be treated as whole and indivisible, and it leads to the ab- surdity of affixing relative values to sections wholly dissimilar and in- capable of comparison. This affectation is working infinite mischief in practice. First, it robs plumage of all its attractions, and then makes it the object of damaging contrast. It is time, therefore, that conflicting interests should be accommodated. There is room for all, even within standard boundaries Let the structuralist confine his energies to the White class, leaving the plumage divisions to his brother structuralist — the "whole-standard" fancier. For plumage development is yet in its infancy, and we have only a foretaste of the beauties it will reveal. But little is known of the adornment and effect of well-contrasted markings, aud we have but glimpses of the splendour, purity, radiance, and diversity of colour with which the superb Pouter lines may yet be enriched. March 3, 1870. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. The classification adopted by the Society is a pledge that plumage shall be considered as fundamental to the standard. Whenever, therefore, a chequered blue, a bastard black, a dappled red, or a mealy yellow obtains a prize, owners of standard-coloured birds are clearly wronged. In such cnlpable disregard of the schedule may again be seen the baneful influence of over- rated theories. The rivalry between factitious and true standards is producing the most bewildering uncertainty, and is answerable for that tape-line system of judging which at nine-tenths of our shows, for the sake of mere length, is overlooking valuable properties. A system so inartistic is not worthy of a judge's fee, for any child who can handle a tailor's measure may judge a Pouter show by such a method. But if instead of the whole standard structure alone is to be petted, why not away with the misleading pretence of plumaga divisions ? Let all Pouters be thrown into a single class, to be judged by a standard solely struc- tural. Let such standard insist upon those refinements, developments, and niceties of form, those subtleties and nuances not to be found in too great a profusion, even at a Glasgow show. Let the tape Hug be discarded, or so applied frontwise as to take in the rotundity of the crop, when many a specimen of presumed length would have to yield to the vastly superior measurement and structure of apparently lesser birds. This, and this only, is the logical sequence of plumage neglect. The Judges and Tin: Judgment. — The appointment of a judge assumes his fitness for his office ; why, then, should the Committee have made the amazing mistake of pairing the two Judges in the face of their heaiy duties? If a judge is competent, no necessity exists for pairing him with another ; if incompetent, such a process cannot qualify him, but only results in annoyance to his more talented co- adjutor. In Messrs. Corker and Esquilaut the Committee were fur- nished with Judges of admitted experience. The former gentleman, as a sometime successful Pouter-breeder, might fairly have been left to deal justice to the Pouter classes ; and the latter is so versed in his office, that the general classes could scarcely have been in safer hands, while each could have acted as referee to the other. This division of labour would have doubled the time available for the awards, to the far greater comfort of the Judges, whose arduous duties were respon- sibly performed nnder totally inadequate conditions. The moral of the Glasgow Show is contained in the fact that year by year it exactly summarises the progress and position of the Pouter classes. Bv its light we have endeavoured faithfully to depict the Pouter of 1869. strange to say, with fewer really good specimens. English Owls were very good, and in fine bloom. Of Cage Birds the Scotch Fancy Canary predominated, though there were good specimens of Goldfinch Mules, Goldfinches, Star- In,- &C. We published the prize list and Judg ; last week. PIGEONS AT WOLVERHAMPTON SHOW. I notice in the remarks of your correspondent about the above Show that the Dun Carriers exhibited by Mr. While, and obtaining second prize, were not so good as that gentle- man's Blacks. This is a great mistake, the Duns, in my judg- ment, being far superior. Io Fantails, my pair that took the second prize is mentioned as being far superior to the first- prize pair of Mr. Tomlinson. I need only say I would give my pair and £4 to exchange. In Dragoons the first-prize pair is mentioned as being coarse ; I consider it the best pair I ever saw. I have made the above remarks, judges being so often censured without cause by persons who do not thoroughly understand. — H. Yaedley, Market Hall, Birmingham, MELROSE POULTRY, PIGEON, AND CAGE BIRD SHOW. Last, but not least, of the Scotch exhibitions was that of the "Waverley Association. No building is more appropriate for such a Show than the Corn Exchange at Melrose, the light from the roof being abundant and equally diffused. The care bestowed on the birds by the Committee will, doubtless, be duly appreciated by the exhibitors, and great praise is due to the Secretary, Mr. Mason, for his incessant superintendence. Y< > were the first and strongest class, all varieties competing together. The first prize was awarded to Dark Grey, aud the second to«Silvers, and the class was generally good. At this advanced period ol the season it is surprising to fiud Spanish shown, after so much bard work, in such faultless condition, and this speaks well for the soundness of constitution of the birds. The two winning pens were perfect, and most of the others good. The cup for this section was won by the first- prize pen. There were many good pens of Cochins, the winners being Buffs of high merit. The Bra/mars were above the average in quality. In this class we noticed the largest and best- formed hen we have seen this season, but altogether too rusty in colour for prizetaliing. Mr. Hardie won the cup for Game with a good close -feathert'd pair of birds. Hamburgks were in good order, the winners in all classes being almost perfect. The cup was awarded to a fine pen of Gold-spangled ; the hen in this pen was particularly good. The " Any other variety " class was one of striking excellence, every pen being worthy of winning a prize. This result was doubt- less brought about by the offer of a gold medal, which was borne off by a splendid pen of Cnve-Caurs, the second prize being taken by Silver Polands. The rest were Polands and Hondans. Although Bantasns of all varieties were in great force, there were few in the fine condition so desirable for success in prizetaking. Of Duels there were good classes. The Rouens, to which the gold medal was awarded, were "the pink of perfection " in all points, closely pressed, however, by a handsome pen of Aylesbury. Pintails, Bahamas, and Carolinas were successful in taking the best positions in class for other Ducks. In Turli ye Lord Binning was successful with a fine pen of Cambridge ; and in the Gccse, those of Mr. Hardies pen were of large size and perfect form. No extra prizes were offered for Pigeons, and the entries suffered in proportion, but the birds shown were good, and in fine condition. The first-prize Fantails were not the flat-tailed style of bird so much ad- mired by some sections of the fancy, but the small, nervous, high- carriage, fairy-looking style, that must eventually make their way to the front. The first-prize Tnrbits were perfect, and that THE ROLLER PIGEON. Having flown a flight of Sky Tumblers and Hollers daily for the last twenty-five years, I am in a position to give your readers a little history of the breed of these birds. About fifty years ago there were many 'nimbler fanciers living in and near the town of Birmingham, The late ilr. G. Phillips, of Hands- worth, near Birmingham, was the first to have this kind of birds, being fond of always having a good flight of Tumblers that would fly high, pack closely together, and all tumble at the same time. He was such an enthusiast of these Pigeons, that I am told he would go fifty or one hundred miles to buy a good Tumbler. The birds flown by him were Lialdheads and Black and Red Mottles. At that time they were short, com- pact, full-chested birds, with short beaks and round heads. Some of them being better and quicker tumblers than others were selected aud paired together ; some of the birds bred from these were what are called mad Tumblers — that is, birds that tumble so much and so carelessly that tbey were usually called mad Tumblers. By putting these mad Tumblers together their young ones would roll. It is not to be supposed that all birds which are feather-legged and having the characteristic markingsjof Boilers can roll; on an average there is not one out of a score that can roll. Killers are to be found in most of the shires, but the breed comes from either Birmingham or the Black Country. The coarse look of the Boilers arises from their being bred irrespective of colour, shape, or properties of head, eye, and beak. They may have been bred only for their high flying and rolling properties. It is a pretty sight for a high-flying fancier to see a kit of Kollers, say fourteen or fifteen, turned out of a loft or yard, and watch them gradually ascend till they climb into the clouds, where they have been known to remain eight or nine hours, and about every two minutes they would all roll together, put- ting you in mind of the fireworks called serpents, issuing from the e'xplosion of a rocket when it is at an immense height. I have known Rollers that could roll 8 or 10 yards, breed nothing but single Tumblers, and single Tumblers to breed the best Rollers.' They should be kept as thin as possible, for if they get fat they are sure to roll down and kill themselves. The best food is the best malting bailey ; fed on this they will fly on an average an hour or two daily. If weather is likely to be fine and not cloudy, their food can be changed to beans, or peas, or Indian corn for a few days. I purpose shortly to give your readers a few hints on the management and selection of small Sky Tumblers, a breed that has been very much neglected. — G. Hardy, 10, Fulhani Road, Broiiqrton, London, 5.TI". TRUMPETER PIGEONS. If I were bound to find some fault wilh any of Mr. Firth's ideas of the standard of a Trumpeter for the show pen (see page 119), I would say, Give me a little more than " 2 inches in diameter of mottling "on the shoulder," and 1 would specify the whole of the bird to be black, with the exception of the shoulder being half white, well mixed and airangud, but not to inter- .rauch, for there is none of the Toy varieties more "common, and yet) I fere wittl tlie secondary, and much less the primary or flight 176 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March 8, 1S7U. feathers of the wing. I would not havo'any white on the heaJ, neck, or back ; for what looks finer than a large, well-spread black rose, large and well-spread Muck-feathered feet, long and strong black flights and tail, and, above all, a broad and fully- developed black breast ? But this is wholly an imaginary bird. I believe "Fleer de Lis" (see page 77), not only introduces the question of the standard of the breed, but also that of breeding Trumpeters. I think that there is as much difficulty experienced in breeding good Trumpeters a^ there is in breed- ing good Tumblers, Carriers, Pouterfl, or Barbs. I also think Trumpeters ought to rank next in value to the four above- mentioned varieties in every respect, not only from the diffi- culty in breeding good birds, but from that of keeping them in feather. Next to the Fantail, no other bird is sooner " knocked-np " with showing than the Trumpeter. I do not wish to be understood to mean from any of the above remarks, that I consider Trumpeters bad breeders ; on the contrary, I have always found them remarkably fast breeders, and good in rearing their young ; but allowing this to be the case, you may breed a good many in one season, yet how many of them make any near approach to the standard of the breed ? I, of course, speak more to the breeding of Mottles with all their characteristic points. A few years ago when I was more of a breeder of the Trumpeter, my experience taught me never to breed from a narrow-headed bird ; for in Trumpeters, more so than iu any other breed, the strength of all properties depends on the stoutness (thickness all over), of the bird. When I say " the strength of all properties," I mean when birds are kept in the best of health and condition, having good food and other things requisite, together with exercise in the pure atmosphere. I need hardly mention the fact, that to breed Mottles there must be one parent black and the other mottled, or black and white, constituting each pair. I do not mean to say that dark Mottles are certain to be the result, for it is not exactly as in the case of a painter mixing his colours ; it is quite possible for a very light bird bred from dark ones, paired with a good black bred from "blacks," to breed better Mottles than a very dark mottled one might do ; and it sometimes is found to be the case, as the result chiefly depends upon the parents the birds are bred from. There is yet one point more to which Mr. Firth alludes — namely, the decisions given at some of the exhibitions not being satisfactory to the majority of exhibitors. I believe it is the wish of every exhibitor that there be proper valuation given, and universally acknowledged, of every point constitut- ing each standard of the nine leading varieties of fancy Pigeons. I would very much like to know the opinions of the " fancy " on this subject, after which I would suggest principles that might be practically adopted, and make suggestions as to having the matter properly discussed. — Tnos. Rule, Durham, SONGS OF OUR BIRDS.— No. 1. THE SONG THRUSH. No sooner has the new year been ushered in, and the first stray breathings of reviving spring crossed our land, than this princely songster sends forth his summons to the feathered choir. We had the melancholy and cheerful songs of the Robin and Wren during winter, and the lively sweet warblings of the Hedge Sparrow early in January, but the Thrush is the leader of our winged vocalists. There is a very marked differ- ence in the songs of birds of the same species. Among Finches, more particularly, there is a local dialect quite observable, but among Thrushes this difference is to be found in the same locality. We may hear one whose song is coarse, broken, and in a manner monotonous, while that of his neighbour is soft, rich, and flowingly varied. This bird displays a majestic bear- ing both in his appearance and voice. From the shortness of his sentences his song cannot well be compared with the Night- ingale's, and lacking the more flute-like tones, it does not re- semble that of the Woodlark ; still many of his notes are not only remarkable but unsurpassed, and taking him as a whole, his fine noble form, and beautiful though unassuming plumage, the commanding position he takes on the lawn, his bold, rich, and brilliant song — he is a bird preferable to either ; he is no tender summer visitant, no recluse, but a perennial bird of tune. With the first dawnings of an early spring morning we find him from the summit of a lofty tree, and with a power of voice which strikes every ear, proclaiming that " the time of the singing of birds is come." The song of the Thrush is composed of sentences, each in a great measure comprising a single, double, treble, or further multiplied note or notes, repeated generally three times, and after a series of those a subdued warble. Besides richness and sweetness, his song is possessed of a grandeur unequalled by that of any other bird of our woods. After some of those full, clear, and spirited notes with which he at all times opens his song, he will rapidly hurl forth the most imperious calls, many of them in wondrous metallic chimes, then, as if suddenly catch- ing himself, give out those sweet undulating glassy-toned strains of conciliation, that float away as if breathing new life on the leafless trees, and inspiring with love the whole tenants of the grove. List to him in the gloamin! What ventriloquism! Do those soft sweet strains proceed from beneath the cope stone of the wall, or from the trunk of the tree upon which he is seated? No, it is his powerful song pent up, and given in passionate whispers to the ear of his mate ; his tongue, as if every now and then striking a silver bell, and his whole articu- lation suited to the hush that reigns, and the close proximity of the object of his affections. With the rising sun he wakes the earth, calling into tune thousands of smaller tongues, and alone in the last rays of dissolving evening he closes with un- rivalled eloquence the day-long concert. The Thrush is indigenous to Britain, a bonnie bird, and if taken young from the nest becomes very tame, and is easily kept in confinement. — James Htjie. THE CRYSTAL PALACE CANARY SHOW. (Concluded from page 155.) T.niiihm !-'■'•,< ;,.■:, Class 13 and 14, have increased, and very great care must have been taken to bring the winning specimens to the post in such feather. Messrs. Brodriek, Waller, and Maun were the most successful exhibitors, the first winning the cup with 389, a tine Jonque. I noticed many " sold " tickets in this variety, but whether claimed by the owners or not I do not know. It is a great pity the London Fancy is in so few hands. I have seen better Li:.ank, or I am more fastidious. No. 126 (H. Ashton), first prize. Golden-spangled, was a nice bird ; I liked -427 better, though there was not much to choose between them. Mr. Judd's 437, secoud prize, was also a good Lizard; but I thought Mr. T. Fairbrass had the " pull " over them all in colour with 431 1. Nos. 427 and 423 (Fairbrass) were well-spangled birds. In the Silver- spangled birds the first prize and cup fell to No. 464 (Mr. E. Hawkins). My liking lay iu the direction of 451 (Ashton) or 440 (J. Stephens). But there are many things required to make np a good Lizard, aud I have no doubt the Judges could have given satisfactory reasons for their awards. No. 453 (T. Fairbrass) was rather "run" in the spangles, but was just the right colour, and right sort of bird to breed from — a splendid hen. I did not expect to see such a class of Cinnamons. From all accounts the mortality among them has been great, but those exhibited were numerous enough and good enough to meet all requu-emeuts'for the coming season. Mr. Bexson was first with his Jouque cock, which began its winning career at Whitby last September, and has been at every show of character in Eugland since v,i'hout having been beaten ; a good bird, but rather small, as, indeed, all Jonque Cinnamons are. Mr. Vine was secoud with 472, aud. " honour to whom honour is due," I think I am correct in stating that nearly all the winning birds were from his strain. Moore & Wynu showed good stock in this class, and 473 (Messrs. Watson & Cockle), very highly commended, was a splendid bird. Mr. Vine took first and cup ; lie and Mr. Bexson shar- ing second honours among the Buffs. Mr. Vine's Buffs were superb, but 491 would have been my cup bird, with 495 (Bexson) tripping np bis heels. The very highly commendeds all earned their diplomas. I should like to have seen more exercise of discretionary power in awarding extra prizes in Class 19, " Marked or Variegated Cinna- mons," where some birds of rare merit wero passed over iu favour of ordinary brokeu Cinnamons. Such a bird as 521 (S. Tomes) is not seen every day ; indeed, it is difficult in the extreme to produce such an evenly-marked specimen, and an extra first prize would have been no more than its deserts. The first prize, 528, was a heavily-marked broken bird, but rich in colour, with an " East Cowes " laud of tinge on it. The " Any other variety " contained more than forty good, bad, and indifferent. The first and second prizes went to the Laud of Cakes with two Scotch Fancy, shown by Mr. W. Alexander, of Edinburgh — good specimens. Mr. Ashton aud Mr. Young were also very highly commended with the same class of bird. 5511 (Ashton), secoud, was a rare Manchester Coppy, but I think the equal second, 561, St. Helena Seed Finch, hardly comes under the class of Canaries proper while there is a class for any variety of foreign birds. Mrs. W. Slowe's 544, Yorkshire hen. third prize, was claimed for the Polefield Hall Mule farm, a fine, lengthy bird, beautifully marked. May she be the mother of another " Edward I.," that most gentlemanly of Mules. Class 21, Ydlov; Goldfinch .Vide (Clear for choice).— The first prize, March 3, 1S70. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 177 004 (H. Asliton), was a Mealy bild and not a Jonque. Five entries, and a poor class. Class 22, Buff Goldfinch Mule.— The winner, 609 (J. Doel), was a fine bird, but had dark thighs ; ho earned his position fairly, as 611 (J. Young) (Snowflake, and winner of the cup at Sunderland) was ill, and could not pull himself together better than to earn a second prize, which he shared equally with 012 (J. Yonng), an absolutely clear hen. I am sorry to say both these beauties died during the Show, whether from the severity of the weather, or from the many ills to which Canary flesh is heir, I cannot say ; but I am happy to take this oppor- tunity of bearing testimony to the great care and attention bestowed by Mr. Wilkinson's assistants upon the sickly members of the flock, and the careful measures taken to tight the cruel cold outside. In Class 23, Variegated Yellom Goldfinch Mule.— Mr. Doel showed two such birds as I never saw, nor anyone else. 631 and 632 (cup), equal first, will come between many a man and his wits for some time to come. In Jonques they reigned supreme ; there was nothing near them. I should have eulogised the equal second, third, and very highly commendeds, but these two throw them so far into the shade that I cannot find them. Class 21, Variegated Buff Mule. — No. 669 in this class was what Mr. Doel's were among the Jonques, a prince among Mules. He is as good a Buff as they are Jonques ; they are more lightly marked on the wings, but his marking is exactness itself, while the pencilling of the eyes is such as never was seen on a Mule before — black as jet, and as clearly defined as if done to order by one of the guild of " painters and stainers.'' Each is tho type of perfection in its class, but since Jonque among Mules seems to bear a higher relative value than in other classes, there should be a cup for each class, or there is no possibility of a Buff winning, even if the balance of points (bar colour) be in its favour. The other winnerB and " mentioned " birds were first-class, hut I think there was an oversight as regards 619 (Ashtont ; it was worth a very highly commended. The Dark Jonques and Dark Mealy Mules were very fine, and I am still of the sime opinion that Moore & Wynn's bird is the best Dark Jonque " out." In Linnet Mules, 720 (Young) and 715 (Ashton) distanced the rest completely, and in " Any other variety of Mule " Mr. Stansfield was first with his Bullfinch and Goldfinch — a great beauty. In this class Mr. Y'oung exhibited a Bullfinch and Canary Mule, or what is alleged to be such, and though it has been passed over more than once as being a " Variegated Canary," that is no proof that it is not what it is represented to be. So far as reliance can be placed on human statements, it is a hybrid between the Bullfinch and Canary. Mr. Harrison Weir recognised a great resemblance to the Bullfinch head and beak, especially in the formation of the lower mandible. How- ever, its reproducing capabilities will be put to the test, and if an impostor, both bird, and breeder and seller will be exposed. I hurry past the groups, each good in its kind, and remarking that the British birds formed the best collection I ever saw, and regretting that I have not time to notice them, I leave them and the rest of the eleven hundred entries, in the hope that some eloquent pen well versed in bird-lore will descant upon their merits. A hearty shake of the hand from friends one only meets once a-year, and we turned our backs on the " Derby " of 1870, crossed the tran- sept just in time to see the clown in the pantomime make his bow, and in a few minutes were Hying back to town — in an hour or two flying back to home. There are two or three sunny memories connected with my visit. I made the personal acquaintance of the Editors of " our Journal," and was duly initiated as a member of the happy family connected with our little serial. I wish I had time to give a few details of my visit. Those who know them best could best appreciate what I should have to say, but I should require a large stock of words indicative of kindness, geniality, refinement — just such qualities as you might ex- pect to find at the head of " our Journal." And I went home, too, where I was nursed when I was a " raw gobby ;" that is a sunny memory. And I had a regret too. I looked forward to meeting " Wiltshire Rector," but a severe domestic affliction prevented his leaving home : my disappointment was not greater than the regret I felt at the intelligence, in which I am sure every reader of "our Journal " will join. — W. A. Blakston. therein I placed or> the top, and secured the two hives by a band of cloth tightly tied round the part where they joined. All then being in readiness, I commenced a series of drumming or beating, by means of two sticks about 2 feet long, in the opposite direction of the combs. This in a very short time had the desired effect, and the bees might be heard in great consternation ascending to their new domicile. No fear need be entertained of the queen not being amongst them, as she is always one of the first to ascend. The point then to settle was how many bees to leave in the old hive to rear another queen. I therefore lifted the hive gently about an inch, and saw a fine cluster hanging from the new hive, which I estimated at about half the number of bees the old hive originally contained. This was so far satisfactory. The hive in which was the new-made swarm was then removed to the stand of the old hive in the place of hive No. 1, and the bees which had accumulated there- in were unceremoniously shaken out in front of the artificial swarm, which they soon joined, and on the return of the bees still abroad made a goodly number. To treat with the old hive was the next step ; that was carefully wrapt up, merely per- mitting enough space for ventilation, and not for the egress of the bees, and placed iu an odd corner of the bee-house for two days, to enable the bees to lay the foundation of a new con- stitution. At the expiration of this time the hive was placed in an advantageous situation, and the bees released. Both hives prospered, and in the ensuing season I took more than one glass of honey from the artificial swarm. But, however successful I may have been in this case, I do not recommend the method being tiied on a stock which will throw off natural swarms.— A. R. R. ARTIFICIAL SWARMS. Observing in your columns of the 17th alt., a letter from E. Walpole, jun., wishing information on the above subject, I submit my experience for his guidance. On the 11th of June I had a common country straw hive of bees which had obstinately refused to swarm for two seasons ; I therefore determined to attempt the formation of an artificial swarm, for which purpose I provided myself with two empty common straw hives — Nos. 1 and '2; and about 10 a.m., after puffing a few whiffs of a cigarette under the hive containing the bees to be operated upon, I removed it about 10 yards, and placed the empty hive, No. 1, in its place to amuse the many rovers on their return. The populated hive I reversed on a pail or tub, and hive No. 2, with some worker comb attached SWARMING. It is our intention to explain this more fully when we come to the practical part of this work. Though it is one of the most interesting parts of bee history, swarming, with all its adjuncts, is very difficult to explain, or put in a tangible form. The building of drone combs, and the formation of royal cells long before they aie wanted, indicate that swarming is a law amongst bees ; it is an instinct of their being, and tends to their preservation. In the spring months hives have not very much honey in them. The combs then afford plenty of scope for hatching brood; and young bees are produced faster than they die. Hives soon become "choke full." Sometimes clusters of bees, like bunches of grapes, hang outside. They are ready to swarm. Preparations are made for the important event. The bees well know, long before it comes to pass, that the queen (call her the old or mother queen) goes with the first swarm. What about a successor to the throne? When the swarm shall have gone, there will be no queen in the hive, and no fresh-laid eggs. These wonderful creatures know all this, and, there- fore, never fail to set eggs in royal cells, and thus have young queens on the way, before they send off a colony. Generally the eggs for young queens are set about four days before swarming takes place. Inclement weather may prevent the swarm leaving at the usual time, and, therefore, the young queens may be nearly ripe and ready to leave their cells ere tho old queen and swarm leave the hive. Sometimes these young queens, by reason of wet or cold weather, are torn out of their cells, and when this takes place swarming is post- poned for a week or two. The weather may become more favourable, and a second time preparations are made for swarming. As the time draws near, the bees send out scouts to find a place for the swarm to go to. Like a queen wa^> in spring seeking a place to build her nest, these scouts go from bush to bush, and up and down the hedgerows in their own locality. When the spot is fixed on, there is in some way or other a consultation about it in the hive, for messengers are seen going straight to and from the place some short time before the swarm leaves. It may, and sometimes does happen that two places may be selected, half the swarm going to the one, and half to the other. But let us return to the hive, and we shall find there something to excite our admiration. Thirty or forty thousand bees are about to leave the place of their birth, and the comforts of home, never to return. Home- sickness is a feeling unknown to emigrant bees, provided they have a queen amongst them. The signal for departure will soon be given, but not before these thirty or forty thousand bees have well filled their bags with honey. Which Great Bee gives the signal to go will never be told, but unquestion- ably a signal is given, for in a moment the swarm gushes pell- 178 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. mell like a flowing stream out of the hive. What an interest- ing sight. Talk about the Pilgrim Fathers (and all honour to them) leaving their native land for the shores of America ! Look at these courageous bees in the act of swarming, rushing forth to make the air ring with their cbeerp, rising into the atmosphere above as, and there roaring at the fullest pitch of joy and gladness, and by reason of their numbers flying in all directions, giving us all the shapes and forms of a thousand kaleidoscopes. The swarming of bees is like a wedding, or the tally-ho of the huntsman in this particular, that it seems to inspire all spectators with a felt interest and enthusiasm in the scene. Brave colonists ! Go and prosper, and multiply (From ''The Handy Rook of Bees." Being a Practical Treatise on their Profitable Management. By A. Pettigrew. Now in the press.) Crops of 1869.— In Great Britain there were cultivated 585,211 acres of Potatoes, and 14,344 acres of Carrots ; in Ireland, 1,041,837 acres of Potatoes. OUR LETTER BOX. Patent Food (J. Ransome).— We never employ any. We feed solely npon ground oats, barley, and boiled potatoes. Fowls and Eggs to Australia (Warrior).— Do not attempt it. The fowls whilst on board would be a source of perpetual discomfort, and the chickenB, if 5 per cent of the eggs produced any, would be weak. Linseed for Poultry (Linseed).— We should not be disposed to put much faith in it after two hours boiling, still it may be useful mixed with barley meal. There is no doubt about its fattening properties; but in poultry it has a tendency to mako the plumage soft, and to make the feathers fall. It does not make bone during the period of growth. Specimen Feathers (8. H.).—We are sorry we are unable by seeing one feather to tell you the breed of the fowl to which it once belonged. It may have been taken from a Grouse Cochin, or a cross-bred Game hen, or from that nondescript a barndoor fowl. We are by no means sure it came from a fowl at all. If it did, we should say the bird was of eastern origin. The sharp-cut division .of colour hardly belongs to our western birds. Fitness of Eggs for Incubation (A. C.).— The eggs may be set within two days of the cock being put in the yard. The next is rather a disputed point ; wc believe you miy safely set all the laying. We have hatched eggs that were laid a month after the cock had been removed from the yard. In the case of a hen Turkey confined in a loft quite alone, she laid after being there six weeks, and batched all her eggs but one. Your last question is oue on which doctors differ. We believe most of the eggs will belong to the Brahrua. Advising you to the best of our ability, we should sav if vou wish to have pure Dorkings, set only those eggs that will be laid by bens or pullets that have laid none before. They will probably owe their fertility to the Dorking cock, but most of those that form the conclusion of a laying that was beguu under the protection of a Brahma, will belong to him. Cross Between a Partridge and a Bantam (Gloucester),— The cross has never been accomplished. We do not, as a rule, like crosses, but we should be glad for curiosity's sake to see this. Let the birds be together without interruption. When the hen lays, let har sit on part of the eggs ; pat the others under another hen. Watch them narrowly for any- thing that may lead you to tuppose you are likely to have produce. If they are in a town gird n. h never large, there is no fear of wild Partridges being about. He should hear none, or he will discard his mate. Points in Brahma Pootras (J. M. C.).— We advise you to buy one of the many good books now published on fowls. Baily gives the exhibition points, which are too long for our space. We will give you the principal. In both sexes, pea-mri1-.-', yellow legs, no vulture-hocks, large size. The cock should have light hackle and saddle, black tail, black or black ana white-spotted breast. The hen should be delicately pencilled all over, save the neck, which should be striped black and white. Hen with Head Aside (R. J. L.I.— The injury will be killing your Brahma, but it will do so, and we advise you to put her out of her misery after another week if she do not recover, as it will then be plain she is injured. Give her a tablespoonful of castor oil twice, at in- tervals of twenty-four hours. Brahma Pootras (H. F. H.). — The weight of the cock has much to do with the injury, but it is not all. Two pullets are not enough to run with a vigorous cock of twelve months. It is rescoring of the sides that causes the fatal injury. He must be removed except on rare occasions, which need only be very rare. We cannot solve the question whether one alliance is sufficieut, but we believe it is ; others deny it. We are certain it does in Turkeys, we believe it does in Pheasants. We should have added above, the cock must be removed till the pallet's side3 are quite healed. Vulture Hocks Hereditary (Idem).— As a rule, the chickens of vul- ture-hocked parents are themselves vulture-hocked. Poultry defects are more certainly transmitted th«n their virtues. A merely small fluffy feather curling round the knee joint of a Brahma would hardly be called a vulture hock It is the straight projecting feather that offends. If your birds are all \ ulture-hocked, the only hope you have is to change the cock for one free from the fault. The pea comb is apparently ma£e of three combs; the centre has few and blunt serrations ; on either side of it is, or should be, the plain and somewhat raised impression of another. Thus the pea comb should be, as it were, made up of three combs— that in the centre higher than the others, which should appear to be pressed into it till only a raised outline of them rerun ined. This comb should be straight and very firm. When it can be accomplished it is better to let the dif- ferent shades of Djrkings run together, bit if by mixing you can get promise of better shape or greater weight do not stand for colour. Recol- lect Dorkings are birds of weight and judged accordingly. They are not birds of colour. Pullets Dropping their Eggs (Hunt* II,uu-i/e).—li your pullets drop the eggs from their perches, remove the perches. We fcnow no reason why they should drop them, and do not believe they will continue to do so. It is from being out of order. When hens first eat their egijs it is for the sake of the shell, then they get to like them. Putting all things together, we are disposed to think your fowls lack lime. Throw down in their haunts Borne basketsful of bricklavers' rubbioh, old ceiling, and the like. Egg Shells Varying in Colour (Idem).— It has never been decided why eggs vary so much in colour, but it is so. Three hens of the same breed will lay three different shades. There are those who say it is ruled by the atmosphere, and that the warmer the weather tho darker the egg will be. We cannot say, but we think in hot weather the eggs Poultry Judging (Duckwing).— Your premises are wrong, there iB by no means a large per-centtge of inferior birds shown. In many classes, and numerous ones, an inferior pen is the exception, and the j udges have far too much to do to spare time for small details. Sky Tumdlers Brief on the Wing (Nottingham). — Any birds sent to a strange place will not flv the same as if they had been reared there. The birds ought to be kept as stock birds. Breed, rear, and train the young ones to the premises. We hope to publish next week some notes on breeding, training, and feeding the Sky Tumbler. Antwerp Pigeon (W. IT.).— If you refer to page 13^, you will find a portrait of a standard specimen, and all the particulars you ask for. (J. H. and Reader).— Write to Mr. H. Move, 19, Hagley Road, Birmingham. Pigeon with Stiff Wing (Ath Knowle).— Most probably your hen Turbit had wing disease, and it was cured, but the joint remains, and will ever remain, stiff. In a hen bird this does not matter, but it renders a cock bird useless for breeding. It is a pity that you destroyed the hen Magpie, as her case was similar, and the dis'ease is not cmtagious. Rules of Racing Pigeons (Will. Jones).— We do not know where these can be procured, but, perhaps, some of our readers may know and will inform you next week. Barbs (Amateur).— The width of skull is seen at the age you mention* but will improve by time. All Barbs require age, four. Years, to develope their beauty. We cannot speak as to price or sellers. It is best to write to eminent Barb breeders, those who take most prizes. The first point is the breadth, evenness, and bright red colour of the ■ eyes, the second the shortness of beak, the third the i the head. See Brent's "Pigeon Book." Mule Canaries (C. G. S.).— There is no difference in the name whether the cock or hen Canary is one of the parents. Your query about a book is too indefinite. Making Impressed Wax Sheets iT. Nicol),—We do not know where the apparatus for making them can be obtained ; perhaps some of our correspondents maybe able to give the required information. Hives (I?. iT).— We cannot obtain the information you ask for. The hive you name is not patented. Gold and Silver Fish (J. E.).— No work is devoted to their manage- ment. If the water is frequently renewed, a few aquatics in the aquarium, a few shreds of uncooked meat given daily, and some sand at the bottom of the aquarium ; nothing more can be done for them. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— March 2. With a return of open weather the markets have resumed their normal condition, and have been well attended, first-class articles being iu much better request. A few Strawberries have been offered this week at from 4*. to 6*. per oz. The usual consignments from the Continent reach us in good order, and are a great boon, for we should scarcely have any salading to offer without them. The Potato trade is dull, and large quantities of a very inferior description are offered. Mulberries quart 0 0 to 0 Nr-etarines doz. 0 0 0 Oranges - 100 6 0 12 time | currants., Black do. 0 Fitrs doz. 0 Filberts lb. 0 Cobs lb. 0 Gooseberries quart 0 Grapes. Hothouse.... lb. 8 Lemons Vim 6 Melons each 0 Kaspben strawbi-i Walnuts . doz. 0 0 0 0 ,..lb. 0 0 0 0 VEGETABLES. Artichokes doz. 3 Ot paragns a* 100 10 0 ana. Kidney do. 5 0 Broad bushel 0 0 Beet.Red doz. 2 0 Broccoli bnndle 1 0 Brussels Sprouts..* sieve 3 0 Cabbage doz. 1 0 Capsicums r> 100 0 0 Carrots bunch 0 4 Cauliflower doz. 3 0 Celery bundle 1 6 Coleworts.. doz. bunches 3 0 Cucumbers each 2 0 pickling doz. 0 0 Endive doz. 2 0 Fennel bunch 0 3 Garlic lb. 0 8 Herbs bunch 0 3 Horseradish ....bundle 3 0 Leeks bunch 0 4 t Lettuce doz. 1 0 Mushrooms pottle 2 G Mustard & Cress.. punnet 0 2 Peas quart n 0 Potatoes bushel 2 0 Kidney do. 3 6 Radishes .. doz. bunches 1 0 Rhubarb bundle 1 0 SavovB. doz. 1 6 Sea-kale basket 2 0 Shallots lb. 0 6 Spinach bushel 5 0 Vegetable Marrows, .doz. 0 0 0 O March 10, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day OI Month Day of Week. MARCH 10—16, 1870. Average Tempera- tare near London. Rain in 43 years. Sun Rises. Sun Seta. Moon Rises. Moon Moon's Age. Clock before Sun. Day of Tear. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Th F S Sun M To W Meeting of Eoyal and Zoological Societies. [8.30 p.m. 2 Sunday in Lent. Meeting of Royal Geographical Society, [8.30 p.m. Royal Hort. Society, Hyacinth Show, Fruit, [ Floral, and General Heating. Day. 49 6 49.1 50.4 50.4 50.8 50.6 51.0 Night. 31.6 3-3.2 32 2 34.0 34.4 836 84.0 40.6 40.7 41.3 42.2 42.6 48.1 42.5 Days. 16 19 21 15 20 21 14 m. h. 28af6 26 6 23 6 21 6 18 6 16 6 13 6 m. b. 53 af 5 55 5 57 5 58 5 0 6 2 6 4 6 m. h. 15afl0 56 10 48 11 47 0 0 2 18 3 41 4 m. h. 21 af 1 23 1 21 3 12 4 56 4 33 5 5 B Days. }> 9 in 11 12 13 14 10 27 In 11 9 55 9 38 9 22 9 4 8 47 69 70 71 72 t 75 From observations taken near London during the last forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 50 3° ; and its night temperature 33 l-\ The greatest heat was 67°, on the 10th, 1826; and the lowest cold 7°, on the 10th, 1817. The greatest fall of rain was 0.68 inch. GROWING PINE APPLES PROFITABLY. INE APPLES grown with the most approved appliances, if grown well, will pay, though the profit will not be great, if anything at all, in the neighbourhood of London, where coals are more than twice as dear as they are with us ; and the expense will be considerably increased with those who advocate a high temperature for Pine Apples. It is, there- fore, very desirable, as Mr. Record suggests in his courteous remarks at page 83, that their culture should be reduced to as cheap a system as possible — a result, I think, only to be accomplished in one way, and that is on the principle of " killing two dogs with one stone," combined with a thorough practical know- ledge of Pine-culture, without which failure only may be expected. To those, therefore, who may wish to grow Pines at the least expense, I would say, Adapt your house to grow other things besides Pine Apples, especially Straw- berries, Kidney Beans, pot Vines, or Cucumbers. Anyone who goes to the expense of erecting a Pine stove may provide accommodation for some, or all of these, with very little additional outlay, and it is very seldom that those who are ambitious to grow Pines wish to be without the others. As an example of what I mean, let me describe a Pine pit at Dalkeith, to which I feel sure Mr. Thomson will excuse my drawing attention here. This pit, as far as I recollect, is about 200 feet long, and is arranged in di- visions containing Pines in different stages of growth — a most convenient and economical arrangement — and the whole is heated by hot water, top and bottom. It is a lean-to pit, and running the whole length of the back wall were two or three shelves for Strawberries and Kidney Beans. Certainly, the most magnificent sight in the way of forced Strawberries I ever saw was in that pit — a sight which, for anything I know, may still be seen there any spring. Though this house did not afford accommodation for all the Strawberries forced at Dalkeith, still, I believe I do not err in estimating the quantity grown in the Pine pit at from 800 to 1000 ozs. These, estimated at the average Covent Garden prices during March and AprU, give a figure that would have more than defrayed all ex- penses connected with the Pines and other things — not to speak of immense quantities of Kidney Beans turned ont of the same house, and accommodation afforded for Vines, Chilies, &c, during the summer and autumn months. The house was no larger than was necessary for the proper accommodation of the Pine Apples, leaving a 3 -feet path along the back, and was an item of one man's charge. Having to erect a Fig house here some time ago, I, acting on the above principle, had it made a lean-to, high at the back, narrow, and to admit all the light possible. The Fig trees, instead of being trained up under the roof in the usual way, are trained to a low curvilinear trellis, by which they have nearly as much space as if they had the run of the roof, while a flood of light is admitted to the back wall, on which we can accommodate about five hundred Strawberry plants at one time. As these go out, Ho. 467.— Vol. XVUL, Nkw Semes. Cape Gooseberries are trained up over the shelves, and two crops of Figs are taken oil' in the season. Like Mr. Record, I have a hankering after fermenting materials for growing Pines, believing that the plants swell their fruit better on a bed of leaves if well managed, and I would have no objection to use the same materials for bottom heat ; but my experience forbids my recom- mending tiie old-fashioned hotbed and linings for any stage of Pine-culture, on economical grounds. — J. Simp- son, Wortley. CAMELLLV CULTURE. I have sent this morning a box of Camellia blooms for your inspection from plants grown in pots, and I send the following remarks as to the mode of culture carried out for producing them. First, as to drainage, I find the Camellia very impatient of stagnant water : hence the necessity of good drainage. This having been secured, place over the crocks a good layer of turfy loam thinly, preventing the soil passing among the drainage, and also serving as food for the plants. This having been done, the next need is soil. The most suitable that I have found is the following : — Two parts of fresh turfy sandy loam to one part fibrous peat, well mixed but not sifted. This soil I have found answer every purpose for the well-doing of the Camellia. As to the season of potting, I have found that the sooner potting is done the better after the plants have begun to make their summer growth, because then the roots are fully active, and will readily send their fibres into the fresh compost ; while, if it is delayed till the plants have completed their summer growth, the roots are not so likely to work in the fresh soil. Besides, I think the soil is more likely to become sour, from the fact that the roots have not worked so freely as they would have done had the plants been potted sooner. I think it a great mistake to pot the Camellia too frequently. For established plants once in three or four years is quite sufficient, giving them a liberal shift when it is done ; but although I do not agree with potting too often, it is necessary in the mean- time to feed the plants with liquid manure at certain seasons, and I find nothing to equal sheep's droppings collected fresh, and allowed to stand in water for a few days. Of course, if the plants have been recently potted, they do not require manure water till the fresh compost is somewhat exhausted. With regard to shading the Camellia, I find it is highly necessary through the hot months of summer, especially if foliage is considered as well as bloom, and I find it im- possible to have the two combined without shading at certain seasons of the year. As to temperature, much depends upon the demand for bloom ; for, although the Camellia will bear a certain amount of forcing, still I think in the blooming season a temperature of 40° to 45°, and from that to 50", is quite sufficient. A rise of a few degrees in the growing season may be beneficial. — B. Godbold, The Gardens, Ohipstead, Kent. [We never saw a more desirable collection of cut Ca- No. 1119.-V0L. XLIII., Oli Sums. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March 10, 1870. mellias ; whether the flowers or the foliage 13 considered, were fine and extremely vigorous. — Eds.] MORE ABOUT POTATOES. An this valuable tuber is now again attracting attention, and as I have removed to a fresh locality, I have determined this year on giving a trial to as many varieties that were new to me aa I could. I had tried previously a good many, had come to the conolUBion that many of them were not worth the trouble of growing, and that with the Ashleaf, Myatt's Prolific, and the Lapstone, one could get on very well, but that a Potato which would follow the latter, and keep on until the new ones came in, was still a desideratum. I must honestly say that I am particular, and that I consider the Lapstone the perfection of a Potato ; it is, however, not a large cropper, and will not auit cold soils or cold climates. I have neither the one nor the other. Round Potatoes, unless for some particular pur- poses, I do not care to grow, but a few have been so strongly recommended to me that I cannot but give them a trial. The following comprise my trial sorts, and I give the sources whence I have been kindly furnished. 1, Yorkshire Hero 3, Early Upright 2, Gryfie Castle 4, Bryanstone Kidney The above had been sent to me by my friend Mr. Radclyffe ; unfortunately since I had them I have lost several in store by frost, still I have a sufficient number for trial. The first three Mr. Radclyffe has often praised in the Journal, the latter is quite new, as he has stated in last week's Journal ; the two tubers I have look beautifully clean and good. 5, Rivers's Royal Ashleaf | 6, Early Ten-week 7, Haigh's Kidney These have been sent to me by Mr. Rivers, and I quite agree with Mr. Fenn, that we must distinguish it by his name still, albeit, the parentage is not his. At Deal I did not like it. This soil may suit it. 8, Bresee's Climax 10, Ashtop Fluke 9, Bresee's Early Prolific | 11, Carter's Champion These have come from Messrs. Carter & Co. The first two are American. I cannot say that I like their appearauce, but they may be better than they look. Ashtop Fluke looks very 12, Veitch's Earlv Ashleaf 13, Shepherd's Early Kid- ney 14, Sultan Pink Kidney 15, Huntingdon Kidney 16, Webb's Improved Kidney 17, Coldstream Early 18, Mona's Pride Messrs. Veitch &: Sons were good enough to send me the above. 16, 17, and 18 I have already grown and condemned. 19, Harris's Nonpareil | 20, Cutbush's Ringleader. These are new to me, and were sent by my friend Mr. Cutbush, of Highgate. 20 I have heard highly spoken of, and it looks like a good early sort. 21, Headley's Seedling. Mr. Headley has left his mark in horticulture ; in Auriculas he has raised the very finest we have in George Lightbody ; in Tulips he has raised a great many very fine varieties ; and as a cultivator he has ever been marked as a foremost man. If the account given of this Potato by Mr. Fryer, of Chatteris, to whom I am indebted for the sample I have, be borne out in other localities, it will enhance Mr. Headley's fame for Potatoes as well as for flowers. 22, Beaconsfield | 23, Union These have come to me from Mr. Turner, of Slough ; the former seems to be a fine strain of Lap3tone, but remains to be proved. 24, Early Rose 29, King of Potatoes 20, Victoria 30, Scarlet Prolific 26, Early Racehorse 31, Belgian Fluke 27, Golden Blossom 32, Mona's Pride 28, Early Goodwill For these I am indebted to Messrs. Sutton & Sons, of Reading. Of 24 I hear very conflicting accounts, some saying it is utter rubbish, ethers that it is an excellent Potato. My friend Mr. Radclyffe condemns it. 25 I cannot like; it may be good, but all I can eay is, I have never been able to eat it. 26 I con- demned some years ago, but am giving it another trial. Of 29 and 32 I may say the same, but they are on trial again. My ground is a piece of freshly broken-up pasture of a good unctuous loam, not over-stiff, and I expect and believe it will grow Potatoes well, for it stands high and is, therefore, well drained. There is, as will be seen, no lack of varieties, and I shall be very glad if we can find among them a Potato possess- ing these qualities — to be as good in flavour as the Jjapstone, with a better constitution, and keeping up to the time that new Potatoes come in. — D., heal. ECHITES NUTANS AND ECHITES RUBRO- YENOSA. Echites nutans is a milky-juiced climbing plant with opposite lanceolate leaves, which are generally not more than 3 inches in length, and 1 inch in width. It is well worthy of cultivation on account of its magnificent foliage. Although this plant has been in cultivation for several years, and may be obtained very cheaply, yet it is very seldom met with, and very rarely do we see well-grown specimens, but when grown well they form charming objects. The foliage is of great beauty, the ground colour being dark green, marked with a network of crimson veins. Echites rubro-vrnnsa. — Of the many finefoliaged plants grown, none that I know equals this in beauty ; so exquisite is the network which covers the leaves, that I think it yields to nothing but the most brilliant of the genus Ana>ctochilus. Its leaves, of a clear emerald- green tint, are intersected and crossed by minute lines of bright red and gold colour, in the style of the species of Anffictochilus. My treatment is as follows : — For soil I get a good fibrous peat, pull it to pieces by hand, and well mix it with some good sandy peat, adding a sprinkling of charcoal and silver sand. The plants do well in this compost. It requires good drainage. The foliage should never be washed by the syringe or in watering, but the surrounding atmosphere must be kept as moist as possible. Under this treatment the plants grow rapidly. I place a large bell-glass over them to protect them from water. During the middle of the day I shade from too strong sun- light. They are difficult to propagate from cuttings. I take the thick fleshy roots and cut them about an inch in length ; these make plants very freely. I make the trellis to which the plants are trained of small hazel rods the shape of the bell- glass, which it very quickly covers. I place the bell-glass on bricks, so that the atmosphere freely circulates all through the foliage.-F. P. L. BEET AS A BEDDING PLANT. I give my experience of Beet as an ornamental plant in compliance with the request of Mr. Peach, and I hope others will do the same, for I am inclined to think that where Coleus will not bed out Beet stands first among red-leaved plants. As it is becoming fashionable, we may very soon look for great improvements in colour ; I daresay that three years hence we shall be in possession of varieties with leaves even brighter than the young and central ones of Dracaena purpurea. March 20th, 1869, I sowed a packet of Dell's Beet and one of Royal Osborne in boxes out of doors ; not a seed of either vegetated. On April 24th I sowed a packet of Royal Osborne, and placed the box in which it was sown on the top of a dung- heap. It came up freely. When large enough to handle I pricked the plants off into pots, placing about six in a 4-inch pot. Early in June I put them in the ribbons and beds ; they grew rapidly, and were the admiration of all who saw them. In colour — crimson purple — in form, and in power of resisting both sun and rain, Royal Osborne Beet is all that can be wished for. Iresine planted close to it had to hide its diminished head. You might see your face in the gloss of the leaves. One bed was planted thus — the centre of Cineraria maritima, then a double row of Beet, a double row of Flower of Spring Pelargonium, and an outer ring of Iresine. Everybody who saw it thought it beautiful. One great merit Beet has, is its durability. Coleus, Iresine, Orach, Perilla, vanish — disappear ; but Beet holds on till yon want your ground for bulbs. When I took my plants up, October 18th, they were as bright as ever. I stored them in sand, and I shall plant them out again in the beginning of April, and expect them to make a beautiful edging to beds of Tulips. They are now sending up a number of lovely magenta- coloured leaves at the crown, and would, I am sure, be beautiful March 10, 1870. ] JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 181 for silver vases on a dinner-table with anyone who had stove heat in which to force them for the purpose. I hope to raise seed from some of these old plants, for the prices charged by nurserymen are ridiculously high ; 1*. 6J. for Boyal Osborne, Is. for Dell's. Last year two or three of my friends procured seed of Dell's ; it almost entirely missed. I could see no difference in colour between the few plants that did come up and my Boyal Osborne ; but as I think it was a little more dwarf, I shall try it again this year. There is, I know, a prejudice against Beet, on account of its being edible. A great gardener not far from this imy respects to him when he reads this, as I think he will), is very loud in his condemnation of it. He says that if we have to go to the salad bowl for our flower garden it is time to shut up altogether. I do not agree with him. If a thing is beautiful, its being useful also is no demerit in my eyes. I paid him a visit on September 4th, when, in consequence of a sharp frost three days before, his Perilla was sadly shabby, and of course the Colons would have been worse had he had any of it bedded out ; but even then he clung to his theory, and still anathematised Beet. To all brother gardeners I say, with respect to Beet, " utere mecum." — Q. Q. POLEMONIUM C.ERULEUM YARIEGATUM CULTURE. Novelties for the flower garden are so abundant in these •days, that the purchaser is often bewildered, especially if he happens to first consult any of the bulky catalogues so abun- dantly showered upon him. Amidst all this wealth of new plant3 it is seldom that any are offered to us possessing such sterling qualities as Polemonium ca?rnleum variegatum ; its graceful Fern-like leaves, silvery variegation, and dwarf habit of growth, combine to make it a plant of rare elegance, and peculiar fitness for the flower garden. Its hardiness is also much in its favour, for although it has a decided tendency to become green if left out in winter, yet lifted and potted in October it winters admirably in a cold pit, retaining its varie- gation, and making fresh growth early in the new year. Then the old stools are divided, and each crown potted singly in light rich sandy soil in pots of a suitable size, again placed in the pit, and carefully watered and shaded till they become estab- lished. Besides its great value in the flower garden, it is useful as a pot plant at all seasons of the year. A few plants intro- duce! in the front rank of conservatory groups, or on plant stages, are certain to be appreciated. Moreover, its pretty frond-like foliage forms capital wreath3 for garnishing the dessert, and its medium-sized shoots or crowns mix well with cut flowers. — Edward Lucehxbst, Egerton House Gardens, Sent. PEA CULTURE. On the 20th of November, 1863, I planted a row, 30 feet long, of Fir=t Crop early Pea, picked a peck of fully-grown Peas on May 20th, and continued doing so two or three times weekly from this row up till August. I picked a pint of well-ripened seed on July 20th, and after exposing them to the sun for that day, I planted them in another row 30 feet long, and picked a good crop on September 2'.Kh, and frequently afterwards up till November 1st. Bain and frost prevented those pods left on the row from ripening, but the haulm remained green till Decem- ber. The appearance of the row when in blossom was very beautiful, every flowerstalk bearing two blossoms. The height was over 30 inches, but the entire row was as even as a well- cut hedge, showing careful selection in the seed. As I am always very successful in growing Peas, allow me to give my mode of culture publicity. I throw oat to the windward side a spadeful of earth, and in the trench thus formed lay a good coating of manure — pig and cow dung mixed. I have no other, or I would prefer horse dung. This is then well dug in, and a smooth surface made with the spade ; on this the Peas are placed, one by one, not less than 2$ inches apart, then covered with sifted ashes, and the earth drawn over that from the leeward side. I find both with early and late- sown Peas that the ridge to windward is a great protection. I may add that, in order to test the relative merits of Car- ter's First Crop with Daniel O'Bourke Pea, a row of each was planted. The former was up 3 inches by Christmas, the latter only appeared in the first week in January, and the former wis picked and in full yield four week3 before the other ; it being June 21st before I could pick sufficient for a family of nine from the latter, but the quantity produced was very great. Carter's Dwarf Mammoth Cauliflower is well worthy of so gigantic a name, from the euormou3 size of the heads. I cut many last summer 8 lbs. in weight, and one bed of sixty plants produced an average weight of 0 lbs. This, too, in a part of Wales by no means famous for fertility of soil. — Aubed Pcllix, Gelbj Gaer Endowed Schools, Newport, Hon. SOMETHING WORSE THAN AN 'ACHING TOOTH." My friend Smith was sadly troubled with toothache, but the offender wa3 an old friend, and though it didn't give him much rest, he did not like to have it taken out ; but Jones advised him to get a bran new set. Signor Pultuski was consulted, and declared that it would be a charming process, that he would be better and brisker than ever. In an evil hour he consented, and as the new set didn't agree with the few he had left of the old ones he was worse off than ever. Oh ! how he sighed over the tooth he had lost, and wished it back again ! The Boyal Horticultural SDCiety is the patient ; Chiswick, our friend " G." savs, is the aching" tooth ; but I rather fancy that the bran new set of ivories, yclept South Kensington, is far worse than the other, and that when Chiswick is irretrievably gone and the Society weighed down by its debt, it will wish that the aching tooth were back again. — D., Deal. DOES THE ELM PRODUCE SEED? Few persons doubt their ignorance of the English £*lm (Tlmu3 campestris), but it appears that very iew of U3 can impart intelligence with anything like exactness as to its pro- ducing seed, as may be seen by the many different accounts given by really intelligent persons conversant with gardening, who on this question should be at least a3 much to be relied upon as anyone. The question of the Elm fruiting in " perfection," a3 the author of the fact stated, was first mooted in " Science Gossip " for January. I may state by way of parenthesis that the para- graph in which the fact was launched wa3 written in June last, at the time the writer of it saw the Elm in fruit. In last month's issue of the abovenamed periodical " Floral Findings," as it wa3 headed, was cut down by Messrs. Holland and Britten, who made it appear that the Ulmus campestris very seldom or never fruited in this country — so seldom, Mr. Holland said, " that nurserymen adopt the troublesome process of grafting it into stocks of the Ulmus montana, or SVych Elm." This is not, however, I believe, generally the case, as it is easily pro- pagated by layers, and by " J. W. K.'s " account (page 144 of the Journal), the Elm propagates abundantly by seed. Being interested myself in the matter, I wrote to several whom I thought likely persons to decide the question, but all gave varying accounts, some being apparently, like myself, unable to give information on either side. Although the English Elm i3 a common domesticated plant, it seems that the most of us have but very little knowledge of its perfect- ing its seed, and I shall be glad to know, for the argument's sake, whether Ulmus campestris really does perfect its seed in England. Apart from ridiculing statements like that contained in " Floral Findings," it would be well were we to investigate carefully such things for our own benefit ; if our observations coincide with such facts it is only just to acknowledge them. — G. N. My attention ha3 been directed to a paragraph upon this subject by " G. N." in The Jocenal of Hop.ticultcbe of Feb- ruary 17th, in which some remarks that I made in " Science Gossip " upon a paper of Mrs. Watney's are very incorrectly quoted. " G. N." put3 the following sentence in inverted commas — which I presume means that I used the words — " and verv seldom show anv signs of fruiting at all." Now, if '• G. N." had referred to" my note (and I know he reads " Science Gossip," for I see hisinitials occasionally as a con- tributor), he would have seen that I never said anything of the kind. I never questioned the fact of Elm trees fruiting. On the contrary, I spoke of a time of year " when it would be very remarkable if Elm trees had not "shed their seeds." I again spoke of " the membranous seeds," and " the bunches of winged seeds." I made this assertion, however, that I thought it was very exceptional for Ulmus campestris, not to produce 182 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March 10, 1870. fruit, bnt to perfect that fruit. In your number of February 24th, however, "J. W. K." says he has raised young trees of Ulmus campestris from seed, and has superintended the plant- ing of them : therefore, I am bound to believe that it does sometimes ripen its seed. Evelyn said so nearly two hnndred years ago, but very competent authorities since his time have denied it ; and I may also remark that what we now call Ulmus montana or Wych Elm is the U. cumpentris of old authors. So, I still believe it to be unusual for Ulmus campestris to perfect its seed ; but if on further investigation the contrary should prove to be the case, I shall be the first to own myself mistaken. What " G. N." is pleased to dignify with the name of " an argument " did not refer to the fact of Elm trees fruit- ing, but whether " foliage and fruit in perfection " could be gathered at the same time, and that so late in the summer as to couple it with flowers of Foxglove and yellow Iris. — Robert Holland, Mobberley, Cheshire. GARDENS AND GARDENING AROUND HAMBURG— No. 5. AUF BAUSITE BEI NIENSTADTEN— SENATOR GODEFFROY. This is an extremely neat, cosy, sheltered, and withal elegant and rich little place. It is, like nearly all the others, close on the river's bank, yet high above it. One is struck on approaching the house by the fine groups and lines of Quercus fastigiata, a little-known tree, which grows in the form of the Lombardy Poplar, and is very telling; also of Thujas, princi- pally of the common kinds, yet here being in such masses they give an imposing effect. There is also a magnificent specimen of Wellingtonia. Our notes are confined entirely to the flower garden, time not having admitted of our doing more. The house, as just stated, standing so near the river, much space in front is not allowed for floral decoration, yet here, and a little to each side, a very tasteful half-geometrical flower garden is laid out. The planting, the arrangement of the colours, the health, the ■vigour, and the fine character of the plants used, render it pleasing in the extreme. Some beds were edged with broad bands of Lonicera aureo-reticulata, neatly trimmed, with little tufts of the Teleianthera paronychioides dotted in here and there, which had a fine effect. Others were glowing masses of Pelargoniums and Verbenas ; and placed as single objects of ornament amongst the flowers were numerous fine examples of Ricinus, Wigandias, Solanums, Aralias, &c, which had a most charming appearance. Well grown and judiciously placed thus they have a fine effect, taking off that flatness and tameness which great masses of bedding plants generally have. Amongst these, four splendid examples of Dracaena australis were par- ticularly noticeable; never have we seen finer, and what a noble plant it is ! Conspicuous also were the standard Fuchsias, growirig and flowering with a vigour rarely to be seen equalled. We often regret the abtenco of such fine old plants from our own gardens. Forming a hedge, or rather a sort of screen to the belt of shrubs surrounding the garden, were lines of Fuchsias, one perfect mass of blossom, and very lovely, the light and the dark flowered kinds being placed alternately. These, we were told, continue in bloom for months, and from their appearance we should think so. For the same purpose also were lines of Roses, chiefly Gloire de Dijon, which at the date of our visit, September, was one glorious mass of bloom. Throughout the entire place there reigned an air of first-class gardening, everything being well done, and all in the most rude and robust health, reflecting the highest honours on the obergiictner Herr Brackenberg. HERE, JURGENS' NURSERY, OTTENSEN, NIENSTADTEN. Herr Jiirgena is the great landscape gardener of Hamburg; his works are to be seen everywhere. It was he who laid out! planned, and planted the grounds of the Great Exhibition, a model of skill, and a masterly piece of work, greater by far than the exhibition itself, or any part of its contents. Here is the nursery where the greater portion of the plants were grown. At the time of our visit many hundreds, nay thousands of the finer examples of the trees and shrubs had gone to deck the great place, so that we saw the nursery to some disadvantage ; yet sufficient of the great stock remained to astonish us. Conifers form a leading feature, there being a large assortment of them. Oaks, Acers, Limes, Planes, and all other orna- mental trees occupy a large portion, and an immense amount of eare is taken in pruning them, and training them to shape. Many were exceedingly handsome. Some were pyramidal, others grown as standards, and all had an individuality about them without stiffness. Never have we seen so much eare taken at a nursery in the formation of trees. The greatest feature here, however, and one in which Here JUrgens has reaped high honours, consists in the training and management of his collection of fruit trees. As a fruit-tree nursery this is celebrated throughout all northern Germany, and deservedly so. In the matter of training we have seen few nurseries to equal it. A great portion of the trees are of large size, much larger than they could be found for sale in this country. It is almost a matter of wonder how they can be made to pay for the great amount of attention required in pruning and pinching from year to year. The most favourite form of training for the Apple and Pear seemed to bo what the French call pyramide aux ailles — i.e., the trees of pyramidal shape, with the branches trained in regular lines above one another like wings. Some are four-winged, others six-winged. These have a pretty appearance, and seemingly answer well for fruiting purposes. It is a form we have never seen adopted in this country. Here, also, were to be seen lines of cordons of all Bhapes and sizes, many of them well covered with fruit, but in general the trees here of this form were growing much too vigorously for fruiting purposes. THE BOTANIC GARDEN. The grounds here are extensive, and have been tastefully laid out, but now all is overgrown, old, out of date, and sadly wants a complete overhaul and renovation throughout. It is unworthy of Hamburg, and unlike all its surroundings. The situation of the gardens is magnificent, near the most fashion- able end of the town. In the gardens the collections of plants are of great extent, mostly grouped according to some botanioal arrangement, which is without effect. We had no opportunity of entering the houses, which are all very old, the doors being locked. In some we could see some fiue-foliaged stove plants, and in two low double-glazed houses there was apparently a fine collection of Orchids in good health. Seeing that the talented director of these gardens, Herr Eeichenbach fils, is the greatest orchidologist of the present age, we were glad to find him in possession of such a fine lot. It is a thousand pities, however, to see this garden suffering from want of funds, where so much could be done by such a director. THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN. This is situated at no great distance from the Botanic Garden, and in regard to keeping, condition, and appearance, is a marked contrast to the former. This garden is of modern formation, having been laid out only a few years ago by the indefatigable Herr Jiirgens. Formerly it was a rough wild waste; now it is one of the most pleasing and enjoyable of spots, having been laid out with consummate taste and skill, beautifully diversified with trees, and rockwork, and water, and particularly well adapted for its intended purposes — for the homes of the wild animals, and for the holding of concerts and illuminations for the gratification of the nobler animals of Hamburg. The collection of animals is very large and fine, presenting fully a nobler appearance than those at Regent's Park. The arrangement of their placeB, the cleanly keeping, and the beautiful order throughout, render it a place of delight- ful resort. Lastly, we would note the magnificent collections in the fresh and Bait water aquaria, whioh are of the most in- teresting nature here, and very extensive. We have often wondered why in this great and mighty London of ours, we have no interesting collection of this sort. A little there may be, but nothing like what there might be, or should be, or which we hope will yet be ; for anything more interesting does not exist in nature. These notes (now finished) on the gardens round Hamburg, include but a small portion of what is to be seen round this in- teresting old city. We could not, much as we wished, visit all, and to the few we did visit we fear we have been able to do but scant justice. CHAPMAN'S CUT-FLOWER PACKING CASE. The best testimony which we can give to the merits of this invention is that Mr. Charles Perry, of Castle Bromwich, the well-known grower of Dahlias, Roses, and Verbenas, was so pleased with it that he at once ordered a set for exhibiting flowers. "D.,Deal," and some others of the first florists and exhibitors in the country, to whom the contrivance has been submitted, have approved of it highly. The model has been sent per rail over long distances, and the flowers have invariably March 10, 1870. ] JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 183 been received with their freshness and bloom unimpaired, and not a drop of water was found spilled. The flowers are placed in water and secured firmly in an upright position, and whether the case is placed on its side or bottom upwards, when it is closed, they suffer no injury, and no water escapes. Further particulars may be seen in our advertising columns. HARDINESS OF PLANTS IN SOME PLACES. I enclose a twig of a species of Fuchsia cut in the open air February 26th at Colwyn, in North Wales. Can you tell me the specific name? There is something singular in the way many tender plants, such as Zonal Pelargoniums, Veronica speciosa variegata, and this Fuchsia (which, however, is evidently much hardier than any of the varieties usually grown, and of which there are several close to it), have survived the recent cold weather, in which such hardy plants as the common single "Wallflowers only a few feet from the Pelargoniums have suffered severely. Up to this last frost none of the abovementioned plants had been at all injured, although the thermometer had registered 11° of frost, but the accompanying north-east wind of the 13th ult. has scorched the leaves of most of them, though without kill- ing the plants, except in the most exposed situation. The thermometer has also on this occasion been as low as 19°, and nearly all the older plants of Wallflower present such a melan- oholy appearance that I have pulled them up. Now, what is the cause of this ? In my garden here (Chester) 6° or 8° of frost will effectually dispose of my Pelargoniums. Colwyn is certainly on the coast, and the winter temperature is, of course, somewhat higher than here ; but even 11° of frost, to say nothing of 13°, would have destroyed very much hardier plants than Pelargoniums. Is it the salt or the moisture in the air, or the dryness of the soil, which is a decomposed clay slate (Wenlock shale), and full of stones, causing the plants to make short hard growth, instead of long juicy shoots? My own impression is that the latter is the cause, but why do the Wallflowers suffer so much ? They are certainly rather more exposed, but very little, and the soil has hitherto seemed to suit them remarkably well. The garden is about three-quarters of a mile from, and about 100 feet above, the sea. If you think the above of sufficient interest to be worth publishing, I shall be glad if any of your correspondents will give their opinion and experience on the subject. By-the-by, it is right to mention that the garden is on a sharp Blope to the E.S.E., all the plants mentioned being on the same level, and a hill opposite partly breaking the force of the wind. — Alfred 0. Walker. [We mentioned lately some very singular circumstances as to plants withstanding cold, although others generally more hardy gave way. In your case, we think the dryness of the soil and the stunted character of the growth had much to do with the Fuchsia keeping its foliage. It is Fuchsia microphylla, and it is not usually so hardy as some of the other species.] ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING. The second February meeting of this Society was held on the 21st alt., the President in the chair. The two following celebrated con- tinental entomologists were elected to supply the two vacancies in the very limited Hat of honorary members — namely, Professor Schiodte, of Copenhagen, and Professor Von Siebold, of Munich. The Secretary exhibited a specimen of the migratory Locust, taken in Yorkshire, and Mr. J. Hunter a specimen of a Plusia, captured in the New Forest by Mr. Stock, and supposed to be the P. Ni, a rare continental species ; a figure of the insect had already appeared in the " Entomologist's Annual.'' Mr. Albert Muller exhibited some heads of the flowers of the com- mon Tansy (Tanacetam vulgar e), several of the florets of which were abnormally deformed and elevated, forming a kind of calyx-shaped gall, produced by the puncture of a Dipterous insect, probably belong- ing to the genus Trypeta, as the enclosed larvaB did not exhibit the peculiar formation of the Gall midge larva) of the genus Cecidomyia ; the whole floret had become hypertrophied, and at the same time the stamens, style, and ovule bad entirely disappeared. Mr. Midler stated that hitherto he had not been able to find any kind of galls on the species of Orchidacea?, and the Ferns seemed equally free from their attacks. Mr. Pascoe exhibited specimens of a singular minute Beetle from Australia (Nepharig alata of Castehiau, recently republished by King under the name of Hiketes thoracicus in the "Transactions" of the Entomological Society of Now South Wales, the publication of which has recently been resumed. Mr. Pascoe considered the real affinity of this curious Beetle to be near Monotoma. A long discussion took place amongst the members on a question of zoological nomenclature, arising from the correction of a generic name (Biurus), having a false orthographical formation, which had resulted in the corrected form Diurns becoming a synonym, the latter name being already employed in another family. Mr. A. G. Butler read a paper " On Butterflies recently received by Mr. Swanzy from West Africa," including several new species " ing to the genera; Romaleosoma, Philognoma, and MycalesU. FEBRUARY AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. The old proverb says — " February fill dyke, be it be black or be it white, But if it be black, it's better to like." Last year the month of February was remarkably warm, this year it has been remarkably cold. During the past month the winds have been piercingly cold and from every point of the compass, with some of the most sudden changes in the temperature that could possibly be. At times there was sharp frost, driving showers of bail, rain, snow, or sleet. For several days together the wind was blowing very fresh from east-north-east, with dry frost and showers of hail, in many places blowing the soil with the dry snow into the roads and ditches in a very peculiar manner, in some parts several feet deep, leaving quite a bed of soil when the snow had melted away. Vegetation has suffered in many places to a very great extent ; to all appearance Wheat has suffered very much, Cabbage plants in many places appear to have suffered very severely, but the greatest destruction is among Lettuces and Cauliflowers. Of BroccoUs, aa Snow's and Backhouse's Winter Protecting, many becoming fit for nse have been destroyed where not protected. Onions have suffered con- siderably. Endive has been partially destroyed, Borecoles and Kales have suffered very much ; Silver Beet and Spinach, too, have the ap- pearance of being scorched. The late spring Broccolis have a miser- able appearance ; but I hope they will in some measure recover. Hollyhocks and many border plants are very much cut up, and some, I fear, are altogether destroyed. Fruit trees are well set with bloom, and up to the present time they have been well kept back, I trust to their advantage afterwards. Some of our old weather prognosticatora tell us we shall have no better weather yet, but I hope for the best. The few plants in beds and borders that were attempting to cheer ns with their varied colours have in most instances been ruthlessly swept away, yet those enumerated below I noticed as interesting. {Mioili-.l.-inlnm .lauricum Galanthus nivalis Daphne Mezereum Bellia perennis Eranthia hyemalis Cyilouia japonica Double White Daisy Corylus Avellana 11. Helleborus niger 25. Anememe hoi'tensis fffltidus Double Primroses Ranunculus Ficaria Viola odorata Crocus Sieberi tricolor TJlex europaeus Hepatica triloba — M. H., Acklam Hall, Middlesbrough-on-Tees, Linnm flavum Dorronicam cancasicum Primula acaulis Viburnum Tinus Cheiranthus fruticulosuH Taxus baccata Foraythia viridiasiraa GALLS. A coRRESPONDEifr enclosed to u3 galls from three different trees, and although not many of our readers would call them as she does, "fruits," yet as she asks for relative information, we string together some extracts from various works which are upon our library shelves. Galls are morbid excrescences, originating from the most vigorously growing parts of plants, in consequence of the attacks of insects, chiefly of the Hymenopterous order, and of the genus Cynips. The parent insect is provided with a sharp sting, serv- ing to perforate the branch, leaf, or bud, in which its egg is to be deposited, and in some cases the puncture made is very deep. Ab soon as the egg is hatched, the young larva or maggot, stimulating the vital principle of the plant, causes the part in which it is lodged to assume a great degree of luxuriance, dis- played in various whimsical excrescences, foreign to the nature of the plant in itself, but each appropriated to the particular kind of insect from whose operations it springs. The original per- foration is soon closed up and entirely obliterated. At length, the maggot, having fed on the juices of the plant, copiously directed to the injured part, undergoes its changes to a chrysalis, and, finally, to a winged fly, like its parent, when it immediately escapes from its confinement by a fresh perforation, and the gall, being left empty, soon dries or hardens. The main stems of some of the large shrubby kinds of Hawkwecd, Hieracium sabaudum and umbellatum, are often thus stung, and swell into oval knots, in which, while growing, young insects may be found latent. The two British species of Oak bear several different kinds of gall, as the light spongy bodies vulgarly nam ed Oak Apples, growing from the stalks of the leaf or flower 184 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March 10, 18TO. or from the young twigs ; and a red juicy terry-like excrescence, resembling a Cranberry, from the leaves, which is well figured, with its insect inhabitant, in Roesel's work on the transformations of that tribe of animals. The astringent galls brought from the Levant for the purposes of dyeing and making ink, are the pro- duce of an Oak. Several galls are found on Willow and Poplar leaves ; but the most remarkable excrescence of this kind is the Bedeguar, or mossy ball found on the Dog Rose of our hedges, each specimen of which lodges internally numerous maggots of the Cynips Rosa?, which, when they arrive at their winged state, eat then- way out. After this, and not before, various perforations may be found m the Bedeguar, which soon afterwards withers and dries. Analogous to this sort of gall is that found on Willows in Provence, which branches out like a moss, or tufted Lichen. Nor is the rosaceous expansion at the end of each branch of the Rose Willow, Salix Helix, at all different in nature, though un- like in shape. Both these last described are permanent, though withered, on the twigs, long after all the proper leaves are fallen. More akin to the galls of the Oak are those of several Sages' in the Levant, Salvia pomifera, triloba, and officinalis, which resem- ble little ap- ples and are sold in the markets of Crete in par- ticular, being esteemeda de- licacy when prepared with sugar. Some todies of the nature of galls lodge in one common cavi- ty amultitudc of growing in- sects, witness those remark- able ones, as big as the fin- ger, found in the south of Europe on the Pistacia Len- tiscus. These are very red, of a coriace- ous texture, and swarm in- ternally with the Aphis ^2 Pistacefe of Linnaeus. — (Rees's Cy- clopedia, vol. xv., "Galls.") Quercus in- fectoria is a small shrub, growing a- bundantly in AsiaMinor. It an ointment, they serve as a useful external application to hemorrhoidal affections. By analysis, galls contain 65 per cent, of tannic acid; 10'5 of lignin; 5'8 of gum, sugar, and starch; 4-0 of gallic, ellagic, and luteo-gallic acids, and llo of water, besides extractive chlorophylle, volatile oil, albumen, and salts. — (Hogg's Vegetable Kingdom.) We subjoin some drawings of Galls. Galls are of two kinds, called respectively galls and cases. Galls are more or less solid or ligneous, and contain one in- sect. Cases are hollow and horny, comprising a colony of insects. Levant or nut galls, fig. 1, are produced as already stated in the buds of Quercus infectoria, a native of Asia Minor. They are imported from Smyrna and Aleppo, and sometimes from Bombay. They contain about 30 or 40 per cent, of tannic acid — the astringent principle which converts the gelatine of skins into leather in the process of tanning. Galls, however, are not suited for this purpose, because they possess so little extractive matter, rendering leather hard and crackling. Gallic acid is another important constituent, amounting to not more than 3 or 6 per cent. In the preparation of ink or black dye, a persalt of iron is added to an infusion of nut galls, which com- bines with the acid above- named, to produce the black tan- no -gallate of iron. British Oak galls resem- ble fig. 1, but are larger and of a much lighter colour. Mecca galls, Dead Sea Ap- ples, Sodom Apples, or Mad Apples, /' _ v .. ,j c W.).— The blooms Nectarine Tbee oh Back Wail of n - ^ ate thttt the wood is of next year. ■,„„„ in r C 1 — The piece of bark PEACH TREES ttMmHD *!«■ So ALB (G. i . ^ ^ peacb ca,e enclosed has every HWJ^S^SSSftita dress the trees, now wjtha (Coccus persicae). "™ bJSJji™ I™ flfteen minutes 7 lbs. ol sulphur composition formed ta bofflng ™*™3Eni ,of water ; then add 2 lbs. vivum.and lib. of Quicklime m ' p„a L tor half an hour, adding nine of soft soap and 1 lb. of '^ac™A,eB?he 'lio uid when cool. With this gallons of water. Strain and bott e the IH bud3 that have begun to dress the stems and shoots, except mo e sweU lt wlU swell, for if it touch the .buds after thjyh«. «| g^ ^ , , ininre them, though it will not ao so ™ ' wh th (nut 13 se* with a brush, and rub it wel mt ^^Ht theTale of one pint t, loC Us also a good preventive »"* 'em"?y '^Vtied p" January, and have beeu better had the trees been ™"«ff£« fo^ear? U well corked. Messed with the above composition. It will keep to. year ^ ^ ^ PEACH TREES LOSING F,°"^t!vn'bet oVprotection than nets ; canvas think is sufficient. They should have better P™»°™ Bafe ,rom frost, s better, and it should be ^X^Ze of May The protection will which will not be the case gnUlthJ .close «■ ^neTffl. tbe weather is not be required except in rosty weather covering only when mild the trees should be fully exp .sea raj . > * an Ume 13 fcoBtoirevafl; M£>f x^a^erb^HaohBoTp and soda are held not good, as it is difficult to ^oeriaui now _u. is esce33ive Pn solution. Sometimes the quantity of one or ^ ^ { ^IkM&tW Epa,:hae snflwsss'B *- ^ - — wiu ba | sufficiently strong. rtomftdll —It the fruit PEACH TREES **%g£E£2%£ 3BSS help the more buds on your trees are so tnttk, t0I0n,n-\ f , ntil they are set. Jon free setting, but we would not ^ 't 'oo J ^ 9weIlinc .'tie fruit buds can hardly >»»«"*e „tba„b°* °e a pink colour as they swelh The wood will be round and less or more a pina Peach t 13 buds will be long «nd,^f * Vi 'i cold " rchardbouse in the Isle of Man. very early to be taMJtooml" cold oroMru ^ fa ^ Ue(m j Wo should have liked it bettor i t,sa wun ot t coM injuring it. swelling "^/Viner'alonrex^ep thaat an elriy syringing may wash You may let the \ ines »«"»*■« g uh m extra strong doses. sway the insecticide. We have no tree9i Worms is Pots (»»)■-*« " "™J ^1 3oo°n dlsUoy them. A good SM'o, SSffi rnattehinydga^us of water will do, stirring it well and letting it stand until clear itw.rn9t,n» on the upper side Black Mildew [TT.D. Al-T**"** £52 te o^ "otibe %rm- of of tne leaves of the OranRe trees a^Terie^e, M» foliorQ y black mildew tnoro^r the common name^ dium. It abounds ssaasssrasi; ^t s p^^ting the w^, b.t there u »* a trace of perfect fruit.-M. J. B. S,a(f,r).-Cutting3 of Clematis Jackmakni Propaoation UfoM ™ ^ beginning the side shoots when ^ey become hrm, as they «m be y ^^ aQd of August, strike freely if inserted n M T J . ; aU pots, in covered with a hand-light : or ^£%*3^g%3t, and one-fourth a compost of one-half sandy lo^'.^tomhe^ol 70 , and keeping them silver sand, placing them in a gen «» °"»™n b^A,a them off and remove tte9m\?ait,dtratededPr:pagTtiondmaTyha.sobe effected by layers made ^eros^'colture (r,ff»0.-They ought »^ ^^g'Sr^lf 6-Sch pots in sandy loam two parts and one part o Id enw dung^ ^^ rotted manure end should be plunged m W« ^ inthe green^ sphere kept at 4, or 50 1. I thWl n 1 ' Water as required, and house, and afford them a light airy po a> syringing over- men growing freely copious supp ^^Udb0™ " Is Ipider, to which they head morning and even.-. ^' i ■• ' .,,,,-uiv withdraw the pots when 5333 LKS ZT^ZZ* flight airy position in the greenhouse. Burro.ri.-We should think night Boll. Blnk sediment and soot an exce^er_ ^ for Onions, espeelsHy f a P'"-^ '^ , pulverising and mixing it well. '^K&Cffi-"'^'™ ^ thenha'e a g00d crop of Onions. _Paterson\s Potatoes have been a Patersom's Potatoes u [J^ ^ % ^ *me u 0ew-so new, indeed, long time in commerce ; but tne vanevy i« ",V "I'^^Tasket "•• " Milky White was sent out be a seedling. It is a good •*»* ««» P°ctaries Turner, William Hoyle, PELAROONIUMS FOR A WrTOOW ( Mem) ^™S^^S show ClaSS. and international are good sorts ot ^bl^%flOWe™1egcimon3tothe Floral Sbeoltno P^^ooNruMS (Ja^^^Send ^^^ ^ ^r^rA^slt^ltcr^^rio.^omce, louth Kensington, he will give you information. _We ^^ Bay how Tricolor Pelaroontoms from . Se*o (J. JJ ari ti ol the paronto; many of the ^^«3 w,mltb3™iae«bly and 't is very probable you indeed, the seedlings ^ Wnr^eouito t& ^parents, though you might would have lew, if »n.Tt Tnc^?. *„>?,". iarBe per-centage would not be have some such varieties good, but a large per worth keeping. hite Lobelia as Lobelia Que™ of whites ^^^.Xto are all too erect in dwarf and tree-flowering as L. »|eclo.9a: VJ.WPP> „, not so plentiful as nabit. are too open and strag gUng. , »d theflc w-rj Be^ Hi38 Murphy -ould be desired. Queen of "bites is a goo beBt whlt6 would, perhaps, suit jo" pnrpos?Jjt ter U^ on baD6fltfc(» LobeUas. L. Ennus kermesma we nave ^^ Bh TAOETESSmSATAPr;Mn.A(r^m).-To flower «^ ff u9 sown in February, the seedlings WW" J" B they should be singhr! and grown in heat .until the end of Apr£ WMO y beddhlg well hardened-off for planting out U JMT. « t tried aowlng we fear that attempts to produce a large n ow " ^ flowers are Txpense of profusion and ^""K^^^rodufed ha7e a poor effect. not always the most effective and if W««MSg uPc,d m constant succession. They are often of short duration .and not P^ucu Perbnhials and Ahsoals for *" it win not be suitable for garden is so oioch shaded and the soJ heavy ^ g ^ posttions many sorts, but some that we have '°"H d it3 vaTieties ; Anemone are-AlUum flavum, Alstrcemer a . «™*»" ^a^da, Attbrietia grandiflora, apennina, A. japonica; Columbines .^buarni , Wallflower, Lily Aster tanacetifolius. A. tenuifolius £»°amine p Wheeler. ; of the VaUey, Delphinium lormosnm, ,u. ^^^ Hepaticas, Hy- Dielvtra spectabUis, Snowdrops .Crocuses *™££ Meconopsis cam- pericum calycinum, Iris Bermsnica, Lychnis »» S ^ o( p ffi. brica.Mimulus 'oseus pall.du», M^. ^rew ^ g cinaUs, P. albiflora, and Primula acauus , ru ^ napouifoUus ; \7inca Fufpenduta plena, TroUius europ^us T as^atcus ^ P^. minor and V. minor plena.V. W'Afi'borders over 2nd added good Ught not have done better than forked ^the borders^ Candytuft, crimson soU in abundance. Of Annuals-Alyjsnmmarmm ^^ Meote,OJf- and white; Clark.a pnlcholla. C MgdcMua ^ ^ ^ ^ ilormcai ajja volvulus minor. Erysimum P«°^^ Larkspur, Limnanthes Douglasu, tricolor, Godetia roseo-alha, Branching L.ar»j , b 08na blae and L inum grandifloram ™^^^SotarXSu Imd Tom Thumb varie- yellow Lupines, Mignonette Trop^lums,x calabrica, ft cv ties Nemophila insignia, Prince s *eatne: • = I Virginian Stock, red abrica alba, Silene pen, uta and .U ^t. wnety^ « J» whitlav,a and white -, Venns's booking glass vi than a3 yon pr0p08e ; ^^oXe laYwnU grTsV £d,7n Iprii, X P-cipally Festuca dunus- ?ulaPoanemo7aul and Suckling Clover. ^in^l.-We ° DTPFINO VERBENAS IN SALT j„ Wim^ 1 » m „ ^ cannot recommend a solution i of salt »w c ui ^p ^f di3ease, as to kill Lve no doubt tonndOT^ 'J^a'^S^Buffleient to destroy plants. insects a stronger solution is _neeueu You have been imposed on by the garuen toow an eTergreen Climber fob Greenhouse ( r. H.). we « ^eenhouse as Ivydoes cUmber that would answer the same Pu^f a° ^ ht temperature ot UJ in „u°f doors, though if your «Joe^onse has a mgb t te ^ ^ p aPntmwlthwhitrflowers and ^wee^cented ad ^ TUBEROSES TO ^I-OWEB IK NoVBMBj BR I ^^ and „, ^ keep them iu a coo dry plac e o"'1.^' nor'them exposure. Here pots on coal ashes in a «'d frame havin ^ removed t0 they may remain until August when in. »y temperature of house and in October be transferred to a noue Theyshould Ir^D(f^W°fc05ua*e^*™n?xreeteW^B04«0 as to keep down be well snppUed with water, and be Ireery sro , the te (/^^MpietWio^re^l^,,,^^. (S« .P"?™ 'J«rV»«dn2 appear to be^schynanthma. 2, B. prestoniensis. (E. a . J-Jj- » » entif/ the specieB to which No. 2 rPossibly«.Lobbianus. VVedonot,demnytoi F o( peat< ^.^1 Flower, and Love-in-a-mist. POUITEY, BEE^NDJIGEON CHSONICLE. TRIMMING. there is every probability ot a great mwo» March 10, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 193 poultry exhibitions that will be held during the present year, combined with a proportionably increased value of the prizes offered. The all-important necessity, therefore, of enforcing in fiture. as far as possible, a fair mode of competition among all exhibitors is decidedly of far more vital and paramount im- portance than it ever has been. As the present season of poultry shows is pretty well over, a favourable opportunity now presents itself to revise and amend some matters connected wiih these popular meetings, and such considerations at once lead me to my subject — trimming. It is pretty evident that the present system of " disqualifi- cation" of any pen of birds discovered, and fully proved to have been tampered with by their owners, has very little effect in deterring others from attempting similar deceptions, for, as a reference to the pages of the Journal will convince the most sceptical of our readers, even the open publication from time io time, as they occur, of the names of the offenders, coupled with the artifices resorted to by them, appears quite inoperative. My experience asenres me that "trimming" exists to a far greater extent than most persons imagine, for to my mind it is certain, that although there have been so many cases of exposure, a by- far larger number have escaped detection altogether. I can, from many years' experience, speak with authority ; occasionally trimming crops up with ever- changing devices, so much so, that under the hasty inspection necessary from the brief time allowed the judges, often com- bined with bad light, it is quite impossible to detect immedi- ately every instance of this offence ; but it would certainly be well if, among the many parties most interested, any suggestion could be devised for its suppression. My own conviction is, if a punishment to the exhibitor, at once certain and severe, could be insured on conviction in all bad cases that may be brought to light ; and, again, if the general body of exhibitors, together with the members of the various local committees, would heartily support the judges in the truly unpleasant task of enforcing whatever punish- ment may in future be agreed upon — perhaps a goodly number of the most flagrant attempts to thus unworthily obtain prizes would be avoided, or, at least, rarely resorted to. I confess that I look upon the abstraction of a body- feather or two — this being a practice which I am confide7i! can never be repressed altogether — as a widely different grade of criminality from that of putting the combs of living fowls straight by the insertion of needles, or cutting and carving their comb3 into shape, as is sometimes done; again, the painting of legs, the dyeing of wings, the substitution of arti- ficial feathers for natural ones ; or Game fowls laced tightly together with sewing-silk in the wings and tails to give the appearance of close feathers and such like. It is these latter cases that cannot but be repudiated by every well-wisher of poultry exhibitions, and which it is the united interest of all who exhibit honourably to put down. It may be urged that any line so vaguely drawn must necessarily be hazy and in- definite to practically act upon ; but I fancy where judges are willing to do their duty at once fearlessly and honestly, an inexorable accuracy will not be insisted on, and if such arbi- trators do err at all, it will be on the side of forbearance, though in every really palpable case they will as certainly ba found standing firm-handed in favour of the honest competitors. Recent events have brought these matters more prominently before me than heretofore ; and in a chat with an intimate friend on the subject, who is alike a member of the legal pro- fession, and, I am glad to say into the bargain, is likely to become an inveterate poultry fancier, I made a suggestion — that if judges could, besides the premium in the class where the trimming occurred, withhold also every other prize or prizes gained by the offending exhibitor at that particular show, it would make such parties hesitate and weigh well beforehand the consequences of discovery, involving so much pecnniary loss and disgrace, prior to irrevocably committing themselves. This gentleman advises me that judges unsupported can exer- cise no legal power to withhold any other prizes fairly won because an imposition could be proved to exist in another in- stance ; but that the same end might be as readily obtained by a condition inserted in the printed regulations of the prize schedule, to the effect that in any such extreme instance of trimming as dyeing the plumage, &c, being proved, the exhi- bitor shall forfeit all prizes he may have obtained at the show to the funds of the Society. As I have received so many letters in time back assuring me of the determination of the various writers, both individually and collectively, to support judgeB in the suppression of trim- ming, which have in the sequel passed off more in smoke than fire, I wait anxiously to see the result of again bringing the matter publicly before the poultry world ; and if a really useful suppressive measure should arise from any quarter, it will be hailed by no one with a greater amount of satisfaction than by — Edward Hewitt. GAME FOWLS. Mi having been a breeder of Game fowls on a large scale for upwards of thirty years is my only, and, I trust, sufficient excuse for making the following observations. I not only endorse the pertinent remarks of " Charvbdis " and "New- market," but I venture to assert that a very large per-centage of prize-winners in the Game classes of our poultry shows are crossbreds, and not Game, and their exhibition as such is even more dishonest than the disreputable trimming, dying, and making, so often and justly censured in these pages. As many honest fanciers may be sceptical on this point, I will refer to a few cases, out of many, that have come under my observation. A gentleman, being a great fancier of Game fowl, got up a poultry show in a large town in the west of England, and as he spared neither his time, influence, nor purse, he succeeded in getting a large and good entry, patronised by a vast number of delighted visitors. At the close of the show he purchased the first-prize Game cock at a very high price to breed from, and after a few months he was disgusted to find it bad no more Game blood than a Dorking. I believe the surplus, intended for the benefit of the next show, was handed over to a charitable institution, and although after some years another show was held which has since been continued annually, I have never known the above gentleman patronise, even by his presence, what he terms a sham. Another case was that two gentlemen noted for their crack breed of Game fowls, were on a visit to one of the greatest prizetakers in the midland counties ; visiting his birds on their walks, one of them was so struck with the appearance of a brood cock, a cup winner, that he intimated a wish to put one of his favourite hens with him, in order to have a brood of chickens. Jndge of their surprise, on being told by their host, in confidence, that although he was one of the handsomest-feathered birds in EDgland, he was not Game. At a recent show, one of the Committee exhibited some Game fowls with which he had previously taken prizes, and took first and second prizes with two handsome birds, in the eyes of certain old ladies. Some of the beaten exhibitors could not see it, and attributed their winning more to favour than merit ; in consequence they were tried by a certain test, which quickly proved them to be what they ought not to be, and the strain can now be purchased ior a6 many shillings as they formerly made pounds. But it is not in courage alone that exhibition birds are inferior to trnre Game, they are equally deficient in health and stamina. Pare Game fowls have been bred for centuries past with such care as to health, that their breeders take various means to ascertain whether their breed stock is in the fullest health and vigour, and if found in the least defective, the birds are at once discarded, however valuable they may otherwise be; but with the majority of exhibition breeders, provided the birds do not look decidedly unhealthy, their having the required feather and points to please the eye of the judges is alone suffi- cient recommendation to breed from them, regardless whether they have good constitutions, or no constitution at all. We also look in vain to exhibition Game for the acknowledged delicacy and flavour of flesh and eggs of the pure Game, which have always been bred " corky''— that is, having the greatest possible strength and size, combined with the very lightest weight to go to scale with, in consequence of which they are free from all gross humours, their flesh being at once light and easily digestible, and scarcely inferior in richness and flavoui to game ; indeed, a celebrated physician has asserted, that there is more nutriment in a good Game fowl than in the largest fowl of any other variety to be found in the London markets. The Malay, with its large bone, and hard and stringy flesh, is certainly the very worst cross that could be thought of for this breed ; and we fail to see at our exhibitions the elegant and muscular conformation of our true Game. I have before me upwards of twenty coloured prints, by Alkin, and others, several fine engravings from paintings by Barenger, oil paint- ing of winners of gold cups at the Cockpit Royal, and of the most celebrated cocks of the past and present century, but fail to discern any striking resemblance in any of these to the present race of exhibition birds. 194 JODBNAIi OF BOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March 10, 1870. The following are some of the points we formerly looked for in a Game cock : — A good boxing beak, which was very big and crooked (hawk-shaped) ; a large, full, fiery eye, and tapered head, not too long (for in combat he takes hold of his adversary to strike, and if the head and beak are very long and straight he loses much of his holding power) ; long, strong neck ; flat, broad body, tapering wedge-shape to the tail; long strong wings, so that when they are clipped the quills are of a power- ful description ; round, muscular, short thighs ; legs to be of a good hard bone (not at all gummy or fleshy like other fowls), standing with a good bend at the hocks, so as to have a full spring when rising, and not straddling, or out of line with the body ; spur very low ; clean, thin feet and toes, with a long open back claw. In conversation with one of the judges at a recent show, on the objectionable Malay cross, he asked how it could be detected and prevented? I think "Newmarket," or any other experienced fancier, would find but little difficulty in distinguishing the Baucy, bold, defiant look of the true Game cock, whose every movement is the poetry of motion, from the cruel look, stiff, clumsy, and stork-like gait, of the Malay cross. To prevent such being exhibited I would dis- qualify all these crossbred birds, as purity of breed is ever to be the first and paramount consideration. I am aware that being a good judge of general classes does not necessarily qualify a person to judge Game classes, rather the reverse, so different are their distinctive points from other fowls. If a club were formed, as sometime since proposed in these pages by Mr. Dear, to offer prize 3 for pure Game at some of our leading shows, we might not only save our Game fowls from degenerating, but even improve them, as exhibitions have wonderfully tended to do in other breeds. We could then not only see our present Black and Brown-breasted Beds, but as "Wiltshire Bectos" suggests, have the charm of variety in colours and strains, now almost extinct, such as Muffs, Hennies, Tassels, &c, and in colours the now scarce, but formerly plentiful and beautiful Black-breasted Dark Reds, Brick- breasted Orange Gingers, Treacle-breasted Marigold Duckwings, Tawny Duckwings, Mealy Greys, &c. ; and I, for one, would gladly put my shoulder to the wheel to prevent our noble Game fowl from degenerating into one of those useless crosses of which we have already enough and to spare. I saw it stated in a recent number of "our Journal," that there was no distinct work that treats en Game fowl. As I have received letters of inquiry on this matter, I beg in conclusion to point out the error. In the reign of good Queen Bess Roger Ascham wrote a treatise on Game fowl, which I have never been able to find, even in the library of the Britieh Museum ; another was written by George Wilson, in 1607, followed by B. Howlett's " Rnyal "Pastiine " (1709); " Direc- tions for Breeding Game Cocks," being a reprint of Sketchley's contributions to a high-class sporting periodical (1793) ; Sketchley's "Cocker" (1814); Cooper's "Treatise on Game Fowl " 1859 ; and I have heard of a work by a Welsh author, Howell Morgan, but never seen it. The best articles published in other works are to be found in Bees's, Johnson's, and Blaine's Encyclopedias — Field Sports — and the contributions in these pages by " Newmarket," as most of the above are scarce and out of print. — Cornish Ddckwing. down ; another method, said to answer admirably, is to fill a bucket with them, and dip them into hot water for thirty seconds. In Russia the eggs are put into a keg, and heated lard is poured on them, 60 as to fill the interstices, and thus prevent evapora- tion.— (The Food Journal.) BUCKWHEAT AS A POULTRY FOOD. I have from time to time noticed in your answers to corre- spondents several questions as to the value of buckwheat as a poultry food, in reply to which you generally state that you consider it a very poor poultry food. I have used it frequently for my fowls, and I always found they throve on it. At one time I fed them on buckwheat, barley, and Indian corn given by themselves at different meals, so that they were equally used to each grain, and then I gave a mixture of the three. I always found the fowls picked up first the buck- wheat, then the Indian corn, and last of all the barley. A small brother of mine used to say, " How it must make the fowls' necks ache ! Why don't they fill themselves out on the Indian corn ? " Pigeons prefer it to any other grain, except hempseed. My fowls used to lay very well on it, and the chickenB would eat it when three or four days old. Mr. L. Wright speaks well of it, and altogether I think it a very eco- nomical food. — Chajvsbdis. Eug Preserving. — The following hints may be useful:— One plan in New York is to pack them in salt, the small end POLANDS, Having been for many years a breeder and gTeat admirer of Poland fowls, I was very pleased to notice Mr. Boothby's re- marks on them, as also to note the commendatory terms in vhich my friend " Wiltshire Rector" speaks of them. It will, I fancy, be allowed by all that the classes for these fowls are amongst the greatest ornaments of any collection ; even our good friend " N fwm arret " admiis that they are " ornamental." In spite of this, of late years, Polands have gone down, and even although the topknots have gTown laiger, the shadows have certainly been less. Let us turn to the "Poultry di 1 how many varieties do we there find mentioned ? But, as Mr. Boothby says, Who keeps them now ? In years gone by Mr. Yivian was the great supporter of this breed, and had an almost endless variety. The grouping them together into one class has, however, proved utterly fatal to their cultivation, and only a few ardent admirers remain. We shall be redi-ced very soon, if we are not already reduced, to Gold and Silver, and White-crested Blacks. Where is the White Poland ? Where the Buff ? Where the Frizzled ? They are of the past, and unless some greater encouragement be given to those that remain, I fear after a little time they will be polled out. There are perhaps some points in the breed itself that tend towards this ; they are more adapted to a covered- in aviary than to shift for themselves. Shifting for themselves in the case of Polands often means loss, and the better the bird the greater the fear. The grandest top- knot I ever saw in a pullet I lost the first time it was allowed to ramble, and the loss was permanent. An old but testy friend of mine, to whose daughter I had given a pair, would not at last have them on his premises ; he persisted in calling them " wooden- headed creatures," and ultimately they were returned to me. la this case the cock was always at the pig trough, and his topknot was a ludicrous compound of feathers, barleymeal, and dirt ! My special fancy is the Silver variety ; it is to my experience very hardy, and breeds truer to the excellence of parents than either the Gold or White-crested Blacks. I once had three sittings of the latter from one of the first strains in the country ; they professed to be from the best birds, but although some two dozen birds were batched, there was not a respectable bird in the lot, all disdaining to show any white feathers in front of the top- knot. My experience of Gold — slight, I allow — agrees with that of the White-crested, but the Silvers, I think, breed much truer, and the produce has in my case been for many years remu- nerative, even when draughted off to Mr. Stevens's.* It must be confessed, however, that with few exceptions Polands are fair-weather birds, and I must differ wholly from your reply to some correspondent about their being kept in a room ; if the room is well ventilated they will succeed. At least, take my experience : I have now been more than nine months in my present home ; I am terribly confined for space, and I sup- pose a less confirmed and hopeless "maniac" would have given up poultry altogether. I have, however, wired off two stalls of my stables for two sets of Polands ; each lot has only about 7 feet square. Occasionally, when the horse is out, they are allowed a little larger run, but this is seldom, as I am afraid of cock-fighting. At the outside of the Btall is a row of bricks placed on their edges, and the stall filled up with gravel, saw- dust being on the top of this ; here they dust themselves ; their roosts are low, and they are provided with green food, &c. As to laying under these conditions, I certainly think they have laid better than they ever did with me before, and they always appear in good health. In Polands I have frequently noticed hens apparently moribund, with wings trailing on the ground, and almost unable to move. Generally this has arisen from some difficulty of passing the egg ; this over, and the bird is per- fectly and quickly restored. I do not think I have seen this have been here. Now as to being able to keep them thus circumscribed suc- cessfully for exhibition, let me premise that I think it unfair to my pets to overdo exhibition, and that I never have sent a bird direct from one exhibition to another, and I do not think I 6hall try. Since their moult my Polands have gone to the fol- lowing places with the following results — Chippenham, two pens, first and second prizes; Newport, Mon., one pen, second prize ; Plymouth, one pen, third prize ; Bristol, two pens, cook March 10, 1870 ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. highly commended ; hens, silver cup ; Portsmouth, one pen, first. These are the only places, and I think I may fairly say that even for exhibition purposes I have kept Polands successfully. I am not quite certain, but I rather believe, that one of our best exhibitors of this variety of fowl keeps large numbers in an old factory ; such a place, with plenty of light, I should like to have. The difficulty of insect food can be overcome ; green food can be given ; gravel and sawdust are capital materials to scratch in, and the birds will always be clean. _ One other hint I may give to thoso who wish to try Polsnds — give them such a drinking fountain that thev can only just get the beak into the water, take care that the sides of the fountain are not wet, or in drinking the topknot is wetted and dirt will stick to it. Then I do not advise tying up the topknot with indiarubber bands, &c. ; the bird resents it, and so should we, I apprehend, if our polls were tied up in the same way ; so they scratch away lill it is cither released or drops to the roots of the feathers, where it only doe3 more harm than go.d. Moreover, the scratching is performed so vigorously, that often the sides of the face are terribly injured. Had I 'th? means of allowing my Polands to run out, I would make it a rule to confine them in wet weather. Wet makes dirt, and a little knob of mud at the end of each feather of the topknot pulls down and alters the natural shape of this distinctive mark of the Polands. I confess to a dislike of the anterior feathers of the crest falling forward ; and I like a certain stiffness in the whole crest which makes the central feathers stand straight up, and not fall to either side. This prevents the crest from having a flattened appearance on the top, which I consider decidedly objectionable. As regards the rearing of Silver Poland chickens, I can quite bear out Mr. Boothby's opinion that they are very hardy. If they run with chickens of other breeds, they are apt to be bullied, as the topknot often prevents their seeing the foe that attacks them, and they run wildly about only to be more pecked, at least if Malays are their companions. This brings me, in conclusion, to a few words on the Rev. A. G. Brooke's remarks. I, also, believe the despised Malay is look- ing up. I have had more inquiries for birds than I could supply, and the inquirers were all new names to me. I hope any Show that ventures to arrogate to itself the title of great will not in future ignore their claims to a class. There were three entries in the " variety class " at the Crystal Palace, where it was almost certain the Malay would not be successful ; all were highly commended. Tet the Great London Show offered three prizes to the following varieties, with the following entries. Duckwing Game hens, 5 entries ; White Cochin hens, 4 entries ; Golden-spangled Hamburgh hens, 4 entries ; Silver-pencilled Hamburgh cocks, 4 entries; Silver-pencilled hens, 4 entries; Black Hamburgh cocks, 3 entries. If these various breeds are entitled to classes on account of their entries, surely the Malay is, and I venture to affirm that if the Great London Show Com- mittee had had the proper feeling to make a class for Malays, the entries would have certainly eclipsed the classes I mention. May the Great London Show Committee make a note of this, and do their duty better to Malays on another occasion, or mine certainly shall not go for the benefit of Crystal Palace air. As interesting in the matter of Polands, I beg to add these few remarks to my notes. At many shows, as has been remarked, no class is given to them. Atthe Torquay and Western Counties first Exhibition, where very liberal prizes were offered, Polands mustered twenty-four pens — more strongly in fact than Cochins, Cinnamon and Buff, 13 entries; Cochins, any other variety, 17 ; Light Brahmas, 19; Spanish, 16; French fowls, 19 ; Spangled Hamburghs, 23 ; Pencilled Hamburghs, 22 ; Any other variety of Game, 20; Dorkings coloured, except Silver-Grey, 20. These were the only classes where equal prizes were given, with the exception of Red Game and Dark Brahmas, and these headed the list with 33 and 26 entries. In these classes £7 10s. were offered as prizes, and as the entries were 7s. 6d. per pen, it follows that twenty entries were requisite to recoup the Committee for their prizes. A glance will show that Red Game, Dark Brahmas, and Polands, did this with a surplus, the latter variety, now so often refused a class by Committees, being really the third best payer to the Society's coffers. On receipt of their very liberal schedule, I hastened to point out to the very obliging Hon. Secretary that the class for "Any other variety" was wholly omitted. The reply was " no funds ;" however, " second thoughts are best," as the Committee wisely advertised this class, offering £6 10s. in prizes. Twenty-eight entries were the result, bringing in £10 10s., so that I do not think the Committee regret having followed my suggestion, and I must confess that I have the additional satis- faction in finding my name amongst the prizetakersin that class, which certainly should never be omitted from any schedule. — Y. B. A. Z. WOLVERHAMPTON POULTRY SHOW. YorjR correspondent, in his criticism of the Pigeons at the above Show, writes of the Trumpeters, " Every bird in this class had the feathers drawn from the centre of the rose." Were I, as an exhibitor of one of the pens, to allow this to pass unchallenged, it might be thought I had suddenly changed my views respecting trimming, &c. Permit me, therefore, to give to this assertion my most unequivocal denial. I will go even farther, and affirm that not a single feather or stump, of which there were several in the birds' feet, was drawn from either bird previous to their arrival at the Hall. Whether the person penning them performed the office of voluntary trimmer I cannot say ; it is not probable. — Henry Yaughan, Wolvt rhamjpton. In answer to the remarks of Mr. Yariley in favour of Messrs. While, Tomlinson, and Graham, I beg to say my notes were made after a careful scrutiny of the birds, and were written without fear or favour to anyone. I think it only fair that your readers should know that some of the birds in question were sold by Mr. Yardley to the parties named. — Your Correspondent. THE ANTWERP PIGEON. I wrote yon some time ago asking you to publish in your Journal a portrait of a "standard Antwerp," to be contribAed by our Society, and you very kindly assented. We had a meet- ing on the subject, and it was decided that all the members, including also a non-member, should bring to' a special meeting the best specimens they possessed. About twenty birds were brought, including the two of Mr. Bradley's which appeared in The Field, but without any hesitation it was decided by all present, including Mr. Bradley, that my bird, the portrait of which appeared in your Journal, of February 17th, was certainly the best specimen ever seen. The only remark elicited by Mr. Bradley was, that the bird would be "improved" by making his throat below the under beak thicker, like that of his old bird, which has appeared in The Field. That point I consider quite detrimental, as the slender arched neck is far more graceful, and I must confess that the bird represented in the figure you have published is superior in this respeet, and also slightly thicker in the upper mandible, which should overlap the under mandible slightly. Taking it altogether, and making due allowance for the difficulties of the artist and the engraver, it is a very good specimen, rather underrating the original, and this is admitted by Mr. Hewitt, who has awarded to it the first prize, to the satisfaction of all com- petitors at the last show of our Society. By mistake the bird is represented with nine flight feathers below the feathers of the second bar, but no Pigeon shows more than seven, and in- cluding the first, which is covered by the second being the longest, makes them in all eight. At the last Birmingham Columbarian Society's Show, where, and where only, the birds drawn from by your contemporary had anything like compe- tition, they were unnoticed ; and as for the bird which won at Glasgow, it is no more than an ordinary bird, being long and thin-beaked, and quite out of place as a show bird. The two birds, moreover, cannot be " specimens," because they are described, the one as an old bird too heavy for exhibition, and the other not matured yet. Being both deficient, what guides can they be to those who wish to form an idea what a standard Antwerp is? — H. Note, Birmingham. BIRMINGHAM ROLLERS-SKY TUMBLERS. In Birmingham, I am told, the flying Tumblers are not called Sky Tumblers, but high-flyers simply ; and that the designa- tion of Birmingham Rollers is applied indiscriminately to two distinct classes of this Pigeon, the one a highflying class, and the other a rolling class of birds. The high-flying class fly high and long as a Sky Tumbler, and tumble but now and then, sometimes single, and at other times double (called a roll), whereas the rolling class soar only to roll down again in a succession of tumbles, like a rope of onions. The high-flyers (Rollers), I am told, are a crossbreed between the pure Roller, whatever that bird is, and the ordinary Long- faced, or our common Tumbler, the Beards and Balds included. Hence the broken Balds, semi-Beards, and Pied birds, that distinguish the high-flying Roller class. The object of the cross in reference, is the flying of the Tumbler with the rolling of the Roller combined, and the latter propensity modified, as 196 JOUBNA.L OF HOBTIOULTORS AND COTTAGE GABDENER. [ March 10, 1870. appears by the result to be attained ; and this is the crossbreed patronised by our correspondent " Leicester," who kindly informs me of the fact. The breed is established in Birming- ham and Leicester, and elsewhere, and thought a distinct pure breed of high-flying Tumbler, which evidently it is not, though a famous flying and tumbling Pigeon. What the pure Boiler is 1 can only surmise, and I conclude it to be the European Tumbler, a reputed excessive tumbler, often feather-legged, whence the Birmingham Boilers (high- flyers), half-bred, as BtaUd, frequently inherit their muffed legs. Our old Sky Tumbler, so far as I can ascertain, is represented by the Macclesfield Tipplers and Tumblers, such as your corre- spondent " Bkown Bed " described. I believe tLia bird to be the Tumbler (English), distinct and pure, and not mixed with any alien breed of Tumbler. It is not the acrobat the Bir- mingham Boiler is, but it can and does tumble occasionally, not roll, quick as lightning, and at long intervals of flight. The choice of the Macclesfield Tumbler and its half brother, the Birmingham Boiler, therefore, is presented to your corre- spondents and readers, according as they fancy the sorts — equally Sky Tumblers, but differing in their acrobatic feats. What the Swansea Sky Tumblers are, perhaps Mr. Crook will tell us, if he knows himself. They look like Birming- ham Boilers (high-flying class), from description, save the odd eyes, which I am told appear in a class of high-flyers, the progeny of our English Tumbler and the German Magpie Tumbler, the eye having a coarse ring of cuticle around it, much disliked. We must, I think, admit " Old Bob Bidlet's" sort after all, the Macclesfield bird, to be the true blood for Sky Tumblers, and the Birmingham, Leicester, and Swansea breeds but half blood, thongh excellent flying Tumblers. The cross of Boiler and Tumbler, crossed over again with the Tumbler to give three- fourths Tumbler and one-fourth Boiler blood, would be nearer our Tumbler, and perhaps still by the dash of alien blood im- prove the flying and tumbling properties sought by this com- bination. " Wrekis " (page 154) is right in his estimate of flying ; one and a half to three hours is the best of natural fly- ing, longer flights are artificially attained by training, until the birds become habituated to special flights only. Neats should be robbed persistently from the end of Septem- ber to the middle of February or March, for good spring and summer progeny. Alternate nest robbery keeps old birds to their young, and does not weaken old birds so much as having another incubation in charge, before prior nestlings are fledged and off their care. Besides, the nestlings thus are better- reared and stronger birds. In animal or vegetable economy excessive breeding or cropping has the like result — deterioration and sterility — the former, though, productive of more mischief than sterility itself — the one lingering and useless, the other at an end for a new start. — Eeadbb. PIGEON-KEEPING.— No. 1. I must begin with directions for erecting a Pigeon loft. Let it be accepted as a maxim that the front should be facing the south or south-west, the warmest quarters ; but as a room is seldom built for that purpose solely, it may be proper to observe that any place where there is room enough may be made to answer. Some break a hole through the roof of the house, and there lay a platform of the size they think proper ; but, in doing this, particular care must be taken to erect proper fences to keep the Pigeons secure from the cats. Nevertheless, it is essentially necessary to train up a cat on purpose to be kept in the loft; therefore procure a kitten, and as it increases in growth and begins to notice the Pigeons, heat an egg and put it to the cat's nose, and get a dead Pigeon, with which beat the cat soundly. Eepeat this two or three times, and the sight of an egg or dead Pigeon will so intimidate the cat, that it will neither touch the Pigeons nor their eggs, especially if it is well supplied with food. A cat thus broken in will be found exceed- ingly useful in a loft, and will keep it clear of mice and rats, which are very destructive to the Pigeons and their eggs. Be careful not to overstock the loft, and always allow at least two holes or breeding places for every pair ; for, if they are cramped for want of room, they will not Bit quietly nor breed so well as when they have a sufficiency of room allowed them. You will find that out of nine pairs of breeding Pigeons you will scarcely raise one from each pair if you keep them crowded in too small a loft ; but in the beginning of September stop them from breeding till the middle of February. In erecting the breeding places, let the shelves be at least It inches in breadth, and the distance between shelf and shelf 2) inches, so that if you have Pouters at any time they may not be compelled to crouch from want of height, and spoil their carriage by getting an ill habit of playing low ; let par- titions be fixed upon these shelves, leaving the space of 3 feet between each partition, having a board nailed against the front, which serves as a blind on both sides of every partition; and by this method there will be two nests in the length of every 3 feet, and the Pigeon will sit dark and private. Some place a partition in the middle of each nest, which is of service in hindering the yoUDg ones from running to the hen and cool- ing her eggs when she sits at the other side, for in breeding time, when the young ones are about three weeks old, the hen will lay again if a good breeder, and leave the young ones to the care of the cock. For the easier cleaning out the nests, some have them buift without any blind, being entirely left open in front ; but as the Pigeons do not like to be disturbed when sitting, and an open- fronted nest is liable to some other inconveniences, I can say nothing in favour of it. Others, again, if the loft will admit of it, strenuously recommend the making of the nests on the floor, especially for the better sort of Pigeons, as being far more con- venient than either of the former two in preventing those accidents which sometimes happen to the youDg Pigeons, by their falling out of their nests, thereby bruising or laming themselves, also as giving them an opportunity of being fed by other Pigeons, as well as their parents, as is sometimes done. Let every nest be furnished with an unglazed earthen pan or straw basket, both of which are made and adapted for this u=e, and the size should be in proportion to the Pigeon it is intended for. A pan proper for the Sky Tumbler, or any other small Pigeon, ought to be 3 inches high, and about 8 inches over at the top, Bloping like a wash-hand basin towards the bottom, and these dimensions should vary in proportion to the size of the Pigeons. In fixing the pan or basket iu the breed- ing place, put a small wedge of wood or a brick against the front of it, that the Pigeon may get on and cfi the nest with- out treading on the eggs. Wlien the hen has hatched, be careful not to handle the young ones when you want to look at them, for the handling of young Pigeons often brings a scouring upon them. The basket ia preferred by some as being much warmer than the pan, and not so apt to crack the eggs when fresh laid ; but the advocates for the pan say, that these difficulties are easily obviated by a proper supply of clean straw, or frail made soft and short. ! The frail, as it is hollow and lasts a great while, is preferable to the straw. When the young ones are able to get out of their nest, take hold of the ends of the frail and shake off the dung and filth, and the frail will be fit for use again. It is proper in this place to inform the reader that gravel should be sifted on the shelves and floor ; the Pigeons are fond of picking it, it is very wholesome for them, gives the loft a more creditable appearance, and makes it much easier to be cleaned than when gravel is not used ; besides, in keeping the Pigeons clean, they are cleared from fleas and other vermin. As for the trap, it is always built on a platform or floor of deals on the outside of the house, and is the common passage for the going out and coming in of the Pigeons ; it is made of laths, which should be nailed so closely together as not to permit a mouse to creep through. Some traps are made very small, with a door in the middle and one on each side, which three doors are so contrived that by the pull of a single string all draw np together. This contrivance is chiefly designed to trap stray Pigeons which are lured into it by tempting baits of hempseed, or rape and canary, strewed there for that purpose, and frequently has its desired effect. Some make two small swinging doors on each side of the trap, fixed by wires, called bolting wires, so that any Pigeons may get into the trap but cannot return, also a square hole open at the top, called a tipping hole, which is made to answer the same purpose as the swinging doors ; but, unless the trap is so Bituated as to be quite secure from cats or rats, both these are dangerous contrivances, for either of the last-mentioned animals may by some means as easily enter the trap as the Pigeons can, and if they once find their way in they will make sad devastations among the Pigeons and their eggs. Some of these places are built so wide and lofty as to allow of eight or ten people at a time standing or walking about in them, have two or three rows of shelves on every side for the Pigeons to rest upon, and are designed to give room and air to those Pigeons which are not suffered to fly abroad. When Match 10, 1870. ] JODBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. these places are so large they are called areas, and are of great service in keeping confined Pigeons in a good state of health. In order to complete the fnrniture of the loft, it must be pro- vided with proper bottles and stands, and stands for water ; also with proper meat boxes. The bottle should be a large egg-bellied glass, one with a long neck, and big enough to con- tain three or four gallons of water, though the shape of it is immaterial, for a piece of pasteboard huDg by a string about 3 inches above the bottle will always hinder them settling on it aad rendering the water impure. This bottle should be set upon a three-legged stool or stand, having a hollow at the top for the belly to rest in, that the mouth may descend into a small pan underneath, by which means the water will run from the mouth of the bottle. The reason is obvious, though an explanation would be rather too philosophical, but I advise those who are not yet possessed of this contrivance to make a trial of it, and experimentally prove the truth ot my assertions. The box for the food should be made in the shape of a hopper ; and to hinder the Pigeons from soiling the grain, it must have a cover over the top, and then it will serve as a preservative for their food. From hence the food decends into a shallow square box, and this is usually fenced in with rails or small holes on each side, to prevent the Pigeons from flirting the grain amongst their own dung which lies about the floor. Some leave it quite open for the benefit of the young Pigeons, that they may the more easily find their way to it. Skt Tumblers require great attendance, being much more delicate than other breeds, and always used to tender treat- ment ; therefore as some observations on their food are neces- sary, I shall Bubrnit the following : — The Sky Tumbler may be fed with various sorts of grain, as wheat, barley, oats, peas, horsebeans, vetches, tares, rape, canary, or hempseed ; but of all grains old tares and small Indian corn prove to be the best suited to the nature of these birds. New tares should be given very sparingly, especially to young Pigeons, as they are very apt to cause scouring, though old tares will have the same effect if by any accident they have been mixed with salt, or damaged by sea water, for though Pigeons are very fond of salt, too much is pernicious. Horsebeans are esteemed the next best food to tares and Indian corn, but the smaller they are the better. There is a French sort called small ticks, which make good food, but I would advise those who feed their Pigeons with beans some- times to mix a few vetches with them, and to have all the beans split. Wheat, barley, oats, and peas ought only to be given now and then for a change of diet, as they are very apt to scour the birds. There is a mixed diet made of tares, beans, and peas, which is called " Scotch meat," with which some fanciers feed their Pigeons for cheapness, but care should be taken that the beans are not too large. Bape and canary, and hempseed, are a diet that Pigeons are immoderately fond of, but this, for many substantial reasons, must not by any means be made a con- stant diet. In treating of the diseases relating to Sky Tumblers, &c, I ?V shall chiefly state my own experience, as I have spared no I j^.j meetings of this Society. Among seven large cages shown by Mr. Yardley, not for competition, was a cage devoted exclusively to Ant- werps. and among these were some extraordinarily fine specimens. The silver enp, competed for by the "Any variety class," was won by an excellent pen of Egyptian Swifts, a very extraordinary breed of Pigeons, so called from their great extent of wing. The hen on being measured was 2 feet 9 inches from tip to tip of the extended wings. Very unfortunately for the funds of the Society, the day was boisterous in the extreme, with continuous heavy rain. The arrangements were well managed, and as a proof that all concerned were ready and will- ing to give a helping hand, we call attention to the following fact — The Show as by rule closed punctually at 9 p.m., and before ten o'clock every Pigeon was sent home, the show cages all removed, and the key of the rooms again returned to the proprietor's agent ; such punctuality and dispatch are worthy of comment. Caretep.s.— Cocks. — 1, Cup, and extra Cup for the best pen in first sis classes, G. F. Whitehouse, Knit's Heath. Birmingham. Extra Cup, H. Yardley. 2and3,J.F. While. P.irmiiisuain. ftc,J. Watt^. King's Heath, Birmingham; . ■□, Erdington. Heju.— 1, F. Smith, belly Oak, Birmingham. 2. G. F. Whitehouse. 3, J. F. While. he, H. Mghtingale, Aston, c, G. Hodg- - 1, 2, 3, and he, G. Sturgess, Leicester. Hen-i — 1, 2, and Niui:i!,.:FD i \nv other variety).— 1. J. Fielding, jun. 2, H. Adams. Jacobin?.— 1, G. Stargess. 2. -). Watts. Ovi.*.— Foreign.— 1 au'l Cup, J. Fiehling. jun. 2, H. Adams. he, G. F. White- nuse. English.— I, J. Watts. 2, G. F. Whitehouse. Barbs. — 1 and 2, J. Fielding, jun. Fan-tails.— 1, G. Sturgess. 2 aDd 3. F. Graham. Tar-HPETEBS.— 1. T. Robson. 2 and 3, E. Bemrose, Derby. T:.,. -1, F. Graham. 2, G. F. Whitehouse. :s.— 1 and 3, T. Robson. 2 and he, E. Bemrose. ons (Blue).— 1, F. Graham. 2, E. Bemrose. (Yellow!.— Cup. 1, and 2, F. Graham. ~hw. i; - ».— 1,F. Smith, 2, J. E. Cleveland. 3, E. Bemrose, -land 2, J. Watts. 1 and c, T. Robson. 0. E. Bemrose. Anv other Variety.— 1, Cup. and c, G. Sturgess. 2, E. BemroselFrillbacks). ", .1. Watt- OIan.-.ii. he. J. F. \Ui;L? (Laiiuro-i and Archangels), c, G. Sturgess. Single Bird (Any other varietv).— 1 and 4, G. Star.-.--.:, iHlark Karb). 2,H. Adams (Almond). 3, T. Robson (Red Turbit). 5, J. Watta (Black Barb). 6, E. Bemrose (German Toy). l>c, E. Bt-mrn..- [White Horsemen; ; G. F. Whitehouse (Black Swailowi : T. Robson (Black Magpie., c, F. Smith (Black Barb.) Badges.— Block.— 1 and 2, H. Sproston. Blue.—\, H. Clu!ee. 2, H. Sproston. Saddles.— Black.— I. and 3. H- Sproston. 2, G. Hodgktnson. Blue.—l and 2, G. Hodt :-::iison. ^ttv other colour.— 1, G. Hodgkinson. Single 'I curler (Flying, Any variety).— 1, H. sproston. 2, H. Clulee, The Judges of the Fancy Pigeons were Mr. Hewitt, of Sparkbrook, and Mr. Yardley, of Birmingham ; Mr. Arthur Walthew, of Birming- ham, awarding the prizes for Filling Pigeons, BAILDON CANARY SHOW. This was held on the '26th of February, and although not numerous the birds were very choice. Belgians were excellent, and the first- prize birds would be very difficult to beat. Jonque Norwich were very tair ; but Buff Norwich were not up to the mark. Crested or Tom- crown Canaries were excellent classes, and all the birds deserved prizes. The Clear Yellow Yorkshire were of extraordinary length, with splendid standing properties, and the BufT equally good. Of the Marked Yellow, the first and second prize birds were good ; the Buff Marked were perfection, but very dirty. Golden-spangled and Silver- spangled Lizards were of high merit. Jonque Marked Goldfinch Mules were very inferior. The Buff Mules were very fair, the Linnet Mules and in the class for any other variety of Mules, the first-prize one of the best ever seen. It has taken first prizes at the pains to make myself acquainted with the diseases of these I largest shows in England, and should it keep its colour" it will take birds and to apply the best method of cure ; therefore without m2uy more first prizes. Goldfinches were very good, and the first- further apology I shall take for a commencement — Corruption I prize bird as fine a specimen as it is possible to find. A silver snuff of the egg in the oviduct ; the wet roup ; the dry roup ; the I box presented by Mr. Denby for the best Mnle of any variety, was canker ; the gizzard fallen ; the navel fallen ; the vertigo ; the ' awarded to Mr. W. Heap's Bullfinch and Goldfinch Mule, flesh wen ; the bone wen ; and the core. Belgias.— C.'car.— 1, I. Rawnsley, Bradford. 2. J. Ellis, Baildon. lie, W. I shall then speak of the best methods of preventing Pigeons ! Mie^tw. &IF?*c?l:.%^:B™Z.B"ff--1:m'1 ' from leaving their habitation ; give instructions for coupling I Norwich.— Clear Jonque.— 1 and 2. w. Heaps, he, W. Nowell, Baildon. and matching Sky Tumblers, &c. ; and add instructions to J ^^^Tu^^^ 2 and c, 1. young beginners how to COUple and match their Pigeons. — Eawnsley. he, TV. Shackletun. Clear Butf*— land e, I. Rawnsley. 2 and to, W. Wm. CROOK, High Street, Sicansea, South Watte, I ^oraraE. -Clear Tellou:-l, Y7. Heaps. 2, I. Eawnsley. he, E. Baiter, Burlev. Clear Bur— I, I- Rawnsley. 2, T. Fav.vptt. he. TV. Heaps. c,3. Ellis. I Marked.— Yellow.— 1, Stephens i Burton, MiJdlesbrumrh. 2 and c, I. Eawns- lev. he, TV. Heaps. Buff.— 1 and -2, I. Rawnsky. he, TV. Heaps. c,J.Emmott. Keighley; J. N. Harrison, Belper. Lizard.— GoMsnspanoled—l and 2, I. Rawnsley. he, Stephens &. Burton. Silver^spangled.— 1, Stephens & Burton. 2 and Tic, I. Rawnsley. c, J. N. ' llirL-L I" answer to "The Bee-hive," whose inquiry respecting for competition for prizes were not equal to those shown at former ' propolis fortifications appeared in ' -I. C. Burniston, Cattcrick. 2 and he, W. Heaps. Any other variety.— \ and 2. W. Heaps. GoLnprNCH.— 1, J. Ellis. 2. W. Heaps. Fawcett ; W. Heaps ; I. Bawnsley. Mr. James Taylor, Middlesbrough, was the Judge. , A. Webster ; J. N. Harrison, e, 3. ! our Journal " of the 17th 198 JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March 10, 1870. ult., I may state that I have seen two instances. The first occurred twenty years ago. A weak hive was attacked by robbers in the autumn, and the bees fortified their entrance with a dark grey waxy substance, leaving a round hole in the centre so small that a worker bee only conld pass. The last in- stance happened in the autumn of 1868, when the bees of a Strong old stock nearly built up the entrance of the hive, but a slit in the bottom board gave sufficient passage underneath. — Geo. Wilson, IVhallon. AN OLD ERROR REVIVED. Ix a resent letter from the special correspondent of the Daily News I find the following revivification of an oft refuted blunder : — "That the praises I have vented on the Californian climate are not exaggerated may be inferred from this circumstance. It was some time after settlers had flocked here from other parts of the American continent and from Europe, before the honey bee was introduced. This useful little insect soon made itself at home, and filled hives with honey. Af'er a year or two had elapsed the store of honeycomb was diminished to a minimum. The bees found that as flowers were in bloom all the year round, there was no necessity for laying up a large supply of honey against a barren and blossomless winter season. Consequently, arrangements had to be made to deal with the bees as with hens, abstracting the honey in small portions in order that the forma- tion of the honeycomb may go on uninterruptedly." The true explanation of 'the latter part of tho above paragraph may probably be found in the fact that moveable-comb hives, and with them an improved system of bee-keeping, have recently been introduced and very generally adopted throughout Cali- ornia. — A Devonshire Bee- keepek. OUR LETTER BOX. Tailoring (Xovus Amicus). — Your remirks would lend to more in- justice tbnn thoBe you animadvert upon. There are many persona stvled 11 Reverend " who are not in the clergy Hat. Game Bantams' Legs (Yellow).— There is no colonr for the legs of *a Game Bantam that is more correct than another. We believe the most popular colour is the willow. Yellow is quite as correct, and more rare, but it is not so much liked. Brahma Cock Single-combed (A Friend). — A single comb is a great disadvantage to a Brahma cock, and if the bird were pitted against pea- combed it would act as a disqualification. The crooked bill is probably an accident, and would be regarded as such. It is a great defect for a Brahma to be small, but that must be overlooked on account of the pea- Spanish Hen with Tumours under Eyes (Nix).— Spanish are sub- ject to the disorder you name, and it is almost always incurable. Open one of them; if it is full of cheesy matter there is no cure for it. It will close the eye, and eventually "destroy it. Bathe it freely with hot water. Bbahmas' Legs (B. P.).— Your letter arrived too late to be answered last week. Brahmas' legs should be feathered all the way down. The points of both Dark and Light are alike as regards shape. The latter in colour should be dead-white, with flight and tail black, and hackle striped black and white. The legs should be bright yellow. Vulture hocks are not admissible. Game Bantams' Toes (Idem). —The Game Bantam cock cannot be pure tred with all but five toes on each foot. It is more than a serious fault, it is a disqualification. Get rid of him, or else, as fault3 are more surely transmitted than merits, his produce will have five toes on each foot fully developed. Points of Golden-pencilled Hamburghs (Cheshire Subscriber). — The Golden-pencilled Hamburgh hen should have a clear hackle. The body Bhould be pencilled all over. Perfect feathers should have ten spots on each, five on each side of the shaft. These, when laid one on the other all over the body, form the pencilling. The deaf ear must be round and quite ahite ; the comb full of points, turning up behind, and firm on the head. The tail should be pencilled to the end, and the whole body pencilled. Any running of colours or mossing must be avoided. The pencilling should not be very large. The legs of both sexes should be taper and leaden blue. The co'ck should have the comb and deaf ear like the hen. He should be red-brown ah over ; the tail and sickle feathers should be black, edged with bronze. The cock has not re- covered tho operation. It takes a long time to do so. White Polands with Black Crests (J. Bruce).— We are very sorry we cannot help you in any way. We believe they are not to be had. Dark and Light Brahma Pootras (T. S. J.).— It is a matter of fancy, and one is as pure as the other. For choice we prefer the speckled, but not the whitewashed breasts, and, if compelled to give an opinion, we should give them first place. Hens not Broody (Idem).— There have been no broody fowls, because the severity of the season has stopped their laying, and they are not broody till they have laid all their eggs. You need only a little patience. and you will be seeking the remedy to prevent their becoming so. Your feeding is very good, but as the weather becomes warmer you may dis- continue the beer. Vulture-hocked Brahma Hen (Brahma Pootra).—An answer in our last number will tell you the probable results of breeding from her. Like will produce like in all organised creatures. Time Occupied in Sitting IJ.Y.).— The hen of all kinds of gallinaceous fowls, from tho Bantam to the Cochin-Chioa, sits for twenty-one days; Ducks of the usual breeds twenty-six to twenty-eight days; Muscovy Duck often thirty-five days, but the time varies ; Goose, from thirty to thirty-five days; Guinea fowl, from twenty-eight to thirty days; Turkey, twenty-eight days; Peafowl, from twenty-eight to thirty days. Sky Tumblers (J. Messenger). — Mr. Crook will publish a series of notes upon these Pigeons in our Journal: his first article you will find in a previous column. We presume that you overlooked our weekly notice that our correspondents are not to be troubled with private letters; information required from them can be obtained through oar columns. Multc Canaries Barren (A. H. G.).—" They will not breed.— W. A. B." Song of Exhibited Birds (G. H.Baynor).— The birds are judged for beauty of plumage, quality, and condition, and not for singing. It does seem strange to many that one of the most interesting features in the character of what are essentially "Bong" birds should be ignored, but the fact is that the musical department is in the hands of a separate branch of the " fancy," whose whereabouts may be ascertained from the columns of Bell's Life, where may be seen announcements of copper kettles to be sung for by Goldfinches, " most ones in the month," what* ever that may mean. With such we hold no fellowship. Bechstein, speaking of the Hedpole (page 260), says, " It is a very affectionate bird, constantly caressiftg not only its own mate but even Linnets, Gold- finches, Siskins, and Canaries, If confined in the same cage. It seems, therefore, not improbable that it might be induced to pair with some, if not all of these." It is not too early to begin to breed in the middle of March. Hybrid Goldfinch and Bullfincfi (A Subscriber).— Pair the Gold- finch and hen Bullfinch early in the season, tbat they may become ac- quainted with each other. Furnish the hen with a nest-box suitably large, but at the same time at or about the time when you may expect her to lay, fill the bottom of the cage with soft chaff, as she will be as likely to lav her egg there as in the nest. Remove the Goldfinch, too, when you are satisfied his company is no longer requisite, or he will speedily demonstrate that it is neither requisite nor desirable, for unless he be a most discreet bird he wilt assnredly break every egg. Remove the eggs also, and place them under a Canary holding a first-class certificate as a nurse. Feed with egg and bread crumbs, or egg and crushed hempaeed, and look forward hopefully to rearing a winner in the "Any other va- riety" class of Mules. Raw Silk (S. 0. S.).— Write to Mr. Leonard Hirman, jun., Old Catton, Bacon (A Subscriber).— If it melts away in frying, it probably is owing to the pigs being fed largely on milk. The fat is made firmer by feeding partially on peas. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— March 9. We have no change to report, as the supply is about adequate to the requirements of the trade, and the provincial markets are quiet. The varieties of dessert Pears are now few, and consist chiefly of Xe Plus Meuris and Beurre de Ranee. Apples comprise American Newtown Pippins and the English varieties i s. d. Apples J sieve A t Apricots doz. 0 t Cherries lb. 0 ( Chestnuts bushel 10 ( Currants i sieve 0 ( Black do. 0 ( Figs doz. 0 ( Filberts lb. 0 r Cobs lb. 0 i Gooseberries quart 0 ( Grapes, Hothouse.... lb. 8 ( Lemons V100 6 < Melons each 0 ( .artichokes doz. Asparagus *+ 100 Beans, Kidney do. Broad bushel Beet, Red doz. Broccoli bundle Brussels Sprouts. . i sieve Cabbage doz. Capsicums v* 100 Carrots bunch Cauliflower doz. Celery bundle Coleworts.„doz. bunches Cucumbers each pickling doz. Endive doz. Fennel bunch Garlic lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish ....bundle 8. 0 I n 8 i \ percent., or only one part in three hundred of nitrogen ; but if we refer to the analysis of the straw of Wheat, it will be found there is 7.0 per cent, of asb. Now, this ash is the mineral or inorganic constituents of the straw, which are left after the straw is burnt, and out of this TO per cent, is silica. Now, silica is one of the most insoluble ingredients that a plant has to take up, and nitrate of soda acta in one way as a manure by dissolving the silicon, and enabling the plant to assimilate it, and it is well worthy of notice, that though the Wheat plant is in this case manured with a substance containing nitrogen, yet the straw contains fifteen to twenty times as much silicon aa nitrogen. I will, however, leave the further discussion of the value of the nitrates as manures till another time, as I am afraid I may have sufficiently wearied your readers already, and will with your leave continue the discussion in another number of your Journal. — C. P. Peach. The Victoria uegia. — Thia magnificent plant has thriven to an unprecedented degree during the past summer in the Botanic Gardens at Ghent. Several leaves have attained a diameter of 9 feet, and have supported a weight of 250 lbs., and one even the enormou3 weight of 500 lbs. Seven of the gigantic leaves completely covered the basin of 164 feet square, and they were obliged to be removed to make room for the young leaves which continued to develope in the centre. Every four or five days a fresh flower appeared, which lasted only two days, or rather two nights, opening in the morning of a perfectly white colour, diffusing about 5 or 6 p.m. a very powerful odour of vanilla, closing the next morning at 8 or 9 a.m., open- ing the same day towards evening, thia time of a beautiful car- mine, and finally closing the next morning. The magnificent leaves last through the summer ; the plant begins to dwindle in October, and dies towards December. About this time the seeds, which have been obtained by artificial fecundation, arrive at maturity. They are sown in January, and appear above tha ground in about six weeka. Their infancy is very critical ; but once past thia period, the young plants grow with astonishing rapidity ; the plant in the Ghent Botanic Gardens, unquestionably the finest that haa ever been cultivated, arrived at ita full development in five months. — (Nature.) SKELETONISING LEAVES AND FLOWERS. The seed vessels of the Winter Cherry, Henbane, and Poppy, require a fortnight or three weeks if the weather be hot. Leaves of Ficus elastica (Indiarubber Plant), and Mag- nolia grandiflora, require Beveral months ; leavea of the Tulip Tree, Poplar, and Maple, a fortnight ; leavea of the Holly and Ivy two or three weeks. Ferns require a long time, and ao do the Ieave8 of Beggars' Broom, Batchers' Broom, the Orange, Lemon, and Camellia. Great care must be taken in choosing the leaves, as the smallest speck spoils one. Many more should be placed in the water than are needed, aa not more than one in twenty will be perfect. The time required depends on the weather. Beginnera examine them too Boon. The leaves should be put into soft water in a sunny situation, taking care that they are covered with water. Evergreen leaves may be skeletonised at any time, but deciduous leaves not before the end of June or beginning of July. Seed vessels must be operated upon when nearly ripe. When quite ready for skeletonising 'put the leavea into boiling water to remove the offensive smell. Remove the scum from the water. Brash off the pulp with a rather hard brush. If the leaves are tender bump them gently, which removes the pulp without disturb- ing the nerves of the leaves. Pour clean water over them until quite clean ; put them on blotting-paper to dry — a piece of glass ia useful to brush them on. Tender leaves should be floated ia water and caught oh a card, aa are fine Seaweeds. Bleach with chloride of lime, and then wash them thoroughly with clean water, otherwise they become yellow. It is better not to bleach them until required for setting up. Thietles and Teazles look well when bleached, and aid much in arranging a group. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. We have good grounds for believing that the Cuiswick Garden will yet be preserved to the Royal Horticultural Society ; at least, such a portion of it as will be sufficient for all the purposes of a complete experimental garden, and by which the Society will be enabled to preserve its neefulnefa unimpaired. We need hardly say that such an arrangement will be productive of great pleasure in the minds of all horti- culturists. It ia proposed to erect a memorial over the grave of Mr. Samuel Bboous, late of the Inner Temple Gardens. Sub- scriptions rnay be sent to the Treasurer, Mr. C. Wells, Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, London, E.C. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Pretare fresh plantations of Globe Artichokes, if necessary, by deep trenching and high manuring, for if encouraged in this way they will, by udicioua thinning, continue much longer in bearing. After planting out the winter Caulijioieers there generally remain a number of small plants ; these, if pricked out in a cool and shady border in rich soil, will make a succes- sion, and form the connecting link between the principal winter plants and the spriag-sown ones. Keep up a succession of Lettuces, and let those raised in boxes in heat be pricked out in a warm situation highly manured. Silver-skinned Onions should now be sown for pickling ; the poorest soil in the garden is the fittest ; work it when dry, and throw it into high beds, the higher the better, and after sowing thickly treid it as hard as possible. fruit garden. Finish all nailing of wall trees, and protect as much as pos- March 17, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. sible. Tie down a good many of the weak and short-jointed branches of Pears and Plums on walls or dwarf espaliers. This will bo found much better than the old and spurring-back method. In the meantime, cut off all over-luxuriant wood close to the stem. Destroy all insects before the trees bud. Clean off all scale, &c, using on trees liable to insects a wash composed chiefly of clay, water, and sulphur. Top-dress Haut- boi3 Strawberries in beds, also other kinds where the ground is somewhat exhausted, as soon as the old leaves are removed and the plants thoroughly dressed. FLOWEB BAEDEN. The weather being favourable, and vegetation on the move, the mowing of lawns will have commenced in many places. Where high keeping is to be carried out, it is of the utmost importance to take every possible means in the spring to insure a permanent green sward throughout the summer. Lawns, or portion of them, having a hungry sandy soil, and liable to " burn," should have a slight dressing every spring : even com- mon soil will benefit them, as it encourages the production of surface roots. A dressing of marly or clayey soil in a highly pulverised state would obviate the tendency to burn. A slight dressing of guano has an excellent effect in such cases, having considerable saline properties. Those who desire to have Moss and Provence Rose3 throughout the summer should now cut back a portion for that purpose, merely pruning away the parts which have budded. Superfluous suckers of Roses, Lilacs, &o., may be removed and planted out for suceessional Btock, and the old stools of Roses richly top-dressed. The pruning of Roses in general must forthwith be completed. The late frosts have proved the necessity of attention to pro- tection. Auriculas will require double mats over the frames whenever there is any indication of frost, for should the trusses of expanding flowers meet with a check, they will but rarely open satisfactorily. A moderate supply of soft water may now be given whenever necessary, and where there has been no opportunity of top-dressing the plants with rich compost, an application of guano water about every ten diys will be found highly beneficial. Seedling Ranunculuses which are just out of the ground are extremely tender ; the boxes or pans in which they are sown should be placed in frames, though plenty of air must be given as often as possible to prevent their becoming drawn. Carnations and Picotees will soon begin to spindle ; these shoots should be removed if they have flower buds on them, and one of the strongest lateral shoots encouraged to take the lead. In procuring freBh varieties, do not forget the Rose Picotees, which are not only beautiful but extremely fashionable amongst florists. Fanny Irby (Wilson's) , Princess Royal (Wilmer's), Mrs. Barnard (Barnard), Ivanhoe (Crouebe's), Correggio (Wilson's), and Queen Victoria (Green's), will be found good. The beds of Tulips may now be gone over carefully, breaking the surface soil with the hand, at the same time exposing to the full action of light and air any leaves which may have the canker. Attend to covering as occasion may require. Vacancies in beds of Pinks should immediately be filled up. Plants may be potted-off in large pots for blooming. GBEEXHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. At no period of the year, perhaps, is caution in the use of fire heat more needed than in the month of March. March winds are proverbial, and March suns are at times intensely bright. Now, as these winds are by no means to be desired in hothouses, the very best plan is to keep down fire heat to the lowest possible degree all the morning, and where forcing is going on to havo a lively fire for a couple of hours in the afternoon — say from three o'clock until five. By these means the necessity of giving much air will be obviated, and the climate within will be maintained in a most wholesome state a3 regards moisture, &c. Frequent attention is necessary at this period in giving of air and gradually diminishing the amount of ventilation. A great reduction should be made soon after noon ;n forcing houses, and the whole of the air should be taken away as soon as it i3 considered safe to do so. Canvas shading will be in great requisition also. Conserva- tory plants to be retarded, Camellias making growth, and even the late Vines swelling their buds, will be benefited by a little shade during bright sunshine. Shading will now be of the utmost importance in the conservatory. Camellias growing should be so placed as to receive both more shade and more atmospheric moisture than the general inmates of this house. They are, in fact, far better in a small house by themselves, which should be kept up to 70° by day, and 60° by night, receiving much the same treatment a3 Orchids at this period. Large specimens of Fuchsias should now receive very liberal shifts, in fact, with well-regulated potting and thorough drainage, they should be placed in their final pots or tubs at once. Now is a good time to sow imported or home-saved seeds of tropical plants. Half fill the pots with drainage, and then fill with loam and silver sand in equal parts. Water them thoroughly but slowly with a fins-rosed pot, and cover the surface with a good coat of sphagnum. They may be placed on a warm shelf in a shaded part of the greenhouse. Some of the growing Heaths may be shifted now ; use abundance of drainage, and sandy heath soil full of fibres ; thrust it in lumps round the ball, now and then forcing down pieces of stone or lumps of charcoal, and finally coat over the surface with some of the finest portions of the soil, which should have a liberal amount of sand. The ball must be moderately moist before shifting, for if thoroughly dry, no after-watering can bring it right. Pot Cipe or other bulbs as soon as the foliage is becoming strong ; use chiefly loam, leaf soil, and silver sand. Dress Pelargoniums, and stake them out ; slip off all inferior and ill-placed shoots, and make cuttings of them, they will flower well throughout the autumn. Lisianthus Russellianu3 should now have a liberal shift with much drainage, and should be placed in pans of water in a Cucumber frame, or other situation where there is a moist heat. Attend well to watering. Be shy, however, in watering newly-shifted things ; do not water these heavily. Give them a little water frequently through a fine-rosed pot, until they become well rooted. STOVE. Growing Orchid3 will now require shading for a couple of hours during bright sunshine, for fear of too copious a per- spiration, also in order to retard Dendrobiums in blossom; the latter, however, will do extremely well in a dry, warm parlour or drawing-room, only they will require a good water- ing at the root occasionally. A very moderate amount of at- mospheric moisture will suffice for these plauts when in flower. The growing specimens must at this period have a consider- able increase in the quantity of moisture supplied. — W. Eeane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Cabbage stumps that afforded frequent nice gatherings of young sprouts all the winter, have mostly been removed to the rubbish-charring, or turning heap, and the ground they occu- pied thrown out into 4-feet beds and 4 feet ridges, the trench beds to come in ultimately for Celery, and the ridgeB were sown with one row of Peas along the centre. As at present we have no means of protecting these Peas, the seeds were all red-leaded before sowing. For an improvement, as we think, we just damped the Peas with strong soft-soap water, so as to make the lead adhere. Very little of the lead thrown on as powder, and stirred among the Peas with a stick, suffices to c:>at them nicely. Four pounds of lead would be sufficient to coat all sorts of seeds for the season in a large garden. An ounce would be quite sufficient for a quart or two of Peas. All Beede, as Cabbage, Lettuce, and Turnips, that we leaded last season were not touched at all by birds or mice whilst in a vegetating state, or even before germination commenced. It is rather singular, that without making a hole to reach the seed there is something in the way of instinct that tells there is danger. When Peas and other crops were well above ground we have suffered from pheasants, rats, and grass mice eating the crisp young shoots ; but it is of importance to keep sparrows, green linnets, and mice from the seeds whilst they remain beneath the ground, and this the red lead seems to do. We sowed some Peas in tiles this seaeoD, and neglected to lead them, and rats and mice have found them out. When we have put leaded and unleaded Peas side by side, the latter have been nibbled and the former never looked after. As stated above, it is singular that, when leaded, neither birds nor mice seem to care to make a hole to look for the seeds, whilst en unleaded row will have holes made from end to end in a night, and a good proportion of the seeds demolished. One simple word more as to sowing Peas. We rather like the ground to be well stirred. In the ridges just referred to we dug over the 4- feet Bpace, adding a little manure previously, where the ground i3 much exhausted with a heavy long-con- tinued Cabbage crop, before we added the soil that came from the trench bed. Bjt though it is true that roots should be encouraged to go down, Peas, like Wheat, are rather averse to an open loose tilth ; and therefore, when we draw out a widish drill with the hoe, wo generally run our foot pretty 210 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March 17, 1870. firmly along the bottom of the drill. This keeps the Peas on the same level, and they certainly hold all the more firmly from the resistance given to the free descent of the roots. In Bowing on ridges, and even on the level, it is desirable to draw the drill wider and fully double the requisite depth, but only covering the Peas about 2 inches, leaving a little furrow or trench above them. When that is neatly beaten on the sides it is a great protection against slugs and snails, and rough ashes may be strewed along if needed ; and in a dry season it is an easier matter to water the Peas, if that should be deemed necessary. The weather is still so uncertain and cold, and the ground so cold, that nothing is gained in sowing much, unless where less or more protection can be given. Radishes on beds and banks need protection, and good early crops can be obtained by sowing now, and, if the ground is rather wet, covering with dry soil, rising a little litter until the seed leaves appear, when they should have all the sun and air possible. Quick returns, how- ever, will much depend on covering up early in cold weather, and not uncovering too early in the morning. Where protection can be given, Turnips may be sown in the same way, but generally the middle of the month is early enough where neither glass nor light calico can be had as a covering. We use in these cold uights a little litter over our Cauliflowers under hand-lights, to bring them on more rapidly, giving them and early Potatoes plenty of air and full light in mild days. We hear from so many quarters forebodings because so little can be done — " the ground is so wet, or i3 so cold, that the season will be lost." Not at all. Seed time, and harvest too, will come; but there can be no doubt that in such seasons as this, take the country as a whole, a week or a fortnight later than usual in sowing will tell the best in the end. In all seeds, the time of the greatest danger is just after germination has commenced. Then extra dryness, extra wet, or extra cold, may ruin the plant, even before it appears above the surface. The more quickly germination takes place, the more safe will the crop in general be, and to insure rapid growth it is worth while to wait until the soil is in a nicely pulverised state, and moderately heated. We have turned and re-turned the ground we intend for '■ Onions and Carrots, but we shall not sow just yet. We do j not often suffer from the exercise of a little patience. FRUIT GARDEN. The frequent falls of snow and heavy rain have taken as ! much of the lime-washing off our fruit-tree bushes as to make ' many of the fruit buds again conspicuous. We question if we must not give them a little more. Before this washing, one or two bush Pear trees, beautifully set with fruit buds, and some nice Plums, suffered very severely ; many of the fruit buds were picked out and eaten, many thrown down as if in sport, so far militating against the insect-in-the-bud theory, as, on closely examining with a microscope some scores of those buds thrown dowD, as well as the remains of those partly | picked, we could not observe a trace of an insect, or the egg of an insect. We have a few dwarf Cherry trees beautifully | studded with clusters of bloom buds, and though we did not I see a bird at them, we found that a good many buds were I going, but after the whitening not one has been touched, and we have seen no birds at them until to-day, when we noticed some house sparrows, hedge sparrows, green linnets, and tom- tits examining and trying the buds, from which the action of the weather had removed the whitewashing. When we go to other places we can see that the grower is allowed the results of his careful culture, as birds do but little damage. We can see fine trees any day left to themselves and untouched, whilst here they would soon, if left to themselves, be nothing better than faggots. Only the other year dwarf Plums bristling with fruit buds were next to destroyed, fruit buds, and wood buds too, being remorselessly picked out. Strawberries in Pots. — Since we last referred to these we have not lost many more by mice, &c. Something depends on the position ; when we could place these pots in the orchard house we seldom lost many, but their presence there kept other things out, and they were rather in the way when wash- ing woodwork, glass, &c. In every other place we have put them we lost a lot of crowns every year. We see sometimes much stress laid, that an orchard house, like every other house, should be kept to its one legitimate use, and such may be the case here and there, where the gardener can give a place for everything, and keep everything in its place, but nine gardeners out of ten, if not nineteen out of twenty, are obliged to put every honse to many purposes, and we have been glad to put our orchard house to many uses be- sides growing fruit trees, though making these the prfticipal object. orchard Houses. — We are shutting-np one a little earlier, and that will help us soon with bedding plants, &c. The other we only shut up in cold nights, and leave it open whenever the weather is favourable, so as to make it as late as we can before the trees open their buds. Both houses have been watered where too dry, but the soil will not be much watered until the weather and the water are warmer. Bear in mind, that if the roots become very dry the buds, as they swell, will be apt to drop, and a very heavy watering under such circumstances will very likely produce the same result. It is best in such cases to moisten the earth by degrees. One fruitful source of disappointment as respects small orchard houses (unheated glass cases), arises from keeping the trees too warm in winter and early in spring. Hence we always regret to hear or read of enthusiastic amateurs having their Peach trees in unheated houses in full bloom in February and the first days of March. We should like better if the trees were merely swelling their buds in the beginning of March, and were not in full bloom until the middle or end of the month. Let it be laid down, then, as a general rule, that the later the trees bloom in unheated houses the less will be the risk, the greater the likelihood of the success, and the smaller the chance of a combined appearance of checks and insects. Iu our own case, we do not keep our orchard houses so cool in winter as we should like owing to having other things in them, but had we only the fruit trees we would never shut the houses up entirely in winter, except during storms and severe frost. As respects the latter, it will require to be severe indeed to hurt Peach trees in a cold house, where, from beirvg shut up, the enclosed atmosphere is comparatively close and still — % v« ry different affair from a full exposure to a north or east wind far below the freezing point. Although orchard houses, properly speaking, should have no artificial heat, yet when used for many purposes, a little heat is very desirable, but if that heat is merely trifling it will always be wise not to use it so as to forward the trees prematurely. Of course, much depends on the position. Keeping the trees back a little instead of forward- ing them, might not be of so much consequence in Devonshire and Cornwall (where a fall of snow — at least, one that will lie a little, is something like an alarming wonder), as it wonld be in our midland and northern counties. One cause of failure, and a prominent one too, is keeping the trees too warm and carefully in winter and early in spring. ORNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT. As previously stated, we have been going on, but, owing to repairs, not so quickly as we wish, with potting, cutting- making, and pricking-out the earliest sown annuals. FreBh- arranged corridors and conservatory, taking Azaleas, Cine- rarias, Wallflowers, Primroses, &c, into the former. We have been delayed in turfing owing to the weather, and also from having a chance presented to us of securing some very rough turf for making compost, from what formed a grass roadway between fields, but which was to be ploughed up. Taking off this, especially that on the ridges raised above the furrows left by the cart wheels, would be a benefit to others as well as to us. The soil, though good and fair for fibre, was well snpplied with Couch roots, which, if not taken out and burned, might have spread over the adjacent fields. Even taken off only li inch thick, and built neatly in a stack, this will be fine ma- terial for the best purposes in less than a twelvemonth. We previously stated that we generally build in stacks from 3 to ■1 feet wide, and when some 4, 5, or more feet iu height, we make a span-roof 3 or i feet higher, by gradually drawing it in until a single turf forms the apex. So treated, we can always have soil tolerably dry. The narrower the stack the sweeter and the more mellow it will be, without losing its fibre. We expect that from the air and dryness alone, all the Couch will be dead in a few months. The grass on the roadway is rough and long, and that will do something to let the air pass freely through the mass, so as to sweeten without decomposing the fibre. To assist this still more, we might have used some rough faggots in layers in the stack ; the only objection to the free use of these is to be found when we cut such a nice heap down with the spade. Instead of the faggots, we used two rows of round cylindrical tiles 2 inches in diameter, from end to end of the stack, placing these layers of tiles, as respects depth, 18 inches apart, so that we should have four or more double rows in the stack. These were placed end to end, but leaving March 17, 1870. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. a little spaco between them, so that the air should pass freely through the mass. We happened to have these tiles beside ns, and made cylindrical they are very cheap, and a few of them come in useful for many purposes. Of course, building such material in a regular stack requires more time and labour than throwing it into a rough heap, but then there are these more than countervailing advantages — the grass is sure to decay ; the bulk will be aired, sweetened, and mellowed, without being gTeatly decomposed ; without much shed room you may al- most always command dry soil for potting and other purposes ; and where room is scarce, you can thus pile up a large quan- tity in little space. — R. F. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS In the Suburbs of London for the week ending March 15th. EAEOMETER. THERMOMETEB. Wind Date. Air. Earth. Rain. Max. Min. Max. Min. 1ft 2 ft Wed. .. 9 80.114 80.028 48 32 42 40 N. .00 Thors. . 10 80.005 29.824 50 23 43 40 N. .00 Fri. ... 11 29.672 29.658 50 32 43 40 N.W. .00 Sat. ... 12 29.617 29.599 41 29 42 41 W. .00 Son. . . IS 29.854 29561 42 16 41 40 N. .00 Mon. . . 14 80.007 29 985 46 26 40 39 S.W. .00 Tnes. . 15 29.903 29.746 48 3J 41 38 s. .10 Mean.. 29.882 29.772 46.43 28.S6 41.71 89.57 0.10 9.— Overcast; cloudy; densely overcast. 10. — Cloudy ; fine ; densely clouded. 11. — Densely overcast throughout. 12. — Densely overcast; cloudy; overcast. 18.— Snow, densely overcast ; fine ; densely overcast. 14.— Sharp frost ; cloudy but fine ; clear and frosty. 15.— Fine, overcast ; very fine ; clear at night. TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. James Dickson & Sons, 102, Eastgate Street, and Newton Nurseries, Chester. — Catalogue of Farm Seeds. F. & A. Dickson & Sons, 106, Eastgate Street, and Upton Nurse- ries, Chester. — List of New and Select Farm Seeds. TO CORRESPONDENTS. 9§T Many complaints having reached us as to the difficulty and delay in procuring this Journal on the day of pvlAication, we repeat a notice in the first column of our adec -Using pages, showing how its delivery can be promptly and punctually secured. Being pub lished in time for transmission by the Thursday morning mails, The Journal of Horticulture should, with but few exceptions, be delivered on the same day in all parts of tJte country. If there is any delay, let our readers apply to the nearest railway book- stall, and by laying their subscriptions in advance their copies will be regularly supplied. If country booksellers cannot obtain tlte Journal in time, we shall be obliged by their communicating tliefact to our Publisher. Books (A. G. F.).— We know of no book applicable to arboriculture on the banks of the River Plate. Cow Urine (J. H.)— Gypsum or green vitriol in the proportion of 7 lbs. to every ten gallons will fix the ammonia in the urine ; but if it is poured on to the soil and dug in at once, the earth will retain the ammonia. There is no special publication on the subject, but if yon enclose four postage stamps with your direction, and order " Manures for the Many," you will have it sent post free. It contains something on the subject." Seeds (7. AT.).— We cannot name plants from their seeds. You will see what is said to another correspondent about Camellias. Forming a Holly Hedge under Trees (O. Flodd).— Though Holly grows well under trees, it will not form a good hedge in such a position if Quicks will not thrive. From now to May is a good time to plant Hollies, but this ought to be done before they begin to grow, and for young Hollies we consider the next six weeks, and from the middle of Septem- ber to November, the best times for planting. Plants about a yard high, with every alternate plant about 15 inches high, and bushy, will make a good hedge, and no cutting will bo required except at the sides until they are as high as required, say 4 feet. Hollies like a good loamy soil, light rather than heavy, the subsoil being free of stagnant water. A good dressing of well-rotted manure at planting and annually will encourage their growth, and copious supplies of wator will be required if the sum- mer should prove dry. The plants should be planted 1 foot apart Cutting Yew Hedges (^4. B. C.).— If the hedges have been neglected, and require close cutting-in, this should be done early in April ; but if they have been regularly cut, any irregularities of growth may be re- moved now, and the general cutting left until the growth is complete in the end of July or beginning of August, and then they should be cut so as to have a trim appearance. If much cutting- in is needed, it may be done to any extent in April, giving a run over with the shears in July or August, so as to remove any irregular growths. Doing this will make all neat for the season. Cemented Water Tanks {Idem).— We do not know of anything that may be mixed with cement to deprive it of the lime it gives off, whereby water is rendered hard and unpalatable. Good Portland cement, if allowed to become thoroughly dried and hard before the water is let in, does not cause either hardness or unpalatablencss in the water. Asparagus Seed Sowino [Q. Q.).— We know nothing ©f the Asparagus you name beyond what is stated in the advertisements. We think it would be best to sow the seed out of doors in April. Of sowing in heat, pricking off, hardening ofi', and planting oat we have no experience, but do not see why, with care, it should not answer. Chinese Primroses in a Cold Frame [Idem),— These plants will not stand the winter in a cold frame. They will not endure frost, or, if frost eould be kept from them, they are too impatient of the close and damp atmosphere to which they would be subjected in winter to do well in a cold frame. A light a'ry position in a greenhouse is necessary. Planting under the Shade op a Cherry. Tree (E, Scott), — We should plant Berberis Darwinii. Nectarine Shedding its Blossoms (J. C. W.).~ We remain of the opinion we expressed last week. The tree, we think, does not ripen its young wood. The cause you must find out. It may be planted too deeply, the aspect may be bad, it may not have sufficient air, &c. Pruning Roses— New Varieties (A Subscriber, Leamington).— The preference given to pruning Roses in March, rather than previously, is chiefly owing to the fear of frost injuring the dormant bud. Roses can be partly pruned previous to the winter, by thinning-out all weak wood, which ought to be altogether removed, and in the caso of Roses on the Manetti, removing any wood more than three years old wherever there is younger and more vigorous wood starting from the base. Standards, when used for garden decoration, require a rather different method of pruning than when required for cut blooms, and in order to produce a symmetrical head, some of the wood, which would otherwise produce the finest blooms, has to be sacrificed. On warm and dry soils, and where the climate can be depended upon, winter pruning will insure earlier blooms, but it is difficult to lay down a golden rule as to pruning, as every amateur ought to judge as far as possible from the knowledge of his own locality; it is better, in general, to pruno too late than too early. The following are the best recent additions to our Roses, intro- duced, mostly, since 1865. There are a few of them, as Miss Ingram, Edouard Morren, Henry Ledechaux, not fully proved yet, but they may be for the most part depended upon :— Hybrid Perpetual: Abel Grand, Alfred Colomb, Antoine Ducher, Annie Wood, Cltmence Raoux, Duke of Edinburgh, Edouard Morren, Elie Morel, Franrois Treyve, Henry Lede- chaux, Horace Vernet, Julie Touvais, La Duchesse dc Moray, La France, Madame la Baronne de Rothschild, Madame Creyton, Mdlle. Marie Rady, Marguerite Dombrain, Marguerite do St. Amand, Mario Baumann, Miss Ingram, Monsieur Noman, Princess Mary of Cambridge, Pierre Notting, Reine du Midi, Thorin, and Xavier Olibo. Bourbon: Michel Bonnet. Noisette : Marechal Niel. Teas ; Adrienne Christophle, La Boule d'Or, Marie Sisley, Monsieur Furtado, and Reine du Portugal, Pruning Manetti Rose Stocks (J. H. D.).— " If your Manetti stocks are planted deeply, take them up carefully and shallow-plant them, and bud on the main stock as near to the roots as you can. Do not cut down the stocks, nor bud on the twigs. You may bud at any time, early or late, when the hark of the stock will run. Six inches from stock to stock, and from 18 inches to 2 feet from row to row, are the proper distances for a plantation. The nearer the plants are together, the more likely is the plantation to succeed. The plants will support each other, and need less water than when they are far apart. Water your stocks well a day or two before budding, as the bark will part more freely. If your stocks are planted deeply you must, in |case you do not replant them at a less depth, scrape away the earth, and bad as low as you can,— W. F. RAD* clyffe." Cucumber Culture (E. E. D.},— If you do not wish to have Cucum- bers until June, or Melons in August or September, yon may dispense with linings. The pit at present has open spaces at the back and front for linings to the centre bed or pit proper, and it can bo filled with dung at the end of January, or early in February, and this will afford heat for the plants for three weaks, when the spaces must be filled with hot dung so as to maintain the proper temperature for the plants; if these linings be renewed from time to time you can have Cucumbers in May, and Melons early in July. If we understand you aright we anticipate you expect, by closing the pigeon-holes and confining the heat to the central bed, to have a result equal to that which you would have with the linings. If so, you are mistaken, for by confining the heat you obtain a slight increase of temperature no doubt at the commencement, but do not add to its continuance, as the heat from dung will in a month have so declined as to be too low for Cucumbers and Melons, hence the neces- sity of linings to maintain the proper heat. The pits will answer with linings for growing Cucumbers, &c, from the beginning of April, the heat of the bed giving them a start, and after that dependance must be placed on sun heat more than the heat of the bed. Bottom Heat for a Cucumber Pit (A Young Gardener).— Oi your two plans, we think the better is placing slabs across the pit, so as to form a chamber. This would answer, only we do not see how you are to have top heat, and with two pipes in the chamber you would have too great a bottom heat, but no top heat. We should therefore have openings in the slabs at 1 foot from the front, two in each light, and they should be cir- cular, about 2$ inches in diameter, and over each aperture place a drain pipe on end. A pipe a foot long, with a 3-inch bore, will suit. On the slabs you may place brickbats, or any kind of loose, open material, for drainage, bringing it so high, and with the reqnisite incline, that you will have 2 feet from it to the glass — namely, 10 inches for soil, and a space of 14 inches from the soil to the glass. Dung is wholly unneces- sary, and to fill with dung would render the bottom heat from the pipes useless. By wood plugs to each of the pipes, you may regulate the top heat to a nicety. Bowling Green Making (J. H.).— The most common form is that of a square moderately extended ; but seme are made oblong, others circular, though, to suit the general plan or figure of the ground, they may be of any other form. The surface of the green should be perfectly level, not rising at all in the centre, and as high, at least, as the general level of the adjoining ground, so that it may be always preserved from stagnant moisture. The surface should be levelled in tbe most exact manner, and laid with the finest grass turf that can be procured from a close pasture, common, or down. The extent and proper levels are then set out with 212 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March 17, 1870. . i . i„,.„,i ornnnrl the extremities or boundaries, at 15 or 20 feet di'a- ^ceo^ThihTou.d L marked the determinate levels of the ground Shnmwhclon the opposite Bides, levels in other cross ways at the ^eZtamre should be made ; and then according to these levels, pro- ceed by line and spade to form the ground to a proper surface, malung ft nr, firmlv in lines from stake to Btake, tne panels or spaceB between betag ™de up equally firm and regular, Eo that no part may sink in a ho fow^fterwards The whole should then be raked level, and finished off evenly aXmoothlv ; 2 or 3 inches deep of light sandy Boil, or.any light , ™,l,rinra then if necessarv, be laid evenly over the surface, as e^aalmquanUty as possible. Living with fresh-cut turf, is much eqoai in 1»™ i ..,',. ,,.,1; ti,,> turves s inn d be cut each a foot SSflS.ri toS8.S'ihS tin i«h ihtck, and laid with exactness, closely SS edge to edge, then beating them well «°E™»**»JZg2t heaters repeatedly rolling them with a large heavy iron roller. The best seaBOn for performing work of this sort is the autumn, or very ear y in the BeaBOn ioi ' P»""r'^'ub . , , (.,, w!l,.n it can bo conveniently done, SttliiShS tfme to establish Sf well before the hot seasonsets in. ,.„„,„«, Aprons (H. S.).— Shalloon is the best material for gar- Gakdes.,rs aproks i i £ b blne. We could not ve'ry ?rwellPde0sncribeTtheCmakre * Them. Procure one as a pattern from Borne of the leading seedsmen. _ Striking Petunia Cuttings (Hcml.-Take off the growing points JK twr?iointsbelow the point. Cut them across immediately below tte lowesl ont remove the leaf from that, and insert the cut tings rnnnd the sideB of pots or pans well drained, aud filled to within half an Schof th rfmwif Tl compost of two parts turfy loam, one part leaf Sou or sandy peat, and one part silver sand; then make level with the rim with silver sand. The cuttings may be put in about an inch apart Anthem in a gentle bottom heat of 70°, and in a top heat of from 60° fo 7a -Stag them close and Bhaded from bright Bun They should be kent mo st but avoid making the soil very wet. In a fortnight or three week" hey wiU be well rooted, and should be removed to a greenhouse Tfter being hardened-off, and then be potted singly in small pots. The .»■ ™ „ni itrikn in anv house with a temperature a few degrees wKhan that in which "the plants from which the cuttings are taken arfgrown, taking care to shade from bright sun and keep them moist, but they do not root so freely as in a gentle hotbed. Tacsonia Laterals Stopping (Wem):-The flowers being produced on the laterals as well as on the leading shoots, the shoots ought not to be stopped but tmined-in, unless doing so would cause overcrowding. The? do best when the shoots are trained near the glass, and kept mode- ™tdv thin so that every part is weU exposed to light and air. Ton may thin them out where too thick, and cut them back if they grow too long without flowering. Cocoa-nut Fibre Refuse (A Sub»cribcr).-The refuse or waste of the mat o? brush makers, which very much resembles hair, will m time decay like every other vegetable matter, and when it becomes so reduced as to resemble soil, it may bo used instead of leaf soil, and is qui te equal to it The Mcoa-nut dust resulting from the separation of the fibre is that so much valued for growing Orchids, Ferns, and other plants. It is very different from the fibre. Ltltes op the Valley after Forcing (Ru.rt).-Plants gently forced, if reeved to a cold pit, kept there well supplied with water, not placed out ol doors before June, and then set in a slightly shaded position, will noier ?oTerabSy well ; but as a rule they do not succeed well the second year Fresh plants are far preferable. Daphne indici rubra Treatment (Mem).-The plant having bloomed and mad? vigorous growth, all that will be required is to keep it duly SppUedwItnwaterfand in a light, coo, airy position in a greenhouse Hit need oottin™ VOU mav repot now, but it is well to keep it unuer "ther than over potted, as in the latter case it will grow much too freely for blooming well. Potting Ixia and Sparaxis (7 ""onsly waitin» our reply, then we should Bay, that except in respect to the untfgntliness of the disbudded shoot, there would be no harm in leaving it until the buds fairly broke, and the young shoots hadleaves 3 or 4 inches in diameter, and that whether the Vine is now m motion or not. In such - ca*. our opinion is, that the expanding buds left would be nourished from the sap and roots beneath them, and in a less degree, until exhausted by the matured juices stored up in the shoot above tnem. A inein leal may always be cut as safely as when it is in a state of complete rest. Training Pear Trees-Garibaldi Strawberry {A ?™r ZfW;- Tour horizontally-trained trees may be very easily adapted to the v, rU- ' form as 'you desire. Thus, whatever be the length of wall you devote to each tree-say 10 feet, carry out the lower branches as you have them, horizontally/to 5 feet on each side, and then turn the points and train them upwards after your own form. The eecond branches being 9 inches higher up the wall, tram them in the same manner 4 feet Hindi's out on each side, and then upwards, and so on tie. upon tier. This is one of the prettiest and best modes of all in training the Pear tree on walls, and is styled bv the French palmetto Verrier. We have ™e Garibaldi Strawberry in our collection, and it is a moderately good sort. It is tolerably well known. Vesuvius Strawberry we do not ""vTvions (Centurion* —A Fig tree will do very well on the back wall of a greenhouse, provided it is not too much shaded by the Vines in front Fig trees require full exposure to the sun's rays. w« on,J^now7a™h"8fi Apples one variety named Magnum Bonum (Ronndway-s). We 'Should suppose vour three examples to be.all the same »£«g£*Lg£gEg locality and exposure whether certain varieties of Pears will succeed best in the open pr-md or against walls. Around London Beum, de «ance does tolerably well as a low bush on the Quince, and the fruits are finer- flavoured than those grown on walls, but it does not bear fruit so freely. Vine Roots Covered bt a Floor (C. EUU) -It is a pity you did not ^Z^^of^o^^t SB !='« in^ £S£S ropen^ounroutsid1! tjie GEM ES aRe^rseiras'Tes^ects moi/ture61 Meanwhile the , above will be safer than guano. Let the water be warmed a little, say to oO or m«h*™ It is a great preventive to furring and choking up tna pfp™ We s™w some pip's broken the other day, and there was scarcely an inch of space left in a 4-inch pipe. SHADE FOR A GREENHOUSE ,{E. Sa^.-Tb* ibeSt -£•£;£■«• '"pain^'for a Vinery (Brfa).-Anti-corrosion of a white or light colour, RrNCHEs of Gripes DWINDLING {A Country SuiscrioerV-The cause of^ur^n^hefo. Grapes doling off before showing boomismo^t lor^Loln^inTof S^SSSJteS eac'lnu 3d. for postage. Fifteen stamps with your direction will therefore insure a cover FncHARis (W B ).-The following is extracted from the '•Supplement to toe CoUage Gardeners' Dictionar^:-" Eucharis {Uomeucbans, agree- March 17, 1870 ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. able ; alluding to the fragrant flowers. Nat. ord., Araaryllidacese. Linn., Hexandria Monogvnia). Stove bulb. Offsets Light loam and peat. Winter temperature, 50 to fir ; summer, 60: to 80". E. grand i [flora (large- flowered). \\. White. December. New Granada." Declining to Engage (Poor Gardener).— It is a case of hardship to you, and if yon wrote courteously to the lady she might make you some recompence, but you have no legal remedy — you were not engaged by her. We never before heard of a Welsh under-gardener refusing to serve under an English head-girdener. Osborn's Red Beet (G. E ).— You will see a note about it in our Jour- nal to-day. Pruning Cloth op Gold and Cmhbixo Devoniensis Roses (H. I. W. 7*.).—" They should be cut very little. Just take off the tops of the main shoots to a good eye in Arm wood, ami. if the shoots are very long, twist them a little like a snake. My Climbing Devoniensis has made this last year two shoots 15 feet long. I have done as stated above. If the Cloth of Gold and Devoniensis have all bad wood, I should in that case cut them back nearly to the stock, and then let them grow up again. If you cut back yearly strong vigorous shoots to the stock you will never have any flowers.— W. F. Kadci/sffe." Boxes for Climbers in Greenhouse {John Anderson) . — We do not think you would find cast-iron answer, and bricks, as you anticipate, would be too clumsv. We advice von to place bricks-on-edge on the flue as headers, to the full width of the flue, with half a brick between each, So that you will have 44 -inch space between each course of heading bricks on edge, which will allow the heat to pass into the house without render- ing the bricks too hot. Instead of hiving boxes part of the length of the house we would have the border in one piece, and if you require plants that need different composts you can divide it by slate divisions. For the sides we would advise elate; from 1 to t\ inch thick would be suffi- cient, and 18 inches deep. They may be in lengths of from G to 8 feet, and they should rest with the edges on the brick-on-edge. You can secure them with iron bolts pisaing through the back wall, and screws. You will need two bolts, one about 3 inches from the top. and another about 3 inches from the bottom, and of course at each end of the slabs. The ends may be of slate and grooved-in, and the length may be divided in like manner. The bottom you may form of thick ordinary slates, leaving sufficient openings for drainage, and on the slates 3 inches of rubble should be placed for drainage. The appearance, when the whole is finished, would be good, and better than anything we can think of. Wood would last a long time, but it is neither so good nor so durable as slate. You will only need the front; the back will be formed by the back wall. Clerodendron Balfourianum: Pruning (A. T.).— Now is a good time to prune this plant, and in doing so cut out the old wood, and shorten the very long shoots so as to cause them to branch lower down, leaving suffi- cient young wood or shoots for future growth. The plant having been rested and kept rather dry, as it ought to be before pruning, we should now keep it rather moist, but do not water it much at the root, and give a slight increase of temperatnre, say 65 at night, and 70: to 753 by day on dull days, and 10° higher with sun and air. When the plant has made shoots a few inches long pot it in a compost of two parts loam, one part peat, one part leaf soil, and one part formed of equal quantities of charcoal in pieces from the size of a pea np to that of a hazel nut, and silver sand. Good drainage is necessary ; and when the plant is turned out of the pot remove all the soil that comes away readily, and yet preserve all the roots practicable. Maintain a moist atmosphere, shade for a time from bright sun, and water carefully until the roots are working freely in the fresh soil, then water copiously as required. Afford a light airy position, regulating the shoots frequently, and train them so that they will be fully exposed to light. When a good growth has been made give no more water than enough to keep the foliage from flagging. Plants for the Back Wall of Vineries and Conservatory (In- quirer).— We would have the walls wired or trellised, an t grow in the early house Orange trees, training them against the back wall, and they will give an abundance of blossoms and fruit. The hack wall of the late house we would plant with Camellias, and the conservatory wall with Camellia3, or Luculia gratissima and Habrothamnus elegans, both winter-flowering plants, the former sweet-scented. To suit the last two, however, the wall must not be shaded bv plants close to them or on the roof. The wall 64 feet long and 10 feet "high, with a N.N.E. aspect, you may cover with Cotonoaster microphylla or Rregaer's Ivy, but we think the former would have the most trim appearance, though the Ivy has an excellent effect, but requires trimming. Shading Greenhouses [Weekly Reader).— For a greenhouse, and in- deed any house where only temporary shading is required, shade with tiflany or cauvas, both of which you object to ; or mix whiting and milk, bringing them to the same consistency as thin paint, and brush the mixture over the glass when the litter is quite dry, and inside the house, as when put outside it is very liable to be washed off by heavy rains. To give a frosted appearance you have only to dash a painter's dry dust brush against it before it "becomes dry. The brush must be dashed lightly and sharply on the wash, and at right angles to it. The value of this consists in its being easily rnbb.?d or rather washed off; it can be put on in a few hours, and removed iu half the time whenever you do not wish for Bhade, which is not required for greenhouses more than half the year, whereas if you employ oil, as painters do in frosting, it is very difficult to wash it of. Edging Iron {Idem).— We consider it very desirable that an edging knife or iron should have a half-moon shape, and if one were made with an arrow head or triangular shape, the point, we think, would soon wear round. The form you propose would not cut so much at a stroke, and the upper point of the knife of the side you were cutting with would catch in the ground and tear up the turf, leaving a ragged edge. Of course we are open to conviction, and if you find it answer we should be glad to hear of it. Any smith would make you one of the form you describe. Maranta zebrina and regalis (A Young Gardener).— The injury to the leaf of M. zebrina is caused by the dampness of the atmosphere, accompanied with cold. It is usual for the foliage to exhibit this ten- dency at the present time of year, and the young growths also will do the same if the atmosphere be not kept uniformly moist, with moisture — not, however, from syringing, nor pouring water on pipes or flues. It is advisable in winter to maintain a rather low temperature, say from 553 to 60: at night, and M. zebrina will do in one of 50° ; also to keep the plants rather dry at the roots, encouraging them in spring with a good brisk heat, a moist atmosphere, and slight shade from bright sun. We think the foliage will come to its proper condition as the season advances. Cauliflowers (Ignorammt). — Cauliflower sown on May 21st, pricked out July 8th, and planted on September 6th, 1SG9, ought to have formed good heads in October and November. We usually sow from the 21st to the 24th of May, and plant out at the end of July or early in August, and have fine heads early in October. How to account for the plants not heading we do not know, except that the seod was not that of a Cauli- flower, but of some sort of 3rcccoli, but then some of the plants running in autumn would indicate they were Cauliflowers. We think the time the plants were in the seed bed, and in the bed into which they were pricked out, is sufficient to account for their running, even if Broccoli, which we think they are. You have had wrong seed. The plants left will no doubt form beads this spring, but it is not improbable they will be open and seed-like. Errata.— In notes on Potatoes, page 180, third paragraph, for "we must distinguish it," read "5." For "Early Goodwill," read "Early Goodrich." Mealy Bug on Beech Trees (A Subscriber).— The insect you have on the Beech trees is a species of aphis. It may he destroyed by washing the stems and branches with paraffin oil, diluted with an equal quantity of water, applying it now with a brush. Chrysalises ( W, N.),— Every one of them was crushed by the Post-office punches. Names of Fruits (J. 31. L.).— Your Pear is the Verulam. Names of Plants (N. W.).— 1, Leucopogon Richei; 2, Ardisia crenu- lata ; 3, Pereskia aculeata. (C. H. D.).— 1, Goldfussia isophylla ; 2, Libo- nia floribunda. (A Young Gardener).— 1, Some Grevillea, possibly G. rosea; 2, Pha-nocoma prolifera; 3, Diosma capitata. {J. H. 8.). — 1, Poly- podium punctulatum (?) ; 2, Polypodium salicifolium, by some made a variety of lycopodtoides; 3, Ouychium japonicum ; 4, Doodia lunulata ; 5, Polypodium (Phymatodes) Billardierii ; 6, Cyrtomium Fortunei; 7, Adi- antum diaphanuui (syn. A. setulosum) ; 8, Doodia caudata (very young state); 9, Polystichum angulare, var. lobatum ; 10, Lastrea dllatata (a form); 11, Polystichum angulare variety ; 12, Adiantuin affine ; 13, Poly- stichum angulare variety; 14, Bryophyllum calycinum; 15, Rochea fal- cata, (PteriSy Dublin). — 1, Adiantum affine; 3, A. cuneatum; 4 and 11, Lastrea Filix-mas; 6 and 7, Doodia caudata; 8, Adiantum hispidulum ; 9, Pteris cretica albo-lineata ; 10, Nephrodium molle ; 12, Asplenium erectum var. tenellum. Nos. 2 and 5 have become separated from the specimens. An Adiantum with small rouiuh'd leaflets is A. sethiopicum; another with very large leaflets is A. sinuosum, a valuable species. There was alBO a scrap, probably belonging to Doodia lunulata. {J. Richards). — We cannot name plants from their leaves only, we must have flowers too. We cannot tell what the " white worms " in the manure are until we see them. If they are wireworms they are one of the gardener's foes. POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON CHRONICLE. MR. W. CROOK'S ARTICLE ON PIGEON- KEEPING. As the Pigeon authority of this Journal, I feel it my duty to protest strongly against the article in last week's number being supposed to be original. It is not Mr. Crook's at all, but simply copied line by line, indeed almost word for word, from " Daniel Girton's New and Complete Pigeon-fancier," published about the year 1800, according to the authorities of the British Museum, but I incline to think a few years earlier. It is all extracted from Girton's work, beginning page 114, ending page 121 at the words " constant diet." And the diseases which Mr. Crook intends to treat of in his next article are written iu the same order as Girton's, and " the best methods of pre- venting Pigeons leaving their habitation," &c, are all Girton's words. The only original part are three lines and a half, in which Mr. Crook drags in Sky Tumblers, and inserts the word "Sky" in another place. But this is not all. Girton's was only the second edition of " The Treatise on Domestic Pigeons," published a.d. 17G5. So that Mr. Crook's original article was written, every word of it, and printed just 105 years ago ; if it were written originally by Mr. Crook, lie must be now at least 125 years old, or, as he would need a good deal of experience to write so accurately and practically, we will say 135 years old. Swansea must be a healthy place ! However, I wish to make no jest of such a piece of bare- faced literary plagiarism, but rank it with trimming, painting, and staining. Farther, a judge of literature would perceive that the article in question is written in the old-fashioned English of the last century. I let the papers on Sky Tumblers pass, regarding some of their contents as mere good-natured " chaff," but this I cannot let pass. Readers of this Journal for the last seven years will under- stand how I have always striven to help to cast a genial, kindly influence over the pages of this our favourite publication, and therefore they will equally understand the pain it causes me to write with severity, but surely severity is in this case due. — Wiltshire Rector. P.S.— This cannot be the case of a person [writing from JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. t March 17, 1870. memory, but of laying the book before him and copying each sentence in its order. ["We have received other letters, pointing out the wholesale plagiary from " The Treatise on Domestic Pigeons," published in 1765. We had two other communications from Mr. Crook, and they also being similar plagiaries, have been returned with an expression of the contempt such conduct merits. — Eds.] THE STAINED FEATHERS AT TORQUAY. I have, through the kindness of one of the Judges, had the opportunity of examining the feather cut by them from the disqualified bird at Torquay. There is no doubt about the fact, and detection does not appear to prevent the continuation of the practices. Such practices throw a slur and evil repute upon all poultry-breeders. Lately my partner was at a rector's houBe, and saw some Cochins which he admired ; he was told their parentage, &c, and he then replied, " My partner," alluding to me, " is a great fancier, and takes a number of prizes at the shows. Why do you not try?" The reply was, "Oh, yes! ThoBe professors play no end of tricks — dye feathers, prop up combs, put on new tails, pull out vulture hocks, s are eggs," and a dozen little things weighing about 20 ozs., the produce of little half-starved hens, will sell for as mnch as a dozen Cochin or Brahma eggs weigh- ing, as mine do, on an average 29 ozs. And the same may be said of fowls and chickens ; one buys for the table a " feathered biped," with little bnt feathers and bones, weighing some 2J lbs., at the same price as a plump Dorking weighing 5 or 6 lbs., and vim versa, unless we do the dealing ourselves, and take care to get the benefit of tho nial- arrangemeut by selling the lean kind and buying the plump ; bnt as both parties cannot do this, it cannot by any care be made to " work well," the nsnal apology for old abuses. As I, for one, am neither disposed to buy nor keep the worse sort of fowls, and therefore do not have the less sort of eggs laid in my nests, I and all improving poultry- keepers are always at a disadvantage, and the country is loser by the little encouragement held ont for improving the stock. "What would our breeds of sheep and cattle be if one sheep or ox sold for as much as another, irrespective of size and quality ? — M. E. [The remedy is in the hands of the purchasers and vendors solely. Butchers are too mindful of profit to give the same price for the small and ill-conditioned as for the large anl superior animals, and we suspect that shrewd housekeepers, too, would not boy Bantams' eggs if they could obtain Spanish. If buyers will give the same price, and sellers will take the same price, for large and small eg^B, no rule can be devised to prevent them. — Eds. ] FLYING TUMBLERS— BIRMINGHAM ROLLERS. As much correspondence has, of late, appeared in your columns in reference to the above, in which many allusions have been made to this town, a few remarks from a Birmingham fancier, and one who till a year or so since has had consider- able experience in the flying fancy, may not be uninteresting. In the first place I should like briefly to allude to your corre- spondent's remarks in page 175, in which it is stated that Mr. George Phillips, who resided at the Mount, near Handsworth, was the first to introduce the Roller Pigeon. In regard to this statement I beg respectfully to say that your correspondent has made a mistake ; I have only this evening been in com- pany with two old fanciers, who have for years flown some | of the best Tumblers in this town — one of them fur the last i forty-five years — and both of whom knew Mr. Phillips well. \ They assured me that to their own knowledge good Rollers ' (if not better than there are now) were flown in Birmingham I years before Mr. Phillips kept them, in fact, for the last hundred years. The elder of the gentlemen to whom I allude had a brother who flew them seventy years ago, and a kit was flown by the father years before either of them. First-rate Rollers were also flown by a person named Bunney, of Ashted, and a Mr. Piercy I years before Mr. Phillips, who, however, as Mr. Hardy remarks, j was a thorough enthusiast and possessed remarkably good i birds. They were not, however, the clean-cut birds that are generally recognised as Baldheads, but birds with white heads, | " slobbered," as it is termed here, down the throat and neok with white. Now in regard to the Tumbler, some thousands of which are | flown in Birmingham at the present time, judging from what has appeared in " our Journal " from time to time, very many i erroneous impressions seem to be held in regard to them and their performances. One seems to be that all Birmingham i Rollers are necessarily coarse, large-bodied birds with heavily- I feathered legs. Such birds are no favourites with the best fanciers here, for there is, as a rule, not one of that description out of twenty that is a good bird in the air. The best, on ' the contrary, are short and compact in body, full-chested, with moderately short bills, round heads, and white flight feathers. The old fancier to whom I have alluded would not allow a muff-legged or dark-wiDged bird in his flight, and all his birds answer to the characteristics I have named, their colour being mostly blue and bronzed badges, the latter ex- ceedingly pretty birds. The colours, however, of the gene- rality of the Birmingham birds are very various, for as Mr. Hardy states, more attention is paid in matching them for breeding to their qualities in the air than to their colour. An impression seems to prevail also that all Tumblers that come from Birmingham are Rollers — at least, they are all called Birmingham Rollers, whereas, where there is one that can roll there are dozens which can scarcely tumble at all. Kits of Rollers and mad Tumblers — that is, in which every bird can roll or tumble — are only in the possession of the best and oldest fanciers. In the majority of those flown here, where there are one or two good birds there are a dozen that are not worth more than Is. or Is. 6d. each. Warranted good Rollers fetch from 6s. to 10s. a-pair, and I have myself given 10s. for single birds. They are to be had from any of the numerous dealers here, but the best way to obtain them is from some well-known flight if you want to depend upon their " turning out " well. The average number of a good working kit is from twenty- five to thirty ; if there are less than twenty they do not work very well together at the turns, and if many more than thirty they do not fly so long nor bo high as the number I have stated. March 17, 1B70. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 215 The average time of flying is from half to three-quarters of an honr ; an hour is considered a good fly. They should keep well together, and not swing round, but fly steadily right and left, turning occasionally, at which time every bird should either roll or mad-tumble, and that in such a manner that when the kit is well round there should be no stragglers, bat all compact and steady again. One remarkable circumstance I have noticed is that all good kits usually turn to the right, seeming to avoid turning to the left as much as possible, which turns, however, when they do take place, are generally the best as regards the working of the birds ; for if there are any good birds among them they are Bore to tumble well then — in fact they seem as if they could not help it, and on that account try to avoid turning in that direc- tion. It is strange, but such is the case. In regard to the statements that have appeared in your columns of kits flying regularly sis or seven hours, all I can say is, that when such do happen it is always to the sorrow and loss of the owners. Such flights are what are termed in Birmingham " flyaways ; " and one a-year is quite enough for any fancier who possesses a valuable flight ; after such a flight the majority of the birds seldom, if ever, make their appear- ance home again. As an instance of this, I may mention that the two gentlemen to whom I alluded at the commencement of this communication, stated that their flights about four o'clock in the afternoon of February 26th both joined and flew till no one knew what time, as they were up at dusk, and the conse- quence was the old fancier whom I have mentioned was thirty- one short, and the other seventeen, and the former would not have taken £20 for his birds. The two or three that came back came in daring the following two days, the others have never been heard of since. Perhaps they are the sort some of your correspondents possess, and are having their fly out still. During the last Birmingham Poultry Show I took three London fanciers (two of them the best, or at any rate two of the best, of our officiating fancy Pigeon judges) to witness the performances of this very flight, and all expressed themselves highly gratified with their visit, although it was a very unfavourable day to see the birds at their best, a very high wind prevailing. They were also very much struck with the owner of the birds, who is what is now-a-days a rare specimen of a thorough-going old fancier. I have no doubt that when the gentlemen alluded to see this they will feel genuine regret that so good and pretty a flight should have been so dispersed. However, I have no doubt another equally good will soon replace them, such a misfor- tune being nothing new to him, as he has plenty of stock birds left, and has always bred his own flights, being very chary of admitting a strange strain amongst them. Mr. Hardy states that " mad Tumblers " obtain their name inconsequence of their tumbling " so much and so carelessly." A mad Tumbler Bhould not tumble carelessly, or he would be very soon discarded from a good kit. These birds should only tumble at the tarn of the flight, when their performances should be as quick and neat as possible. Most of them can short-roll also — that is for a yard or so. As a rule they form the majority of the flights, and it is their performances altogether that lend the greatest effect to the turns of the flight. And now I must draw my remarks to a conclusion, although I could say much more on this interesting topic, both in regard to breeding and management. I should just like, however, briefly to allude to one or two more of Mr. Hardy's remarks. First, as to keeping the birds " as thin as possible." Birds regularly flown do not want keeping thin, their exercise will keep them in proper condition ; besides, if they are stinted in food they cannot fly, and disease will very soon break out in the loft. They must have plenty of food to keep up their strength, or if they go from home at all in a wind, or " fly away," they have not strength to return. He recommends feeding them on malting barley. Such a thing was never heard of or done here. They should be fed on good sound, old, small grey peas — no food is better for them — and for a change give a handful of good old English wheat occasionally. The be3t way is to feed them till they drink, and give no more, and always to fly them with their crops empty, or the food in them is apt to choke them when rolling, and cause them to roll down. Most of the Birmingham birds are fed on peas and Indian corn, mixed and separate, but the best fanciers here discard the latter. Breeding commences in March, and terminates at the end of July as a rule ; for birds bred after that date cannot moult out before winter, and are sure to be lost from want of stamina. Mr. Hardy says, birds being too fat is the cause of their roll- ing down and killing themselves. Birds too fat will not fly ; birds regularly flown will not become fat. Sometimes birds bump themselves against the chimneys, or on the slates from rolling whilst too low, that is not rolling down ; but when they come down from a good height, as I have had them do at three or four months old — which is caused by being too high bred — they are seldom, if they do not kill themselves, fit to fly again. If they come once in that way they generally repeat it every time they are flown, so that it is downright cruelty to fly them. — H. T., Birmingham. [Pray detail the desirable mode of breeding and management more fully. — Eds.] The Short-faced, round-headed, little flying Tumbler having been neglected so long, the breed has become almost extinot. The fashionable prize Short-faced Tumblers of the present day are useless for any amusement in flying, being bred so deli- cately that they are not able to feed their own young ones, and so weakly that they oould hardly fly to the top of their owner's bedstead if required. Still I am happy to say there are a few. In choosing these birds I wonld recommend either Blacks or Reds, or Black or Red Mottles ; let them be as small as possible — plump, round, little birds with broad chests, and the shorter the wing the better. Do not purchase any without seeing them fly and tumble quickly and sharply ; birds that clap their winga and sail either before or after tumbling should be rejected, as they will draw down your other birds however high these may be. No doubt many gentlemen complain of their birds being brief on the wing and unwilling to mount ; I have never had any such difficulty, although I have often been at a loss for a method of getting them down when they have ascended so high as to go out of sight. Be satisfied if your Tumblers will fly an hour, it is quite long enough till yon know your breed of birds thoroughly. If they are kept on good heavy barley they will always fly steadily and well, if you have fine weather and a cloudless sky. Their food can be changed to Indian corn, or beans, or peas. They require to be kept very clean, their pen Bcraped out every other day, and fresh sand scattered on it. During the breeding season they require plenty of old mortar. A good substitute is half a pail of sand, half a pail of stonemason's dast, and about 1 lb. of salt, mixed together and made into a paste with water ; let it 6tand to dry, and when you require it break it into pieces, and your birds will eat it up ravenously. I have always found the Black or Red Mottles the best flyers and tumblers ; some prefer the various-coloured Baldheads. They are usually coarser birds, and do not look so small and compact when flying. Some of your readers will, no doubt, exclaim, Where can I get these little Tumblers ? I do not know. About three years ago I commenced collecting them, and paid one or two visits weekly to the numerous Pigeon shops in and about London. Out of nearly two hundred which I have purchased I have only had the good fortune to meet with six or seven that come up to my standard in flying high and tumbling quickly and sharply. The method I adopt with fresh birds is this :— I keep them two or three days without food, giving them water, and then let them out with my old birds. I have not lost more than a dozen out of the large number tried. If the Pigeon-keeper do not like to adopt the low-diet system, the same object can be achieved by tying the six flight-feathers of one wing twice with thin string. Fanciers must not expect to raise a flight of these birds in a month, it requires time. Having started two or three gentle- men with the breed, I always advise them to be patient. Any person living near a high building, such as St. Paul's Cathedral, or any place where he cannot start them from, I would advise to immediately remove to a more convenient situation. — G. Hardy, 10, Fulham Road, London. THE DRAGOON PIGEON. Is it asking too great a favour on behalf of brother fanciers and myself that you will publish a drawing and description of what a Dragoon should be ? I have turned my attention of late to the breeding of these birds, hoping to be able to com- pete successfully with other breeders, but judges and others differ so in opinion as to what a Dragoon is, that I am almost disheartened, and feel inclined to give up the task as hopeless. For instance, I Bent birds which took the first prize at one show, to another (within a week of each other), and they were 216 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March 17, 1870. only commended ; while birds which were not noticed at the former show, were first at the latter. I can only account for thia by the different opinions of the judges as to what a Dragoon is. What is wanted is a reoognised standard. The drawing you gave of an Antwerp has greatly pleased all the Antwerp fanciers that I know, as it lays down a decided pattern to breed from. — Frank Graham, Birkenhead. [If Mr. Percivall and other Dragoon breeders will send us the information asked for, we shall be obliged ; and if the gentleman we have named will send us a drawing or photo- graph of a standard Dragoon, we will gladly have it engraved and publish it. — Eds.] THE ANTWERP PIGEON. It is only fair to me that Mr. Noye should have said that which he knew, that when asked by the sub-editor of the Field to select my best bird I declined to do bo, and placed my birds at the disposal of the latter for the time being, when he made choice of the young bird then at Wolverhampton, which had gained a prize, which I regard as an acknowledgement of appreciation of good breeding rather than present perfection. When I sent the bird I forwarded also an old one, which is perfection in every respect but colour, in order that when together it might be seen that the one was not sufficiently developed to be re- garded as perfect, although deficient only in what age can give, and I suggested a representation of the young bird with the lash and wattle of the old one, or the latter shown as having good colour ; and had my suggestion been carried out I think the engravings in the two journals would have been almost identical. It may be asked, Have you then set up an ideal standard in The Journal of Horticulture ? We have. The block draw- ing furnished by the Birmingham Columbarian Society is a semi-copy of the portrait of my old bird before mentioned, slightly modified so as to resemble the very blunt bill of Mr. Noje's bird, and in doing so it becomes absolutely true of peiiher, but a compound. But this does not matter; we are justified in concentrating the various excellencies of our bird3 into a " standard," because all our desires may be obtained by cartful breeding, and it would be unfair to show such a speci- men as would allow a few to take their ease in monopoly of prize money. My friend says that my birds were unnoticed at our Society's last Show. So they were. If it be true that suoh Antwerps are not to be found elsewhere equal to those nossessed by members of this Society collectively, it would be strange if some were not noticed, for in such times awarding prizes to the best birds is no easy task ; but if I did not win there, I am glad he did, because it is as much to my pleasure that my old bird bred his crack as for him to beat me with it, and as Antwerps require age for development, how shall my youngster compete with his five or six-year-old bird? I confess he is the best bird I know, as he has exquisite colour, and every excellence age can give a bird of this breed. There would have been more of forbearance and kindly feel- ing had Mr. Noje not referred to my Glasgow prize birds, be- cause, on the eve of my sending them, he said, " Mr. Bradley, who will beat them?" and after the show, reminded me of his prediction. In conclusion, I beg to thank you for your assistance in a woik so much needed, and which will, I trust, be of service to judges in awarding prizes to deserving birds which have only recently found a place in the prize lists of public shows, and also for permitting me to so express myself as to free my fellow members of the suspicion of acting in any underhand manner either to yourself or the public generally.— J. I. Brad- ley, Birmingham. [We cannot insert any more notes on this subject.— Eds.] THE WILD TURKEY. The Wild Turkey (Meleagris Gallopavo) is a magnificent bird, and although now found almost throughout the globe by the process of domestication and naturalisation, is one of the many gifts of America to the old world, which fact at one time was nearly forgotten, as its origin was involved iu obscurity, and doubt expressed as to its native country. Thus, such men as Belon, Aldrovandi, Gesner, Ray, Ice., thought it came originally from the East Indies, and endeavoured to recognise it in some of the domestic birds of the ancients. " In so losing sight of the origin of this bird, we see a strong, exemplification of the un- grateful disposition of man, who can treasure up the memory of wTongs and injuries, but fails to recollect the greatest benefits he has received." The Turkey was first introduced by the Spaniards from Mexico into Spain, and thence into England. In the reign of Francis I. they were imported into France, and the first one eaten in that country was served up at the banquet given at the wed- ding of Charles IX. in 1570. Bred with much care they rapidly increased, and soon were taken into Asia and Africa. It would be difficult to ascertain why its popular name was given to this bird, and it is to be somewhat regTetted that such an appellation should ever have fallen to its lot, since it is apt to give rise to the suppo- sition that it originated in Asia instead of America, the eastern in place of the western hemisphere — not so much to be regretted, however, at the present time as formerly, for-since ornithology has taken its rightful place among the sciences, and its hidden things been investigated and explained by the researches of so many able minds, the results of whose labours dignify and elevate their subject, the origin of so noble a bird is not liable ever aiain to be lost sight of. At one time the Turkey was pretty generally distributed throughout the United States, but, like the Indian, it has gradually disappeared before the onward march of civilisation, until now one must look for it amid the unsettled portions of our western State?, and the vast regions through which the Missis- sippi, Missouri, and their tributaries flow. It is still quite plentiful in the southern States, many parts of which are yet covered with the virgin forest, while in the middle and northern States it has almost disappeared. The Turkey is considered as both migratory and gregarious ; the first of these circumstances arising mainly from the exhaus- tion of its favourite food in any particular section of country, or upon the opposite fact of there being a great abundance of it in some other place. When this last is the cause of Turkeys' migra- tion they seem to he insensibly led toward the land of plenty by finding the supply increase as they advance, and not from any particular instinct of their own. Their food consists of maize, berries, fruits, grasses, acorns, and in that part of the country where it abounds, the pecan nut is preferred by them to every- thing else, j Audubon states that when he removed into Kentucky, rather more than a quarter of a century ago, Turkeys were so abundant that the price of them in the market was not equal to that of a common barn fowl now ; and that he has seen them offered for the sum of threepence each, the birds weighing from 1 0 to 12 lbs. The average weight of this splendid bird is about 15 to 18 lbs , (I speak of the male), and of the female from 9 to 10 lbs. Some gobblers have been known to weigh much more than this estimate, and instances are not wanting where individuals have been ob- tained weighing 30 and 40 lbs. each, but this is rare. When full grown the male will measure 4 feet in length and nearly 5 feet in the stretch of its wings. The naked skin ot the head and neck is blue, with the wattles red, as are also the legs. The feathers of the neck and body generally are of a coppery bronze, changing in some lights to a greenish or purplish shade, and margined with an opaque line of velvet black. The back and rump are also black, with little reflection, while the sides, together with the upper and under tail coverts, are dark chestnut, barred with black, near the end, and having metallic reflections of a rich purplish hue while the extreme tips are opaque purplish chestnut. The tail feathers are dark chestnut barred with black, and tipped with a light chestnut. Hear the end is a band of black, broadest on the outer feathers, and nan-owing as it approaches the central ones. Between the bars on the feathers is a confused sprinkling of black. Neither upon the tail nor its coverts is there any white, and this is one of the ways by which the wild Turkey can always be distinguished from the domesticated. From the centre of the breast hangs a coarse hairy tuft, not usually found in the other sex. The female differs principally in being smaller in size, less brilliant in colour, absence of the spur, and the small fleshy pro- cess at the base of the bill. — (Boston Cultivator.) NOTES ON CANARY SHOWS. On reading Mr. Blakston's remarks relative to the Crystal Palace Bird Show, I am strongly of opinion that he has omitted a very important ease — viz., classing Ticked and Evenly-marked Belgians together. As a breeder of Belgians myself, I think it an unjust class to the fanciers of these favourite birds. I could have sent half a dozen Evenly-marked birds to the Crystal Palace Show, but did not, considering it unfair to show them along with Ticked birds, as it is a well-known fact that the March 17, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 217 clearer the bird is the more properties it shows, and clear birds are generally considered preferable to the dark in judging them. As Chairman of the Ornithological Society, at Nottingham, I have been requested by the Belgian fancy there, and at Sutton, and other places in the district, to draw the attention of the managers of All-England Shows in future to this subject, so that these birds may be shown in distinot classes by themselves, instead of being classed together as they have been at the Sunderland and Crystal Palace Shows, it being the general opinion that a greater number of these classes of birds would be then shown, as the Ticked fanciers do not like to show their birds with the Variegated, nor the Variegated with the Ticked. I should be much pleased if Mr. Blakston, or any manager of an All-England Show, would state the reasons why these birds should be classed together instead of separately. Whilst on the subject of shows, I cannot refrain from remark- ing on the annoyance I have experienced from not receiving catalogues in proper time, particularly from Sunderland and the Crystal Palace ; and although I wrote to the Secretary at the latter place, I have never received any, but was informed one had been properly posted. I then applied to the Post- master General respecting it, but none is to be found. I could not conveniently go up to the Palace myself, consequently I had to borrow a catalogue from another exhibitor to see where my birds stood, and also whether there were any which I should like to purchase. On seeing the catalogue I wrote to claim two Belgian birds, but to my annoyance I was informed by the Secretary that he was sorry both birds were sold. If I had received the catalogue at the proper time my application might probably have been first, at least I should not then have had any reasonable complaint. In looking over the catalogue of the Palace Show, I find in the Clear Norwich olass there are awarded equal first, equal second, and equal third prizes. Can any brother reader inform me when he last saw two faces alike ? — W. Holmes, Popham Street, Nottingham. CHEAP HIVES. Since reading the letters that have lately appeared in " our Journal " regarding the cost of hives, I am induced to send you a few details which may be useful to "would-be bee- keepers," who are deterred from "making a start," by the high prices asked for the better sort of hives. When I resolved to try my hand at the now, to me, delight- ful subject of bee-keeping, my idea was to do it scientifically, if I could, but I never thought of spending £30 or £40 on hives ; so having read Mr. Woodbury's description of his hive, with the assistance of a friend who is "clever" at joinery, I made a hive, as near to the description as was necessary, and the whole cost of the material did not exceed 12s. Gd., including floor-board, outer case, and roof. We have since made two other "Woodbury's." But the hive I wish to draw at- tention to, is that which will be found to preponderate in most large apiaries — viz., a cheap and efficient straw hire, which can be easily supered, is handy for feed- ing, and that will afford thorough protection to our little favourites in winter. This I have made as under. I get straw rims (made extra strong), 16 ins. in diameter and 12 ins. high, for 2». each, American cheese boxes, 3d. each, pan mugs, Is. each, and from these make the hives and outer cases. My stances are 4-feet-6-inch lengths from old ships' masts, and cost Is. Gd. each ; paint, putty, zinc for slides, nails, &c, less than Gd. Thus the whole complete, when ready for a swarm, involves an outlay of 5s. 3d. The lid of the cheese box forms the crown-board, the rim of the lid I use as a binder for the top of the outer case, and the bottom of the box, when it has been knocked out, serves for the floor-board, after being re- duced in size a little, to allow the outer case to slip over it. This floor-board, being rather light, a strip of three-quarter- inch deal 5 inches wide is nailed under it, to keep it from warping, and to form the alighting-board. Two other pieces are nailed in an opposite direction, and projeot half an inch beyond the floor-board ; on these the outer oase rests when pressed down. I also nail two strips of wood on the under side of the crown-board to strengthen it. The holes to admit the bees to the supers are 6 inches long, three-eighths wide, and the hole in the centre for feeding completes the article, the entranoes being made as described by the late Mr. Payne, in " Bee- keeping for the Many." I paint the roof, mugs, outer cases, and stances, stone colour, and I think it would surprise some of your readers if they saw how neat and compact the whole looks. The stances are sunk into the ground, so it is impossible to upset them ; no bee-house is required, and with the aid of a few staples the hives are secured to the stances, so that no storm can disturb them. The accompanying is a rough sketch of the hive. — W. Broughton Caer, Higher Behington, Cheshire. TWO QUEENS IN ONE HIVE. In your number of July 2nd, 1868, will be found an ac- count of two queens in one hive. I have this day come to the knowledge of a still more remarkable instance of the same kind. In July, 1867, I bred a pure Ligurian queen, which, being crossed by a black drone, had the nucleus box made up into a strong stock. On May 11th, 1868, the queen's wings were clipped off by the hand of your correspondent " R. S." In June she went off with a swarm, and from the stock and swarm I took in that year 123 lbs. of honey in supers. Last year, after repulsing several attempts, I allowed the hive to swarm on June 24th, and took from the stock and swarm 70 lbs. in a very poor season. She being now two years old, I was not surprised at the autumn examination on October 4th to find a fine young queen fully winged in possession. What, then, was my astonishment at the spring examination this day to. find the old lady resuscitated. At first I thought her winga muBt have been nibbled off, but observing on one stump tha clean cut of the scissors I looked over the combs again, and found her daughter with fully developed wings, both plump and well-conditioned, and apparently both breeding, as the hive is remarkably well brooded for the time of year. It is my belief that this sort of thing happens far more fre- quently than we are aware of, as it is not always very easy to find the queen in a strong hive, and when found we rarely look further unless our attention be attraoted by some remarkable difference of colour or other peculiarity. — Apioola. [The phenomenon of two queens dwelling peaceably together in one hive, was first noticed by Mr. Woodbury in our number of the 25th August, 1863.] OUR LETTER BOX. Hens and Pullets not Latino (Disconsolate Poultry-keeper).— Our opinion is, that nothing can do well this weather. Wo dislike the east wind, wo hate snow, because thev prevent everything from thriving. So far from finding fault because all do not lay, we are very thankful to those that do. We believe from your description all your birds are about to lay, and will do so when the snow is gone, aud the wind is changed. Chicken Mortality Excessive (Black Bamburnh).—'We see noreasen why your chickens should die, unless you have over-dosed them with sulphate of iron. We have had no complaints of mortality, and in our own stock we have hitherto loBt none. We do not think ale and sulphate both necessary, and we advise you to discontinue the latter. It is like all such medicine— useful when the patient requires it, but if taken regularly when it is not wanted, its properties cause disease, and if still persevered in, death. Houdans Featheb-eatebs (J. L. Q.).— You are suffering from the plague of Houdans. Remove the two feather-pickers, but we give you little hope of curing them ; we are trying for the third year, but we have no hope. We have tried everything we know, but as everything has failed, we can point to no remedy except one, to give them their liberty and a run. Hen Diseased (J. B.).— You should have told us the breed of the hen. In a Spanish hen it would be the beginning of an incurable disorder. In any other breed it is, as you rightly imagine, incipient roup, or it may ba caused by cold and east wiuds. Shu has a good constitution to have takea so many remedies without mischief. You have only one more to try, Baily's pills. Keep the face well washed with cold water and vinegar. Under any circumstances and with any other medicine, give daily a pill of camphor the size of a pea. Varieties op Game Fowl (Duckwing).— Many names are given to Game fowls which belong only to districts, and are known only in certain, localities. The original terms were Duckwing, and Silver Duckwing. We could show lists of cocks and weights as they were fought about 120 years ago, and they would give au endless variety of sobriquets, some of wnicn would be offensive to ears polite. The yellow aud the tawny were identical birds, they had yellow legs, and their hackles and saddles as 218 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. t March 17, 1870. well as their deaf ears were golden yellow. The last treacle-breasted we flaw was declared by good judges to be a " child of thirty-six lathers," all of different nationalities. We do not know the " marigold." Spanish Fowls (E. R. P.).— Wo know no such establishment as you Seek. Mr. Jones and Sir. Lane aro both largo Spanish breeders at Bristol. Brabhas and Houdans { ).— Winter laying is not the attribute or a breed, but the consequence of age, or rather of arriving at a certain age. Pullets lay when they attain maturity, hens when the laying comes. as the latter is that weather s again, other ci development, should lay at s much later if they f these results are affected by weather and condition, often the result of the former, it will be easily understood ich as we have had is not conducive to laying. There are, uses, such as insufficient food when young, causing tardy The rule may be, that birds of the breeds you name ths, but there aro exceptions. Again, the birds lay i kept in confinement. Pullets hatched in June are hatched too late for winter layers. April and May are the proper months for breeding them, because they get out of their early troubles while the days are still lengthening, and the nights becoming shorter. The hens are mere affected by the weather than pullets. Our own hens are not laying, but the pullets have been doing so regularly tho last three weeks. Fowls, like all other things, are very backward this year ; till lately eggs were not to be had, and now the cry is for Bitting hens. Nothing is more common than for fowls to begin laying and to cease if the weather change for the worse. Not only fowls but wild birds, as Pheasants and Plovers do the same. You have suffered from the weather ; a change for the better will make you forget all your disappointment, and you will accelerate the result if >ou allow them to run every day in the kitchen garden instead of every other day. Golden Polands (B. B.) — Either of the following contains the points :— "The Poultry Book for the Many" and " Poultry- keepers' Manual." Ton can have either from our office post free if yon enclose with your address for the first five postage stamps, and for the second Is. lQd. Changes of Cock Bums (A Lover of Game Ban tarns). —If the hens have only just begun to lay, we advise you to let thorn lay two-thirds before you begin to set them. If the new cock was put down when they had laid half their ecss, set only the few laBt they lay. You may breed at the same time, and when you please, but it is very difficult to breed prize cocks and hens from the same parents. Hens nearly Featiierless (Weekly Subscriber).— Your fowls are eat- ing each other'B feathers. We are sorry we know no cure. In our anger we vowed we would kill every hen we caught at it. We killed three, and then reasoned with ourselves. We are determined not to be bea'eu, and therefore we have seven fowls in seven pens or cages. Native Country of Polish Fowls (Nat Flight).— Nothing certain is known about their derivation. It is probable that the Spaniards brought them to the Netherlands, from whence they passed to England. In the paintings of the three Hondekoeters and other artists of tho Dutch school, Borne nearly 3 0 years old, they are almost ever present. Tho youngest of the three Hondekoeters is said to have trained a cock to remain in any attitude he wished whilst drawing from it. It is certain that they did not originate in Poland, and their name, probably, was applied in consequenco of their crests and the very peculiar formation of their Skull or poll. Guinea Fowls (E. E. P.).— Guinea fowls are hardy and good layers* They Bit well, but it is well to put some of their eggs untier common hens to bring them up as tame as possible, They are fed like other poultry, nothing comes amiss to them. They are good foragerB, and the real "gipsy" of the poultry yard. They stray from homo and steal their nests in an out-of-the-way place. There is a disputed point with regard to them. Some, and we are of the number, believe them to be mono- gamous, others keep one cook to three or four hens, and say their eggs are good. Except when kept in pairs we have never found any result from the eggs. i' Eggs (Idem).— They can be and are hatched me food will do for both, for both are alike during istence. Hatching Pheasa Under Turkeys. Thf the first days of thei: Versicolor Phea; Of the pure Versicolor (L. F.). — We know of no place where the eggs be bought. A pair of the birds can be had for £14, and the price of a pair of tho Bar-tailed or Reeves's, £35. We know no work on foreign Pheasants. They both breed at one year old. The Versicolors are very numerous at the Duke of Wellington's, at Strath- fieldsayc, and many other preserves, but, of course, there are none to be sold. Good millet'iB good for any bird, but we prefer canary as general food. Antwerp Pigeon (E. H. F.).— The woodcut we published is the stan- dard now agreed upon. Tbe only material correction needed is owing to the artist representing the flight feathers rather too long and too many. Mr. Watts' Pigeons.— "At the recent Show at Torquay I took first prize in the ' Other variety ' class, with my Blue Swallows, and not with the Maned as reported. At the Birmingham Philoperisteron Society's Show the Becond prize for Blue Antwerp cocks was taken by my bird, and not by Mr. Cleveland's, as stated. — J. Watts." Turbits (Turhita). — Turbits are light and active on the wing — indeed, Very pretty flyers. A shell crown is not a defect, but a point crown is preferred. If yon exhibit, both birds must be alike, both shell-crested or point-crested. A pair could live, as we see they do in dealers' shops, in a rabbit hutch, but how long thoy could live is another thing. Pigeons' Nests, &c. (B. E.).— We think straw nests, if used more than once, must breed vermin. You can have the unglnzed earthen pans made for yon at any pottery, 8 inches across at the top for Tumblers, and 8 inches deep. Fut in them short straw— i.e., straw cut up into lengths of about 4 inches, and hollow the straw with your hand like a bird's nest. We ourselves never use baskets or pans, but simply put a little straw in the nest hole, with a strip of wood 2 inches deep to keep the nest in. We should not like to eat fowls that are accidentally drowned, still their flesh would not be injurious. Dragoon is tho correct spelling for that variety, young or old. The bird bred from a Carrier and a Pouter is Called a Pouting Horseman. Points of Himalayan and Silver-grey Rabbits (Nemo).— Thepoints of the Himalayan lay almost entirely in the marking. The nose, oars, feet, and tail must be a deep rich brown, the more intensely dark and sharp the better, whilo all the rest of the Rabbit mast be white. It is of the utmost importance that the dark patch rising about an inch and a half above the noso should not extend more on one side than the other. Suppos- ing two specimens to be equal in depth of colour, and in 6traightness of limb, that having the finest and most lustrous fur would be chosen, this being a special property in the variety. The Silver-Grey should be light rather than dark, and the light hairs should rather be of a creamy than a bluish whiteness. There is some difference of opinion as to whether the head should be light nr dark, Fome holding that it should be light like the Chinohilla.for whose fur this Rabbit's is often substituted, but certain it is that of late years the prizes have mostly been awarded to those with dark muzzles and ears. The size of the Himalayan and Silver-Grey are not taken much into account at shows ; it is of far more importance that the pair should be a good match. Woodbury Hive (T. M. N.).— There should be a space of from a quarter to three-eighths of an inch between the front or back of the hive and the ends of the frames. The stock should not ho transferred to a frame hive until the combs are completed, and tho present hive well filled with bees. CuRrao Hams (A Man of Kent).— We prefer the Westphalian mode, but we insert the Yorkshire mode also. Westphalia.— Rub the ham well with 4 ozs. of pounded saltpetre, and let it lie till tho next day. Boil a quart of the strongest stale beer with bay salt, common salt, and brown sugar, of each A lb.; pour it whilst hot on the ham, rubbing it all over thoroughly; rub it in tho same manner twice every day for a fortnight, turning it once a-day. At the end of that time take out your ham, and hang it pretty high in the chimney with a fire made of sawdust and horse litter (fresh every night), for three days and as many nights, after which hang it over a baker's oven, or any other dry place where there is smoke from a wood fire. Be sure you fill the hock bone with salt. Yorkshire, — Beat the hams well, and mis half a peck of salt, 3 ozs. of saltpetre, £ oz. of sal prunelln, and 5 lbs. of coarse salt. Having rubbed tho hams thoroughly with this, put them into a pan or tub, and lay what remains of the mixture over them. After lying three days hang them up ; then put as much water to the pickle as will cover the hamB. adding salt thereto till it will bear an egg; then boil and strain it off. Next morning put your hams into the pickle, and beep them down, so that they may be thoroughly covered. After lying a fortnight, take them out, rub them with bran, and dry them. This is the way to cure three hams, therefore to do only one the ingredients must be proportionably less. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— March 16. A considerable falling-off in the supply of out-door produce has been the result of the late changeable weather, and this holds good of every description of goods with the exception of Cornish Broccoli, for which there is a steady trade. Importations of continental produce have been regular, and comprise capital Lettuces, both Cabbage and Cos, Endive Barbe de Capucin, Radishes, Carrots, Cauliflowers, Kidney Beans, and Asparagus. There have been large arrivals of Potatoes, both by rail and coastwise, and prices are falling. FRUIT. Cherries lb. a Chestnuts bushel 10 Currants \ sieve 0 Black do. Fin .... Filberts . . doz. 0 0 0 9 lb. 0 0 0 0 , f Mi 6 9 10 0 Mulberries Nectarines doz. Oranges %»■ 100 PeacheB doz. Pears, kitchen doz. dessert doz. Pine Apples lb. Plums i sieve quart 0 0 to 0 0 8 0 13 0 Raspberries lb. 0 Strawberries oz. 4 Walnuts bushel 10 do .^100 1 VEGETABLES. Artichokes doe. Asparagus ^ 10Q Beans, Kidney do. Broad bushel Beet, Red doz. Broccoli bundle Brussels Sprouts. .j s 10 0 14 0 10 2 0 Carrots bunch 0 4 0 8 Cauliflower doz. 3 0 6 0 Celery bundle 16 2 0 Cnh-unrtg. .doz. bunches 8 0 6 0 Cucumbers each 2 0 4 0 pickling doz. 0 0 0 0 Endive doz. 2 0 0 0 Fennel bunch 0 8 0 0 Garlic lb. 0 8 0 0 Herbs bunch 0 8 0 0 Horseradish .... bundle 3 0 5 0 Leeks bunch Lettuce doz. Mushrooms pottle Mustard & Cress. . punnet Onions bushel pickling quart Parsley Bieve Parsnips doz. Peas quart Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Radishes .. doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle Savoys. doz. Sea- kale basket Shallots lb. Spinach bushel Vegetable Marrows.. doz. 0 0 0 0 POULTRY MARKET.— Maech 16. We have little change to note. Trade is bad, and all pin their hopes to a change in the weather. Unless it come soon, we are likely to have a Bcarcity of good young poultry. B. d. s. d. S. d. 9: d. Large Fowls S 6 to 4 0 Partridges 0 0 to 0 0 Smallerditto 2 6 SO Pheasants 0 0 0 0 Chickens 2 0 2 6 Pigeons 0 8 0 9 Goslings 7 0 8 0 Hares 0 0 0 0 CockTurkeys 0 0 0 0 Rabbits 1 4 IB | Duoklings 4 0 5 0 Wild ditto 0 8 0 9 March 24, 1870. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Month Day of MAJICn 24—35, 1870. Week.l Average Tempera- ture u. nr London. Rain in 43 years. Sun Rises. Sun Sets. Moon Rises. Moon Moon's Age. Clock before Sun. Day of Year. 24 25 26 27 28 29 80 Tn P S Sun M To W Meeting of Royal and Zoological Societies. Lady Day. 4 Sunday in Lent. Meeting of Royal Geographical Society. Royal Botanic Society's Spring Show opens. Day. 4s 7 60.9 51 s 54.1 68.0 68.7 03.7 Night. 81.7 828 32.6 34.1 34.0 33.4 34.8 4 '.2 41.9 42.2 44.1 43 5 48.6 44.0 Davs. 16 16 16 14 17 13 19 m. h. 57af5 54 5 52 5 50 5 48 5 45 5 43 5 m. h. 17 af 6 18 6 20 6 22 6 24 6 26 6 28 6 m. h. Saf 2 1 3 47 3 25 4 55 4 20 5 40 5 m. h. 19 10 14 11 after. 21 1 29 2 86 3 42 i Days. < 2J 24 .25 27 28 6 23 6 4 5 46 5 27 5 9 4 50 4 32 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 From observations taken near London daring the last forty-three Years, the average day temperature of the week is 52 3°; and its i tight temperature 83.3'. The greatest heat was 75°, on the 27tb, 1S30 ; and tho lowest cold 14", on the 25 0.68 inch. th, 1850. Tho gl eatest fall of rain waB PINE-APPLE CULTUPtE— LARGE versus SMALL POTS. WAS glad to again see Mr. Thomson's ac- count (see page 12;i) of his experiment with largo pots for Pine- culture. I have a dis- tinct recollection of reading it before, and of boggling not a little at the seemingly para- doxical results therein stated, and trying to reconcile tliem with the laws which we are taughMo believe regulate the size and weight of vegetable productions generally. There were the facts, however, guaranteed by the name of a cultivator on whose utterances we are accustomed to place the most implicit reliance. Well I know what the Pines at Archerfield were like, for my visits to their shrine at one time were neither few nor far between. Since then I have seen good examples of Pine-culture, not a few, in various parts of Great Britain, but I have not yet seen anything to match the Pines at Archerfield for size, uniformity, and general excellence at all times of the year, and if any man is entitled to speak with authority about their culture it is Mr. Thomson. Nevertheless, I must venture to question the conclusions apparently involved in the result of his experiment, and I doubt not Mr. Thomson will bear with me in stating frankly my own convictions on the subject. The argument conveyed in his statistical statement and supplementary remarks is, that within certain limits, small pots are better than large ones for Pines. Now I can quite understand that if we put a small sucker into a large pot, the result will be immature growth, and consequent failure ; but suppose we have a sucker such as the expe- rienced cultivator might judge capable of tilling a 15-inch pot and maturing its growth in the given time, would Mr. Thomson suggest putting it into au 11-inch pot, and would he advise the practice generally '.' What we are left to infer from his statement is, that the superior weight of the fruit from the large pots was due, not to the extra size of the pots, but to the suckers being larger in the first in- stance— that if the plants had been potted in 11-inch pots instead of 15-inch pots, the result would have been equally satisfactory. As the roots of the Pine are always in pro- portion to the size of the head, it is a legitimate inference, reasoning on the same principle, that if the plants in the 11-inch pots had been moved into 8-inch pots the results would also have been the same — a theory which, looked at as a theory, is manifestly untenable. It is a pity Mr. Thomson did not make the experiment with suckers of the same size, and it would be interesting to learn if, when he moved the eighteen finest plants into 15 inch pots, the less plants were shifted also, or allowed to make an uninterrupted growth in the 11-inch pots ; in the latter case they would have an advantage in the race, for a Pine when shifted always receives a check, no matter how carefully the operation is performed. Of course, I do not mean for a moment to cast the shadow of a doubt on the actual results of Mr. Thomson's experiment, but I think he hardly gives the large pots No. 469,-VoL. XVTH., New Skrdis. their due share of credit in the matter. It is a reasonable practice, I think, to put the largest suckers in the largest pots, just as we would allow a man a larger share of food than a child. I have no desire to provoke more discussion on this subject, though, should these remarks induce Mr. Thomson to " come out " again, I shall consider your readers under obligations to me. I was, however, very much struck when i read Mr. Thomson's earlier account of his experiment, and since then I have watched atten- tively the results of similar experiments with Pines and other things, and I must acknowledge that my experience has been the opposite of his. I find that where two plants of the same size are put into pots of different sizes, the difference is not apparent at first, but when the small pot gets filled with roots, there comes a check which tells visibly in the final result. I have proved also, over and over again, that Strawberry runners of the same kind and size make better plants in tj-inch than they do in 5-inch pots, and bear decidedly the heavier crops, though they are not so certain of " showing " as the plants in the smaller pots, for which reason we prefer the latter. The same remarks are applicable to pot Vines and other subjects. The heaviest Pines I ever saw or heard of were grown on the planting-out system ; and do we not act on the principle all through of giving our plants the greatest amount of food we can compatable with perfect maturation ? I do not advocate large pots for Pines myself. I use 13 and 14-inch pots for fruiting plants, never more nor less. Two inches are allowed for drainage and 2 inches for water — for I believe in ample waterings when watering is required — so that in a 11-inch pot the actual root-action is confined to a firmly-compressed ball of soil about 10 inches by 9, and proportionally less in a 12-inch pot. Just a few words in conclusion about ripening Queens in fifteen months or less. Of the perfect feasibility of doing this I have no doubt, it is the results that would dissatisfy me ; for I am afraid that from 3 to 4 lbs. fruit are more than we could expect as a rule from plants of that age. As I said before, however, the time cannot be reduced conveniently to less than eighteen months on the average, with those who wish to fruit two batches of Queens during the summer, and I fail to see at present that Mr. Thomson effected more than this. According to his state- ment, tho suckers potted in June from his early summer lot of Queens produced fruit in August and September the following year ; but where does he get the suckers from ' that ripen their fruit in May and June '? I presume he has no Queen suckers fit to be detached in February or March, unless he fruits Queens at that period. He does not get them off the June lot ; he must, therefore, take them off, and pot them in September, grow them all the next season, and fruit them the succeeding May and June, when they will be from twenty to twenty-two months old. These plants will then yield the suckers that fruit in fifteen months, and that will be two crops in thirty-seven months, giving an average of about eighteen months or more ; for in a question of returns and expenses it is in, this light we must view it. My object is to " realise " — to No. 1121.- Vol. XLIII., Old Semes. 220 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March 34, 1370. see how we can reduce the plan to practice. Where Queens are preferred, and have to be harried in by the beginning of summer, the time can only be abridged practically and syste- matically by fruiting the suckers detached at midsummer, the season following, from May to October, and, in my opinion, the returns gained in that time would not be satisfactory. — J. Simmon, Wortley. NOTES ON A FEW ROSES. Havino seen it repeatedly stated in this Journal that Paul Verdier is not a perpetual-blooming Rose, 1 will therefore tell what my Paul Verdiers achieved during the past season. I have three plants of the variety named, one on the Manetti stock and the other two on dwarf Briars. The Manetti-stocked plant proved strictly a summer Rose, having never made during the autumn the slightest attempt to bloom. The two budded on the Briar, however, bloomed very freely with me until the Hevere frost in October stopped them ; in fact, these two plants of Paul Verdier budded on the Briar were amongst my best and freest-blooming autumnal Roses. I state this in the hope that some other amateurs may be able to corroborate my statement, as I should be sorry if it should happen that so fine and beau- tiful a Rose as that in question should be unnecessarily dis- carded. I have to recommend a Rose which has, I fancy, somehow or other been too much neglected. That Rose is Kate Hausburg. It is of the Baronne Pie'vost type, being very large and very double, and of a most charming dark rose or light rosy crimson shade of colour. It is now five or six years since this Rose was introduced ; of course it may be better with me than it usually is, but I do not see any reason why it should be so, as there is nothing exceptionally suitable to the Rose in either our soil or climate. I recommend it to your readers ; and if it succeed as well with anyone who may take my advice as it has done with me, I feel sure that no one will ever regret having afforded it a place in his or her collection. I have in my collection about 180 varieties, and of these the following are a few which gave me a3 much pleasure as any — viz., Marie Baumann, Duke of Wellington, Rushton Radclyffe, Fisher Holmes, Maurice Bernardin, Dr. Andry, and Horace Vernet, which were all splendid amongst the dark varieties. Charles Lefebvre, although hitherto occupying the first position, was last year not so good as usual. This variety is always a very ugly grower, but until last year it has never disappointed me with its blooms. Alfred Colomb, also, was not equaLto what I expected from the glowing descriptions which I Mfcl read. Duke of Edinburgh was very good, but with me has so far proved rather a weak grower. Comte Litta is a beautiful Rase of the Duke of Edinburgh shade of colour. There is another, which, although occupying a high position amongst Roses, scarcely obtains so high a one as I think it deserves. The one I allude to is Madame Derreux Donville. It is really a gem, a light silvery rose colour, with a distinctly shaded edge of a lighter colour on each petal. Two or three of the newer varieties have rather disappointed me. Eugene Scribe, Napole'on III., and Black Prince do not seem to be equal to their descriptions. Perhaps in other localities, however, they may be better than they have been with me. — G. W. Boothet. CORONILLA GLAUCA CULTURE. A very simple and at the same time successful method of growing fair-sized useful specimens of this plant in a few months is the following : — Secure cuttings in the first week in March ; select young and stout short-jointed shoots about 2 inches long, trim them in the usual way, and place four cuttings round the side of a 4-inch pot that has been well drained. For soil use finely- sifted sandy loam ; if the loam is not naturally sandy make it so by adding some fresh Bilver sand. Plunge the pots in a gentle bottom heat ; the top heat must be mild, and not very moist. When the cuttings are rooted, which will not be long, let each plant occupy a 3-inch pot, using a similar soil to that first employed, with the addition of a little leaf mould. In shifting the plants, the advantage of only striking four plants in a pot will be twofold ; for if care be taken to have the soil in a moist state, each plant may with ordinary care be separated with a good ball of earth, consequently the plants are not so likely to fail after shifting as would otherwise be the case ; their rooting in the fresh soil is also facilitated. Establish them in these pots in an intermediate temperature — bottom heat is not neces- sary, though it would assist them ; then shift them into larger pots as required. Afterwards gradually harden them off to the temperature of a cold frame or pit, which is a more natural climate for these plants. After the first few days in the cold frame, let them have air night and day if the weather will allow of it. Plenty of water at the root, and a sprinkling over the foliage after a hot day will assist them. In the meantime, prepare a piece of ground on a border with a southern aspect by trenching in a good quan- tity of rotten manure, mixing it with the soil to the depth of 30 inches. Should the soil be light, add one-half of heavier yet rich loam. I do not find that a light or poor soil grows this plant so well. If all has gone on well the plants may be planted out by the end of May at 30 inches apart each way. After planting water them well, and make the soil firm about their roots. Give the plants every encouragement during the summer by frequent waterings both at the roots and overhead, and by surface-stirring the soil ; they will then increase in size very fast. Although this plant generally assumes a compact habit of growth, yet from the first potting to the last in autumn a little attention to the shortening the shoots will be necessary, due regard being paid to the shape the plants are intended to take, which may be either that of a standard, pyramid, or bush, which last form is to be preferred for this mode of culture, as the intention is to grow as large a plaut as possible in the shortest space of time, and the more matured shoots the plant makes the more flowers it produces. I have now to make a few remarks on the time for taking up the plants and their after-treatment. The latter part of September is the time I choose for taking up, as I do not want the plants to flower before the following February ; therefore, twice in August and once at the beginning of September I cut the roots with a spade, at a distance regulated by the size of the plant ; but it must be borne in mind that the first cutting must be the nearest to the plant, and the others an inch farther off each time. The roots the plant has made in the intervals are thus secured at taking-up time. Before taking up the plants water them, and have the pots in readiness. For potting U3e similar soil to that from which the plants are taken ; after potting they should be placed in a cold pit or frame, and kept close and shaded from sun, but at other times give them plenty of light. Water them well at the roots and round the pots, also over the foliage, and they will soon establish them- selves. They may be kept in the pit or frame till Christmas, and then bo placed in a little higher temperature with plenty of light ; they will soon show flowers at the extremity of every little shoot, and will in a short time produce suoh a mass of blossom as will surprise even the most careless observer. — Thomas Record. FLOWERS AND FLOWER SHOWS. In a recent paper in The Journal of Horticulture on Floral Criticism (page 142), I referred to the setting-up of a false standard from within. It was also my intention there to challenge all devices practised with the view of meeting certain floral canons otherwise than by the exercise of horticultural skill. Such devices, which I have elsewhere combated under the heading of " Floricultural Millinery," are in my judgment false and deceptive, and lead to an incalculable amount of mischief. The late Dr. Lindley fought long and consistently against them, but they have been increasing since his day. "Dressing" is now more common, and carried further than ever ; and I believe this is one cause of the loss of interest in, and diminution of attendance at, our flower shows. Mr. A , who is fond of plants and flowers, and wishes to have the best of everything in his garden, goes to a flower show. He first encounters the Pelargoniums, and exclaims, " What huge trusses of flowers ! " He selects and buys a certain num- ber on account of their huge trusses, not knowing or thinking at the moment that the nature of the Pelargonium is to shed its early flowers before the late ones expand, and that the huge trusses are due to the retention of the early flowers by the artificial process of gumming. He arrives next at the out Roses, and is equally struck, and again tempted, by their size, not knowing that in many cases a gorged plant has been allowed to produce only two or three flowers, all other buds— the beau- tiful buds !— having been removed in an inoipient state. But March 24, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 221 he ia disappointed if he does not see in his own garden the following year Pelargoniums and Roses of equal size, and perhaps the capacity of his gardener is doubted. Could he but see the plants from which these " fat " Roses were out, all bare and budlese, the mystery would be explained, without taking into account the " handling " the flowers are often subjected to. Of other flowers, if it be autumn, the show-goer stands in eostacy over a group of Dahlias, unconsoious of the fact that this or that flower before him is made up of two or more indi- vidual flowers, and " dressed" with all the artistic skill of an accomplished milliner. I have seen Hyacinths shown for com- petition with small pins sticking the flowers close to the stems, and the drooping flowers of a loose truss brought to look you in the face by the flower-stalk being tied to the stem by an almost invisible ligature of fine green silk. Recently I saw some well-grown Camellia flowers with a military cravat placed under their chins, the shoots tied erect to a stiff stick, the shoots and flowers resembling a gun-barrel placed on end, with an egg stuck on the muzzle. I believe that the disfavour into whioh many of the old florists' flowers, as Piuks, Carnations, &c, have fallen is mainly due, 1st, to the artificial dressing which makes them appear other than they really are ; and 2nd, to the breeders of novelties concentrating their attention on the flower only, to the utter neglect of the habit and constitution of the plant. Bat it may be said that the raisers and growers are not the only men in fault here. They may plead that they are only following the law of supply and demand in producing what is sought after. They may turn round and tell you that they are obliged to meet the requirements of even a false public taBte, and accuse the promoters of our flower shows of fostering and encouraging it. The main object of the latter has doubtless been to realise the greatest possible display, a gaudy show, heedless of the means by which it may be obtained, or the results by which it may be followed. No matter the constitu- tion, and in some cases the habit of the plant, so that they get a " fat " sensational flower. Thirty years ago and later, lovers of plants and flowers used more commonly to visit the nurseries. Later on they forsook the nurseries and took to the flower shows, where, note-book in hand, they selected the most bewitching examples, purchased them, but never saw them afterwards in their own gardens what they were at the flower bIiows. This proved a souroe of disappointment, and has doubtless led to what has become a fixed idea with some, that prize-growers keep all their best things for themselves. Certain it is that showing does not bring the business to the exhibitor that it used to do. Many purchasers would no more think of applying to a general prize- grower for their plants than they would to the exhibitor of a fat pig or sheep for their pork or mutton. Time works changes. Purchasers are now forsaking the flower shows and returning to the nurseries, where, among the million of subjects, the " dressing " above condemned is impossible. If they find the objects they seek in full dress they also find them in undress ; they select their sorts, transfer them to their own gardens, where they subsequently realise all they expect of them. This is satisfactory, and on this sound basis gardening will prosper and endure. Men of taste and with a good knowledge of plants are now often heard to exclaim, " It is useless to judge of flowers by what you see at the flower shows. A good nursery, (and there are now plenty such), offers a truer test of quality, and affords more pleasure and instruction, than a good flower show." To conclude. I doubt if any efforts of our horticultural societies can, for some time to come at least, render flower shows as popular-as of old ; but those of them which discourage the deceptive practices of " dressing " will do the most to en- courage and perpetuate the true art of gardening. — William Paul, Paul's Nurseries, Waltham Cross, N. HOPS AS MANURE FOR EARLY POTATOES IN CORNWALL. I notice in your last week's number some remarks by " T. M." on the use of hops as a manure for Potatoes. Spent hops are very heating and stimulating — too much so for Po- tato manure when used alone. I have frequently used them alone, but found that the young shoots were killed, or grew too rapidly and tenderly, so that they were blown off by tho high winds, which we often have when the young tubers are forming. I have every year for the last twenty years planted several acres of early Potatoes, and have dug them up ripe some years as early as the first week in May, but usually commencing to do so about the 18th of that month. I use the whole of the spent hops from the brewery here, with other refuse, such as stale grains, old yeast, pediments from ale, &c. These I place in a pit with the stable liquid and manure, which all ferment together. The contents of the pit are drawn to the field in the autumn, and mixed with seaweed and sand in alter- nate layers. In winter the whole is well mixed together, and when required for use in the spring is strewn on the land when the Potato sets are drilled in. The frost this year has delayed the planting, but the shoot8 of the early sorts are already peeping above ground. I find spent hops answer well for forcing Sea-kale.— E.S. P., Penzance. LETTUCES AND THEIR CULTIVATION. (Continued from page 159.) The first week in April make a sowing of the different varieties of summer Lettuces on a south or west border, or in an open situation, but the weather being often stormy in April, a border is preferable. For the successional summer sowings an east border, from its being cooler than a west or south border, is desirable, and failing that, an open situation should be chosen both for sowing and planting. The first sowing of the summer kinds being made in the first week in April, to keep np a succession it will be necessary to sow every second or third week up to the middle of July. I find seven sowings are necessary, and at intervals of three weeks, the sowings being made as follows : — 1, in the first week in April ; 2, in the third week in April ; 3, in the second week in May ; i, in the last week in May ; 5, in the second week in June ; 6, in the last week in June ; and 7, in the second week in July. The plants from all the sowings must be thinned out as soon as they can well be laid hold of between the finger and thumb. Thick sowing is bad ; but to make sure of sufficient plants from each sowing, and to meet casualties from birds, slugs, and other vermin, tolerably thick sowing may be neces- sary. The plants should be thinned out by the time they show their rough leaves, so that they may be not less than from 1 to 1\ inch apart. Plants drawn up weak in the seed bed are apt to run to seed prematurely ; they do not form large, close, solid heads, or hearts, nor do they transplant so well as those which from the first rough leaves have been grown far enough apart. To insure the germination of the seed in dry weather, copious waterings of the seed-bed are necessary, and after the plants appear water will be needed in dry hot weather to keep up free growth. If, from drought, the plants become stunted in the seed-bed, they frequently do very indifferently when planted out. When the plants have three or four rough leaves, and before they become crowded in the seed bed, they should be planted out. They will be fit to plant out in a month or six weeks after sowing. Each sowing will afford two plantings, a first plant- ing of the strongest plants, and in ten days another planting may be made, so that the plantings-out will be twice as frequent as the sowings. The ground cannot be too well and deeply dug, and for sum- mer crops it cannot be too heavily manured. It is an excellent plan in light soils to take out trenches or spaces i feet wide, with 2-feet spaces between, removing the soil to the depth of G inches, and then give a 3-inch dressing of rotten manure and fork it in. After replacing the soil give another dressing of manure, and fork it in ; the bed will then be in excellent con- dition for planting. Instead of rotten dung, fresh Bhort manure may be used for the bottom, but in double the quantity, and it ought to be dug well in and mixed with the soil in the sunk space before replacing the surface soil. To encourage the root- ing of the plants a dressing of old manure and leaf soil, or other decayed vegetable matter, should be applied to the surface, and neatly forked in before planting. Soils of better heart, as clays and strong loams, need not have the top soil taken out, but if deeply dug in the previous autumn they will only need to have the surface-dressing of manure, forking it in before planting. A supply of crisp juicy Lettuces cannot be expected unless the gardener has the requisite supply of manure. Deeply dug well-pulverised soil, plenty of manure, and a situation not shaded by walls or trees, are wanted for the growth of summer Lettuces. Kitchen gardens with fruit trees overshadowing the ground may be very agreeable promenades ; for growing vege- tables, andespecially Lettuces, they are useless. 222 JOUBNAL OF HOBTIOULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ March 24, 1870. The ground being formed into 4-feet spaces or beds, with 2-feet spaces between, which are what I advise where the soil is light and dry, each bed will afford space for three rows of plants — namely, the outside rows 9 inches from each side of the bed, and then a centre row ; the rows will therefore be 15 inches apart, and the plants may be 1 foot from each other in tho rows. The wide space between the beds may Beem a waste of ground, but I have not found it so, for on light soils frequent watering is required, and this cannot be done without space between the beds. More plants could of course be had in a much smaller space, but I consider one good Lettuce worth half a dozen small ones as to bulk, whilst for crispness, juici- ness, and flavour there is no comparison of the two. In good ground it will suffice if the lines be 15 inches apart, and the plants 1 foot asunder in the rows, every fifth line being left out to afford facility for watering in dry weather. Before taking up for planting a good watering should be given to the seed bed overnight if the weather be dry (and in Lettuce cultivation it wiil not do to wait for favourable plant- ing weather), so that the plants will lift well, with abundance of fibres and soil adhering, and not with a rat-tail-like root ; and every plant should be carefully lifted with a trowel, laid in a basket, and be covered from the sun. Plant with a trowel, and water at once, covering with mats on sticks arched over, if the weather be dry and hot, removing the covering at night. This covering should be continued until the plants recover the transplanting, and water must be given every ovening. If the weather be cloudy and showery, of course the shading and watering will not be required. After the plants are again established copious waterings will be needed in dry weather, and the ground 6hould be frequently stirred with a hoe, but not deeply, and not nearer the plants than the distance to which the leaves extend. When the plants are growing freely, and water is required, it is advantageous to afford liquid manure ; 1 lb. of guano and 1 peck of soot to thirty gallons of water form an excellent liquid manure, which is also a good pre- ventive of the aphis, which of late years has preyed so much on the roots of Lettuces. Cabbage Lettuces, from the leaves turning-in, do not require blanching, but the Cos varieties, especially the Black-seeded Bath, require tying to have them well blanched. Tying greatly improves their appearance, flavour, and criEpness. The plants should be tied up when grown to a good size, or from ten days to a fortnight before they are required for use. The tying should be done twice or thrice a-week, when the plants are perfectly dry ; the leaves must be drawn or gathered regularly together, and not too tightly, room being left for further growth ; and with strips of matting put round a little above the thickest part, the leaves are held secure. The White Paris Cos and Ivery's Nonsuch, though kinds which do not require tying, are, nevertheless, better tied up, if only three or four days, or from that to a week, before cutting. The heads have a much better appearance, being held more compact, and are more convenient for package and carriage, being less liable to get bruised. Sometimes Lettuces are required for cutting young — that is, when 2 or 3 inches high. Where such are in request, sowings of the early sorts as Wheeler's Tom Thumb, Hardy Green, Victoria, or, indeed, any of the green-leaved kinds, shonld be made rather thickly every week or ten days, in rows 3 inches apart. In summer the sowings should be made out of doors from April to September, but at other time3 they should be in heat, and shallow boxes are very suitable for sowing in. A temperature of from 50° to 55°, and light rich soil are the most desirable conditions to secure. — G. Abbey. IVY-LEAVED PELARGONIUM L'ELEGANTE. Pok general utility, ease of culture, and varied beauty of form and colour, the Zonal Pelargoniums are unrivalled, and their usefulness 13 not confined to the production of a mere summer display, as many varieties are most attractive when grown in pots for house decoration, some of them flowering as freely in winter as in the brighter months of the year, while others produce an equally beautiful effect by their foliage, and require very little care to render them most useful and effective conservatory plants throughout the year. Amongst other Pelargoniums, the silver-margined Ivy-leaved variety L'Elegante is one of the most useful ; if planted in the flower garden as an edging or front row its appearance is dull and heavy, but if grown as a specimen pot plant, and trained to a suitable trellis, it becomes a chaste and attractive object. Its rambling nature adds to its usefulness, for in addition to the ease with which it may be formed into a pretty pot plant, it also answers admirably for covering the pillars or the back wall of a conservatory. It is seen in one of its most attractive forms when trained as a cone or pyramid. Selecting for this purpose a vigorous plant in an 8-inch pot, the formation of a skeleton cone or trellis bearing a suitable proportion to the size of the pot, and of materials in which lightness, strength, and durability are best combined, becomes an important consideration. Hazel rods are frequently used, but these, while answering very well, are not to be depended on, for a longer period than one season, and therefore for L'Elegante and plants of a similar character materials of a more lasting nature are requisite. A trellis combining all tho above qualities is formed by taking for the centre rod a piece of cylindrical iron rod one-fourth of an inch in diameter, and 2 feet 8 inches long, pointed at one end, and with two holes punched through it, one above the other, close to the other end. The pointed end is inserted C inches deep in the soil at the centre of the pot. Three pieces of the same kind of iron rod, each 20 inches long, are next required, and a small hole is drilled through both ends ; these are to form the base of the cone, which is done by crossing them over each other on the top of the pot, to which they are firmly secured by pieces of fine wire passed round them on each side close to the rim, and fastened to another wire under the rim. Care is required to have the six ends of the rods at equal distances all round the pot. Then from three ends a fine galvanised wire is carried through tho holes in the top of the centre rod, strained tightly, and fastened to the opposite ends of the base rods, and the trellis is complete. Fine galvanised wire is peculiarly suitable for this purpose, its neutral colour rendering it almost in- visible amongst the foliage. The only want in L'EItgante to render it a perfect gem in pots is flowers of a lively pink colour, in place of its white ones ; beautiful as it now is, it would then become a plant of suoh rare loveliness that no collection, however choice, would be thought complete without it. Of course I mean something better than the paltry flowers of Manglesii — compact little trusses of well-shaped, medium-sized flowers, with the flower stalks just long enough to bear the trusses clear of the foliage, the elegance of which would then be very much enhanced. — Euwabd Luckhcesi, Egcrton House Gardens, Kent. THE CHRYSANTHEMUM AS A DECORATIVE PLANT. When I was at the Chrysanthemum Exhibition at Liverpool, in November last — and it was such an exhibition of Chrysan- themums as perhaps can only be seen in Liverpool now-a- days — I could not help thinking, as I looked on the great, flat, symmetrical plants staged as specimens, that there was some- thing very unnatural about the mode in which they were trained. On three sides of the immense Hall were seen tier above tier of these plants, looking like lines of floricultnral pies, and entirely destitute of natural grace or elegance. That fine old Chrysanthemum-grower, the late Mr. Samuel Broome, of the Temple Gardens, was there in the capacity of judge, and even he was obliged to admit that the plants were much too formal in appearance. What a task it must have been to have brought one of these great plants to this shape ; what twisting and torturing processes must have been gone through with the poor plant, what incessant lyings, and all for the purpose of producing a most unnatural floral deformity. For conservatory or greenhouse decoration they would be next to useless when trained in such a shape, for how could they be grouped with other plants so as to secure an effective floral spectacle? I think there is no Chrysanthemum exhibition half so enjoyable as the show of this fine flower Messrs. Salter & Son annually make at Hammersmith, in the autumn months. There no uncouth, nnplant-like examples offend the taste ; but plants grown in the form the Chrysan- themum naturally assumes are seen ranged in banks, giving a mass of colour of various hues, pleasantly and even artistically blended, with the valuable addition of the finest flowers that can well be produced. Grown in this way the very best varieties can be employed for the purpose; but when trained according to the process now in vogue at Chrysanthemum exhibitions, only certain of the free-blooming, flat-petaled, or reflexed- flowering varieties can be so used. At the meeting of the Boyal Horticultural Society, held in November last, prizes were offered for six Chrysanthemums in March 2i, 1970. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 223 pots, and three collections were produced, two of them com- prising plants trained to wire skeletons, the other grown in the way Messrs. Salter & Son cultivate their plants, and each plant had from eight to twelve splendidly incurved flowers. To these the first prize was rightly awarded, not without a protest from some wedded to the flat circular style of training. The plants which received the first prize were exhibited by Mr. J. James, gardener to W. F. Watson, Esq., of Isleworth, who is also well known as a successful cultivator of the Auricula, Pansy, and Calceolaria, besides other flowers equally well known. Visiting Mr. James a few days afterwards, I saw such a col- lection of Chrysanthemums as fairly held me in surprise as I looked upon them. The conservatory, a handsome and airy building, with a large sloping stage at the back, was filled with Chrysanthemums, all grown similarly to those shown by Mr. James at the meeting referred to, and laden with really mag- nificent blooms of great size, and so full as to be very finely incurved. There was also a bank of plants along the front of the conservatory, but standing on the handsome floor of orna- mental tiles ; so the visitor walked along a floral avenue of un- common occurrence. There were in the conservatory about 2C0 plants in pots, the great majority in 11-inch potB, with Pompon Chrysanthemums in 8-inch pots, to form front rows to the bank?. I grouped the flowers, as far as I could, in divisions of colours, with the following result : — Of crimson shades, the most desirable were Albion, very finely incnrved ; Julio Lagravtre, rich bright crimson, a reflexed flower, but it should be in every collection ; Progne ; Prince Albert, large and fine, a reflexed flower, but not so showy as Julie Lagravure; Sam Slick, ruby red, slightly reflexed, but very good ; Sauguineum, bright reddish crimson, very fine ; and Dr. Sharpe, pale crimson, very large. The foregoing formed a really very fine gronp of dark flowers. Of lilac and rose shades, the following were well deserving of notice : — Alma, very fine, though rather rough, but coming finely incurved ; Fingal, very fine indeed ; Lady Talfourd, pale pinkish lilac ; Venus, very fine ; Ossian; Prince of Wale?, very fine; Captivation, finely reflexed; Lady Slade, very fine; Lady Harding, a grand flower ; Leon Leguay, silvery lilac, very pretty ; Princesse Marie ; Princess of Wales, delicate rosy lilac, very fine ; Hebe, blush, almost white, a late-blooming variety ; Princess of Teck, which opens pure white, but changes to a delicate blush tint, very fine, one of the best ; and Little Pet, pale blu6h, very pretty, small in size, but remarkably good. The bronze section, as it is termed, furnishes not only some very fine flowers, but considerable variation in point of colour, as it gives reddish bronze, orange, cinnamon, and reddish buff hues. The following varieties were the most striking: — John Salter, reddish cinnamon, with orange centre, very fine ; Abb6 Passaglia, yellowish amber, very fine ; Dnpont de l'Eure ; General Slade, very fine ; Antonelli, salmon orange, very fine ; Golden Eagle, Indian red and orange, very fine ; Lord Rane- lagh, pale reddish orange, very fine ; Garibaldi ; General Bain- brigge, dark amber, with golden centre, very fine ; Sir Stafford Carey, very fine ; Prometheus, very fine ; Robert James, very fine; Cherub, golden amber, almost yellow; Little Harry, bright golden amber, very good ; and Josiah Wedgwood, bright bronzed carmine, lively, and very fine. Of the yellow and golden flowers, some are remarkably fine. There are, for instance, Gloria Mundi, deep gold, very fine; Yellow Perfection; Guernsey Nugget, clear primrose yellow; Cloth of Gold, very fine ; and Golden Queen of England, also very fine, of great size, and among the earliest to bloom. The finest of all the yellows to my mind is Jardin des Plantes. Then white flowers : — Empress of India, of great size, and very fine ; Beverley, a very early-blooming variety, that carries its flowers well ; Mrs. George Bundle, very fine ; Mrs. Heale, a fine flower, but it does not close well in the centre ; Mrs. Hali- burton, fine ; Queen of England, very large and fine ; and Virgin Queen, probably the purest white flower. The following among the Anemone-flowered large-flowering varieties should be in every collection : — Fleur de Marie, pure white ; and Prince of Anemones, lilac blush, large and fine. Of the Pompon kinds Mr. James cultivates a few to give him a kind of margin to his stage, and they occupied the lowest shelf. The following are very good — Mdlle. Marthe, pure white ; Mrs. Dix, blush, bordered with rose ; Helene, rosy lilac ; Rose Trevenna, rosy blush, very good ; Aureole, reddish cinnamon; and Aigle d'Or, canary yellow. Of the Anemone-flowered varieties of the Pompon section, the following are good — Madame Montels, white, with yellow oentre ; Cedo Nulli, white, with brown points ; and Golden Cedo Nulli. The value of the new Japanese varieties of the Chrysan- themum as decorative agents, was here excellently illustrated, as here and there Mr. James had introduced a plant with the curious flower-heads so characteristic of this race, with the best results. The following kinds are well worthy of notice — The Dragon, Red Dragon, The Daimio, and Nagasaki Violet, fine and distinct. The very earliest of the large-flowering varieties to bloom were Beverley, Mrs. George Bundle, Prince of Wales, Queen of England, Golden Queen of England, Gloria Mundi, Prince Albert, Alma, and Princesse Marie. In height the plants ranged from 31 to 5 feet, and had been raised from cuttings struck last year in January, the year in which they bloomed ; but another time Mr. James will strike his cuttings a month later, in order to get the plants rather dwarfer. They are struck in pans, or in a bed in a stove, and when sufficiently rooted are potted into 3-inch, and then shifted into G-inch pots. This is a rather large shift, but it gives the plants plenty of root room when they most require it. When they take hold of the new soil the plants are set out of doors, and Mr. James Btated they appear to do best in the full sun. They are abundantly watered, and when the plants begin to throw out their buds, plenty of manure water i3 given. Dis- budding is done as soon as the buds are large enough to be re- moved, and one shoot is allowed to carry only two or three, but mostly two, flowers. The large-flowering varieties are not stopped at any time. Towards the blooming time, when the buds are nearly ready to expand, the plants are removed to the conservatory, and arranged as described. Such a collection as Mr. James grows remains in bloom about three months. When the plants have done blooming they are cut down, set in a cold frame till sufficient cuttings are obtained, and then thrown away. Probably no soil suits the Chrysanthemum so well as a good yellow loam, with which should be mixed plenty of thoroughly decayed manure and leaf soil, using some sand for the first shift. How to make, and then how to nse manure water, are things not always clear to amateur cultivators. Mr. James obtains his by putting some cow and pigeons' dung in a tank, and pouring water over it. According to its strength, so is it di- luted with fresh water. I asked Mr. James if he could lay down anything like a rule as to the strength in which it should be applied. His tank was filled with an almost black fluid, and he stated that he used it for his Chrysanthemums in that state in which, if a pan 2 inches deep were filled with it, the bottom could be seen, but then his mixture was a very strong one. The manure water is not applied after the plants are removed to the conservatory. There is no reason why it should not be applied, but in a handsome conservatory the floor is apt to become stained, besides which the effluvia are not pleasant, especially if the temperature of the house should become heightened by the sun shining. The main points to be regarded by those who would produce such flowers as those Mr. James obtains from his plants, are disbudding and feeding with manure water. If by the former process the number of flowers borne by the plant becomes materially reduced, there are yet obtained magnificently de- veloped flowers, full, of large size, and finely incurved. Sup- posing one of the plants 5 feet in height carries from twelve to fifteen blooms, they, because of their fine development, form a splendid floral display, which more than counterbalances the loss in number by the process of disbudding. In regard to feeding, according to Mr. James's testimony, the time to do this is when the buds are forming, and until they are ready to expand. It is then the foundation for massive, well-coloured flowers is obtained, and those who would see what can be done by this process should endeavour to pay Mr. James a visit during the month of November. — Via. Colouring of Grates. — At the annual meeting of the Western New York Grape- growers, an experiment was described by the President which fully proves that the Grape does not need light npon the fruit in order to ripen. A gentleman enclosed a bunch while the fruit was of the size of buckshot, and quite green, so as to be in complete darkness, and it ripened and coloured perfectly. Ye advocates for summer de- foliation, for cutting off the leaves so as to let the sunlight in upon the fruit, what excuse have you now for your harmful practice? Did you ever see a wild Grape Vine that had 224 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER [ March 24, 1870 covered some tree top, and connt its pnrple clusters hanging in the deepest shade, where no straggling sunbeam ever had leave to enter? And did you never notice, after your summer's leaf-stripping, that the fruit you expose to the full glare of the sun never would colour perfectly, no, nor ripen perfectly either ? THE CHISWICK GARDEN OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. It has been at last determined that the Chiswick garden of the Rjyal Horticultural Society is to be preserved, at least such a portion of it as will enable the Society to continue its useful work in the way of experimental horticulture. Now that there is at Kensington all that can be deiired to please the senses, it is not so important that those portions of Chiswick which are of a purely ornamental and dilettanti character should be retained, but that a purely experimental garden be kept to test novelties, of whatever kind, as they are presented in practical horticulture. The present garden consists of thirty acres, which are variously occupied. There is the arboretum and the broad belts surrounding the garden, lately termed "The Wilderness," besides that "knot in a flower pot," playfully called " California," which was intended as a specimen of landscape gardening ; all these are given up to ornamental trees and shrubs. Then there are the three other portions, variously used as orchard, kitchen garden, and glass departments. At one period— the time when the garden was made, and the Society began its work of usefulness — the practice of hor- ticulture was in a dormant, if not a stagnant state. Kew in those days was a place for the mere keeping of collections of plants, and not for their culture ; and the skilled art in the growing of exotics, as it is now familiar to us, was wholly un- known. The knowledge that existed respecting fruits and fruit trees before the Society took that subject in hand, was of the most meagre and erroneous description ; and the oppor- tunity for publicly proving and improving the merits of garden Structures and appliance- did not exist. There was then a press- ing need for such a public garden, and room for so extensive an enterprise ; but time has worked changes in that direction, as in all others, and it cannot be said that there is the same necessity for a society of private individuals doing now that which is done far better by a public department. The Kew Garden of to-day is as far in advance of the Kew Garden of forty years ago, as the Great Britain of Queen Victoria excels the Less Britain of George the Third. In collections and in culture no private establishment could rival the former or excel the latter as they are at present found in the national establishment, and therefore the Society need not now burden its finances with endeavouring to do what can be done so much better within a few minutes' distance of its own gates. Looking at the matter from thiB point of view, the Council have wisely determined to reduce the present area of the garden to limits adapted to the present altered condition of horticulture. They have decided to abandon every part of the ground which is now given up to purely ornamental garden- ing, and to reserve a space of ten acres for an experimental garden only. The space which is to be retained will be bounded on the east by a line running north and south, about 150 yards to the east of the council room, and extending from the conservative wall to the north wall of the orchard ; thereby taking in the council room, the large conservatory, and the fruit room. On the 6outh the boundary will run west- ward in a straight line from the end of the north wall of the orchard, cutting the kitchen garden and " California " in half, and terminating at the present western boundary. The present western and northern boundaries will be left undisturbed, so that the whole of the glass houses will remain untouched. The old orchard will be given up, but precautions had already been taken to meet such an eventuality, and all the varieties of fruits which there existed were propagated, and young trees of every sort worth retaining have been secured on dwarfing stocks, so that while the collection will not suffer from reduc- tion, the space occupied will be very much less. Worthless varieties, and such trees as have been proved to be synonymous with others, will of course be discarded ; and the collections of fruit trees will henceforth be grown as pyramids and bushes, instead of in the large standard orchard forms as they were originally. All spaces occupied by objects, whether trees or buildings, that can easily be dispensed with will be cleared, and the ground employed more profitably. In this way the ex- tent of ten acres which has been secured will be amply sufficient for all the purposes of an experimental garden, and will enable the Society to prosecute for many a day its wonted career of usefulness unimpaired, especially as the renewal of the lease for fifty years will ensure a strong incentive to vigorous action. By this reduction a large annual expenditure will be saved to the Society, an expenditure amounting to not lesB than a thousand a-year. At present the rent is £300 a-year, or at the rate of £10 an acre. There is every reason to believe that at least £200 a-year will be saved on this alone, as it is supposed that the Duke of Devonshire, who, like all the members of that noble house, has always been distinguished as a patron of arts, science, and industry, will only require a rental j>ro rata on that of the original lease, or £100 a-year. Rates and taxes will of course be proportionally reduced. The labour, which forms a very great item in all large gardening establishments, will amount to very much less than heretofore, particularly as the cultivation of house plants will be confined to those which are either profitable — as Vines and other fruit trees — or those which are new introductions, or are required for distribution among the Fellows. It is evident, therefore, that the change the Council has de- termined upon is a beneficial one ; and while it will be pro- ductive of a great saving to the Society, it will in no way detract from its usefulness. There are some who have for a long series of years known the old garden, and have associated with it many pleasant memories, to whom thia announcement of its dismemberment will be read with regret. It is but natural it should be so ; but when circumstances are so that the old conditions cannot be preserved without serious injury to the Society, it is judgment and not sentiment that must govern. MANURES— SOLID.— No. 1. Before applying manures to any soil it is necessary to ascer- tain that soil's nature — if it is light or heavy, if its texture is close or open, if it is thoroughly drained, if it is to be stirred deeply — in a word to thoroughly examine it, so that any defect likely to affect the health or vigour of the crop for which it is in preparation may at once be remedied. One of the most important points to be observed is deep culture. A person with whom I am well acquainted, on taking charge of a garden which had been badly managed, seeing the weak growth of the whole of the vegetables, at once asked for the workmen's tools ; when they were brought he at once saw what was the matter, for the whole of them were old and worn, and on removing a few inches of the soil he came upon earth that probably had not been stirred for many years, a close compact mass, retaining a superabundance of moisture, and almost impervious to the action of the air. Without going into the whole subject of drainage and deep culture, it will be well to inquire here what are the evils attendant upon this Bhallow culture of the soil ? It is a well-established fact that an inert subsoil saturated with water is always of a lower temperature than that which is drained of its superabundant moisture, nor can it be at all difficult to understand this, if it is remembered that water at rest is a very bad conductor of heat, and therefore, when the warm rays of the summer's sun have penetrated through the shallow soil, they can impart very little warmth to a subsoil containing such an excess of moisture. But the evil would not end here, for the constant evaporation going on would also lower the tem- perature of the surface, and thus have a detrimental effect on the growing crops. And if vegetables rooting only in the shallow surface soil are affected, fruit trees, the roots of which have force enough to penetrate into the subsoil itself, must suffer in a much greater degree, the evidences of which would be visible in the Lichen-covered Btem, the stunted growth, the de- caying branches, and the half-grown fruit falling. The remedy for these evils is simple and effective ; the land must be thoroughly drained, and broken up to a depth of 18 inches or 2 feet, and if it be thrown up in high ridges so much the better, as it will be more exposed to the action of the air and become thoroughly mellowed and sweetened by the combined action of rain, wind, and frost. Moreover, as all soils contain inorganic matters, which remain neutral till acted upon by air, these, when set free by the air, and rendered soluble by water, become in the highest degree beneficial to vegetation ; and consequently soil treated as above, with, after it has been exposed to the air, the addition of organic manure in proportion to the require- ments of the intended crop, may fairly be calculated to afford the best results. This brings us to the consideration of the March 24, 1870. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. kinds of manures generally placed at the gardener's disposal, and the right method for their preparation and application to the soil. Generally speaking, the manures for a garden are obtained from the stable, the piggery, and the cowyard. The organic manures contain chemical constituents which must be carefully guarded. When a heap of manure is in a state of fermentation or decay, it should be covered with some such material as earth or charcoal, to absorb and retain the ammonia which would otherwise be lost ; a covering of earth answers very well, but if fine charcoal can be had it is far preferable, from its greater power of retaining those gases so beneficial to vegetation, and which are the quintescence of a manure heap. Charcoal even alone is a valuable fertiliser, but when it has become charged with ammonia it forms one of the be9t agents for the renova- tion of fruit-tree borders and plantations. If a heap so covered ceases to exhale effluvia, it may safely be concluded that it re- tains within itself all those constituents by which the soil will be benefited. The importance of this principle is far from being so fully recognised as it ought to be. Large quantities of rich manure brought from the farmyard or fattening pound, may frequently be seen heaped on some piece of waste land by the roadside, where it is fully exposed, its po.verful gases con- stantly escaping, and its rich juices, washed out of it by every passing shower, trickling down the road. Thus the richest elements of the heap are wasted and lost. Such sights as this, and they are by no means uueommon, cause one to think that there is some truth in the adage that " a little knowledge is a dangerous thing ; " for this heaping and mixing of manure in order to promote fermentation and decay is sensible and right, because the more manure is decayed when applied to the land the sooner will it become soluble and fit for the food of plants ; but it is in the too frequent exposure to the air for a lengthened period, especially during fermentation (by which process ammonia is developed), and by the washing away of the soluble matter by rain, that error is committed. Yet, although this faulty mode of procedure is bad enough, it becomes far worse if the heap is turned during fermentation, because the gases then generated are partly absorbed and fixed by the cool external layers, and if, after those gases be- come fixed, the outer layers are turnet to the bottom and centre of the heap, the gases would again be set free and the greater part of them lost. The degree of decay to which it is desirable that manure should be brought before it is used, depends upon the condition of the soil for which it is in preparation. To a damp heavy loam it is best to apply the manure in as rough a state as possible, as every straw would serve for a time to keep the soil open and admit air ; but in almost every other case, manure in an advanced state of decay is the most valuable. Horse dung, by its stimulating quality, is best adapted to cold clayey soils, while cow dung, from its colder nature, is admirably suited to hot sandy Boils. Pig's dung is considered the most powerful stimulant of the three ; but whatever kind is used, it is of equal importance that it be thoroughly incorporated with the soil, bo that its nourishing constituents may be as equally dis- tributed as possible. — Edward Luckhokst, Egertun Rouse Gardens, Kent. THE CHEMISTRY OF MANURES.— No. 2. In pursuing the subject of the value of nitrogen in manures, we must bear in mind that all the constituents of a plant have to be assimilated in a state of solution. It would be of just as much use to put an infant into the middle of a yard filled with stacks of Wheat, and to tell it to feed itself, as there was plenty of material in the stacks to make bread of, as to put a plant into the middle of dry straw and expect it to grow. There may be all the materials necessary for the existence of the plant in the straw ; and, moreover, having been already once assimilated, all the inorganic constituents would be in the best possible form to be again up into the tissues of a plant, but the straw will be of no U6e till it be thoroughly decom- posed, and all its particles again rendered soluble. The principal constituents of the humus to be found in all our cultivated soils are nearly all of them soluble in ammonia, and this is one of the most valuable of the properties of am- monia. Humus is formed by the decay of animal or vegetable matter ; thus, all farmyard manure before it is capable of being absorbed or assimilated into a plant must first take the form of humus. The composition of this humus is very variable, and has been divided into three groups. The first is the humic acid group, which consists of acids formed from carbon and water only. Carbon. Hydrogen. Oxygen. Tbas humic acid from the soil of a pasture field 40 .. 14 .. 14 From hard peat 40 .. 15 .. 15 From soot 40 . . 16 . . 16 all of which are formed of carbon in combination with a vari- able proportion of water. The second, the ulmic acid group, consists of carbon and water with a variable proportion of excess of hydrogen. The third, the geic acid group, consists of carbon and water with a variable excess of oxygen. Now, in all these soils of vegetable or animtil origin, part is soluble in water, part in alkaline solutions, and part, which is called humin or ulmin, is insoluble. Of these three groups which I have alluded to, the geic acid group, which contains an excess of oxygen, is the most soluble in water. The other two groups, the humic and ulmic acid groups, are less so. It would take up too much of your space and of your readers' time to enter more fully into the details with regard to the humus of soil, and I would refer those of your readers who wish to study the subject for themselves to the chapter devoted to it in Johnston's " Agricultural Chemistry," pages 69 to 78, &3. I have, however, referred to it because I think ammonia is far more valuable, in the first instance, for the property it possesses of dissolving these different acids, and enabling the sap to take them up, rather than for the nitrogen it contains. It is also, I think, important to note that these different acids, which form part of the vegetable constituents of the soil, are very closely allied to the hydro-carbons found in plants, as gum, sugar, starch, dextrine, etc., all of which, as I pointed out in my last, are formed from carbon with variable proportions of water. Thus humic acid, by the addition of more water, would become starch or gum sugar, just as it may be elabo- rated in the plant. How these different chemical changes take place in the great laboratory of nature is as yet but little known, and is only a matter of conjecture ; but when we find in the earth in which plants grow, different substances which are already formed from decomposed vegetable matter, and are so nearly allied to other substances found in the living plant, it is only fair to argue by analogy that the plant can assimilate these substances more readily than others that are less nearly allied. Now, the acids of these groups — the ulmic, geic, and humic acids — are all of them capable of being dissolved by alka- lies, especially by ammonia, and it is only the geic acid group, which contain an excess of oxygen, which are easily dissolved in water without the aid of some solvent. It may be stated as a broad rule that nearly half the weight of plants consists of carbon, which it is very fairly concluded is the most important ingredient in all vegetables ; and though plants have the power of assimilating carbon from the atmo- sphere by means of their leaves, yet a great proportion of the carbon must be elaborated by means of their roots. Liebig lays down a broad rule, that plants take up carbon from the soil in the earlier stages of their growth, but not in the later ; but I look upon this as j ust about as valuable as his broad state- ment that there is no reason whatever to Buppose that plants can assimilate nitrogen from the air. It is too absurd to say that plants can take the carbon which is necessary to their existence from the soil while they are young, but that the power should cease when they get matured, especially, as is well shown by Professor Johnston, plants must absorb much more moisture through their roots during the heat of summer than at any other time, and the leaves in presence of the sun have much more power to elaborate the carbon than at any other time. But not only does the ammonia help to support the carbon by acting as a solvent to these different acids found in humus, but ammonia is also formed by the further decay of vegetable soils. Professor Johnston says, page 76, cap. 3° — " They have all a strong tendency to combine with ammonia. Hence when extracted from the soil they are almost universally found to contain a quantity of this important compound. When prepared in a perfectly pure state, and exposed to the air, they are soon found to contain traces of ammonia. This ammonia is not merely extracted from the air ; it is actually formed either in whole or in part, by the mutual action of these acids and of the constituents of the atmosphere to which they are exposed. The ammonia they are thus the instruments of pro- ducing is one of the agents by which the acids themselves are rendered soluble in water, and thus fitted to become the food of plants." Again, cap. 5° — " The soluble compounds which these acids form with potash, soda, or ammonia, possess the property of dissolving small quantities of the earthy substances 226 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March at, 1870. above mentioned." This property, therefore, of ammonia must, I consider, be more important than that of supplying the plant with nitrogen. There is also another very valuable property in ammonia, and that is that it supplies the plant with hydrogen. This property is much overlooked, because many persons argue that as there is so much hydrogen in water, which forms so great a bulk by weight in any plant, the plant can obtain as much hydrogen as it requires from that. Moreover, most agricul- tural chemists state that water is easily decomposed by plants, and then the elements are re-arranged to form water. I cannot see any proof or any strong grounds on which this statement restB. Water, as is well known, is the product of the combustion of hydrogen in oxygen, and when once formed is one of the most stable and most neutral ingredients known. It is this property which makes it so valuable to analytical chemists ; it has the power of holding so many different sub- stances in solution without chemically altering their nature, and when the water is evaporated the substances remain the same as before. It has, however, the power of combining as a base with many substances. Thus, if a solution of sulphuric acid and water is distilled, the water is given off first in the shape of steam, but after a timo sulphuric acid distils over with the steam, and it is found impossible to separate any more water from the acid . This portion of water which combines with the acid is called a base, and the substances so formed are called hydrates ; but in all these cases the proportion of hydrogen to oxygen remains unchanged. A strong instance of this may again be pointed out in those very substances which I have before alluded to — gum, sugar, starch, mucilage, &e., and the humic acid group, all of which may be considered as hydrates of carbon, as the relative proportions of hydrogen and oxygen found in them are the same as in water. It is only by powerful chemical means that the hydrogen is separated from the oxygen. Thus, if the two platinum plates are dipped in water and connected together by the wires of a strong electric battery, bubbles of gas will be seen to rise from each of the platinum plates. If these are collected by means of glass receivers, one of the gases will be found to be hydrogen, the other oxygen. Or, again, hydrogen may be separated from water by the action of nitric or sulphuric acid upon zinc in water. Water is, however, by no means easily decomposed, although it helps to decompose vegetable substances as soon as they are deprived of life ; but I cannot see any proof that those compounds which contain an excess of hydrogen in plantB, can easily obtain what they require from water. To refer, however, once more to the analyses of different vegetable substances which I mentioned in my last paper, as Wheat, both grain and straw, hay, Turnips, See., after all free water has been expelled, by drying at a heat of 212°, there remains an excess of hydrogen, generally from 5 to 6 per cent, of the weight of the plant, and as hydrogen is the lightest known substance, it is considerably greater in bulk. This hydrogen is one of the ingredients supplied to the plant by ammonia, because as all compounds of nitrogen are easily de- composed, the hydrogen from ammonia (N H3), is freely given off. Hydrogen has been found by experiment to be one of the most important ingredients in the colouring matter of leaves, and it is most probably this property in ammonia which helps to impart the dark, rich green colour to growing crops that are watered with liquids containing ammonia in solution. It not only, that is to say, enables the plant to grow more quickly by acting as a solvent to the vegetable constituents of the soil, but it supplies it also with the hydrogen which is always found in growing crops. Ammonia is generally found in the form of carbonate of ammonia, as it readily combines with carbonic acid ; and whether the ammonia arises from the decomposition of vege- table or animal matter, carbonic acid, with which it unites, is almost always given off at the same time. Carbonate of am- monia is almost always found in rain water. Liebig attributes this to the evaporation of ammonia from decomposing organic matters which rises into the air, and is then brought down in solution by the rain ; but independently of the fact that there is so slight a portion of ammonia present in the air that it is almost impossible to trace it, he overlooks one way in which carbonate of ammonia may easily be generated in the clouds, because the different substances of which it is formed are all present in the cloud, and there is also an amount of electrical action, which is always favourable to the formation of such compounds. Thus we have aqueous vapour, which contains the hydrogen, carbonic acid, and nitrogen, all in a finely sub- divided state, and intimately mixed together in the upper strata of the air ; and as the rain which falls contains oarbouate of ammonia, it is only fair to infer that small portions of am- monia may be formed in this way by the action of electricity in the clouds ; and as the softness and solvent power of soft water are due greatly to its ammonia, it may be that these im- portant properties are derived directly from the clouds them- eelves. It is a pretty generally received opinion that the traces of nitric acid (N O5), which are found in the atmosphere, are formed by the union of one part of nitrogen to five of oxygen by means of lightning, because nitric acid has been experi- mentally formed by the same means, by passing electric flashes through a jar filled with air. I have already alluded, in my last paper, to the property of nitrate of soda, in increasing the straw by acting as a sol- vent to the silicon ; I need not, therefore, add more to the argument I there adduced to prove that nitrate of soda was more valuable as a manure by its increasing the bulk of the Btraw than for adding nitrogen to the grain, especially as it is generally found that, though nitrate of soda may increase the bulk, it does not improve the quality of the grain. More- over, in estimating the value of nitrogen in the grain of Wheat, there is more in the husk or bran than in the flour, and those grains which are most rich in nitrogen are generally coarser in the husk. To sum up, then, in a few words : Until I can have some proofs brought forward to the contrary, I believe that nitro- genous manures are valuable, not because of the nitrogen they contain, but because they are of themselves more easily decomposed, and also (which is a point I have not hitherto entered upon) they are generally of a complex form, and oon- tain a great number of different saline and other ingredients necessary to the welfare of plants. Take, for instance, guano, which contains, besides ammonia, phosphate of lime, phos- phate of soda, and phosphoric acid. Next, I believe, that plants can absorb from the atmosphere whatever nitrogen they may require, but that in most plants it is so small that it still deserves the name which chemists originally gave it, of azote, or a non-supporter of life, and that it is quite contrary to the usual ways of Providence to put a plant in a medium necessary for its existence, and yet forbid it the power of assimilating it fer its own use. And I conclude by saying I think the reason why a fictitious value has been given to nitrogen is, because ammonia, a compound of nitrogen, has always been found of such value in manures, but that the real value of ammonia is owing to its being a solvent for the organic compounds for the soil, and also for the hydrogen which it supplies ; it is also valuable as combining with other mineral ingredients of the soil, and presenting them in a soluble form to theroot3 through the sap ; and that this property is far more valuable than the property it may possess of supplying nitrogen. I can hardly expect, perhaps, to convince others ; I only wish to be con- vinced myself that I am wiong, and shall be very glad if any persons who are more conversant with the subject than I am will show where my arguments fail. I may he told I have not reflected enough ; but 1 have not put these opinions of my own forward without looking over carefully all the proofs which Liebig and Johnston bring forward of the value of nitrogen, and cannot but think that the value of nitrogen has been im- mensely exaggerated, and that this supposed value of nitrogen began from the broad and direct assertion of Liebig, which he afterwards argued from as an established fact. — C. P. Peach. THE DIFFUSION OF PLANTS. In the new periodical, Nature, it is Btated that Professor Delpino, of Florence, has published some interesting researches on the relation between the diffusion of plants and animals. The life of every plant has three principal objects : its nourish- ment, its reproduction, and the distribution of its seeds ; for each of these three objects special biological conditions being requisite. The fertilisation of many plants can be effected only by some particular animal; as Arum italicum, Aristolochia, and Asarum, by gnats ; the Fig tribe by different species of Cynips (or gall fly) ; Arum Dracunculus, Scapelia, and Rafflesia, by blue-bottle flies ; many others by different kinds of flies or bee-like insects (Hymenoptera), and some even by small birds belonging to the family of Trochilidffi, or humming birds ; Rosa, Pteonia, and Magnolia yraudiflora, by beetles of the chafer tribe ; others again by small slugs. If in any particular locality the animal necessary for the fertilisation of a particular March 24, 1870. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 227 plant is absent, it is certain that the plant cannot spread ; and thus the conditions for the diffusion of plants are dependent on the geographical distribution of animals. A remarkable illus- tration is furnished by two plants belonging to the same genus, grown in the botanic gardens in Italy, Lobelia syphilitica and L. fulgens ; the flowers of the former are abundantly visited by Bombus terrestris and italious, and freely produce seeds ; the latter, notwithstanding its beauty and its great store of honey, is never visited by insects in the neighbourhood of Florence, and never bears seeds spontaneously, but can be readily fertilised by artificial impregnation. Professor Delpino conjectures that it is naturally fertilised by humming birds. He believes that the scarlet colour of the corolla, so common in the tropics, but comparatively rare with ns, is especially attractive to small birds, but offensive rather than otherwise to Hymenoptera. As a rule, scarlet flowers are large, bag-like in form, horizontal in position, and with the nectar completely separated, which would of itself perfectly prevent their fertilisation by insects. The largest European flowers, such as the Pa?ony and large Bindweed (Convolvulus Sepium) are fertilised by sphinxes and rose-chafers. In passing from the tropics to the temperate regions, we observe a general falling-off in the number of species of native plants, caused by the disappearance of those animals which are needful for their fertilisation. Thus a large number are lost whose impregnation depends upon humming birds. Roses and Pa?onies disappear where the larger Coleoptera are no longer found. The greater number of Silenea», and especially the night-flowering species of Silene and Lychnis, find their limits where nocturnal Lepidoptera cease. In the Arctic zone those plants only can be found which are fertilised by the agency of Hymenoptera, Diptera, or the wind. This law is illustrated by the flora of Nova Zembla lying between 71° and 70° N. lat., and Spitzbergen, between 76° and 80° N. lat. Out of 124 species of flowering plants constituting the phsenogamous flora of Nova Zembla, six belong to the tribe Pedicularineae, which are neither self-fertilised, nor by the agency of the wind, but entirely by the help of hymenopterous insects. The inference is drawn that, notwithstanding the severity of the climate (the mean tempe- rature of August, the hottest month in the year, not rising above 5° C. or 41° P.), some insect of this class must find its home there. Accordingly Sporen records observing a single beetle and a ground-bee, with a few flies and midges. The insect described as the ground-bee is probably the widely- diffused Bombus terrestris, one of the most active of insects in the fertilisation of plants. Professor Delpino thus classifies the 124 flowering plants of Nova Zembla : sixteen dichogamous, fertilised by Hymenoptera ; eighty-four dichogamous or homogamous by Hymenopera or Diptera ; twenty-four dichogamous by the wind. Out of ninety- one floweriDg plants found in Spitzbergen, two may be described aB fertilised by Hymenoptera, sixty-three dichogamous or homo- gamous by Hymenoptera or Diptera, and twenty-six by the wind. In neither country are there any plants dependent on Lepidoptera for their fertilisation. also been reared by an Austrian nobleman in Moravia. The price of Silkworm eg^s had greatly increased, being now as much as 21s. per oz., the previous prices being 4s. or 5s. Silk as fine as any produced in South Austria or Italy had being produced in England, especially in the neighbourhood of Farnborough. Specimens of silk grown in California were also exhibited. Mr. A. Muller exhibited a remarkable Acorn-like gall on the leaves of species of Gnethum, from India Professor Westwood read a genera and species of Pselaphid question of the parasitic connect Wasp, with reference to th on a number of new exotic A discussion took place on the of Jtipiphorus and the common published by Mr. A. Murray on ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING. The first March meeting was held on the 7th inst., F. Pascoe, Esq., F.L.S., Vice-President, in the chair. The Rev. Mr. Gorham exhibited Sunius neglectus, a new British species of Rove Beetle, and Mr. Janson a number of beautiful Butterflies collected during the months of November and December last by his son at Chontales in Nicaragua. Professor Westwood exhibited an extensive series of Locusts from the Hopeian collection at Oxford, with a view to the determination of the species entitled to the specific name of Locusta migratoria. Amongst these were several British specimens from different localities agreeing with Fischer's description of the migratory Locust, but the specieB of which so many specimens were last year taken in Devonshire proves to be L. peregrina. an Indian species eaten by the natives of India in curry, whilst the specimens taken in Ireland, and described by Curtis as a new species {L. Christii), is the L. cinerascens of Fischer, specimens of which from different continental sources are also in the Hope collection under the name of L. migratoria. Mr. Bntler exhibited specimens captured in Switzerland at the same time and place, with the view to determine whether Argynnis Niobe may not be a mere variety of the common Fritillary Butterfly, A. adippe. Mr. Stainton exhibited a specimen of the Tineideous Cosmopteryx Leinigella reared in this country from Russian larvre. Dr. Wallace, of Colchester, gave bis annnal summary of the progress of silk culture in England during the past year. Both the cocoons and moths of the Saturnia Yama-Mai and Pernyi bad been larger last year than in previous seasons, showing that the species had so far succeeded well in this country. As many as 28,000 specimens of the cocoons had the subject in the " Annals of Natural History," which had been itrongly combated by Mr. F. Smith and Dr. Algernon Chapman.jj PROPAGATING CROSS-BRED CLEMATISES. Little has been published as to the best methods of pro- pagating the new Clematises, which to those who, like myself, possess only a single plant of each variety is a matter of great importance. We have in the grounds here the finest specimen of Clematis Vitalba, or common Traveller's Joy, which I ever recollect to have seen ; it has completely overtopped a large Elm tree about 50 feet high, and is an object of great beauty in the autumn months, when it is covered with its beautiful feathery festoons. It occurred to me that this might make a useful stock on which to graft the new Clematises ; accordingly I dug up about six- teen roots in the early part of February, potted, and placed them in gentle bottom heat, and they soon began to push. I then cut them down to within 2 inches of the pots, and grafted them with the new varieties, and moBt of them appear to have taken and are growing. Whether any additional vigour will be obtained by grafting on this wild stock (as is the case with the more delicate kinds of Grapes when grafted on the Syrian) remains to be proved, and I shall be happy to report my success at some future period. I intend planting them alternately with climbing Roses to cover some large bell-shaped trellises in the pleasure grounds. No doubt the best plan would be to establish plants in pots early in the autumn, so as to have young healthy stocks to work upon soon after Christmas, as they must be grafted before the buds burst. Any information as to the best methods of propagating these lovely plants would, I have no doubt, prove interesting to many. — William Addekley, Bourne Pari, near Canterbury. MARKETING THREE HUNDRED YEARS AGO. Now-a-days, the number of shops opened in the smallest towns has very muoh curtailed the general bu-dness, which nearly three hundred yearB ago was a serious affnir, as the following bill will show ; it is that of a gentlemau's household in 1600 :— £ e. d. to a chine of Beef weigh- ing 12 stone 0 18 0 Twelve Neats' Tongues 0 12 0 Two dry Neats' Tongues 0 4 0 Leg of Mutton 0 11) Nine Capons 1 2 0 Ten good Wits (probably Plo Six House Pigeons .... 0 Eighteen Felde Pigeons 0 Six Rabbits 0 Half a hundred Eggs .. 0 One pottle of fresh Oysters 0 Two Colleyfloreys 0 Thirty Lettes 0 0 8 0 i 4 To Sixteen Artichokes 0 S Nineteen Oranges and Four Lemons 0 1 Pine Apple Seeds 0 0 Orangades, 2 lbs 0 8 Lump Sugar, 9 lbs 0 9 Nutmegs, 7 ozs 0 1 Synnamon, loz 0 0 Eightgallons Claret.... 0 16 Five pints Carraway . . 0 2 Three quarts Sherry . . 0 2 Three quarts Whight Wine 0 2 Butter, 30 lbs 0 15 Eight bushels Wheat .. 0 8 Two hogsheads Beer . . 14 Eggs at 2s. the half hundred cannot be considered dear, though they were considerably cheaper some seventy years previous to this date, when Henry VIII. rooted out the mo- nasteries. There is a curious old Percy ballad extant, which imputes all the evils of dear provisions to this measure. It is written in broad Somersetshire dialect : — " Chill tell thee what, good vellowe, Before the vriers went hence, A bushel of the best wheate Was zold vor vorteen pence ; And vorty egges a penny, That were both good and newe." Nor can it be wondered at that they were so cheap, seeinsr that in the previous oentury a hen was only 3|cJ., and a goose 3d. Perhaps the most extravagant prices in the marketing bill 228 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March 94, IsTO. are thoeo of Cauliflowers (Colleyflorey9), and Artichokes, but they had only just been introduced, and were considered as great rarities, which, in a general way, were only found on royal or noble tables. Potatoes were equally considered as de- licacies, not to be obtained by the vulgar herd. The same thing may bo said of the sugar, whieh at Is. per lb. would not be in general use. As early as the fourteenth century it is mentioned, but only as a luxury, which it continued to be down to the reign of King James. — (The Food Journal.) LEVELLING AND DRAINING. For ascertaining the depth to which an elevation of earth has to be removed ; or for determining how drains must bo directed, an instrument must be employed. The simplest that can be devised, and the ono most readily presenting itself, is tho horning rod. Two pieces of board, 3 or 4 inches broad and half an inch thick, are nailed | together in tho shape of the letter T, care [_ being taken to have the head perfectly square to the body, which is usually about 3 feet long. Down the centre of the body a black line is drawn, and near tho bottom a hole is cut to allow a plummet to hang. When the string of the plummet cuts the line, and the bob hangs freely — that is, is not resting on the body of the T, the head being plated at right angles to trie body makes a perfectly level line, as level as it could be made by a carpenter's spirit level. It is not easy to sight along the top edge of the T, so it is well to have a sight nailtd on to each end, and made to project from the side about 2 inches. They ought to be exactly level with the head of the T, or else, when a sight is taken on the presumed level line, it will in reality be on a grade. The operator having brought his bornmg rod into adjustment, can easily hold it quite straight, so as to keep the string of the plumb bob on the centre line. He then has only to send his assistant with a staff to any point, the level of whieh he wants to know. By looking along the sights, he can see where the line will cut the staff, and taking the difference in height of the reading on the staff and the height of his eye, or the top of the T, above the ground, he can find out whether the land rises or falls in that distance, and how much. It is very convenient, however, to have a rod graduated with feet and inches, of any con- venient length, say 6 or 8 feet, with a large target to slide on it, coloured in opposite quarters red and white. This can easily be seen by the eye, and with very little practice any one will be able to work with considerable accuracy. When the cor- rect level has been obtained, the target is tightened by means of a thumb screw at the back of the staff, and it can be kept in that position until the operator comes up to measure the difference in height. This is the readiest and simplest form of a levelling instru- ment. Any one can get this level, to give it a dignified name, made by any carpenter, or, indeed, make it for himself, and if it is broken, the cost of repairing it is trifling. — (Toronto Globe.) 1= THE PEAE FLY. I have a large garden on the borders of Essex and Suffolk, with soil of the richest friable loam, not sandy, and not an atom of clay for yards down beneath it. Being a short dis- tance from the village, it stands out almost surrounded by arable land, and there is no othor garden near it. The kitchen garden is nearly an acre in extent, walled on three sides, with only a hedge on the south side. On the other side of the east wall is an orchard of half an acre, filled with old Apple trees and one very fine standard Marie Louise Pear nearly forty years old. This tree, the only Pear tree in this orchard, used to bear fine crops of fruit. In 1865 I gathered about four hundred Pears off it, the greater part of which I sold well in Covent Garden, but since then I have not gathered one, owing to the ravages of the Pear fly. In the kitchen garden, near the wall separating it from this orchard, was an espalier Beurre Diel, about forty years old, and the first symptoms of the " Pear-fly disease " appeared on this tree in 1860, and from this tree it has seemed to spread to other trees in the kitchen garden, as well as to the Marie Louise mentioned, in the or- chard ; and from that time I have never been able to get rid of it. The loss occasioned has been most serious, for I have about eighty Pear trees, of all forms and sizes, all of which are now regularly every year attacked by this intolerable pest. In your Journal for July 9th, 1861, there is a short notice of this fly, but I have not seen anything else about it since then. In that article the only remedy mentioned was picking off and burning instantly all the diseased Pears, so that the maggots, being killed, could not fall out and quietly repose in the ground till the next spring, to turn up again as flies and Bettle in the bloom to lay their mischievous eggs. The year before last I burned hundreds of fruit this way, going round the garden with a basket or flower-pot, and picking off or picking up all I could find diseased. They can easily be detected, owing to a nasty, unhealthy-looking, whitish swelling halfway down the Pear when the fruit is about an inch and a half long. Left to itself, this turns black and bursts, and the Pear falls off. But this heavy picking of 1868 seemed totally ineffectual, for last year the insect made its appearance just the same, although I bought eight bushels of lime, which I laid down slaked under every tree, thinking that this would destroy the maggots, or prevent their flies rising through it. I must have picked off and burned at least a thousand last year. Off one very old espalier alone of Kirke's BeurrS I must have taken three hun- dred, and instead of a crop of at least four hundred (about six hundred set), I only gathered about seven dozen. The insect seems to be spreading in this part of the country. A friend about eight miles off has had it for the last two years in his garden, and another about fifty miles off. In the latter case the gardener told me laBt year that it commenced, the same as with me, on an old Beurre Diel. I have cut down and burnt my old tree by way of making an examplo of it, but, of course, I cannot do this to the other eighty. I think, per- haps, by promoting discussion on the subject in your pages, some remedy may at last be found. As flies appear to hate sulphur, I have thought of syringing the pyramids and espa- liers with a solution of that, soot, and soft soap, just as the case of the fruit bud expands, which will be in about a week's time. The trees are all a picture of health, covered with bloom buds ; some are on the Quince stock, and others on the Pear stock, some of the latter 10 feet high. — CENTTjr.iON. [We shall be obliged by communications on this subject, for it is a spreading evil. The notes we published in 1861 were communicated by F. J. Graham, Esq., of Cranford ; they were communicated to the Fruit Committee of the Royal Horticul- tural Society. We now extract the description there given of the insects. " To Henry Webb, Esq., of Redstone Manor, Reigate, I am indebted for several specimens of Catillac Pears, which he sent me on the 25th of June, 1860, in which he had discovered several small maggots, which caused the fruit to fall off even at that early period. I at once placed them in a glass and covered them over, and on opening it in February last I found two flies had been produced, a mule and female, which I will endeavour briefly to describe. " The female is about three-eighths of an inch long, appear- ing to the naked eye of a pale grey colour, and in general form- ation like a common house-fly ; but under a lens its distinc- tive characters are at once perceptible. Head semi-orbicular, dingy white, with a black velvety mark in front reaching down to the antennas, and terminating at the back in form of a cres- cent ; antennas dark, set with short spines, and slightly curved inwards; eyes rich brown, oval, widely separated ; thorax ovate, angular at the base, with five remarkable black spots, one on each shoulder and three below, divided by a scarcely perceptible suture ; several small black dots between the larger spots, out of which stiff seta; issue, the whole bearing a close resemblance to ermine ; scutellum semi-ovate, centre white, with an angular black spot on each side, ending in a point with a stiff seta ; abdomen four-jointed, dingy white, with three black spots on each joint, the centre one angular ; wings dusky, long oval, with five principal nervures and several transverse ; legs black. Under a lens this is a very pretty fly, belonging to the family Musoidn?, of which Mr. Curtis enumerates forty-nine species in ' British Entomology ' ; but in the absence of figures and descrip- tion I cannot identify it with any of them. It appears, how- ever, to correspond with ' Dexia nigripes,' figured by Walker, ' Diptera,' pi. 12, fig. 11, although he describes the thorax as quadrimaculata, yet shows five spots upon it exactly according with my specimen. The male is smaller, of a more common dingy colour, and not handsomely spotted. The maggots are March 24, 1870 ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. very similar to those of the blow-fly, but smaller. At what time the eggs were deposited, or in what part, cannot be pre- cisely stated, but most likely when the Pear was in blossom, or very soon afterwards, as I have frequently discovered the Iarvre of Lepidoptera in the blossoms of other trees, and bred them until they arrived at the perfect state." We think that 2 inches deep of spent tanners' bark, spread over the surface of the soil round each tree, would prevent the parent insects emerging, as it does in the case of the Goose- berry saw-fly. — Eds.] GARDENERS' ASSISTANTS.— No. 1. MASTIC L'HOMME LEFORT, OR COLD GRAFTING WAX. We have in this an exceedingly useful article, its long French unmeaning name operating, however, somewhat against its introduction in this country. It is a grafting wax prepared so that it can be readily used at any time in a cold state without any further preparation, and in this way it is greatly superior to, and much more useful than any other. Common kinds of grafting wax — compositions of tallow and resin, &c. — are pre- pared in various ways, but must |be applied in a warm state; and as this necessitates fire, they become, excepting when a quantity is required, rather inconvenient and expensive. In France grafting wax is much more used than in this country. Here a preparation of clay and dung is principally used, answers exceedingly well for ordinary purposes, and has the merit of costing nothing beyond the labour of making and applying, but even this, where only a few grafts are to be done, becomes pretty considerable. This Mastic L'Homme Lefort is always handy, always fit for use, and exceedingly easy of application, being easily spread over the parts with a piece of wood or the blade of a knife like butter on bread. It is a substance resembling half- melted gutta percha, of about the consistency of common white lead, and it will keep good and fit for use for years in the little tin boxes in which it is sold, although when applied and exposed to the air, it soon hardens, and effectually prevents the access of the air to the cuts, which is the office for which it is employed. HaviDg now used this substance for several years in grafting all sorts of trees, I am enabled to speak confidently respecting it. I have found its application satisfactory in every instance, but especially so in the grafting of Vines. For this purpose it is far, far superior to any other article that I have used. As considerable moisture is maintained for Vines in their growing state, the use of clay or moss in grafting very frequently excites the emission of roots from the graft itself, which, thus forming roots of its own, does not unite with the stock. By the use of the mastic this danger is avoided, and success is almost cer- tain. For this purpose, therefore; for all the more delicate operations of grafting, such as Roses, Azaleas, &c. ; and for placing over wounds or bruises on plants generally, I venture to recommend it highly. It is a substance which should be found in every garden. It will be found useful in a thousand different ways, being always at hand, and always tit for use, so easy of application, and so efficient for its purpose. It is a good assistant. — Archambaud. RESURRECTION PLANT. The Mesembryanthcmum Tripoliwn, as well as the Anastatica, is known by this name, or at any rate, the seed vessels are so called. The plant is, I believe, a native of South Africa, and the Bpecific name Tripolium does not refer to its being a native of Tripoli, but to its leaves resembling those of the Sea Starwort Tripolium. The seed vessels are occasionally sold in this country, and they are most beau- tiful examples of special contrivances for special ends. "When dry they seem to be nothing more than a round button, three-quarters of an inch in diameter, at the top of a smooth stalk ; but there are a number of lines radiating from the centre, indicating the divisions of the capsule. If this dry seed vessel be dipped in water about as warm as the finger can bear, it will almost immediately begin to open, and gradually each follicle, of which the seed vessel is formed, will rise up and slowly turn back, until it becomes a many-rayed star. Then there will be seen at the base of each follicle an opening through which the seeds can escape. As it dries, the follicles shut themselves np again, and once more assume the form of a button. The experi- ment may bo repeated over and over again. The explanation of this phenomenon is that the seeds, in order to germinate, require to be sown whilst it is actually raining ; so the seed vessel remains firmly closed during dry weather, but as soon as there is sutneient moisture it spreads out its rays and scatters a few seeds. If the weather should become too dry it will again close up, and keep the remainder of the seeds, if all should not be sown, until another rainy day. — Kobert Holland. FLOWER-GATHERERS. Many forms of these have been invented, and although the questions may be asked, " Is not this one of the imaginary wants of the rich?" and " What did people do long ago to gather flowers ?" yet few will, I think, doubt their convenience. In a conser- vatory or greenhouse they prevent the necessity of reaching over to pull off the flowers, and out of doors save them from falling down upon the ground and get- ting soiled. Of all the flower-gatherers whioh I have seen, one which has lately been brought out under the name of the Selby Flower and Fruit-Gatherer is the neatest and best. It is patented by Mr. Blyde, and introduced by Messrs. Dick Radcljffe&Co., seeds- men, &a., 129, High Hol- born, London. There is a spring shield attached to the cutting blade, and when the flower is cut it is firmly retained at the pleasure of the gatherer. For ladies, especially, it is well adapted, and as it is neat in its ap- pearance it will no doubt come into general use when better known ; for if one has good flowers it is not too much to wish to be able to gather them without injury. The accompa- nying representation of the scissors will give a better idea of them than any description. — D., Deal. FIELD MICE. No animals are more easily caught than these. Having onco suffered very much from them, I quickly cleared them off in the following manner, which I had seen recommended in some work. Trample the ground firmly, then make holes, say 8 inches square by about the same deep. Carefully make the sides slope so that the bottom of the hole may be wider than the top, put in a little oatmeal and a bit of toasted cheese. The mice will jump in without hesitation, and cannot get out. I made a large number of such holes in a field, and tho first morning or two found a number of mice caught, but some animal found the traps, and regularly cleared them every night afterwards ; but there were soon no mice left to do mischief. — J. R. Pear- son, Chilxcell. , WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN OAKDEN. Be sure to salt all Asparagus and Sea-kale beds; little and often is the maxim. The time is approaching for planting Asparagus ; it should not be planted until 6 or 8 inches high. A sowing of the late spring Broccolis may now be made ; they will, however, be sufficiently forward for general purposes if sown a fortnight later. Prick out on a slight hotbed Cauliflower plants raised in heat ; the gentle bottom heat will greatly assist in pushing them on without making them weakly and drawn, as when they are grown under glass. Also prick out Celery on a gentle bottom heat, and protect it with a frame or hand- glass until it become well-established ; likewise sow seed for the main crop. See to Early Horn Carrots; the slugs will devour them if not protected by liming and sprinkling with coarse sand. Nothing is better, that we are aware of, than cinder ashes riddled extremely fine, and the mere dust taken out ; these sown thickly over the ground present such a sharp macadamised kind of surface that the snails and slugs are at the last point of starvation before they will venture on them. If not already done, put in the main crop of Carrots the first 230 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March 24, 1870. fine day when the ground is in good working order. Early Peas should be well attended to, stirring the Boil, staking in due time, and if transplanted giving a little weak manure. Make sowings of Peas, Beans, Radishes, Salading, and of Sea- hale, Rhubarb, and Asparagus directly. Attend to the sowing of winter-keeping root crops speedily. FRUIT GARDEN. Continue to protect blossoms and to eradicate insects by all possible means. See that all the winter and early spring work among fruit trees is brought to a close forthwith. Finish root- pruning all luxuriant trees; most persons may have observed the effect of moving a large Pear tree very late in the spring, it generally becomes covered with blossom buds, and such in a degree will be the effect of root-pruning at this period. Top- dress newly-plnnted trees, and water when necessary. If the American blight threatens mix clay and water to a paint, and add soft-soap, 1 oz. to a gallon of the clay water, with half a pound of sulphur to the whole, and with this anoint the stems or suspected places. FLOWER GARDEN. See that rolling, mowing, &c, proceed in due order. Now is the period to lay the foundation of a fine lawn, the pride of English gardening. Let all fresh turfing be completed forth- with ; it is a good plan to scatter rough old tan thinly over the turf as a screen from the sun until the roots take hold; some waterings are also essential. Eirly herbaceous plants over- grown may be divided now ; the exterior portions of the stools should be reserved, and the interior rejected. Be sure in planting them again to introduce fresh soil. Cut-in all com- mon evergreens or shrubs before the buds become too much advanced. This is a good time to cut-in Holly hedges. With bright sunshine and drying winds it may soon require the ut- most care to save recently-transplanted evergreens of large size, and no mere surface-watering will be of any service. The ground about the roots, as well as the ball, should be thoroughly soaked. After applying water and allowing the surface to become moderately firm, stir the soil slightly with a blunt fork, which will prevent its cracking, and allow the free action of the sun and air to warm the soil and encourage the production of roots. Take advantage of the present state of the ground to stir the surface soil of the shrubbery and borders, to prevent the growth of weeds and to give the whole a fresh and clean appearance. Do not neglect to put in plenty of Mignonette, and if not already done, hardy annuals Bhould be sown without further Iobs of time, except in cases where they are not wanted to bloom before autumn. Those who force Neapolitan Violets should for the next three weeks or a month propagate a stock either by means of cuttings or runners. Young stock of choice Pansies of last autumn's striking should soon be planted out in the flower garden beds or borders. If the soil is in any way exhausted, a little fresh should be put in every hole, such as old, rotten, loamy turf mixed with old leaf soil, a little soot, and a little coarse sand. Too much manure may enlarge the bloom for a while, but it soon renders the plant unruly. Sow Sweet Peas if required early ; soak them in warm water for six hours previous to sowing them. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. At this period it is of much. importance to have a dung bed or two, giving a very moderate heat, fitted up for the purpose of cooling-down fresh-struck cutting?, hardening-off annuals, and receiving plants from either the stove or greenhouse ; for, in consequence of liberal shifts in these departments and the rapidly increasing size of the Pelargoniums, Cinerarias, Calceo- larias, and Fuchsias, something will have to be removed, and a cold frame is insufficient for some of these tribes. Let, there- fore, whatever spare frames come to hand be fitted up, using a little well-wrought dung, with a good quantity of tree leaves, if at hand. A steady bottom heat of 70° will be quite sufficient, and very little material will afford this temperature if some coarse litter of any kind be packed closely around the frame directly it is built. Such frames should be watered with scald- ing water as soon as a little heat is produced ; this will destroy insects and their eggs. A coating of ashes may then be spread over, and the frames matted up at night for two or three weeks, leaving a little air all night where plants are being hardened off. Such frames will be found of great use, and will enable the possessor to keep his priacipal specimens uncrowded, and to stake out showy plants liberally. The climbers in the con- servatory will now want attention at least oncea-week, whether upon the roof or pillars, or on trellises in tubs or pots. Prune off superfluous shoots ; stop or pinch the tops of gross leaders, to induce a flowering habit in those which produce blossoms from the axils of the leaveB, and keep them neatly tied and trained. Large Acacias or groBS climbers will now require abundance of water ; those growing beneath the floor level or under stone covers should, when watered, have a thorough soaking. Keep up in the mixed greenhouse a lively circulation of air all the early part of the day, and dispense with fire heat as much as possible. Where a house of this character contains stove as well as common greenhouse plants, a climate superior in point of heat to the common greenhouse must be maintained ; and in order to do as little mischief as possible through the compromise necessary, let the requisite advances in heat be at all times made when there is a con- siderable degree of light. To this end practise the early shut- ting-up, so much insisted on by all good gardeners, and on such occasions take care that the fire has been very low, and out for an hour or two previously. The heat thus secured in the evening, if accompanied by sufficient atmospheric moisture, will establish a healthy and short-jointed growth. Make a sowing of tender annuals, if not already done. Pot-off Balsams, Cockscombs, &c. ; these will do best in frames on fermenting materials, if kept close to ths glass and well matted-up at night. COLD PITS. Continue potting-off stock for the flower garden, also making cuttings of Verbenas, Fuchsias, Petunias, Dahlias, and Pelar- goniums ; they will all be wanted for some purpose. Shade carefully newly- potted stock, and more especially cuttings ; 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 an abundance of water — the leaf must never be allowed to droop. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Pr.ErARED ground for sowing Onions when dry enough, by levelling and shallow digging, the ground having previously been trenched, ridged, and re-ridged. The heavy rains have made the soil too wet for sowing general crops. Asparagus. — Raked over the ground out of doors to level the surface-dressing, and remove any rough pieces of wood, &c. The dressing consisted chiefly of rotten dung and leaves, with a scattering of burnt clay and rubbish from the burning heap, which, from the quantity of weeds so disposed of, will con- tain plenty of different salts, and so far act as a substitute for common salt in keeping worms and slugs away. Asparagus in frames requires plenty of air in fine days to give it a rich green hue, but it is easy to overdo the air-giving in cold weather in March, with easterly and northerly winds, as the shoots are thus made hard and woody, instead of succulent and sweet. Taken as a whole, there is more mischief done in March from giving too much air than from too little, provided that little is given early enough. Ground should be well pre- pared for fresh plantations. In very stiff soils it is a good plan to take out a trench, say 5 feet wide and about 2 feet in depth, fill the trench with prunings of trees and rough refuse from the garden, cover with from 0 to 12 inches of longish dung, and then replace the soil in a bed, and ameliorate it by manure and frequent turnings. The planting may take place at any time, but when the plants are close at hand it is best done when they have pushed 2 or 3 inches. The roots should never be allowed to become dry ; damp them before planting, and take them up from under a mat, as you go on, so that the small fibres may never become shrivelled by exposure. There is nothing to be made of Asparagus roots after being taken up to be forced, and hence their forcing is always a great loss or a great expense. Hence many force a good part of their Asparagus in pits, on which lights can be placed and the heat applied where the plants are permanently grown. They stand forcing well in alternate years. The simplest mode is to use linings of hot daDg, but hot water effects the same purpose with less trouble. Sca-kaU and Rhubarb. — Put more of both in the Mushroom- house, most likely for the last time, as we can forward a little out of doors, but ours outside are showing little signs of moving as yet, proving how much more backward we are than in the southern counties. This may be partly owing to cones or heaps of burnt clay, ashes, &c, over the buds and roots, as without that care, from the attacks of various enemies, we might have plenty of fine roots from which the buds at their tops had been extracted. These roots, unlike Asparagus when forced, we rarely destroy ; but after hardening them off, cut March 24, 1870. ] JOURNAL op horticulture and cottage gardener. 231 them into pieces, and plant them again, and then in the second season they may be taken up for forcing. Cucumbers. — We planted out large plants, for most of the early spring plants warted. In several cases we plunged 6- inch pots in the bed, having plants showing fruit, for a tem- porary purpose, and to be taken away to give room to the per- manent plants. We have proved this to be a good plan for producing early fruit with little trouble. Seme of our readers may recollect how we described making some rough beds for frames, with a deep trench left in the centre for the soil. For many years this plan gave us no trouble, as we always obtained a genial growing heat in the soil, and no more, and the deeper dung round it kept the heat a very long time. This season the soil in the comparatively shallow bed beneath it became too hot to please us, and thus we were forced to put off planting- out for a week or ten days, and then after turning the soil once or twice we were constrained to pour a pailful of cold water at the back and front of each light, not on the soil, but at that part where the soil in the centre and the manure at each side join. This, with a good treading to keep out air, had the desired effect, the heat beneath the soil now being genial and moist. Except in such cases, however, we would not have used the water, as it will help the dung to decompose, whilst, when a little dry, water poured down holes would always increase the heat in summer and autumn. The cold water would arrest decomposition just now, and as, after all, the heat beneath was not so mnnh too great as it was too dry, we are tolerably sure that no bad effects will follow. At any rate, the plants are growing freely and throwing out strong tendrils. Many of these will be nipped off ; but it is always a disheartening sign when plants do not freely produce these appendages, which enable them to clasp round any firm object for support. If we had put some 6 inches of old rotten dung over the centre of our bed below the soil, we should not have had to wait for the soil cooling a little. We were rather scarce of such material, and thought we could do without it. FRUIT GARDES. Proceeded with pruning and nailing. The buds are now swelling, and the birds are at them before we get out at 6 a.h. The trees in the most forward orchard house are just opening their bloom, and the roots have been watered by degrees. In the late orchard house, the house is kept open. All the trees after cleaning have been top-dressed ; those in pots have had a rim of old turf, that will produce no grass, placed over the soil in the pot, and the inside filled up with rich compost, to be replenished during the season several times, alike to give nourishment and to act as a mulching to save such frequent waterings as would otherwise be necessary. Peach-house trees have had a lot of shoots taken away, and Vines breaking and growing have been laid in their places. Some Vines in a pit filled with Strawberry plants are fastened at present to a wire longitudinally, but as they are now breaking and showing, they will want all the room by the time we have the Strawberries removed, when these shall be about done with. Put sulphur on the pipes in these pits to prevent red spider showing itself, as it is much easier to keep it away than take it away after it comes. In watering we use weak manure water and clear water alternately, and the manure is also varied — cow dung being applied at one time, soot water at another, and sheep dung at another, or a few ground bones are used as a top-dressing. It is as well oven yet to avoid pouring water on the centre of the plants ; the crown, the bud, and even the flower-truss are very tender and easily injured when forced. Potted-off some young Melon plants, and commenced fresh arranging and partly planting a low pit Fig-house. Ventilation. — This is now, and until fine genial weather come, a matter of much importance. It is well to bring up every- thing hardy, but many plants are injured by having a cold dry air blowing on them freely on a cold day. No doubt it would be desirable to have cold air heated before it went freely among tender plants. Most of us, however, are glad to obtain a house or pit without the extra arrangements for heating the fresh air before it is admitted. Almost everything necessary may be done by carefully giving top air and in small quantities, so that tbe fresh air shall be heated and moistened by the warmer confined air passing through it. Much also may be done in giving air in front, by having the openings or ventilators oppo- site the heating medium. A keen enthusiast, who had a 6-feet- wide pit fur Cucumbers and Melons, complained much, that when he raised or slid the sashes however little in front, the leaves of the plants nearest the opening were apt to be seorohed by the fresh air passing too soon to them. There were pipes close to the front wall for top heat ; then a wall of brick-on-edge was built, which also kept the leaves from the pipes, and in the front wall, just below the lowest pipe, there was made in the centre of each light an opening the size of the end of a brick, rather more than 4i inches by 2i inches, and a wedge-shaped piece of wood just to fit the opening, with a stout nail in the end to draw it out or put it in. We find that such an opening is quite sufficient for front air even in sum- mer. In winter and in the spring month?, by drawing the tapering plug out a little, we can give as little air as we like — from one-eighth, to one-fourth, or one-half or more of an inch on three sides of the plug — and the air rushing in spreads in the space containing the pipes, and is warmed by them before it reaches the plants. Pans set on the pipes likewise give moisture to the air before being distributed. There are many other mechanical modes for giving air, but we know of none simpler or cheaper at first than these wooden plugs. We generally tilt up the sashes a little at the back, but were we to have a pit or a low house with a fixed roof, such a plug, only the size of a brick, would be enough at back for forcing, and quite sufficient at other times when air was needed chiefly to keep out damp in winter. The span-roofed pits of Mr. Pearson with moveable copings are capital, and it is a good many years since we have seen the principle very simply applied at the nursery of the Messrs. Lee, at Hammersmith, but some of our readers may find the wooden ventilator the size of a brick suitable for their purpose. It is rarely that the plugs are ever drawn out to their full length, as when people are in the habit of giving air early they will be surprised to find how small a quantity will be required to change the air of a house and set the whole in motion. This will be especially the case if care betaken in hothouses to avoid sun heat and fire heat both acting at the same time. This simple matter requires some little attention. It is very difficult to get a fireman to study the appearances of the sky, &c, before he stirs his fires up. Hence many a fire is put on in the morning before a sunny day, when it would have been better if the furnace had not been touched. In a mild day it is of less consequence, but it becomes a serious matter when you have dry heat from the furnace, and cold dry air out of doors, which you must admit in greater quantities to keep down the temperature. We would, with a coolish heating medium and a little air early given, rather let the house rise 5° or 10° higher from sunshine than allow cold air to enter freely. ORNAMENTAL EEPAKTlTEliT. Rolled, after sweeping, the lawn, and went on turfing and planting. Spring planting is more excusable this season, owing to the dryness of last autumn. Potted Zonal Pelargoniums, and commenced potting Ferns, as these are so useful for gar- nishing and setting off cut flowers. Kept a lot of the Scarlet Pelargoniums in the vinery, so as to produce plenty of olooms. We have done something to thin the bedding plants in the various houses, by putting those previously potted and estab- lished in small pots into wooden portable boxes, to be set on the floor of the conservatory and other houses for a week or two ; and we have made a temporary pit or bed on the Vine border, by turning over the latter, making a ridge at the back and in front for the bole of a young tree to lie on. These boles form the wall plates for old sashes, hurdles, &c, to rest on. Here we have placed many Pelargoniums of the Scarlet and Variegated sections taken out of boxes, where they stood thickly all the winter, and now put singly in what we may call turf pots, these being set as closely together as possible, with a few leaves and some leaf mould below them. This is a very good plan for those who can adopt it. The turf is taken up about 2j inches thick — the more fibrous the soil the better — it is then placed with the grass side downwards, and with a bill or knife cut into pieces from 3J inches square. With a sharp knife a round piece is cut out, but without going so deep as the grass. The hole thus formed serves as a pot. ' Rich sandy loam and leaf mould go along with the roots into this hole, and the soil is made moderately firm. The pieces of turf are then packed side by side, and gene- rally as closely together as they will go, in the place referred to, are well watered with warm water, and then the pieces are sprinkled over with a little of the same soil, and a few decayed tree leaves placed between the rows. Last season we do not think that 1 per cent, missed ; at planting time the tnrf was full of roots, and the young roots hanging out all round the turf, ready to go into the soil of tbe bed, as of course the turf, with all the roots, was planted — one more advantage of such a plan. Except watering once after the plants were ex- JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEK. [ March 24, 1870. nosed and hardened oS for planting, these received and needed no watoinK in the intermediate weeks. In very sunny days at Zl before6 growing freely, the plants received a .light sprink- ^nTlKmart give. If such turf pieces were set on a hard bottem. and there was no artificial heat, it would not matter much how soon the work was done ; but in such a case M refer™ d to above, where a little heat will come from the raised ridges of fermenting material, and the turf is : set on hal - decayed rich material, from the middle to the end of Ma reh will be soon enough for the work, as otherwise the roots would b apt to extend too far, and then the plants would flag ; . i ht le when first planted. Sometimes we have had to take up a .lot a fortnight or three weeks before planting, and place them close to'Ther on common soil, or a hard bottom to prevent the roots running away. It is best when the roots hang out of the turf Eke a shovt-eropped wig. One other advantage is that these turf-grown plants are easily raised and potted m autumn. — B. F. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS In the Suburbs of London for the week ending March 22nd. In tho Suburbs BABOUETEB. THEBMOMETEP. Wind. Date. Air. Earth. Rain. Max. Min. Max. Min. 1ft. 2 ft. Wed. . . 16 Thurs. . 17 Fri. ... 18 Sat. ... 19 San. . . 2] Mon. . . 21 Tues. . 22 29.K96 29.972 80.207 30.341 30.383 30.285 29.9J5 29 655 29.702 2!>.'.<9i> 30.324 80.289 30.011 29.709 62 59 58 45 54 54 54 44 83 33 29 87 41 21 47 47 47 45 43 46 46 41 41 42 44 41 42 42 S. W. N. N.E. W. W. w. .28 .00 .00 .00 .00 .10 .06 Mean.. 30.112 29.948 65.14 84.00 45.86 41.86 .. 1 0.44 16.— Heavy rain ; overcast ; densely overcast. 17 —Densely overcast ; overcast ; mild at night. 18.— Densely overcast ; densely overcast ; heavy clouds. 19 —Overcast and cold ; overcast ; clear and fine. 20 —Fine, overcast ; very fine ; densely overcast. 21 —Slight rain ; showery ; densely overcast. 22.— Showery ; overcast, very damp ; clear and frosty. TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. William Paul, Waltham Cross, ^oriion, ^.-Oatalogue of New Hoses, Pelargoniums, Camellias, Hollyhocks, Phloxes, &c. With Plate of Princess Christian Rose. ,„, ,, John Waterer & Sons, Bagshot, Surrey.— Catalogue of Shododen- ' ^ownie, Laird, & Laing, StansteadPart, Forest Hill, London, S.E., and 17, South Frederick Street, Edinburgh.— Descriptive Catalogue oj Florists' Flowers, &c. TO CORRESPONDENTS, es- Being pubtislied in time for transmission ay the Thursday morning mails, The Journal of Horticulture should, with but Jew ex- ceptions, be delivered on the same day in all parts of the country. If there is any delay, let our readers apply to the nearest railway bookstall, an I bu paying their subscriptions in advance their copies ■will be regvlarh) supplied. If country hool-scllers cannot obtain the Journal in time, we shaU be obliged by tlteir communicating tliefact to our Publisher. »»* We request that no one will write privately to any of the correspondents 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, etc., 171, Fleet Street, London, E.C. N.B. — Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. Books (E. B. J.).— A " Supplement" has been published to the " Cottage Gardeners' Dictionary," including the new plants to the end of 1W>7. " The Gardeners' Year Book," price ls„ published annually at our omce, Including the new plants, flowers, fruits, &c, introduced during the previous year. Seedlings of Czar Violet.— Mr. G. W.Bootbby says-" A correspon- dent inquired of you a week or two ago aB to the probability of seed from the Czar Violet producing plants like the parent. I noticed that in your answer you thought that such a result need not be expected. Now, my Czar and Giant seedlings differ very little, if at all, from the original. 1 have more trouble in getting the seed to grow than with any other part of Violet culture, and I have come to the conclusion that it is the best way to leave the seed on the plant, and to let it sow itself. I think, by this means, a greater number of seedlings will be obtained than by care- fMl, ■ ,tl„ ring and preserving the seed and sowing in pots. Sffoting Pelargonium (B. Godboht).-lt is very fine ; the pink-tinged Seedlinu iFLAH.oNibiM nndtbe noble tatt .SSlST Vffi Planl X a dwarf contact habit it will be an acquisition. Aucoba (Ignoramws).-The male plants do not bear berries. There is only one kind. Rose Cuttings Potting Ulpnal.-The cuttings put jta ilart Septemj ,,er under a north wall, ought, early m April, to be taken up and -Placed singly in pots sufficiently large to hold the roots without cramping, UBUJg a compost ,.f Ught turfy loam two-thirds, and one-third eaf soil or old cow dung wth a free admixture of sharp mad. After, potting place the ,,,„l- in a mild hotbed of from 65- to 70', and a top heat of Gu- to 65 , shading and keeping them rather Cose and moist until they have re- c ,, ,1 hop, the potting; then admit air freely, harden them off, and ■ .too oui to fiay after danger from frost is past. Instead of placing tm in a Ctbed.it would answer almost as well to pot them m April 'lace them in a cold frame, setting tho pots on coal ashes and keep the ,i'., ',. ,.!,.* loo.-t. ami shaded from bright sun until they are again , 1,'sl ' 1 w len they should have air freely. After they have been weU harfened-off. plan? them out in May. In taking up the cu tang. b. careful not to injure the roots, which are very brittle on their nisi iorm "Plants for a Grave (W™)--Tne centre of dark Heliotrope and an edging of Variegated Sweet Alyssum, we do not ^if?LK^gJK n„ Thn less eaudv and conspicuous the plants are the better, reruin nankhieusfs for tie centre, and White Alyssum, green or variegated, as an edging, would answer. Pruning Marshal Niel Rose (Mem).- Your Rose planted last No- venfhir we should n„w prune-in rather closely, cutting away the unripe po? Kin o the shoot"? It will grow all the more freely in c°™e*«»«£ aim sooner become established Owing to its being budded o the Gloire ,1, DHon you may, if you wish, allow shoots to come from the sloca, dm aalwouiltend ^'weaken the growth of the variety ™kf °^ ?erv part, as shoots, especially young shoots, from the base are generally very vigorous If the plant were ours, we should not allow any snoots to grow from the stock, but cut them away as they appear or rather rut .the SradS ofl, and so throw as much support as possible into the Marechal Niel. Pruning Roses (Trio).-We question your having seen branches 2 feet SS t^«ak??r^ £«£ RS» 55S to afford good I foliage and bloom, or, in other words a good eye on a part of the shoot which from its hardness is well ripened. Solanum Capsicastrum Treathent (Cambria) -When tje plants beginto grow tbev should have whatever pruning is required cutting away tie "Id useless shoots, and cuttiug-in those which are too long, so aTt produce a well-shaped plant The plants may then be pott ed re- moving all the soil that can be taken away ™«\°"' ' ? W » th ^e roots ■md th? comnost used may be two-thirds fibrous light loam and one-tmru leal soft, with free admixture of sharp sand. Good drainage is neces- sarv Pots large enough to hold tho roots without cramping them are sufficient Shade the plants after potting, and keep the soil moist, but do noSe it more than moist, until the roots ™ *^* *?££ ^ fresh soil- then water fre.lv, and when the pots fill with roots shift the ilants into Dots a size larger This should be done by July. The plants Souldhave a light airy position in a cool house or pit Any irregular gr^wlhs should bge controlled by pinching <%^*Z?*?£**£. ping the side shoots and encouraging the centre, you may have pyra Kungwith their fine .red J^^^^^SS T^ant isV shrub tTm^'bTr-aised ftm cnttangs, but seedlings make So b'est piants The seed should be separated from the pjwe" Wries fall be sown in sandv soil, and placed in a hotbed, potting on the Si wh, n large enow* singly in small pots. After hardening them Tff remove them "o ^r?enhousi, "affording them a position near the glass, and shifting into larger pots as required. Ivies for Sides of Windows (A Salopian).-"?** best .kinds of Ivies would in our opinion, be those with moderUe-sized fo .age and we ?he large-leaved sorts. For the inside o windows a*d .^nded baskets Donerailensis, digitate, taurica, and pennsylvanica. Lapageria rosea Culture (A. BO-The plant is best grown in a March 24, 1870. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. i few the shoots to them and also the roofs. la winter, or when growth ceases, the plant does not require such copious supplies of water.but even thon the compost should be moist. When it is planted out in a a border, this Bhould be well drained, and rough peat used for tho roots to grow in ; a narrow and rather deep border is best, and it is well to have the roots confined rather than allow them an unlimited space. When growing and flowering, the plants cannot have too much water if the drainage is good. Peach Tree Pruning (X.).— The spurs being unfruitful, and tho long shoots also destitute of bloom budB, we think you will be doing well to cut them back to one or two eyes, the lowest next the main Bhoots or branches. You will thus, no doubt, secure more vigorous shoots, and by pinching in summer cause the formation of fruit buds. This, we thnak, is the best method you can adopt under the circumstances. Bods of Peach Trees Falling (C. Z.).— The wood seems dried and partly shrivelled. The shrivelling-up and falling of tbo buds we think is due to two causes—your keeping your trees " growing as late as possible in the autumn," instead of ripening the wood and getting the trees into a state of rest, and most likely using too stroug a dose of the insecticide in December. We can only surmise. Pears Falling (Manpir/yrum).— Manure the surface of tho soil for about 2 yards over the roots of the trees, and kscp it mulched and well watered throughout the summer. Forced Strawberries for Covent Garden Market {A Constant Header).— The best Strawberry for the purpose to bo ripe at this time of the year is Sir Harry. Apples and Pears (Cenlurion\— We cannot furnish descriptions of Winter Peach and Nelson's Glory Apples. The Winter Crasanne Pear is a large turbinate-shaped fruit, sometimes good, and more frequently of inferior quality. It is ripe in January. Columbia is an American Pear, of a large size," and pyramidal in shape. It is a good Pear, but not remark- able for any great merit. It ripens in November. Duchesse d'Hiver is very much of tho size and shape of Easter Benrre, keeps till March and April, and is better adapted for kitchen than for dessert use. Pear Trees in Pots (B. F. Foy).— Yon must not take the Pear trees out of the pots after the fruit is set, to plant them for the purpose of raising and potting them again. You may make the hole in the bottom of the pot larger, and place some good compost below the pot before plunging it in the grass plot. The Tacsouia in a 4-inch pot should bo shifted several times into loam and heath soil, with a little rotten dung, until you have it in a 15 or 18-inch pot. In such a pot it will blooi sooner than if planted out in a border. Next year you may h flowers. Plum Blossoms Defective (ff. Rawson).— We think that the partial absence of petals, and other defects in the flowers, arise from an insufficient supply of nourishment. Give tepid and weak liquid manure once a-week. Protecting Cordon Apple Trees (fttarii). — We do not know from what you wish to protect the trees, but we think you require a wire fence to confine the balls and players to the croquet ground. Any dealer in wirework would be able to Bupply you. Write to a wire-netting manu- facturer and ask for particulars. Fruit Trees Recently Planted (Spring).— The Teach and Nectarine trees planted under glass ought to be pinned at once, before they begin to grow, and those planted against walls should also bo pruned and nailed forthwith. For a schedule of the Royal Horticultural Society's Show at Oxford, write to Mr. Richards, Assistant Secretary, Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington, London, W. Hot-water Pipes (C. S. TV.).— Mr. Truss. Friar Street, Blackfriars Road, London, manufactures iron pipes somewhat like those you require. Small Propagating Case and its Management (A. M. Sharp).— Mr. Beaton said that the best size for such a case was 84 inches long, 17 inches wide, 13 inches deep in front, and 18 inches deep at back, all inside measure. Such a box will hold three rows of 5 iuch pots, and six pots in tt row ; or four rows of 4-inch pots, and eight pots in a row. The box may be made of any size to suit. There should be a watertight space at bottom, at least 3 inches deep, for hot water, with an iron plate over it to give bottom heat. The pots may stand on a little sand, or be plunged in it. If gas is used Borne small pipes might go through the space beneath If pots arc used much of the depth could not be dispensed with, but if the cuttings are struck at once in a bed of sand, as detailed in page 189, 3 inches of the depth might be dispensed with. Pots are very useful, however, as a single pot can easily be removed To insure full success, it is well to have two cases, one heated and one unheated, the latter to be used in hardening off by degrees the plants that are rooting and the seedlings that have been pricked off. Warmth and air can be greatly regulated by the glass covering. Tho best soil for cuttings is pure sand and Bandy loam. The depth would depend on the mode adopted. If we struck on the top of the plate we would place on it about 1 inch of rough sandy loam, chiefly pieces about the size of Peas and Beans, with little bits of charcoal in it, over that 1 inch of equal parts of sand and loam, and then 1 inch of sand on the surface. If puts are used, fill them folly one-third with drainage, and then tbe other two-thirds much in the same way as above — rough soil over the drainage, and tho finest at the top. The cuttings will want watering well as soon as inserted. Let the leaves become dry before putting tbe glass cover elose'y on. After that, in general cases, the cuttings must never be dry until they are struck. The use of sand is to keep the air from easily penetrating to the base of the cutting. In dull weather a little air, if only one- eighth or one-quarter of an inch, must be given to keep the cuttings from d imping. In bright weather the cuttings will want sprinkling with a fine-ro,ed watering- pot, or water from a fine hair brush whisked over them, or a little shading given to prevent them flagging. Quick success much depends on the cutting feeling as little as possible its removal from the parent plant. The more light the cnttings will stand the better for them. Shading should never remain longer than is necessary. Mushroom Bed out of Doors (Idem).— To make a Mushroom bed out of doors now, a good plan is to sweeten and prepare stable manure as if for a Cucumber bed. Then mark out a space 8^ feet in width, build the manure firmly, so as to make it like an equilateral triangle, thus forming a ridge, and giving two sideB for the bed. When spawned, if the heat is suitable, an inch of droppings of horses may be beaten all over it, and then, when all is safe, earthed-up and covered over with clean litter and mats, 4c, to keep out the wet. If there is a shed, though open, the bed may bo made flat, and much will be saved in covering up. If we knew exactly the position you can command, and also the material you can have, we might be able to adviso you more definitely. Various (Tamerton).— First, as respects the Mushroom bed in the cellar made on tho 1st of tho month, and which has now lost its heat— if not spawned, turn the bed over and add more manure. If the bed is spawned we fear the spawn is not running, or it would raise the temperature ; but if the spawn is all right place 3 or 4 inches of litter over the bed, and damp it to cause it to beat a little, and thus to throw heat into the bed. Watch, however, in case the lied become too hot. From six to eight weeks from spawning and earthing-up is a common time for gathering. In a pinch we have had Mushrooms in less than four weeks, and we have waited twelve weeks and then gathered abundantly. Wo presume you have the Date Palm, and if so wo thiuk you will grow it in yourglasscase in Devonshire. Good loam and a little rotten dung will suit it. Tbe Journal can always be bad direct from the office by rost for id. per copy, or 4s. id. per quarter, prepaid. Diluting Tobacco Juice Unexperienced).— For syringing Eoses and Pelargoniums to free them of aphis, half a riut to every gallon is sufficiently strong for Pelargoniums, whilst for Roses and plants with glossy leaves, one pint to the" gallon will not injure the fo'iago. It is, however, so variable in strength that it is difficult to say without trial what quantity is sufficient to destroy the insects. We advise you to try it in weak solu- tions, to which you can add if not found powerful en»ugh. Guano Water for Eoses and Pelargoniums {Idem). — Peruvian guano, 1 oz. to the gallon, is sufficiently strong for Pelargoniums and Roses in pots. It may be given fiem two or three timos a-week ; but the pots must be full of roots, and tho plants in free growth. Out of doors it may be used of the strength of 2 ozs. to the gallon, and onco or twice a-week when the plants are in free growth, and the weather is dry. Culture of Roses in Pots (An Amatenr).— Roses in pots you will find fully treated of in No. 304, page 240, and No. 309, page 157, vol. xii, New Series. Prosing Standard Roses (Yeovil).— The host time to prune standard Roses is the middle of February if the weather bo mild, or from that to the middle of March, according to tho soason. Cupheas (Hem).— To keep Cupheas, they should be taken npin October before frost, potted in sandy loam, with a little leaf soil, and be placed rn a greenhouse from which frost is excluded. Give no more water than enough to keep the foliage fresh. In spring, cuttings may be made of the growing points, and inserted in sandy soil ; they strike freely in a hotbed, and plants struck early in March and grown on, make good plants for planting out at the end of May. Pelargonium Leaves Rusted (Mr. Roberts).— The leaves sent are not infested, that we can discover, by any insect ; but they are rusted from condensed moisture, which may have been caused by keeping the house too close and moist, and not giving air before the sun's rays fall powerfully upon it. It may also have been caused by watering or syringing overhead, which ought not to be done. Your only remedy is to admit more air, and early in the morning, so as to have tho leaves dry before the sun becomes powerful. Afford the plants a light airy position. Pelargonium Cuttings ( West Cumberland).— You do not say what the Pelargoniums are ; if they are of tho Scarlet section a little heat in moderation will not injure them; if of the florists' sections they will stand less heat, and will do very well in frames with a dry bottom, and the glass protected with mats or sheeting at night. Be careful to have tbe leaves dry before the sun shines much on them. Kiln dust, we pre- sume, is that from malt-making. It has often been advertised in our columns, but we forget just now the particulars. We should think it would be plentiful about Ware. The "Cottage Gardeners' Dictionary would suit you. You can have it from our office free by post for 7s. :d. Osborn's Select Red Beet.—" ' F. J. S. H.' is quite correct in think- in" that I made amistake about the ' Roy il Osborne Beet.' I should have mentioned that I sowed both it and Dell's Beet in the open grouud last year, as well as in boxes, and none of tho seed came up. I am sure it is a much safer plan to sow it in gentle heat.— Q. Q." Myrtle Treatment if?.).— The plants ought now to bo potted if necessary, and whatever pruning is needful should bo done. A compost of light fibrous loam two-thirds, and one-third leaf soil will grow them well. The pots should have free drainage. All the plants require is a li»ht airy position in a greenhouse, supplying tbem will with water, and when the growth is complete they may be placed out of doors, say from June to the end of September, when they should be returned under glass. Shrubs for Planting near the Sea (0. R.).— We fear you will nst succeed in growing many shrubs, if any, as your situation is so much ex- posed. Double Gorse, Tamarisk, and Luurustiuus, with Finns Mugho, do well with shelter. Tho Bubject iB one of which very little has been written, and yet it is of great importance to those residing near the coast. We should therefore bo obliged if thoso having experience of sea-side gardening would communicate it. Orchids for a Conservatory (A Constant Reader). — Half a dozen likely to succeed are Calanthe vostita, Dondrobium limbriatum, Lycaste Skinneri, Odontoglossum grande, Oncidinm flcxuosnm, and Zygopetalum Mackayi. They should be grown in pots tilled two-thirds of their depth with crocks, the pots being largo compared with those for other plants, and above tho crocks place a layer of sphagnum, and then put in a mixture of equal quantities of chopped sphagnum and fibrous peat. It should be made firm, and raised in the form of a cone in the centre of the pot and above the rim. On this placo tho plants, covering the roots only with moss. Water will be required but sparingly for a time until the plants are growing freely, and then they should have an abundant supply, continuing it until tho growths are fully developed, and the pseudo-bulbs well swelled ; then lessen the supply, and keep tbo plants dry in winter, but not so dry as to cause tho pseudo-bulbs to shrivel. Shade from bright sun should be given in summer. It would be well to afford the plants the extra heat vou speak of after potting in spring, which should be done when they begin t o grow. The shade of tho Vines will bo sufficient for the Orchids. If you placo the plants in boat in spring, they must be continued there until the growth is completed, and then be removed to the conservatory. Mushrooms Eaten by Woodlice (T. T.).— They are very troublesome in MuBhroom houses. We have not found anything answer so well as JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March 24, 1870. pouring boiling water over the walls and sides of the beds in tho morn- ing; of course this cannot in ail cases be done, but where practicable it is an excellent plan. The boiling water will kill all it touches, and, it mast also be stated, all tbe 6pawn or mycelium of the Mushroom with ■which it comes in contact. Another good plan is to place a boiled potato wrapped up in a little hay in a small flower pot, and lay tho pot on its side near tbo haunts of the woodlico. A number of such baits put down at nicht, and the contents emptied in the morning into a bucket of boiling water, will considerably thin the woodlicc. Biononia vencsta not Flowering IX, Si,lmn„th).—Vre think that the plant must have too much liberty at tho roots, and consequently the growth is excessive. We advise you to prune it in rather closely now, and to keep its roots confined. Train the shoots at a moderate di'stanco apart, and so that tho whole of them may be fully exposed to light and air. Water freely when it is growing ; but when the growth is complete, and after August, give the plant no "more water than enough to keep tho foliage from flagging. In winter give only water enough to preserve the vitality of the plant. This treatment will, no doubt, result in flowers either in the present year or the next. If the plant grow very luxuriantly and make very long shoots, stop them at the sixth joint, taking care not to allow them to become so crowded as to shade each other. Cyclamen Treatment (A. O. P.).— The blooming of Cyclamens in twelve months is nothing remarkable, but it would be well in writing of Cyclamens to say of what species they are. So far as we know, none but tho varieties of Cyclamen persicum have been flowered in twelve months from the time of sowing the seed. To bloom in twelve months the plants should not be placed out of doors at all, but be grown in gentle heat, the seedlings being pricked-off in pans when large enough to handle ; then keep them moist, close, and shaded until established, afterwards admit air, but still continue them in a moist growing heat without ad- mitting air too abundantly. Tho seedlings are, in tho first place, to be raised in a hotbed, and continued there until they have been pricked off and become established. In snmmer they will afterwards succeed in a cold pit or frame placd in a slightly shaded position. They should be potted-off singly in pots 3 inches in diameter by the beginning of August, and the frame should be kept moist and shaded for a time, then admit air. In September they will require to be shifted into larger pots, and mast be removed to a house with a night temperature of 5(P, and be placed near the glass. In November they will need a shift into pots a size larger, and again in Jannary, the plants being kept growing from the time of sowing up to that of flowering. To grow them in an ordinary greenhouse with one hundred blooms in twelve months is more than we think you can accomplish. The cormB, in potting, should be covered abont half an inch. They will not do better in a cold frame eariy in winter than in a greenhouse. It is too cold and damp. We are referring to the varieties of C. persicum. Ventilating (Sanguina).— If we understand your plan, we have no doubt it would answer if yon yourself carried it out, but we are doubtful if it would do so in the hands of a stranger, as wo do not see how every square, being made a ventilator, is to bo thoroughly under control. A very simple modification of your plan is that in Sir Joseph Paxton's houses for the million, where a ventilator thoroughly under control is fixed between each two rafters. A more intricate and ingenious plan is that patented by Mr. Cranston, where the roof is formed of so many planes of glass, and each of these opens less or more at pleasure. Wo know no better plan of giving air equally, or in any desired proportion, all over a bouse. We think that, before adopting your own plan, yon should make yourself acquainted with the principles of the houses of Mr. Cranston, of 1, Temple Row West, Birmingham. Hot-water Piping (A Young Beginner).— For moderate forcing, three 4-inch pipes tho length of the house would do. For early forcing yon would need four pipes. Two pipes would do in the greenhouse part if you merely wished to exclude frost ; more would be wanted if you wished much bloom in winter. We presume the house is a lean-to. We would rather not give the average quantity of fuel required. Tea Leaves as a Manure (M. K.).— We have no faith in tea leaves dried after beinc used for tea, mixed-up with soil for pot plants, instead of leaf mould; there is too much acid, &o. Used as a slight top-dressing on the surface they will be useful rather than otherwise, though we would prefer a little hotbed dung for that purpose. If that, too, is absent, better nee pure sandy loam, and a pinch of dissolved bones for each pot — say as much as you can hold between the thnmb and finger, for a 6-inch pot — placed on tho surface. We would plant your clump in bands as suggested, beginning with Cerastinm, No. 1. A line of Madame Yaucher Pelargo- nium, a white, would improve No. 4, Purple Terbena. Oak-fed Silkworms (P. TV. P.).— They are from Japan, and are known as the larva; of the Bombyx Yama-Mai. Apply to Dr. Wallace, Colchester. Names of Fruits {N. M.).—l, Chanmontel ; 2, Verulam. Names of Plants (E. A. E., Nottinghamshire).— We cannot name plants from their leaves only. (A D.).— Aubrietia deltoidea. (Lanca- shire Subscriber). — Chamreranthemum verbenacenm. (D. S.). — Sequoia sempervirens. (B. Oodbold).— 1, Adiantum trapeziforme ; 2, A. brasi- liense; 8, Gymnogramma ochracea ; 4, G. tartarea. (M.B. M.).— Galan- thus plicatus, the Crimean Snowdrop. Any nurseryman would supply you with bulbs in the autumn. (E. L. J.).— Alsophila australis. PQTTLTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON CHRONICLE. TRIMMING. Heartily glad am I to Bee that the subject of trimming is again brought before our notice by our friend Mr. Hewitt ; and I do indeed hope that this time the matter may not drop until something real be done, not, as heretofore, a few weeks' corre- spondence, and all of no avail; for Mr. Hewitt says there is even now a great deal of trimming. And yet this season hardly a Committee have taken the trouble to insert such a paragraph as he names in their schedule, which would at once show the public that they at least would back up the judges in any cases of disqualification. Unless something can be done all respectable exhibitors will simply give up exhibiting, and leave the field open to the black- legs of the poultry fancy, who may then try their skill in cheating each other ; for what chance has an honest exhibitor against such professional trimmers as we have lately had brought under our notice — one splicing a feather in a cock's tail, another dyeing his Pigeons, and, I am sorry to say, many such cases — or what honest man will care to exhibit in such company? Why cannot Committees adopt, as Mr. Hewitt suggests, some such clauses as the following in their schedules ? " The judges are instructed to disqualify any pen which they may find to have been tampered with, or in any way fraudu- lently dealt by. Any person who has one pea so disqualified will forfeit any prize or prizes which may have been awarded him in any class at the exhibition, and will not be allowed to exhibit again at the Society's exhibition during the following two years, and his name and address will be published with the report of the phow." " If any case of birds being fraudulently dressed shall be proved to the satisfaction of the Cornruittee, even though it may have escaped the notice of the judge, the owner may be disqualified as above at the discretion of the Committee." I should also like the following clause : — "Every exhibitor will be required to sign a declaration that the birds exhibited have been in his or her possession two months prior to the Bhow. In the event of any fraud in this respect being detected, the exhibitor shall be subject to the same conditions as in the previous clause." I suppose it would be of no use to ask Game breeders to allow dubbing Game cocks to be called trimming, but I, for one, would much prefer to see Game exhibited with their combs complete as intended by nature; but if this amount of trimming must be allowed as regards Game, surely we can stop the plucking and face-trimming in the Spanish classes. A skilful performer can make a very inferior Spanish cock appear a very good one by the aid of a pair of forceps, a sharp knife, and a little white paint, but that bird is no better bred in consequence, as many a poor fellow who has purchased at shows has found out to his cost. I am aware much diSerence of opinion exists as to whether it is fraudulent trimming to remove just a faulty or broken feather or two from the body of a bird. I, for one, hold that it iB, for if allowed to draw a feather from the body of a Brahma, why not one also from the hock? The line must be drawn somewhere, let it be on the side of honesty and straight- forwardness.— Philip Ckowlf.y, Waddon House, Croydon. GAME FOWLS. Like " Coenish Ddckwing," I am a breeder of Game fowl, and have been so for upwards of forty years. During my early time I had the assistance of an experienced breeder of fifty years' standing, who pointed out to me the necessary qualities a good Game cock should possess for the pit, and from my own experience as a breeder, both for the pit and exhibition, I must differ from "Coenish Ddckwing" on several of his remarks. He says a Game cock should have a ehort hawk-like bill, which I am of opinion shows a decided Malay cross. My idea of a good Elack Red Game cock is realised by those that have been exhibited this year by Messrs. O'Grady, Matthews, Chaloner, Fletcher, and a few others. What, I ask, can look better than these birds with their bright and hair-like hackles, long keen heads, and brilliant eyes ? How anyone who pro- fesses to be a judge can think birds possessing these points have any cross of the Malay in them. I am at a loss to exceptions I did not see any birds in the Game class showing the Malay cross, and they were in most cases passed over by the judges. I trust we Bhall not go back to the old strains named by " Coenish Ddckwing ;" they were, doubtless, pretty good in the pit, lut several of them very unsightly, such, for in- stance, as the Tawny Duckwings, Orange Gingers, and several other Muffs too numeroua to mention, for they will bear no comparison with our beautiful Black Reds, Brown Reds, Duck- wings, and White and Piles of tbe present day. I would have " Coenish Ddckwing " bear in mind, that in breeding Game fowls of the present day we are aiming at two things, beauty of plumage and a form which is pleasing to the March 24, 1670. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. eye, as well as purity of Hood and courage for the pit.— Black should have seen them wipe their beaks and try to scratch it Red. out. Since then they have left off eating eggs. — A. E. I have no desire to be anyone's counsellor in judging Game fowls, but, unless they are handled, to decide on their merits out of hand is the shadow and not the substance. Short round body ; substance forward in the shoulders and chest ; firm and hard to handle ; tight, short, close feather ; erect, clean, clever carnage ; snake-like, neat head ; long neck and shanks, are my ideal of excellence. It would be both instructive and encourag- ing to exhibitors, if each pen had its meiits and demerits made known as a guide for future improvement. — Thoiias 'Whitakeb, JUcltuii Mowbray. HOUDAKS FEATHER-EATERS. If the fowls are confined on Email runs, some portion of each run should be dug over at least once a-day to afford the birds scratch. I do not find any amount of grass run a preventive of feather-eating ; but I have observed that birds confined in a small farmyard, where di-ee-ing was constantly accumulating and being turned, were without the morbid appetite upon a variety of diets. Houdans being my hobby, and notoriously feather-eater3, I have been at great paina to discover the cause and cure of feather-eating. After a variety of experiments daring the last eighteen months, I have formed the conjecture that feather-eating is produced by an unnatural state of the ovary which disorders the whole system, and my theory is that the fowls eat feathers as a substitute for some sort of medicine which is obtainable in a farmyard. — H. Seyaioub Fkasek. [We have omitted all about patent foods, because your treat- ment without them would have been jast as effectual. The book from which you obligingly sent a leaf is no authority. — Eds.] NORTHAMPTON POULTRY SHOW. There were upwards of two hundred entries at this Show, held on the 15th and 16th inst. The Cochin- Chinas, Game, Game Bantams, and Bantams of any other variety, were especially good. The Selling class and the "Variety" class for poultrv were good. The Pigeon classes were not numerous, but good in quality. Dorkings. -1, W. Bearp3rk, Ainderby Steeple. 2, E. Wood, Clapton, Thrap- stone. e, Hon. J. Massy. Husband's Bosworth. Cochin-China.— 1, J. N. Beasley, PitsJord Hall. Northampton. 2, W. F. Checklev, Moulton. he, W. A. Bnmell, Southwell, c, L. H. Rickette, Banwell; J. N. Beaslev. Game— 2, H. Wyman, AbMoh. Towcester. r, B. Cox, Moulton ; R.Hall. Cambridge; —Page, Northampton ; H. Wvman : J. N. Beasley. SPANisn.— 1, J. Parker, North- ampton. 2. Miss H. Nieholla, Peckham. Brahma Pootra — 1, J. S. Booth, Chesterfield. 2, Key. N. J. Bidley, Newbury. Hamecrghs.— Si Bearpark. 2, B. Cox. Pencilled.— 1, B. Mollett, Whitehall Yard, London. 2, Hon. J. Massy, he, W. Bearpaik. Any other Variety.— 1. W. Barford. Ayles- bury (Creve-Cfflor). 2. C. H. Smith. Radclifle-on-Trent (Creve-Cceur). he, J.N. Beasley (Hondan). c, Hon. J. Massy iHoudan). Game Bantams— l.T.Bogers, Walsal. 2, H. Wyman. he. Bellirit-'bam & GUI. Woodfield. Burnley; T. Se- bridge. Northampton, e. W. H. T'imhnson. Newark-on-Trect. Any other Vanety. — l, Maater A. Frc-.v. Sinclair Town. Kirkcaldy (Silver-laced Se- bright). 2. Mrs. F. Worley. Northampton (Gobi-laced), he, P. Collins, Daventry (Silver-laced Sebrightl. e, E. Winwood, Worcester (White-booted); W. H. Tomlinson. Ducks.-), Hon. J. Massy (Aylesbury). 2, J. N. Beasley (East Indian), c, W. Grant, Far Cotton, Northampton (Aylesbury); H. Wyman (Aylesbury). Selling Class.— t, J. Dove, Moulton (Buff Cochin-China). 2,W. Nottarre. Northampton [Silver-spangled Hamburgh), he, H. Pratt. Mear's Ashby (Golden pencilled Hamburgh): W. Nottage, Northampton (Partridge Cochin-china), e, H. Thorneymoft, Floore, Weedon (Silver-spangled Ham- burgh); P. Collins, Daventry (Golden-spangled Hamburgh). PIGEONS. Pouters.— 1, H. Yardlev, Birmingham. 2, J. Chester, Nantwich. Carriers —1, J. Chester. 2, J. Spence, Kettering. Tumelers.— 1, J. Chester. 2, J. Holland. <-, W. Barwell. Northampton: T. Adams, St. James' End, North- ampton. Fantails.— 1. H. Yardlev. 2. J. Chester, e, J. Spence. Jacorins — 1, H. Yardley. 2, J. Adams. Owls.— 1, F. Barwell. 2, H. Yardley. e, W. Lepper, Northampton. Barrs.— 1, H. Yardley, 2, J. Spence. Kdnts.— 1, H. yardley. 2, 0. Tassell. Northampton. Teimpfters— 1, H. Y'ardlev. 2, J. Chester. Ant other Variety.— 1. P. Grosse (Blue Skinnums). 2. W. Lepper (White Dragoon). Any Distinct Variety (Three pairs).— Jup, J. F. While, Birmingham, he, O. E. cr> s^v.-.ilt, llanworth Rectory (Tnrbzts); J. Spence (White Pouters, Black Carriers, and Bine Owls). Selling Class.— 1, J. Spenca (Dun Carriers). 2, H. Yardlev. c, H. Yardley (3) ; F. Barwell (Elack Carriers) W. Nottage (Blue Turbits) ; W. Green (Blue skinnums) ; J. Spence (Silver Owls; BABBITS. LOP-EAR.—1, R. Kirby, Northampton. 2, T. Adams. Any Vasiety.— Equal) 1, R. Watts, Daventry (Lup-ear); 1;. Bradehaw. Heaviest.— 1, T. Adams. 2, W. Nottage. Judges. — Poultry: Mr. J. K. Fowler, Aylesbnry. Pigeons and Sabbits: Mr. YV. 1!. Tegetmeier, Finchley, London. Egg-eating Hens. — I have some Black Spanish which ate their eggs, so that I was obliged to look very sharply after them. One day I thought I would try what effect mustard and Cayenne pepper would have, so I filled an egg full of the mixture, and pot it in the pen. The hens directly attacked it, and you WOLVERHAMPTON POULTRY SHOW. " Your. Correspondent," in answer to Mr. H. Yardlev, says his notes -were written after a careful scrutiny of the birds ; I think it must have been foggy at the time, for how he can say that the Dra- goons which I showed were far too coarse in skull I cannot under- stand, as all who have hitherto seen them declare them to be perfect iu head and other points. I wiJ challenge " Your. Coertil-pondent " to show a pair against them for £10, the loser to pay the amount to any charity cither in this town or his own, as may be agreed upon, and I willleave the decision to J. Percivall, Esq., whom I believe to be one of the best judges in England of a Diagoou. I must also clear Mr. H. Yardley. as far as I am concerned, from the imputation made against him by " Your. Correspondent "• — that of having sold the birds which he eulogised. He did not sell me the birds, nor bad he ever anything to do with them ; nor did he, I believe, sell either of the pairs shown by Messrs. While and Tomlinson. — Frank Grahaai, Birfcnhtad. PRESERVING EGGS. My methoj is to have a pan that will hold about three or four pail- fulB of water, put into it a shovelful of fresh lime lumps, pour on enough water to slack them, and when slacked, to three-fourths fill the pan with water. When settled and clear I drop in the eggs gently, and then they will not crack each other. You may fill the pan with eggs to the top, only let the water cover all. I begin tbns pickling eggs in May, and continue until I have some hundreds. When the hens cease laying I begin supplying the pickled eggs, and I took the last in to the cook at the end of January. They were all good but one, and that was cracked. They are used for cooking purposes, but they can be boiled for breakfast, only they must be boiled gently or they will crack. Our bens are Golden-spangled Hamburghs. I had sixteen last year, and they laid in eleven months upwards of 2,500 eggs, and they have only a yard '20 yards long by 12 yards wide, where the manure from two horses is put. They have green stuff from the garden, and are fed on barley the first tiing in the morning ; about nine o'clock they have some hot barleymeal, and barley again about two o'clock. —A. B. TRUMPETERS. I have been much pleased with the remarks of Mr. J. Firth, Jan., in reply to my short introduction of the subject of Trum- peters, and quite agree with him as to the proper set of rose and hood ; but with regard to feet, it appears to me that great length of feather ought not to be the principal point looked for ; a gentle rounding of the feaftiers from the hock downwards, in my opinion, is requisite in the perfect bird. Some of the best rosed and hooded Trumpeters in the fancy have feet the feathers of which grow out quite straight, sometimes meeting at a point ; this certainly detracts from their appearance. Mr. Firth must recollect that a booted Boiler or Horseman may have well-roughed limb3, but in no Pigeon but a Trumpeter, or some ramification of the Trumpeter breed, do we find the rose ; therefore, limb cannot be considered as nearly so important a point as rose — not that the former should in any way be neg- lected, as a good Trumpeter without good feet is like a highly wattled Carrier with a short beak. Mr. Firth is quite correct in speaking of the importance and difficulty of matching correctly, for no variety requires more scientific breeding to obtain with any degree of certainty than Mottled Trumpeters, the points to be looked to are so nu- merous ; and no variety can become so fascinating (if I may use the word) to a fancier. The squeakers should be black, or with the exception of perhaps a very minute feather or two on the limb entirely black. At two months old a little greyness appears usually under the beak, and the bird, if it progresses as it should do, gradually developes by slow degrees into the perfect mottle, which in my opinion it should not quite attain until after its second moult. The tendency of the breed is to become light, so that a bird which may be a medal-winner this year, will, perhaps, be passed over as a splash in two years more. The colour of a Mottle's beak should neither he quite black nor quite light, though I am aware that some consider a white beak in a black bird no detriment; but as Pigeons' beaks almost invariably assimilate themselves in colour to feather, I should be inclined to look upon a light beak as a disqualification to a black bird, but it is useful to know that it Btamps the strain as a mottled one. As I am on the subject, perhaps Mr. Firtb, 23G JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March 21, 1870. or some other fancier, would kindly inform me whether it is advisable to introduce a decidedly black strain into a mottled one, as I have often doubted the policy of doing so. Too much stress is laid on the eyes of Pigeons. I think this point, as far as Trumpeters are conoerned, ought to be al- most altogether thrown overboard. If one can succeed in all the other points, a correct eye, which in the present instance should certainly be an orange one, is almost sure to follow. With Mr. Firth's standard of excellence in colour I can hardly agree, though I have an imported Mottle in my pos- session which exactly tallies with his description. He makes a Mottle too dark. My conception of a perfect bird is, tail flights and ground colour a brilliant black ; head and rose finely mottled in about equal proportions of colour, which should extend to form a bib rather larger than the black on a Nun's head and neck ; the mottled colour should develope almost sud- denly into a deep black. From the hood a slight mottling shonld extend down to between the shoulders, but it should be distinct from an oval patch of mottling on each side. The feet shonld be quite black, excepting, perhaps, two small white feathers in each. — Fleur de Lis. SKY TUMBLERS. Some thirty years ago the flying of Almond Tumblers was a prevalent pastime at Macclesfield, and begat the custom of Sky Tumbler flights, still the notorious habit of the Pigeon fanciers of this town. Flight against flight generated the idea of special birds for flying ; and one enthusiast, in search of new blood, introduced the Tippler Btrain of Tumbler, which, crossed with the Almond Tumbler, proved a success. Another enthusiast, prompted by the cross of Tippler and Almond, added the Bald and Beard, and thus again crossed the Almond and the Tippler and Almond, and this repeated cross again was successful. A stock of birds, " Sky Tumblers," was raised from these crosses of Almond, Tippler, B'lld, and Beard, the stock of the present Macclesfield Tumbler Pigeons. The only variation to this day is the care taken to pair birds as remote in near-kindred as possible, the blood of the ancestral stock yet pervading every cote and flight of the Macclesfield Tumblers. Hence we have the tidy, tight, English Sky Tumblers, called now Macclesfield Tipplers, many of the birds being in colour the same as the far- famed Sky Tumblers of that name. My authority for the preceding pedigree, &c, is an old Pigeon flyer of Macclesfield, who speaks from memory and personal experience, and whose story thus given, was communicated to me by " Brown Red," your former correspondent upon Maccles- field birds. , I have only to refer to the contribution of Mr. G. Hardy in your Journal of March 3rd, page 175, upou the Roller Pigeon, and your readers have the species, or rather genus, of the Macclesfield and the Birmingham Sky Tumblers at sight — all Tumblers, evidently, though I suspect a continental dash of blood in the Birmingham birds, from the muffed leg common to this variety. The Leicester is the Birmingham bird. — Reader. Having noticed an article in the Journal, I beg to forward my humble remarks respecting what your correspondent calls the Sky Tumblers, although I had never known them by that name until I read a letter in your paper on the subject. At Sunderland, in the county of Durham, I kept Tumblers for upwards of eight years, ind during that time I never had a bird in my pen with feathers on its legs. I had three kinds of Tumblers ; I had the Blue Beards which always bred the same colour as themselves— they were my best flyers, but seldom tumbled ; then the Bald pate, which was not equal to the Beard in high flying, but tumbled more ; but the best and cleanest Tumblers were the Variegated, which were of all colours. This breed was the smallest, with the shortest face and beak. If my birds flew an hour, I at that time considered it the best of flying. About eight years ago I came to reside in Glouces- ter, and brought six pairs of birds with me. Acting under the advice of a friend experienced in such matters, I crossed my Beards, Balds, and Variegated, and out of this mixing of dif- ferent breeds the young birds both flew better and tumbled cleaner and nftener than any birds I had ever had before, and some of them roll, too, in first-rate style. Your correspondent (see page 19), says he does not know why a bird is called a Roller, except for tumbling. Now, a Roller drops out of the flight suddenly, and rolls over like a ball perpendicularly. Ton can see, as it were, a hole through the ball. Mr. Thomas, of Gloucester, was my adviser, and I think he is up to the mark in the breeding and training of the Tumbler, this hobby being the whole delight of his leisure hours. Last year and this, he has had two sad losses with his favourites. Last year he had a flight of birds trained almost to his satis- faction, that would fly from four to six hours any fine day. On Good Friday last, about nine o'clock in the morning, he turned this lot loose : away they went, up, up, in the heavens, until he could not discern them, and they never returned, and have not been heard of since. As a local rhymer said the next day — " Poor James a sad misfortune 'a had, Which makes his once gay face look sad, His leisure hours' delight hath flown, Away to upper worlds unknown ; Up, cp, they rose, high and more high, Till out of sight of mortal eye ; And as they mounted, this his cry — Excelsior 1 " When day had given place to night, He said, 4 My own, my bonny flight, Hath passed away, they '11 greet my sight No more, no more.' " Though this loss rather put " his pipe out," he said he would try again — he had kept those birds so long that they almost seemed part of himself : so with the help of a few from a well- known stock, and the few birds he had left, he managed to raise by the fall of the year a flight of twenty, that surpassed his former flight. I have known this flight do from seven to eight hours day after day in fine weather. Last month, strange to say, this lot went the same road as the last, though next day five out of the flight returned at daybreak. Had he not lost this flight, I do not hesitate to say he could have given a challenge to any fancier in England for length and height of flight or work. Some birds in this flight would roll 20 yards at one effort, Btop themselves beautifully, and regain the flight, repeating this more or less during the whole time of flying. I am sure I never saw one bird in either of these flights crack its wings like a whip, which we consider is a sign of poor breeding and not a sign of strength of flight, which one of your correspondents asserted. Of all the Pigeon tribe, for my fancy, give me the Tumbler, which is both pretty to look at and gives one so much amuse- ment when soaring in tho sky. I think if this fancy were more generally known, many gentlemen would find a fund of enjoyment in breeding and training this wonderful little bird. I should feel proud to read anything in your valuable paper which would give instruction to intended fanciers, or those who are already fanciers, for without proper management the birds are a bore, but trained skilfully they become a pleasurable pastime. My friend Mr. Thomas says, he does not believe that one fancier out of ten understands the manage- ment of the Tumbler. — J. G. Levison, Ship Can-er, Docks, Gloucester. [Tell us how you get your birds to start off and fly high ; several of our correspondents find it difficult to frighten their Pigeons up and make them fly. — Eds.] BIRMINGHAM ROLLERS. I am informed by Mr. H. Noje, Secretary to the Birmingham Columbarian Society, that a class of Roller Pigeons is flown in Turkey as high-flying birds, which fly several hours, ascending and descending at intervals, and interwe iving rolls and tumbles with their descent at such intervals. These Turkish Rollers, Mr. Noye says, descend by consecutive rolls, balancing them- selves like a Hawk or Lark between the rolls, as if to see how far they are still from the earth ; and then rolling again and ending in another balance, they close their wings and finish their descent as the fall of a stone, by a dead rapid dive down upon the dovecot roof. Mr. Noye speaks from personal obser- vation, and noticed the peculiarity in these Turkish Rollers, of as many as twenty feathers in the tail, and a double feather in some of the birds, from one quill in the centre of the tail ; the usual tail feathers of our Tumblers being twelve in number only. The centre double tail feather, Mr. Noyfi says, he has also observed in the Birmingham Roller, though be does not say if the Birmingham Roller ever carries more than twelve feathers in the tail — a point worth notice in this inquiry. The Turkish Rollers too, Mr. Noje states, have clear legs and muffed legs interchangeably, as the Birmingham Rollers have like- wise. Mr. Noye does not describe the colour of the Turkish March 24, 1870. ] JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUBEAND_COTTAGB^AEDENER 237 Hie Birmingham Boiler does not roll so well as the Turkish fftMr H^rdv lacks a resort for English Tumblers, at page its Cout Sky Tamblers, intermixed, it is true, but English solely and thoroughly.— Beadeb. LEEDS BIRD SHOW. farther remarks till next week. „,„,„,, wnrtn ampton. 2. J. Yonns. The, ^ -*1' l';( J'^""^ Y,ltlr. 3, J.Bexson. Needier, Hall. he. S. Calvert ,c ™r ^"^J. -^Vawnsley. Bradford, c. W. »fte, Moore & Wynne: A. Webster, jun. /M . r. "v,1™ ■ s Wynne. Ewn- Hean. Eo,.»™rtoMr r.»r.e?atrii ^ ^""''-ri ^'' ;,mf ?,w. Walter. *,P. mariv.i or Varirontrd Eug.-1 and? M"°™ %S,arte,l ivlloir.-l.Moo, ■,. and Rawnslcy. ae. W. Brownr.dsc. Ttfl.-rf or ■ ' ""j " , w. W:ll„ r. Wynne. 2 W. Heap .d,e Moore ft Wynne ^. Ilea P ^. Ticked or Unrvenrmurhd Buff.-l, Moore. ■ 5g™ R !Ijmll„. C'n-sfr.i *, Moore & Wynne ; J. .•'««»• *<•■ JVvnne Cr -iffd Duff.-l, 3- Yonnu'. rriW-1. J. Yotmg. 2 «rt**WHtm^.W 'IC' w' 2, J. Swithenbank. Bradford. »«i ™"gl . J BaSon c Mooro & Wynne; Brownridne, Leeds : W-MBiraea, London , J. B^son c i Wynne. W.Walter; J. Goodo. B«! S« ^»™V*o7t ' Tan Belgians. - ' '>,■ or .-.-"oie. 3, W. Heap, lie, P. Uawnsley. c. A. Wet>r i ■ ■ • p.dotudd Hall. -1 and 2, W. Walter. '*'.;Yo« J/vi"'Sr ! W Needier. Ac, J. Prestwich: W. Ne. dler. Cirar BaiT.- ,\ »•» ;, .; cr r„.,.,,, y,.(;„,r.- Calvert; W. Shackleion : Walla & S*'»n1' Rufr-i W Needier. 2. .7. Calvert. 2, P. Eawnsley. Variegated or TieUd Buff. 1, vv .M;e j, „, _,. .,. Leeds. />v<( .sir WS™"^'',,8^ Jinn Kl -I •'- «'. W.-tfleld. Waller, Anerley. 2. J. C. WestBeW London MyJ». j, _ A6hum , w LrziKD.-i;oWe7i-sj)an(7(ed'.--l,J. Yoanp.. -,l. =>"«» stel,liens S Barton, Needier: Wells ft ^"^^fc fc». sW.sjMn„I«i.-l. J. Middlesbrough; W. Needier «. £ C. W esima a ,, lUwn9iey ; Yeung. 2. H. Ashton 3. Stephens & Barto n e. -J ^exson. .2,.t. Young. E. Stansfielvl. he, P. Holmes. C'^ton 2 J Yonn g rnc. Moore & Wynne. c Moore&Wynne Ba#rl, .LBexson ^ J. i™ . & w c, J. Waller (21. Marked or VaneaaUd. 1, J . >"" » ' Vakiety.-1, W. nfte, P. Rawnsley. he, W. Heap; H. Ashton. am Eaw„sley; W. Shackleton, Iikley. 2. n. Ashton. 8, w . [i^]mn. 'Stephens* Burton : Shaokletcn; 11. Ashton PL.»«.*-?«™J?'xKS)4 GuhiS Mules.-LW A. Webster, jnn., Iurkstall. f, ■'•Y»'1Y-' • r lr;r„„W 17 H <;../."i».-/i. SoMrtnc/i.-l and vhc, H. Ashton. ■.'; J""":;^, . ,, stansfleld. he, W. K. -1 and 2, H. Ashton. 3. J. Robson. r/i . . H A sh t- .n . i . » 2 H_ BaUy.Pordeet. f , W. Barnes. F.xr.e, , .e? *»■ H 'Bu„tin- I>erl.v; Ashton. 3, E. Stansfleld. vhc, W. B BMlej •^■11'n" 'r W Needier, f. W. H. Ashton. /if, H. Warren, Norw eh ,h .Bunt n i . » steelom Heap; W. Needier. Dark Janqv <-^' m'':^- ™ '! "^ lant„n ; E. Stansfleld. and Burton. »/if, Stephens and Burton . V . Hear ,, 11. Asnt ; v, w_ U.R^0W^alter^AalWeb«^^^^ Stanafield. 2, H. Ashton. 3, W. Heap. B/if , W. BrownridKe, BRITISH BIRDB.-BTn.i.raoav-l, A. Webster, jj m. i . OLDFINCH.-i, J. Leeda ; W. Walter fcc, S. Bgltalg. c.J. |«mett, J.U, urton ; A. Webster, jun. isKaiSi£sai!«Si£-aft«&.----- would be an advantage in h&^rfh^XBee,'' chap, xix), as we are told by Dr. Bevar i (see Th Hon^ ^e V ^ treasures." h season] X propose to The dummies, at the end ot n e j working in remove, to accommodate the bees wmon i» the super, and so obviate AenewgBny o^ a-r The chief «l«Bbonw Will tta eight be^am ie ^ ^ SSr ^wSs^S^Jte Wen and Aprils Woodbury hive are required or bree«ng w resuming the subject of the iropa « information fetSTheE^^^ inHae Ss of papers which com- menced on the 24th of July, 1866.] l^imk-i, wfleap. AM »«HSJ^S™^£-1 A. Webster, J... BIRDS OF PASSAGE, ia-sissm OB AnEanETiNL. i ^ D._i',JW.B. FOREIGN niRHS.-cora.vTiO. LMf ,Tf" °"rtK ,] , .K BlM)a.-l, W. B. Bailey. 2, J. Calvert. Gem Pamuvt v-_ J . h rt iUen „, w. Bailey. 2, W. Heap. AuaTRAUJr. Grass T^u ts. l ^vv K[NO pABRO?,._ Heap. Riso-necked on IlKNoAt, I Ai. e _r. 1, 'p 't1 w. B. Bailey. I.W.B. Bailey, r/ie. W. M.-«, Leeds. Kosfhii.l i v ; ^ Diamond ,./if, W. Heap. «ocet.tealb.-1, W. Ilia 1-,,— ;.KED SMiB0WB.-l, W. Spaeeow.-I, W. Wa ber. *,*«■ ^ 5- _', 'w Walt,-r. Any Vamety op B.Bailey. V he W. .Heap. Ji"^\v Waiter V.rois.an Niohtino.ii.es.- Waxmi.ls.-1, W. B. Bailey, vhc. "•.W,ut!lt(. w. Hcap. Widah Bieds.- 1, W. Heap, Cardin»i.s.-1. W.B. bailey. ^-^ \.kc w. B. BaUey. 1 W. B. Bailey. Any other Vakllty. i, yv. j.».w /.f.W.B.BaUey; W.Walter. Judges. — Canaries and Jnlu/ Jiii*. •"■ "■ _ B^.eT Norfolk Street, Snnderland. Foreign. Birds: Mr. T. B. Wauey, Sowerby, Thirsk. DUMMY FRAMES. I should like the opinion of yourself and reader 3 of ''our J^KtothepraoUbiUtyandutilityofttatollowmgP^. Sts occurred to me to adopt with my Woodbury hrves Now being about the time to replace the outer combs (Nos. 1 and 10) which were removed when the stocks were made up last OUR LETTER BOX. «t? n B " wishes 1; to know Whitehaven Show 1869.-An exlnbi or K^c.. ^ ^^ show are gSSllff^-^SSSS^tSUg the money that the birds realised in the above claBS ? ' ,ddresa. Write for them in the reports we pnblish. ^ ^ taken t0 th9 Fitting Hen Leaving Her iv.r.s ij. a-.,. • w ^ave known hours- „ , r nr t i —The points of all Game cooks are Points or Game Cocks J. F. T.). ^*° are of tw0 shades, the identical. The plumage only -wru ». »",';,„" the baek, as the name ,o,,Per-backed and the silver. In «ie lorme ^ d implies, is copper-coloured ; m tl e '"■"^f Vlack breasts and ails. In dnce high condition in a Game. cock. ^ {or ^j Cochin Hens DBorriNfl their **™&r'LfaaDat'ia they have no tails should not be more than 18 inches from tw it ^ u^ b t the birds to drop on the floor of the house. Oars ar ghou,d adTlse yoa to never use them. They hudto on he ™nn ^ ^^ yoaf egg3 ^^t remove your perches for a time, anu wio j injuring your fowls. a d seem3 to be Hens not L«r»G i(i WcjSS S*S SSSSS&Ml - »».t you jadiciously given. We should look foi y o ^ floor t BUg eaU your winter quarters. A large iceiuur th mu8t ; it is. not a gestive of early laying. Your ^ f-wla w'U l»7 b*ut the event ,8 pre- voluntary process any more than cutting. ^ • t0 move them at cipitated or retarded by dingW^ We aOv. J ^ h ^^TS-'Xr^i ptot^ eggs. DO not return them to the cellar at any time. b j. ht {eather— that Dorkings (Vorfc-Mr. Sab«r.bfr).-We preto the ng Mp without the dark edging. We ^«"»»B^S Workings. Choose your and an old cock. They are do ,1 «"; '\0deflaBd flve daws, breeding birds with very clean feet ad wen ^^ Sprinkling Hens' Eggs (Kaa. ^^-BprmMe wu ^ BS%S£ SSP52, 'which^S Lroughly wet with the cold morning dew. »■_».* ,-«l —Feed your hen on bread Golden-spangled Hen Drooping (Tor«_«). -*e >acli piU the 8^? •0^taW^f.a^dd^^Cw.S^^ JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AM) COTTAGE GARDENER. f March 24, 1&70. is self-coloured all over except tho tail, so much the better; itiflBeldom the caee ; the hackle, saddle, and wings are frequently darker and brighter in colour. The plumage of the hen should be pencilled all over, except the hackle. All that is imperative is that the markings should be accu- rate pencillings, and not mosses or patches of colour. Hens Picking the Cock's Comb (H. T.).— The hen first pecks the coca's comb, cither because ho asks her to do so, or because there is a spot or Bpeck that attracts her attention. When she has torn it off it Meeds, and then she has tasted blood find likes it, and noes on pecking and eating. The remarkable part nf the affair i". that the cock appears to like the operation and will stand to bo eaten. While the fit Is on them the hens will disfigure every cock. Let them he without one for a time, Bay for ten days. Feed on cooling food during that time ; plenty of fresh earth, grass, and lettuce if you have any. If they show any disposition to peck the cock let him be removed, and only turned with them fora short time at a spell, and watched all the time. It is often a good plan in these cases to rub the comb with the bitterest ointment that can be made up. Brahma's Wing Feathers Projecting (Mtoa D.).— The cock has what is called a twisted flight. It is not verv uncommon in large yards. It is anything but desirable. In common with all defects, it is more frequently transmitted than a virtue or good quality. It does not affect the purity of his breed. We should not breed from him if we had another. If obliged to keep him, we should cut the peccant feathers off close to the Wing. Brahma Pullets not Laying (E. H. S.)<— It is probable your pullets were and are egg-bound. Catch them carefully, take out a stiff tail or a wing feather, saturate it thoroughly with sweet oil, and pass it up the egg-passage. If there be an egg there it will sonn be laid; if not, there is probably permanent injury done in laying the last egg, an 1 the'hen will have to be killed. Do not'resort to the last without due trial of remedies, and be patient. Lubricate the passages in the way wo have mentioned till they reek with oil, and then put the hen iu a small basket filled with Soft hay. Let the bird remain there, fed on soft fond only ; repeat the process of oi'ing every six houra during the day, and try the bird each time to see if there is any improvement. Weighing Poultry (A Constant Reader}.— The acknowledged way of ascertaining the weight of live poultry is one that causes neither pain nor inconvenience. Take any basket— mat, wicker, or rush— that will hold the bird it is intended to weigh, and ascertain its weight. Put the bird in it, fasten it by tying two or three place*, or by running a skewer through. Put the bird in, weigh the whole, and deduct the weight of the basket. Spanish Fowls (C. C.).— Spanish are not fowls judged by weight. Size is desirable, but not essential. The principal points are :— Faultless black plumage, perfectly white faces, blue legs, upright carri;icre, with slope from shoulders to insertion of tail. They are one of the few breeds that improve by being confined for some time before they are shown. They do well by being shut in a small place in semi-darknes=, and there are those who believe that being fed on white peas helps to produce the white face that is so desirable. Spanish or Golden-jpangled HAsreuRGns for Profit (F. T.). — We ' a droll prefer the Spanish to the Spangled Hum burghs as layers, idea that the eggs of one sell for as much as the other, it is known to all who are interested in the question that four Spanish eggs weigh and contain more than six Hamburghs' eccrs. It may be said, " An egg's an egg for a' that." We must agree to diff.r. No Hamburgh is so hardy as a Spanish, and few fowls eat so little as the Spanish. If it were our case we should retain the Spanish, and if you do not you will one day wish you had. Lame Goose (J. H.).— We fear you have allowed too long a time to elapse without applying a remedy, to make a perfect cure. The leg is out of joint. The treatment is to foment the leg for a long time with very hot water, and then to pull sharply in opposite directions, when the bone fipriDgs, as it were, into its socket. If let alone it forms a new socket, which is seldom of any use. If you have reduced the dislocation you must for some days keep the bird in a email basket filled with s ft hay, and he sure before she is fastened down that she sits in a natural position, with her legs bent and doubled under her. It will bo at least a fortnight after the setting before she may be trusted out even for a little exercise. If the bone slips into the socket and out again, the feathers and down must be picked off clean, and the bone secured in its place by adhesive plaidter. High-flttng Ttjmblers (Edwin).— When both cock and hen tumble well mate them, but if not, mate the hen that tumbles well with the cock that does not, rather than the cock that tumbles well with the hen that does not. It is a good strain when the hen tumbles well. Most probably articles on the management of high-flying Tumblers will appear in our columns. The Indian corn Bhould not be ground. White Pigeons from Malta (Charles Watkins). — Soul birds are doubt- less Runts. We have seen similar from Egypt. Pigeons for the Table (Agriculture).— Common Runts, not the prize Bort, would suit you best. The nest must be according to the size of the bird. Such birds if at liberty would pick up a good deal. Pigeons eat about half a pint per pair each day. Egyptian Swtft Pigeon (W. M.).~ The Swift Pigeon is doubtless more valued as a novelty than for its utility. It is quite unlike any other variety of Pigeon whatever, and from the remarkable shortness of its legs, combined with the extraordinary development of wing, the body bears a striking resemblance in Bhape to the Tern or Sea Swallow. In size it ia somewhat less than a Dragoon, but its great length makes it appear smaller in girth than it really proves to be if taken in hand, for the flight leathers are from 18 to 14 inches long. This causes the bird to be seen to a very great disadvantage unless shown in a cage much larger than our common exhibition pen for Pigeons. Although the tail feathers are as long as those of the generality of Pigeons, when the wings are closed the tips project some 2 or 2$ inches beyond the tail. It is stated that when in full flight the speed of these birds is remarkably great, and the wings make a very shrill Bound, but when traversing short distances they cer- tainly fly very light, and the wings are moved as noiselessly as those of a barn Owl. The formation of the head would not by any means indicate superior intelligence, or an aptitude for homing qualities ; bnt as they have never in the midland countieBbeen permitted to enjoy unlimited freedom, the absolute result in this respect has not been proved. Tito head is in shape somewhat like that of the English Owl Pigeon, but not a vestige of frill on the crop is shown ; the eyes are remarkably small and red, very slightly "lashed" round as in tho Antwerp ; but while the latter are so notable for intelligence and fire, the Swift, at least when cng-d, appears to be a dull and inactive bird. The colour of the pair exhibited at the Birming- ham Philoperisteron Society's Show was most unique, but striking and pleasing, tho birds being of different shades of bronze throughout, and of perfect metallic lustre, but it seems they vary sometimes to a very clear slate-colour, and even to black mottles. The bronze-coloured ones have bred truly to colour, and appear to be good nurses; they have already taken two silver cups in the variety class, and no Pigeon fancier could see them for tho first time without surprise and approval. They were imported, with many other scarce varieties of Pigeons, by Mr. Noy,of Hagley Koad, Birmingham. Antwerp Pigeons. — Mr. Noyc writes to say that the alteration in the throat of the bird is not " ideal," but according to the original. Ho also says that Mr. Gradley did not breed the standard bird, nor ever pDSsesscd its father. Mr. Noye did speak a3 alleged of Mr. Bradley'9 Glasgow ex- hibited Pigeons, but only as " flying birds." We have had letters from other gentlemen confirming Mr. Nova's statements. No further notice of this subject can be taken by us. (F. Mills).— Tho English standard may not be like the Pigeons bred at Brussels, but that is of no consequence. Fanciers may adopt whatever characteristics thty please. Examining- Bees Without Danger (E. M. Jf.). — Arm yourself with a lighted cigar, or fumigator, or a roll of smouldering linen rag3, and blow sufficient smoke into the entrance to cause the bees to retire; then raise the hive slightly from its floor-board and puff a few whiffa of smoke under it all round. About half a minute afterwards boldly lift the hive, invert- ing it at the same time, and examine it as much as you please. All this could readily be affected by an adept without any protection whatever, but a novice had better wear a bee-veil and gloves. Stocking a Hive (Apis).— The simplest mode of stocking your frame hive is to permit the stock to swarm naturally, and then induct the new colony into it in the usual wav. If, however, it be desired to transfer the stock, combs and all, without swarming, it mny be done in the manner described by Mr. Woodbury in our number of tho 22nd of July last, as soon as the weather becomes warm, and the hive well filled with bees. It certainly appears rather a formidable undertaking for a beginner, bnt we see no reason why a lady properly protected by a bee-veil and Indian- rubber gloves, such as are used by photographers, should not accsniplish it with the assistance of her gardener. Beet-root for Cattle- feeding (B. P. J.).— We have not had much experience with this, having always considered Mangold Wurtzel more profitable. As the continental mode of crushing Bett, and extracting the sugar, giving the pulp to cattle, would seem to require too great an outlay in the shape of machinery and other arrangements, it is not likely to answer unless on a large scale, and then it is uncertain, as the dull summer which we have in this country, as compared to what they have abroad, does not furnish the root with the necessary amount of saccharine matter to pay the cost of extracting it. You might, however, try a quantity of the White Silesian Beet, which is the best for your purpose, and treat it the same as Mangold Wurtzel, by sowing at the end of April. At the same time we would recommend your trying some Mangold as well, by way of comparison. A deep light soil suits both if it be a showery summer, but in a dry one a stifler and moister soil produces better roots. Whatever manure is given ought to he buried rather deeply. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— March 28. Our last w \t k'a quotations fire fullv maintained, and some advance has been made in the price of choice goods, which have been moro in inquiry from the large provincial towns than in London, where theduluess of the Court season seems to react upon every class of the community. Good hothouse Grapes of late varieties are still to be had, and new Grapes from Guernsey and Jersey, as well as from our home growers. Potatoes are plentiful, none but good samples keeping their price. FRUIT. I Apples J sieve 3 Apri ' ots. . doz. © Cherries lb. v.: lie:. Hints bushel 19 GsrxantB... * sieve 0 Black do. 0 Figs doz. 0 Filberts lb. 0 0 Cobs lb. 0 Gooseberries quart 0 Grapes, Hothouse lb. 8 Leniuns V10Q 6 Melons each 0 1. n. d 6 toe U 0 n 0 CI 0 (1 11 V.0 II 11 11 II 0 0 u 0 (1 11 II (1 j 1 0 • II f) 11 mi II 0 0 111 e 0 0 Mulberries quart 0 0 to 0 0 Peaches doz. 0 0 Pears, kitchen doz. 4 0 des9ert dos. 4 0 Pine Apples lb. 8 0 Plums i sieve 0 0 Quinces doz. 0 0 Raspberries lb. 0 0 Strawberries oz. 4 0 Walnuts bushel 19 0 do iy 100 1 e Artichokes doz. Asparagrus y 100 Beans. Kidney do. Broad bushel Beet, Red doz. Broccoli handle Brussels Sprouts. . J s" Carrots bunch 0 Cauliflower doz. 8 Celery bundle 1 C^leworts. .doz. bunches 3 Cucumbers each 1 pickling doz. 0 Endive doz. 2 Fennel bunch 0 VEGETABLES. I. e. d S. d. 0 to 6 0 Leefes hunch 0 4 t< ) 13 0 Lettuce doz. 1 0 1 0 0 Mushrooms pottle 2 0 ) 0 0 Mustard i Cress.. punnet 0 2 ) S 0 Onions bushel 3 6 [I 16 pickling quart 0 4 D 0 0 Parsley sieve 3 6 0 2 0 Parsnips doz. 0 9 D 0 0 Peas quart 0 0 i 0 8 Potatoes bushel 2 0 D 6 0 Kidney do. 3 6 6 2 0 Radishes .. doz. bunches 1 0 0 6 0 Rhubarb bundle 1 0 0 2 6 Savoys doz. 1 6 0 0 0 Sea-kale bflBket 2 0 0 0 0 Shallots lb. 0 C 3 0 0 Spinach bushel 3 0 8 0 0 Tomatoes doz. 0 0 3 0 0 Turnips bunch 0 4 0 C 0 I VegetablcAIarrows..doz. 0 0 March 31, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 230 WEEKLY CAL ENDAR. Day ot Month Day of Week. MARCH 31-APRIL 6, 1870. ^LlZl™ Rain in last 43 years. Sim RiBes. Sun Sets. Rises. Moon Sets. Moon'B Age. Clock before Sun. Day of Year. 31 1 a 3 t 6 6 Th P S Sun M Tu W Day. Royal Botanic Society's Spring Show closes. 55 3 [Meeting of Royal Society, 8,30 p.m. 55.0 Length of Day 12h. 57m. 57.8 5 Sunday in Lent. 57.1 Meeting of Entomological Society, 7 P.M. 56.7 57.0 Royal Horticultural Society, Fruit, Floral, 57.0 [aDd General Meeting. Night. Mean. 83.9 44.6 S4.4 ! 41.7 86.7 ; 46.9 36.7 1 46.4 85.7 , 46.2 36.7 I 46.0 86.9 47.2 Days. 18 21 21 20 17 21 14 m. h. 4laf5 38 5 86 6 34 5 32 S 29 5 27 5 m. h. SOaf 6 31 6 33 6 35 6 37 6 88 6 40 6 m. h. 58 af 5 17 6 36 6 56 6 17 7 42 7 13 8 m. h. 48 af 5 53 6 58 7 3 9 8 10 IS 11 morn. Days. i9 • 1 2 3 4 5 m. e. 4 14 3 56 8 38 3 20 3 2 2 44 2 27 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 From observations taken near London during the last fortv-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 56 5°; and its night temperature 35 9°. The greatest heat was 78s, on the 3rd, 1818 ; and the lowest cold 16", on the 1st, 1838. The greatest fall of rain was 1.19 inch. THE ORCHARD HOUSE. 1 S the orchard-bouse system of growing Peaches and other fruit trees has been in practice for many years, and the question of its supe- riority or inferiority as compared with the method in general practice at the time of its introduction may be supposed to be finally settled, I think it is desirable to ascertain from experienced growers how far the new system has realised the expectations which were originally entertained of it, and in what particulars it may have failed to do so. There are many amateurs who, in the enthusiasm of the moment, and under the charm of novelty, caught up the idea, and built orchard houses, and who are now disheartened because they have not realised all the wonderful tilings which were predicted from the adoption of the system. Now, I think a discussion of the results of experienced growers up to the present time would tend to revive the hopes of the downcast and place the orchard-house system upon its true basis as compared with other modes of culture. — Amatedr. [We forwarded this letter to Mr. Fish, who has sent us the following remarks in reply. — Eds] Having several times discussed the subject of orchard houses, I should like "Amateur's" letter to receive some attention from others. Meanwhile, considering orchard houses in general to be glass- covered houses, but other- wise having no artificial heat, I would unhesitatingly pro- nounce in their favour. The disappointments have often been owing to want of attention, ana also to perhaps rather too much enthusiasm, without which nothing great or com- manding has ever been done. For the present, then, I shall confine myself to the questions put. First, I think it would simplify matters if orchard houses were not heated artificially ; when so heated they become less or more forcing houses. As a matter of utility, how- ever, there can be no question of the desirability of being able to apply artificial heat when wanted, as to exclude frost in spring, to prevent a check in dull cold weather in summer, to ripen fruit, and especially to ripen the wood well in autumn. I would never despise a stove, a flue, and far less a hot-water pipe in an orchard house, even though these should be little used ; but then we depart from the primary meaning of the orchard house, and may just as well call it a Peach house or a vinery. Secondly, a mixed collection of fruit is chiefly advan- tageous to the amateur who wishes to have as much variety in as little space as possible. In a lean-to house I have trees against the back wall, trees or small bush pyramids in pots in front, and Vines up the roof at (! or 7 feet apart. Many with a considerable amount of enthusiasm may adopt the same plan, where they want variety in little space, but the plan is not the best. As Peaches and Nectarines approach maturity, their flavour depends not only on light, but on plenty of air, and consequently less heat in the house ; whilst less air and more warmth would have suited the swelling Grapes. This is the chief draw- back, and therefore, to give each crop the best chance in a No. 470.— Vol. XVUI, New Sebies. small space, Grapes should have a division to themselves, and Peaches and Nectarines should be similarly situated. Very fair crops of all may be obtained, but there is the drawback I have noticed. Most of our early Grapes, as Hamburghs, Muscadines, Sweetwaters, &c., will ripen well in an unheated glass house with somewhat large squares of glass, but later kinds would only succeed by shutting up the house early to enclose sun heat, which might not so well suit Peaches ripening. As regards the relative merits of pot culture and planting- out in the border, a similar reply must be given. A great variety in little space can be obtained by the pot system, and the plants are more easily kept under control, but they require much more attention, and that more regularly, too, than if they had been planted-out in the border. Water- ing alone is a matter to be thought about, especially if water is at all scarce, and the neglect of watering for a day may make the crop fall. Growing fruit trees in pots is a great source of enjoyment to amateurs, and much good fruit may thus be obtained, more especially if the fruit is sufficiently thinned so as to take only a moderate supply from a small tree. I have fairly tried the pot system, and after its freshness has gone I can imagine how pleasing it must be to many, but still the labour, and especially in watering, is considerable when the number of pots is large. On the whole, were I resolved to grow as much fruit as I could with the least amount of trouble ia a lean-to orchard house, I would have trees against the back wall, and trees planted-out and trained to a low curved trellis in front. When houses are not heated artificially, and air is kept osi all night, or given early in the morning, there is less like- lihood of an attack of red spider than in heated houses. A moist atmosphere and the use of the syringe will, with fresh air, be the best preventives. Sulphur spread on hot- water plates, say at Kill", or sulphur placed on quicklime after it has been slaked, will help to dislodge, if not kill, the red spider. Clear soap water is also good. The great remedy and preventive is the syringe or garden engine. — R Fish. FUNKIAS. What charming border plants Funkias are, but how little attention has been paid to their cultivation, while- enough praise can scarcely be lavished upon them for their decorative qualities ! They flourish almost anywhere, and I do not think that it is saying too much for them that they can scarcely be surpassed, for they are well adapted for either in or out-door decoration They do not reward us, it is true, with their gaudy-coloured flowers, for they are, as far as I am acquainted with them, either approaching white or of rather a leaden or lilac hue ; but their beautiful foliage more than compensates for any lack of colour. Of Funkia grandiflora, with its beautiful white flowers and handsome foliage, too much cannot be said. They are sufficient to place it among the very choicest of plants employed for decorative purposes, to say nothing of the delicate perfume it emits. F. lanceaofolia is a very desirable plant, and deserves far No. 1124-Yol, XLUI., Old Semes. 210 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March 31, 1670. more extensive cultivation than it is at present receiving. Its pretty puce-coloured flowers and lance-Bhaped leaves render it worthy of a place in all collections. F. Sieboldii is a noble-looking plant when in full foliage. In a shrubbery border, not too much shaded, it is one of thefineBt- foliaged border plants we have, and would almost vie with some of our more expensive Palm-like plants. F. undulata, as its name implies, has wavy leaves, and is a very desirable autumn-blooming plant. The Funkias are not a very extensive race, but among the variegated kinds are to be found many that are possessed of great attractions, which ought to secure for them places in all collections where fine foliage is a desideratum. Fankia ovata variegata is a charming plant for edgings in a sheltered situation; grown in pots and plunged, it makes a splendid edging, and contrasts well with many of our dwarf bedding plants. Funkia umbc-Uata variegata and Fuukia un- dulata variegata are equally well adapted for the same purpose, but are of rather taller habit. The whole family is worthy of cultivation. For pot culture, when well grown, the Funkias will vie with many of our most choice kinds of fine-foliaged plants ; and, besides, they are very accommodating, for they will bear a good share of rough usage. The hardier kinds may be planted in the borders where they are to remain. They are not particular as to soil and situation, but stagnant water is injurious to their well-doing, especially during winter. I find they thrive well in a mixture of sandy loam, leaf mould, and peat ; for pot culture the Eame compost may be used, with the addition of a little charcoal dust. The pots should be well drained, and the plants carefully watered as they may require. Care should be taken that the soil in the pots do not become waterlogged at any time, as that might prove very injurious. A cold pit or frame in a rather shaded situation suits the Funkias admirably, but they must have a free circulation of air, and be sheltered from strong winds. When fully exposed ■they are liable to suffer, some of their leaves being of a rather delicate texture ; but they are worthy of all the care, and calcu- lated to produce a gorgeous display, having an almost tropical appearance. They are easily increased by division of the roots, after the plants have had a season of rest. I find that when growth is about to commence is the best time to divide them. I have not been able to succeed in raising them from Beed. — M. H., Acklam Hall, Middlcsbrourjh-on-Tees. CULTURE OF THE BLACK CURRANT. Can Black Currants be made to pay ? I answer, Yes ; they are very profitable when grown as plantation trees. This I shall endeavour to prove in the following paper. If possible select for the plantation moist loamy soil, as the Black Currant requires plenty of moisture if at all exposed to the sun; but if ground of this description cannot be obtained, a good mulching of manure during the fruiting season will contribute much towards securing the desired results. The ground should be well trenched, and plenty of manure must be trenched in, or dug in afterwards near the surface ; for the plant, like the Grape Vine, is a very gross feeder, and should be liberally supplied. Any of the following will be found useful — viz., all kinds of sewage, nightsoil, dung (and the stronger the better), old sacking, cloth or woollen rags, rotten leaves or fern, wood ashes, soot, or soapsuds; and even sprats have been applied with the very best results. The ground, having been treated as recommended, will be fit for planting, which should take place at as early a period as convenient after the fall of the leaf, and before the trees break again in spring ; but sometimes I have planted when the trees were in full leaf, and with a good watering have found them succeed well ; still, unless watering can be attended to, I would recommend earlier planting. Plant 3 feet apart every way, and in lines at right angles to each other ; an acre will there- fore contain 4840 plants. My reason for planting at the above distance is the following. All growers of the Black Currant are aware that the finest fruit is always produced on the strongest wood of last year's growth ; I would therefore cut down to two or three buds every alternate tree, as shown in the accompanying diagram — * • * • * in which the asterisks («) represent the trees . , . » . intended to produce fruit this year, and the dots those which bore last year, and which have been cut down to produce strong growth for bearing next year. As soon as the cut-down trees have started and made growths of 2 or 3 inches in length, they should bo carefully looked over, and disbudded where necessary ; to grow fruit successfully, never allow a shoot more than will be re- quired. From this it will be seen that my motive for cutting down every alternate tree is to obtain a constant succession of young and strong wood, and consequently fruit of better quality than would otherwise be the case. Large fruit being a main point, I would recommend that only the largest-fruited plants be propagated, and that all the trees, when in bearing, should be looked over, the largest- fruited marked for propagation, and all defaulters rooted out as soon as the crop is gathered. I know nothing more easy to propagate than I he Black Cur- rant. The cuttings should be selected from the strongest wood of last year's growth, should be about a foot in length, and have all the lower buds taken out, leaving only three or four at the top to form the head, the cuttings being quite clear of buds from the ground. When planted they should be made firm in the ground, especially where it is apt to get dry. When the leaves fall in autumn the plants intended to be cut back should be pruned at once, and all vacancies filled up. Also give a good dressing of any of the manures I have recom- mended, and dig it in, unless the ground is very hot and dry in the summer, in which case the dressing should remain on the Burface to be washed in by rain. When thus left it will prevent the soil from drying so rapidly as it would do when fully exposed. If the above instructions be attended to the trees will require very little attention during the summer, except keeping the ground free from weeds, particularly the Bindweeds, so inju- rious to fruit trees in general, by two or three good hoeings. From a rough calculation I find that a plantation of one acre treated as described will give 2420 fruiting trees a-year, and taking the yield at a quart a-tree, and the value at id. per quart, the return will be £40 6s. 8d. Although I have assumed the produce to be a quart per tree, I believe that a plantation so treated and liberally manured, would when once established produce nearer a gallon a-tree. It will therefore be per- ceived that the Black Currant affords a good return for a little extra attention and labour bestowed upon it. — Lancashibk Subscribes. A FEW GOOD BICOLOR PELARGONIUMS. Like the Tricolors their name is legion, and while, like them, all are beautiful, there are no doubt some which carry away the palm from others. As I have been enabled to grow during the past season most of the kinds advertised by the leading raisers, I would submit the following as those which I have found the most beautiful. 1. Crown Prince. — A very beautiful-leaved variety, with deep- coloured, dark bronzed chestnut zone. Leaves smooth and good. 2. Harrison We ir— Avery fine and bold-looking plant ; leaves very thick, smooth, and flat ; altogether one of the best. 3. Red Ilinrj. — A bright golden leaf with blight red chestnut zone ; the leaves are very much serrated, but an excellent plant for bedding purposes. 4. Black Prince. — A fine variety, with broad chestnut zone on a golden ground. 5. Anthony.— A good variety, with light golden leaf and deep reddish brown zone ; flowers salmon rose. 6. Southern Belle. — Almost the same as Sybil. The zone is very dark, and covers nearly the whole of the leaf, which is not so large as in the varieties already described. It is one of Mr. Morris's seedlings. 7. Criterion. — Bright golden leaf, beautifully round and smooth, with a dark brownish red zone. The habit is excellent. 8. Plutiis. — Margin of the leaf bright yellow, with a deep reddish bronze zone. 9. Sybil. — The description given of Southern Belle will very nearly apply to this very beautiful variety. 10. Arab. — Greenish yellow ground; bright lively chestnut zone, and good habit and leaf. 11. — Duke, of Edinburgh. — A plant of very fine habit ; ser- rated leaf, with deep chestnut zone. 12. Hero of Houndstone.— Vety smooth, and excellent ill foliage and habit, bearing well exposure to the weather. 13. Prima Donna. — One of Messrs. Downie & Co.'s most beautiful varieties ; margin and disk yellow, with dark red bronze zone. I have not giren any notice of the varieties of former years, March SI, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 241 but have confined myself to those which were sent out last season ; for notwithstanding the taunts that are thrown out year after year that no advance has been made, there can be no question that it does take place ; and although the improve- ment may seem slight, yet we have but to compare the pro- ductions of one season with those of a few seasons back, and the improvement will be at once seen. — D., Deal. WINTER-BLOOMING PLANTS. In winter a gardener has so many calls upon him for bouquets, and for cut flowers and plants for the decoration of the dinner table, that it is of the greatest importance that he should have plants that will produce flowers and foliage in abundance at that season. It is not my iutention to notice Azaleas, Ca- mellias, bulbous and other plants, the value of which is well known, bat plants which when well grown, and mixed with those just mentioned, add greatly to the beauty of the con- servatory or stove. I grow no plants but such as flower freely, and have sterling qualities to recommend them. DiiECEAiipiA Ejezliana rosea. — This was introduced from Vera Cruz. It blooms very freely, even on plants a few inches high. I once saw a shelf of two hundred little plants just potted off, and all of them were showing bloom. It differs from the majority of its congeners in its erect stem. I keep my plants continually pinched back in order to form bushy specimens. Its foliage is very beautiful ; the first time I saw it, it reminded me very much of our Chestnut trees in a young state. The large rosy bracts are extremely handsome, and are produced in great profusion all the winter. In summer I pick off the flowers to encourage growth. My plant has been plunged in cocoa-nut refuse, and during the autumn I took up several young seedlings, so that a good stock of plants can soon be ob- tained. It is very effective upon the dinner table, under the chandelier. I grow it in fibrous peat and loam, with a liberal sprinkling of silver sand and good drainage of charcoal. In this soil it thrives well, and soon makes a specimen. Hoteia (Spiilea) japonica. — This is an excellent plant for early forcing, its erect shining green foliage, and numerous graceful panicles of white inflorescence giving it an elegant ap- pearance. It is perfectly hardy. I plant about three dozen in a nursery bed a foot or bo square, and do not allow them to bloom during the summer ; they then form fine crowns. These can be so managed as to furnish two or three successions of plants from October till April. I take up a dozen at a time, pot them in rich fibrous loam in 7-inch pots, and place them either in a Cucumber house or stove. It is best to force the plants gently at first. Hoteia japonica is one of the easiest plants I ever had to force, and one of the best, and I have had as many as fifteen spikes of flowers on one plant. It is valuable as a decorative plant, as well as for cut blooms, and is a general favourite. When the beauty of the flowers is over, the plants are turned out of the pots, a spade run through the centre of each, and the divisions planted out in the nursery. Schizostilis cocctnea. — This is a hardy plant, with spikes of brilliant crimson, cup-shaped flowers, very much resemb- ling those of the Gladiolus. When in flower, it is a highly de- corative plant for the orchard houBe or conservatory. I have had plants from which I have kept cutting flowers from Oc- tober till March. It requires no forcing, for as soon as it is taken up and placed in a house, it begins to bloom. I plant out some strong plants in the nursery in spring, and the only attention they require is to keep them free from weeds, and I do not allow them to bloom. The plant only requires to be seen in flower to be generally grown. — F. P. L. THE FIG AND ITS CULTURE. In a paper on this subject at page 205, the writer observes that " the great difficulty to contend against is over-luxuriance of growth, arising chiefly from the influences of soil and climate, but somewhat, also, under the control of the pruner." Agree- ing as I do with this teaching, I cannot but feel some regret that bo much stress is laid on the correct pruning of the shoots, while any attention or care for the roots is quite overlooked. From my own experience in Fig culture, I am quite sure that Fig trees planted in deep rich soil cannot be kept in, or even brought to, a state of fruitfulness by simply thinning the shoots. I have seen this tried year after year with precisely the same results, and there were extremely robust shoots, clothed with foliage of a proportionate size, but with very little fruit. The effects of the thinning process were plainly visible in the greatly increased vigour of growth imparted to the shoots that were left. Very different is the appearance presented by such gross shoots from that of the wood of a fruitful Fig tree ; firm and com- pact in its texture, its medium-sized short-jointed growth pro- claims to the experienced eye, that the even balance of vigour is maintained between the roots and branches, which is of primary importance in the culture of all fruit trees, and in none more so than the Fig. The roots of a Fig tree growing in a deep rich soil must there- fore be kept well in hand, and this can easily be done, either by an annual pruning, or by the formation of an impenetrable concrete not deeper than 18 inches under the surface. The latter method is the preferable one, for by adopting a concrete bottom, and so keeping the roots in a shallow soil, an occasional examination and cutting back of any roots found rambling beyond the concrete are all that is required. — Edward Luck- hurst, Egerton House Gardens, Kent. BLUE HYDRANGEAS. Having read several articles lately about blue Hydrangeas, I send the following remarks, thinking they may be interesting to some of your readers. It is now upwards of twenty years since I first saw a blue HydraDgea, and that was a fine old plant about 2 or 3 feet in diameter. It stood in a mixed bed, called an American bed, containing Rhododendrons, Azileas, Arbutuses, Evergreen Oaks, &c. — a kind of bed often met with then, but seldom now. On first seeing the plant I thought it a new variety, but a garden labourer, with whom I was at work, told me it was the old Hydrangea, but the soil caused the difference in the colour. When he first saw i; he thought it was a new sort, and he had some offsets from it for his little flower garden at home, but when they bloomed they were of a pink colour. The gardener told him the peat soil was the cause of the difference, and after tiking the plant up and replanting it in peat soil the colour was blue, as with the parent plant. The peat in that part of the country was dug from a neighbouring wood, was of a very dark colour, and showed plenty of white grit like silver sand ; it was far different from what I have met with since under the name of peat. Having grown the common Hydrangea, and I may say with some success, I will here state the treatment I have found suit it best. I take cuttings in spring from the young growths as soon as these are large enough, and put them in very thinly in a cut- ting pot or pan. As soon as they are struck, which will be in from two to four weeks, I pot the young plants in 3-inch pots, and put them where they will have plenty of light and air, in order that they may make that short and sturdy growth so essential to render them fit for the dinner-table as well as the conservatory. As soon as the pots are filled with roots the plants should be shifted into larger pots, using some fibrous loam and one-third rotten stable dung, with some broken char- coal and a little silver sand. After shifting I place the plants in a cold frame, where they will have plenty of sun and air to keep them sturdy and short- jointed, and as soon as the pots are filled with roots some good strong manure water may be given once or twice a-week. Afl soon as the leaves begin to decay, water should be gradually withheld, and in the following spring the pots should be top- dressed, and the plants brought slowly into flower with plenty of air and light, as it is on these that the good colour of the heads depends. If the above directions be followed out, plenty of water given, and the plants kept free from insects, they will amply repay the little trouble bestowed upon them, both in the size and continuance of their bloom. — A Subscribes, Lancashire. Alternation of Generation in Fungi. — M. Gauriel Rivet records in the "Bulletin dela Societs Botanique de France" a remarkable illustration of this phenomenon in some very in- teresting observations on the " rust " of cereals. He finds that the fungus which canses one of the common forms of this disease, Puccinia graminis, will not reproduce itself, but that if the spores are sown on the leaves of the common Berberry, they give rise to the well-known orange spots of jEcidium berberidis, generally considered as a fungus belong- ing to an entirely different group. The spores of the jEeidium, 212 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Maroh 31, 1870 on the other hand, do not reproduce itself, bat the Paccinia, thus famishing a striking instance of alternation of generation. The connection of the Berberry with the prevalence of rust in Wheat was noticed by Sir Joseph Banks as long ago as 1806. In the commune of Genlis (Department of Cote d'Or), a rail- way company not long since planted a Berberry hedge on one of its embankments j immediately the crops of Wheat, Rye, ana Barley in the neighbourhood became infested with rust. The remonstances of the farmers caused the appointment of a com- missioner to inquire into the subject, who, after a fall inquiry, reported that wherever the Berberry is planted the cereals are more or less attacked by rust ; where they are absent the crops are free from disease, and that the planting of a single Ber- berry bush is sufficient to produce the rast where it has never appeared before. — (Nature ) CELERY CULTURE. I have to provide for an average consumption of ten heads of Celery a-day for at least five months, and such a consump- tion, I hope, is large enough for me to lay claim to some knowledge of the cultivation of this favourite vegetable ; I therefore purpose detailing the course of culture which I have found successful, though I do not assert that it is the best, bat from several years' experience I venture to say it will not dis- appoint those who may follow my directions. The first consideration is the time and method of sowing the seed. I generally sow at three different times, and these sow- ings provide for the early, the general, and the late crop. The first crop should be sown about the middle or end of February, the next about the second week in March, and the last sowing may be deferred until the middle of April. The first sowing being the smallest, and made at an early season, the seed is generally sown in shallow boxes or seed pans in gentle heat. Whether they are placed in a vinery, pit, or dung frame, the young plants come up equally well. They require to be thrice transplanted, and must be grown aader protection, and finally hardened-off before going into the trenches. The next sowing, being the largest and most im- portant, it is as well to make a good preparation for it. As it is, like the first sowing, benefited by gentle heat, I put up a 2-feet bed of spent hotbed manure, and either place a single- light frame on it, or the plants are raised under hand- lights. If the former mode be adopted, fill the frame with manure to within 6 inches of the glass, cover the bed with an inch of fine soil, and sow the seed, dividing the sorts by a lath or stick placed across the frame. For the latest crop, the seed • may be sown in good garden soil without protection. Great care will be necessary, especially with the first crop, that the plants are not drawn up weakly by standing too long in the seed pan ; they must be kept close to the glass, and not have too much heat. The second and third crops require but once transplanting before going into the trenches. la what I may call the nursery beds the cultivator has the opportunity to prepare sturdy plants, and provide for their safe removal to the trenches. I have been very successful by the following plan: — Select a border where the plants will not be exposed to the full force of the midday sun, and will likewise be sheltered from the coldest winds ; level and beat the soil firm ; on it place a layer of rotten manure 4 inches thick, beat this down firm and level; cover it 1 inch thick with finely-9ifted light soil ; water, and make the surface very even ; and prick out the plants 4 inches apart each way, and every twelve rows leave a space of a foot wide to afford a pathway for attending to the plants. In the first few days the plants will be the better of a few green boughs laid across the beds on poles, both for shelter and shade, until started, when they will be as well without them. They must now have careful attention aB to watering, and be otherwise encouraged to become good plants. A small black snail sometimes attacks the plants, and will eat many off in a night ; however, a timely application of finely-sifted quicklime and soot will check its ravages, and do the plants no harm. Simultaneously with the raising of the plants, the ground on which to grow the crop should be selected. If the crop is a large one, and grown on the single row or narrow-trench system — a plan which I very much prefer, a good space of ground will be required. Some have the trenches 4 feet, others prefer them 5 feet apart ; but as I have in view the cropping •f the ground between the trenches, I find C feet, meaauring from centre to centre of each trench, a convenient distance, and by taking off 8 inches on each side the trenches will be 16 inches wide. The depth may vary according to the season at which it is intended to use the Celery. The early crops require a trench deeper than the late crops ; beginning with 1 foot and diminishing to 6 inches I have found answer well. After taking off the trenches, the space of ground available for cropping will be 4 feet 8 inches wide. Some may prefer the trenches both wider and deeper, but I have found the above large enough to grow a fair-sized solid-stemmed plant, which is preferable to a large pithy one that will not keep well. If it is intended to crop the ground, the trenches should be dug out early in March and filled with good rotten, moist manure, treading it down and covering it with 3 inches of soil. After- wards dig the ground between the trenches. I generally associate the Spanish Cardoon and Musselburgh Leek with the Celery crop, devoting to each a trench, which may be dug and cropped at the same time. The Beed of the former is sown in the trench in the middle of April, and the latter is transplanted from a bed of seed sown in March on a warm border. If it is possible, I arrange for the trenches to run north and south ; and as I do not agree with earthing-up Celery — the earliest crop excepted — as it grows, there is ample time for successional crops of Peas between the trenches ; and if the sowing ia arranged so that the first Peas to come off shall be where the first Celery is to be dug up, there will be plenty of time afterwards for blanching the Celery for use. Celery delights in an abundance of moisture at the root, as well as in shelter and partial shade, and the Pea crop is an excellent means of providing the latter two, and of preventing too rapid evaporation. Having now completed the arrangements necessary for the well-doing of the crop, planting out, which will generally be in June aud July, may next be considered. The plants will then be about 8 inches high, stout, and strong. If they have been planted as previously advised, it will only be necessary to run the spade between the plants both ways, cutting through the manure, and then by pushing the spade underneath the plants between the soil of the border and manure, each plant will be taken up with a good-sized ball full of roots, and can be carried to the trench in safety. If this work be performed by a painstaking, active hand, the plants will scarcely suffer from their removal. In planting, draw a drill along the centre of each trench wide enough to take the roots comfortably, water well, and all is finished. In its wild state Celery grows by the sides of ditches and in marshy places, and in its cultivation water must be supplied most liberally. The soil should be frequently stirred about the roots, and when the plants have arrived at about half their full growth examine them, pull off the suckers, and give just sufficient earth to keep the plants steady. In order to keep the foliage from spreading too much, and to protect the plants from damage through working about them, procure a bundle of common rushes, and tie one loosely round each plant ; and the same means may be adopted to hold the plants together at the time of earthing-up. The rushes may be left on, as the moisture of the soil soon causes them to decay, and sets the plant at liberty. Before earthing-np I prefer waiting until the plants have nearly completed their growth, for by doing so better attention can be paid to watering, the plants have more liberty to grow, and by having a free circulation of air always about them the leafstalks become hardened and the outer skin tougher, enabling them to withstand excessive wet and the attacks of wire- worm and other enemies better than they would otherwise do. When Celery is grown for use in September and October, blanching by frequent earthing-up is the only way of having it tender at that time. Of course it will be understood that all the crop must be finally earthed-up before winter sets in, and afterwards, if severe frost occur, protect the top with litter ; and should there be any danger of the frost penetrating through the earth to the Celery, a quantity should be dug-up, and stored under cover in sand or earth. The principal enemies to the Celery crop are the wireworm, which attacks the stalks under the soil, and the maggot in the leaf. To check the attacks of the former, I have found it a good plan to place sifted coal ashes, coarse sand, or road drift round the plants as earthiDg-up goes on. As to the maggot, I do not remember ever having escaped one season without it. I have watched for it in July, and kept it in check by hand- picking, which I find the best remedy. I am somewhat at a loss to know what varieties to recom- mend for cultivation, as I am sorry to say that I cannot often March SI, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE. get one sort twice alike, and I have tried many. Cole's Crystal White and Seymour's Solid lied of years ago, are good standard sorts if they can be procured true. I think they are not ex- celled by any recent introductions. Those I have grown lately are Henderson's White Conqueror for the earliest crop — it is very tender and not so apt to run to seed as some sorts ; — and Veitch's Silver White as a second early. This is a very Eolid crisp Celery, which as yet is very true, and this season is the best-flavoured sort I have cultivated, lleid's Matchless Red is a thoroughly good-keeping variety, and fit for winter nse ; while Turner's Incomparable Dwarf White fur a late crop is not, I think, even equalled ; it keeps well, and is longer than any other in running to seed in spring. I have hni this variety good np to the middle of May. — Tnos. Record, LiUesden. ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY'S FIRST SPRING SHOW. This opened yesterday and will be continued to-day; and it is a well-arranged and, for this season, pay exhibition, the only drawback to which is, that it is held in a long narrow tent adjoining the conserva- tory, an arrangement which is not very comfortable in this month of keen north-easters. Of greenhouse plants in flower Mr. Wright, of Avenue Road, St. John's Wood, has a collection rather deficient in briehtness containing Heaths, among which is Elegaris in good bloom, three Azaleas, and a large plant of Boronia pinnata not yet well covered with flowers. Mr. Wilkie has a collection in which are Rbynchospermum jasmin- oidea and a standard Azalea Iveryaua in fine bloom, Epacris Eclipse, two plants of Phajus grandiflorus, and Franciscea calycina. Sir. Wheeler, gardener to Sir F. Goldsmid, Bart., Regent's Park, has fine specimens of Azalea Prince Albert and Triumphans, and well-bloomed plants of Chorozema cordatum, Aphelexis macrantha pnrpnrea, and Acacia armata, together with a small plant of the pretty rose-flowered Boronia serrulata, the whole forming a neat group. Messrs. Rollisson, of Tooting, have a charming miscellaneous collection, containing Yandas, Cyjnipediums, Ccelogyne testacea. Ly- castes, Odontoglossums in tine bloom, the brilliant scarlet Sophronitis coccinea, the new Drae;ena Guilfoylei, and several Palms. Along with this collection, and lending it great brightness, is a large basket of their new Epacris hyacinthiiiora carminata, which was awarded a first-class certificate. Mr. W. Paul, of Waltham Cross, has about a score of Camellias in 5-inch pots, consisting of several fine varieties; likewise an extremely interesting collection of Ivies, several of which are well worthy of special mention, and a lot of the beautiful new Double Scarlet Thorn ; also of his new Rose, Princess Christian, which takes a first-class certificate. Mr. Wright, of St. John's Wood, has half a dozen plants of the pretty Hoteia japonica. Messrs. Paul & Son exhibit a splendid collection of Hoses in pots, of which Marie Banmann is most beau- tiful ; Horace Yeruet, Princess Mary of Cambridge, and Elie Morel, are also fine. Of forced trees and shrubs, collections come from Mr. Wheeler, M>. Wright, and Mr. Wilkie, and consist of Hydrangeas, Lilacs, Sloes, Weigela rosea, Gneldres Rose, and Rhododendrons. Among collections of forced hardy herbaceous plants, Mr. Ware, of Tottenham, has a tastefully-arranged group of Dielvtra spectabilis, Double Yellow Wallflowers, Lily of the Valley, Hoteia japonica, Trillinm grandiflorum, the large white flowers of which are very showy, and the variegated-leaved Crown Imperial. Another group from Mr. Wheeler, contains, besides several of the plants above mentioned, Polyanthuses, Solomon's Seal, and Saxifraga rnbra. Azaleas in 8-inch pots come from Mr. Wright, Mr. Wheeler, and Mr. Wilkie, and are for the most part fairly bloomed plants of well- lnown varieties. Of Hyacinths Messrs. Rollisson have a very even lot of thirty-six with excellent spikes ; whilst among amateurs Mr. Searle, gardener to B. C. Steel, Esq., Hammersmith, has good spikes of Charles Dickens, Baron von Tuyll, and some others. Mr. Wright and Mr. Wheeler also exhibit twelve. The only exhibitor in the nurserymen's class is Mr. C. Edmonds, of Hayes. Cyclamens form a gay bank of bloom. Those from Mr. James, of Isleworth, Mr. Edmonds, and Mr. Stevens, of Ealing, include some Tery fine and bright-coloured varieties. Mr. James also sends a very fine specimen plant of a rose-coloured variety. Messrs. Dobson like- wise have Cyclamens and a small collection of Polyanthuses. Mr. Edmonds has some very fine Chinese Primulas, and Mr. James and Mr. Tibbies have very well-bloomed plants. rood Cinerarias are shown by Mr. James and Messrs. Dobson, and the former has an excellent specimen plant. Of cut Camellias Messrs. A. Henderson, of Pine Apple Place, have a fine stand ; and there are stands from Mr. Wilkie, Mr. James, Mr. Joseph Wheeler, and other amateur growers. Mr. Ware sends the only collection of twelve Liliaceous plants, and a very pretty one it is, the whole in pans 8 inches across. Among them we noticed Triteleia unitlora, Scilla bifolia. Bibirica, and pras- cox alba, and Erythronium dens-canis, as the most effective. Mr. 'Ware likewise exhibits two charming baskets of Primulas. Mr. Par- sons has a new large -flowering Mignonette, called Eximia, very com- pact and very sweet-scented. This received a first-class certificate. Mr. Osman, gardener to R. Holland, Esq., exhibits a new Solanum, from Japan, with small roundish, pointed, shining leaves, and a Maple, also from Japan, with claret-coloured leaves. Mr. Turner, of Slough, contributes baskets of Mrs. Headly Tricolor Pelargonium, and Mrs. Turner Azalea, a very fine variety, and takes first-class certificates for both ; while Mr. W. Paul has baskets of Euonymus flavescens and Waltham Bronze Pelargonium ; the former, a very effective yellow- leaved variety, received a first-class certificate. A similar award wa3 made to Cupressns Lawsoniana erecta viridis, from Messrs. Waterer and Son ; to Dtemonorops plumosa and Peristrophe angustifolia aureo- variegata, from Mr. Williams, of Holloway ; and to Dracaena Guilfoylei, from Messrs. Rollisson. We most add that the conservatory presents a more than usually gay appearance this season, numerous Hyacinths, Azaleas, and other plants forming gay masses of bloom. FRUITING OF THE ELM. The following bears upon this subject. In drawing the plates in illustration of your " Wild Flowers of Great Britain," I found it impossible to obtain perfect fresh fruit of this tree. The late Mr. James Ward, of Ely Court, Staplehurst, took special interest in oar native trees, and collected fruiting speci- mens of every British tree, except the Elm, for the above work. This tree he never found in perfect fruit, after searching for many years, neither could I obtain it from any of the numerous subscribers to the work, who are in the habit of sending speci- mens to be figured. Of all trees about London, the Elm (TJlmus campestris) is the most common ; it abounds in the parks and hedgerows everywhere, yet I have never- seen it produce any iruit other than the imperfect membranous seeds referred to by some of your correspondents. In short, after repeated trials, I was totally unable to obtain & fresh British specimen of the perfect fruit, and the plate in your "Wild Flowers of Great Britain," was consequently published without it, or with leaves and flowers only. — W. G. Shith. THE NOMENCLATURE OF CONIFERS. There is a good deal of confusion on this head in nursery gardens of the highest standing, and consequently amongst amateurs. I do not refer only to recognised synonyms. These are too common in zoology as well as in botany, but must continue until we have some central scientific society, of which all nations will recognise the authority, to fix the no- menclature. In this way we find in the catalogues Abies Alber- tiana, Albertii, Williamsonii, tsxifolia, and Mertensiaua, all given as synonyms for the Fraser River Hemlock Spruce. Abies or Picea lasiocarpa appears also as Lawii, Lowiana, and Parsonii ; Abies or Picea cephalonica as Apollinis ; A. Smithii also as Khutrow and Morinda. But the trade do not agree to what species these synonyms, confusing enough in themselves, are to be referred. One leading firm sells as P. amabilis what another calls grandis, and vice versa; a third sells lasiocarpa as grandis. I cannot rind amabilis or grandis named at Kew. Again, one of the most beautiful Conifers at Dropmore is called by the gardener, Mr. Frost, Abies taxifolia. I never saw it anywhere else. In its foliage and appearance it is between A. DoQglasii and A. Menziesii. It is very unlike A. Albertiana, of which taxifolia is one of the recognised synonyms, but I find in one of the many trade catalogues I have searched, taxifolia given as a variety of A. Douglasii, which I presume is this tree. — C. W. D. NAMES OF PLANTS. A friend at our house last week was discussing the question, whether in the Phlox Drummondii the termination should have two i's or only one ; of course the meaning of the thing is Drum- mond's Phlox; and this puts the matter in the "genitive" or " possessive " case, as we say in grammar. So we turned to the Latin grammar, and we found that Latin nouns ending in us made i in the genitive, and when ending in ius made it in the genitive. Our puzzle then was to know whether Drummond, when rendered into Latin, should be Drummondus or Drumrnondius. My friend insisted that the only rule in making new Latin words, as these plants' names really are, is to go by sound. It will de- pend on whether the accent is on the first or second syllable. If Drammond it should be Drummondus, and of course Phlox Drum- mondi ; but if Drummond, then Drumrnondius, Drummondii. He thought that the first was most likely to be the proper sound of Drummond, and therefore Phlox Drummondi would be correct. 244 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March SI, 1870. I could only say it seemed right, but that authorities always used the two i's. We compromised the matter by agreeing to drop the Latin name altogether in our common conversation, and always say merely Drummond Phlox. And this brings me to ask, Why not use these common names oftener than we do f To be sure, some of them are worse than the hard names I would avoid. Love-lies-bleeding, Robin- run-in-the- hedge, Joseph's C >at, Rag-tag-and-bobtail, and such expressions, are worse than Warscewiczii, which our gardener pronounces " worst kind of whisky I, " or any other tremendous effort of the Latin tongue. But there are names not intelligent or rough which one might use ; and where there are none, I do not see why some one in authority might not make them so as to be generally acceptable. I remember, while a reader of Downing's " Horticulturist," that he gave the name of Golden Bell to the Forsythia on its first appear- ance. It has proved generally acceptable, and we have only to picture to ourselves what we should all be, twisting our mouths to say Forsythia vividissima on every occasion, in order to thank Downing and all those good friends whose foresight keeps us out of all these evils. I suppose I am treading on dangerous ground, and that you, Mr. Editor, will want to differ from me. I fancy I have heard all you wLl want to say before. You would keep together " the harmony and uni'y of the science. A Frenchman, a German, and so on, all know Latin, and thus lenow what is meant at once on reading the Latin word. " All this is well enough for botany. I say let there be botanical names by all means ; but let us have garden names as well. My two girls are Charlotte and Jane, re- spectively, but it seems more home-like, and does, I think, bring them nearer our everyday hearts, to call them Jenny and Lottie ; and so I am sure we can appreciate Pansy, Gilliflower, and Mig- nonette better under these names than we ever could as Vi ola tricolor maxima superba, Reseda odorata, Matthiola annua, or the sweetest Latin sound ever uttered. I think so. — {American Gardener's Monthly.) SHRUBS FOR PLANTING NEAR THE SEA. For the information of your correspondent (see page 233), I give the result of my trials. The ground I have planted within the last seven years is close to the coast, and at an ele- vation of 200 feet above the sea level. The soil is sandy loam, and the site is exposed. I have planted almost every variety of tree and shrub, and lost many hundreds. The following have flourished well, and are now fine, healthy, vigorous trees : — Pinus anstriaca, Laricio, and Morinda ; Picea Pinsapo, Menziesii, nobilis, Fraseri, Nordmanniana, grandis, and balsamea (B.ilm of Gilead) ; Capressus Lawsoniana and ma- crocarpa; Cedrus atlantica and Deodara ; Araucaria imbricata ; Junipers, Berberis, CeraBns Laurocerasus, Hollies, Euonymus, Arbutus, Yews, Laurustinus, Daphnes, Rhododendrons, Cotone- asters, Wellingtonia gigantea, Thuja gigantea, Thujopsis bore- alis, Beech, Elm, Sycamores, Acacias, Thorn Heaths, and Ktil- mias. Any further and more particular information I shall be glad to give. — Delta, Scarborough. I have experienced great difficulty here (by the sea) during the last six years in getting trees and shrubs to stand the heavy gales. " G. R." will find the following satisfactory — ■ viz., Euonymus japoniens, common Holly, Evergreen Oak, Bay, Lignstmm ovalifolium, Tamarisk, Green-leaved Box, Aris- totelia Macqui, Chinese Arbor-Vitse, Pinus anstriaca, Double- blossomed Furze, and Laurustinus. These grow about 100 yards from the sea, and upon an elevated spot, where they received no protection, except with a few straw hurdles during the first winter after planting ; afterwardB they were left to care for them- selves.— A. F. Godward, Nurseryman, Southend, Essex. THE ROSE WEEVIL. Can anyone tell me of a method to prevent the attacks of the Rose weevil on the young shoots of my Roses ? Do you think a little soot, or soot and lime mixed, put on the soil at the base of the stock would effectually check the weevil's climbing np the stem ? Last year I killed a great many of these pests at night by the help of a lamp and a sheet of newspaper, but in several cases damage had been done before the enemy could be found at his work and secured. — A Subscriber. [We have no doubt that soot and lime at the base of the Etems of the Roses, will materially assist in preventing the attacks of the Rose weevil ; but we should be glad of the experience of any of our correspondents who are Rose-growers, as it is very difficult to prevent the weevils from attacking Roses, and it is very important to prevent their ravages, if it is possible. Hand- picking begins to be a difficult and tedious point when hundreds of RoBe trees have to be looked over.] STRAWBERRY CULTURE. The numerous complaints which are made about Strawberry plants not bearing make us anxious to know the best mode of treatment to insure a crop. Having had many years' expe- rience in different counties, I will here explain the mode of treatment under which I have always found Strawberries succeed best, and seldom known them fail. In the first place, the ground intended to be planted Ehould be well trenched — say from 18 inches to 2 feet deep, and, if convenient, some rough or long stable dung should be put in the bottom of the trench. Let this be done as early in the spring as convenient. After the ground has settled, a good coating of decayed stable dung should be dug or forked in, and before planting the space should be well trodden and levelled, select- ing a fine day for the operation. The more firmly the ground is trodden, providing it does not cling to the feet, the better. It should then be marked out in rows 2 feet apart, and holes dug to receive the plants. A spadeful or so of good fresh soil, sueh as fibrous loam and one-third rotten dung, or turf pared from the roadside, I find will suit them very well. The plants should all be layered in small pots, as they will not then suffer from removal at planting. When the pots are filled with roots the planting should be done, and the earlier the better, as by planting early a year is gained in fruiting, and I have found the plants bear a very fair crop the following spring. On the plants being put in, the soil should be made firm by treading round them, and watered when required. As soon aB they begin to grow the soil should be kept stirred, and all runners cut off as they appear. With frequent waterings and manure water occasionally, they will be good-sized plants towards the autumn. They should then have a good mulching of rotten stable dung before frost sets in, as that preserves them from freezing, besides acting as a manure when washed in by rain. In the spring, the plants should be again carefully looked over and made firm, should there bo any loose, as on their being firm in the ground sturdy growth greatly depends. Some growers recommend cutting off the foliage after all the fruit is picked. I have never found any benefit from the practice, except where the plants were very crowded and the foliage very much drawn up, in which case, if the leaves are cut and some of the plants taken out, those left make much better foliage, and ripen the buds for bearing in the following year. As soon as the Strawberries show bloom in the spring, the flowers ought to be thinned out where too numerous, for the plants should not be allowed to bear too much the first year. All runners should be cut off, for where fresh plants are wanted, it will be much better to plant a few on purpose to establish runners than to take them from the beds, which are often destroyed more by treading on the plants in layering the runners than in picking the fruit ; but if a distance of 2 feet be allowed between the plants, there will be just room enough to pass between them, to clean them or to gather the fruit, with- out treading on more than are gathered, which is often the case where the plants are closer together. If these directions be carried out, and the plants be kept free from weeds and runners, they will require but little trouble and expense after planting. — A Subscribes, Lancashire. LOPEZIA MYRTIFOLIA. Do any of your correspondents know a fine winter-blooming plant, Lopezia myrtifolia? A fdw days ago I saw some nice plants of it decorating a nobleman's conservatory, and was told that it had been flowering there since midwinter. It was struck from cuttings last summer, and treated in the ordinary way for young Fuchsias ; it is, therefore, easily grown. It was a most useful plant in the place, and would be valuable for bouquets or even for table-decoration. A little distance off, from its foliage and the colour of its flowers, it appeared to be not unlike that favourite little Faohsia— microphylla, though on a closer inspection it was very different ; its flowers were March 31, 1S70. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 245 more numerous, and the habit of plant was more dense. It is a plant vrell deserving of more cultivation. — R. M. [All the Lopezias at present known are natives of Mexico. We do not know a species called myrtifolia. Was it not a mistake, and ought it not to have been macrophylla ? This is portraited in the " Botanical Magaziue," t. 4724, and is so like a Fuchsia when looked at from a distance, that the German gardeners call it fuchsioides. — Ens.] CHRYSANTHEMUM CULTURE. LiST year I grew a splendid lot of about five dozen, nil in pots, without the least solid manure. I took off the cuttings about the middle of June, struck them in a cold frame, and on the 12th of July transferred them from the frame to their bloom- ing pots. They were shaded for a few days, and then placed out of doors in the full blaze of a July sun. Each plant was topped once, about a week after its transference from the frame. Water was given as needed, once, twice, and sometimes thrice a-day. By October 10th, the day on which they were removed into the house, they were all large, bat manageable plants, thickly set with blooms, feathered to their base, and every leaf of the most beautiful green. I was surprised and pleased with my success. My neighbours looked in ; and a representative of the press looked in, took notes, and gave them to the public. The general remark was, '-How beautifully you have grown them ! What do you give them ?" To this my invariable answer was, " Chamber slops and nothing else." I believe some were in- credulous, seeing the quantity and quality of the bloom. Seeing the effect of these slops, I have during the past winter poured this liquid in quantities among my Roses. Already I see the result in quickly-swelling and plump buds. I should mention that I cut blooms of Queen of England, and Alfred Salter, fnlly 5£ inches in diameter. Annie Salter, too, was particularly we'll filled up. The soil used was rotten turf, nothiDg else. — W. T. |_You have excellent varieties, and have been very successful in their culture. Ton ask whether the Japanese varieties will succeed out of doors ? Nearly all of them are late-flowering, and only suitable for the greenhouse and conservatory. The only one that will bloom well in the open ground is James Salter, which is very early and very free-flowering. The cul- ture is not different from that of the other varieties. Among the Chinese Chrysanthemums you name, the best for pot cul- ture and specimens, are Beethoven, Pink Perfection, Rival Little Harry, Rotundiflorum, John Salter, Princess of Teck, Virgin Queen, and Lady Harding. Hetty Barker is the same as Cleopatra, and Miss Mary Morgan the same as Pink Per- fection.— Eds.] MANURES— LIQUID.— No. 2. Liquid manure, from the ease of its application, and the quickness with which it is absorbed, is for many purposes one of the best forms of administering food to plants, especially in those cases where immediate action is desirable. It comes to our hands in various guises. Nature offers her most precious contribution in the form of urine. Liquid manure can be compounded, too, in different ways and from a variety of ma- terials, such as soot, guano, sheep, cow, or deer duDg, and a number of other fertilising agents which it is unnecessary to name here, and it is also universally placed at the disposal of rich and poor in its mojt familiar form and greatest abundance as house sewage. To the value of this the public mind appears to be gradually awakening, afier a wasteful carelessness which has gone on for many generations ; the sewage polluting the clear waters of our streams, lying exposed in gutters under the very windows of our cottages, impregnating the sur- rounding air with its fever-laden breath, poisoning the very water we drink, and thus becoming a source of disease where, if rightly used, it ought to be one of our greatest blessings. Sewage, then, it must be granted, ought to rank high in our list of manures, for to the uso of no other fertiliser can so many good reasons be assigned, as to this, the commonest of all. Charged with those rich gases so necessary to vegetation, and yet sufficiently diluted to be used as it is drawn from tank or cistern, it is not only admirably adapted to increase the yield of all growing crops, but it may be used with perfect safety by persons entirely ignorant of its chemical properties. It is best stored in a close cistern having a suitable pump attached, as all nuisance is avoided, no evaporation can occur, and its strength is therefore retained. If this cannot be done, and it is at all exposed to the air, some fixer or deodoriser must be used. Of the many agents available for this purpose, powdered gypsum is one of the best. Thompson, in his " Gar- dener's Assistant," says, " The power of fixing ammonia which gypsum possesses, will only prove effectual when water is present in sufficient quantity. Accordingly it is moBt ad- vantageously used in the case of liquid manures ; but for fixing the ammonia of solid manures it does not answer nearly so well." This sulphate arrests the escape of the ammonia, and so changes its nature that exposure to the air does not im- mediately affect it, but as all exposed manure, whether liquid or solid, i3 undoubtedly in danger of Ioes, it is well to use it as quickly as possible. In the application of solid manure to the soil, it is certain that it can never be so evenly distributed as a liquid manure, yet although this fact is self-evident, it is very rarely that the utility of the one is at all affected by the other. Solid manures are, as a rule, applied to the soil in the absence of crops, by which means the ground is in most instances enriched sufficiently for ordinary crops, but in the case of such gross feeders as most of the Cabbage tribe, Celery, and the like, the use of liquid manure during their growth is highly beneficial. If given with a lavish hand, not once, but constantly, it tends to promote that free quick growth so desirable, and which gives the sweet ciispness to Celery and salading, the curd-like whiteness to Cauliflowers, the freedom from " strings " in Turnips, and assists in the development of all those high qualities so essential in first-class vegetables. With the pro- fessional gardener it is not quality versus quantity, but quality and quantity as intimately combined as possible. Liquid manure, or manure in solution, is best suited for use amongst growing crops, for owing to its liquid state it is im- mediately absorbed by the spongioles of plants, and its bene- ficial action is quickly apparent. Fruit trees, too, are much benefited by frequent waterings of it while the crop is swelling. " See what my black water has done," said a person to me once, as he pointed to some fine bunches of Grapes hanging on a Vine which had been fed with rich liquids. The exercise of some caution is, however, requisite in regard to its use amongst fruit trees, because hardly any monster specimens of fruit can be forced to their abnormal dimensions without flavour being sacrificed to size. Our aim here should there- fore be to assist Nature rather than to force her ; and if fruit trees, by the application of rich stimulating liquids to their roots, are enabled to thoroughly mature their crops of fruit so that it may attain it3 highest excellence in point of size and flavour, without the tree evincing the slightest sign of ex- haustion in root or branch, nothing more can be desired, and this is just the point to aim at. Some judgment and experience are requisite to enable one to decide upon the exact quantity of liquid manure to be given. If the liquid be applied occasionally from the time the fruit begins to swell till it approach ripeness, carefully watching the progress of the fruit, and letting that be the guide as to the quantity to be used, very little harm can happen, especially if it be remembered that the use of liquid manure is not recom- mended to promote wood growth, but simply to assist the tree in bringing its crop to maturity. — Edwakd Lcckhuest, Eger- ton House Gardens, Kent. THE FIG AND ITS CULTURE— No. 4. Trees in Pots. — The Fig succeeds extremely well as a pot plant, and bears fruit even more profusely when so cultivated than when planted out under any form. The plant is naturally a gross feeder, and, if allowed, becomes exceedingly luxuriant and rapid in its growth, producing gross watery shoots, which hear but little fruit, especially when in a young state. Plants in pots are entirely under the control of the cultivator, and may be moulded at pleasure. The prettiest and most natural form for the plant, and one which answers exceedingly well in induc- ing fruitfulness, is that of dwarf standards, having a clear stem of from 8 to 12 inches or more in height, as fancy may dictate, from the surface of the pot to the commencement of the head. The head or branches of the plant may then be trained after whatever fashion may seem most desirable — flat-spreading, bush, or pyramidal. The low bush form may also he adopted, but it is not nearly so handsome or so satisfactory as when the plant is on a clean stem of some few inches in height. To explain fully the way in which a Fig tree is so formed or 246 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. t March 81, 1870. trained, it will be necessary to describe the operations fully in the various stages of the plant from the cutting state, as repre- sented at page 107. The cutting being struck and potted-off, it should, in its growth during the first season, be confined to the formation of a single stem, which, when it reaches the re- quired height, should have the growing point pinched out ; this will serve to give it greater strength, and probably induce the formation of two or three shoots. All side shoots should be resolutely pinched back. After the fall of the leaf the plant should be cut back to whatever is the proposed height, and when the shoots begin to grow, four or five should be selected to form the head. These, as they grow, should be regularly pinched. This being the third season, the plant will have attained a size something similar to that represented by Jig. 11, which, during the succeeding win- ter, should have the shoots pruned back as represented by the transverse lines. By pruning back thus, the plant is kept in a compact and bushy condition. The tree being, as it were, now formed, no further special di- rections are required. The pruning of the plants must be con- ducted henceforward according to the prin- ciples laid down at page 162 — that is, either for the produc- iion of fruit simply, or for the further en- largement or forma- tion of the plant. The larger and older the plants become the less winter pruning, &c, will be required, that portion of the labour being then better performed by pinching the young shoots in summer. Summer Pinching. — This is one of the most important of operations in connec- tion with the cultiva- tion of Figs, especially of those in pots. It is one upon which success greatly de- Fig. 11. pends, and it is one of the most simple and easy to perform, requiring the exercise of no faculty, save incessant attention and perseverance. It is an operation which can be performed at any time ; whilst look- ing-on and admiring the plants, or having a friendly chat, the finger and thumb could be usefully employed in nipping out the soft-growing tips of the shoots. It is a sensible way of employ- ing one's hands when being spoken to, for to many gardeners of the diffident sort they are unaccountably in the way at times. In pinching, it is only necessary to break off or pinch the very tip of the shoot ; at least, pinching should take place before it is required to do more than this. It is always bad policy to allow leaves to expand and then to have to destroy them. It is causing a needless waste of the energies of the plant. In pinch- ing the shoots of young plants, due regard must be paid to the formation of the tree, &c. The shoots of these should, therefore, be allowed to grow a few inches before being stopped, the object being in this instance not so much a repression of vigour as a concentration of forces, or a formation of more shoots. Fruiting trees on walls, or trained to trellises in houses, should have their shoots pinched when they reach 4 or 6 inches in length, and every subsequent formation during that season as closely as it is possible to do so. Bush trees planted out or in pots should, when they have attained the desired size, 4c, have the shoots pinched very closely, say at about the length of 2 inches, for the first growth, and all subsequent shoots as closely as possible. This must be adhered to vigorously and determinedly, as here it is a repression of vigour that is aimed at. This continuous pinch- ing (and while the plants are growing fast they will require looking to almost every day), seems to induce fruitfulness to a considerable extent; those shoots which are pinched showing fruit (the second crop) at the axils of almost overy leaf, whilst those left unpinched and allowed to grow to their full extent much more rarely do so. Moreover, incessant pinching, by preventing the full development of the plant, thereby checks the natural tendency to excessive vigour which it has in a young state, and promotes fruit-bearing. Thus, while pinching directly affects the production of the second crop of fruit, it also in- directly, by causing the production of more stubby, short-jointed wood, which ripens better, affects the production of the first crop of the following season. Some allowance must, however, be made in respect to the different habits of the plants. Some varieties, such as the Angelique Noire, are of a much more robust habit of growth than others, and can scarcely be pinched, so closely. The CEil de Peidrix, again, is of a very stubby nature, and requires scarcely any pinching, whilst the Brown Turkey is of an intermediate form, somewhat straggling in habit, to which the foregoing remarks will most correctly apply. In a moderate-sized houseful of Fig trees in pots, an hour or two every day may be very profitably employed in pinching ; it is a very pleasant pastime, and, unlike pruning or any other operation, a mistake in regard to it can scarcely be committed. Ringing the Stem. — By this is meant the cutting off a ring of the bark round the stem. It has the effect of checking ex- cessive vigour and thereby inducing fruitfulness, and may be resorted to in extreme cases. It may be called an old and barbarous practice. It has, nevertheless, the merit of being at times efficient. — A. B. C. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. Mr. W. Egeeton Hubbard's Prizes of £5 and £3 respec- tively, for the best essay on Cottage Garden management, and the best essay on Window Gardening, have been awarded, the former to Mr. E. W. Badger, of the Midland Counties Herald^ Birmingham, and the latter to Mr. H. Buttery, of Clapham. The essays on Cottage Garden management, from which Mr. Badger's was selected, were thirty-four in number ; and those from Mr. W. P. Ayres, Nottingham, and Mr. E. Luckhurst, Egerton House Gardens, Kent, were highly commended ; while those from Mr. D. T. Fish, Hardwieke House, Bury St. Ed- mund's ; Mr. A. Meikle, Read Hall, Whalley ; Mr. P. Grieve, Culford ; and Mr. W. Earley, Digswell, were commended. On Window Gardening there were eighteen essays, that from Mr. D. T. Fish being highly commended, and those from Mr. E. Luckhurst, Egerton House Gardens ; Mr. A. Meikle, Read Hall ; and Mr. W. Moss, Shelfield, Wickham, Hants, were commended. Her Majesty, accompanied by the Princess Lonise and the Princess Beatrice, visited Mr. William Paul's Exhi- bition of Spring Flowers, at the Royal Horticultural Gardens, South KensiDgton, on the 21st inst. Bouquets of Roses were presented to Her Majesty and the Princesses by Master F. and Misses Ella and Emily Paul. WORK FOR THE WEEK. kitchen garden. Sowing seeds, planting trees and shrubs, and laying-out dressed grounds, must now be carried on with speed ; at the same time the destruction of insects must not be neglected ; any inattention at the present time will cause much mischief during the summer. Make a new plantation of Artichokes, if not already done. The preparation for planting Asparagus, consists in deeply trenching the ground, and in burying in the bottom of the trench a considerable quantity of raw vegetable matter, such as refuse vegetables, Cabbage stalks, weeds ; or, if they can be obtained, half-rotten leaves with which a little manure has been blended for linings in the previous year, are very good. The ground on which Celery has been grown may be prepared in a special way with a view to its beiDg laid down with Asparagus. In takiDg up the Celery for nee, the bed (on the Scotch system) is broken up to a great March 31, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICUIiTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 247 depth, and the alleys with it, and thrown into a ridge, which ridge remains fallow until planting time, when it is merely levelled for planting. It should not be planted until the middle of April. The old beds should be forked up and top-dressed as before directed. Sow Windsor and Longpod Beans for suc- cession crops. Another sowing of Broccoli may now be made. Sow Brussels Sprouts for an autumn supply. Sow Early Horn Carrot. Prick out Caulifloxcer plants from the seed boxes, and sow for a full crop. Give air to Cucumbers, if the weather is mild, during a part of every day ; and provided there is a good heat in the beds, the frames may be left with a little air at night ; great care must, however, be taken to keep up the requisite temperature. Another sowing of Kidney Beans, in pots, may now be made. Sow Lettuce in the open ground, and plant-out in sheltered situations that raised in frames. Sow Buccessional crops of Peas, of various kinds, if not done during the past week. Sow also Cabbage, Savoys, Radishes, Herbs, small Salads, Chives, Fennel, Nasturtiunis, and most other culi- nary crops not already in. FRUIT GARDEN. Finish planting fruit trees, and tie them up to stakes to keep them from being blown about by the equinoctial gales. Train wall trees, and protect their blossoms by a covering of bunting, net, or straw ropes, &c. Grafting Apples and Pears may now be proceeded with. FLOWER GARDEN. This is a good time to sow a good collection of annuals, whether hardy or tender. For the latter a slight hotbed is requisite. Choice hardy annuals should be sown in patches, and each patch covered with a garden pot, taking care to remove it during the day, when they are coming up, and to replace it at night. If any rude or unimportant shrubbery borders re- quire a little gaiety, and business presses, a mixture of some of the hardier sorts might be made, such as Collinsias, Clarkias, Eschscholtzias, Malopes, Larkspurs, and Candytufts, and strewed at random over the open parts of the border, after a thorough cleaning. Dahlias should be increased without delay, and an early batch of Chrysanthemum cuttings or suckers put in. Lobelias should be potted, and put into a dung bed. German and Ten-week Stocks should be sown in fresh soil in a cold frame, or one that will soon cool down, and a few early German Asters on a slight heat. Let walks in bad condition be turned forthwith, and fresh coated with gravel, filling them well up. They then harmonise better with the adjoining surfaces than when deep. Give air to Auriculas on every possible occasion, as the effect is very much diminished when the flower-stems are drawn np weak. A finely-grown Auricula ought to support its truss without assistance. Whilst the blooms are unex- panded slight showers will be of service when not accompanied with boisterous or cutting winds, but as soon as they are open moisture overhead should be avoided, as it is apt to disturb the paste of the eye, and to give the flower a smeared appear- ance. Polyanthuses, if not parted last autumn, may now be divided advantageously ; if the plants are required for ex- hibition, of course this operation may be deferred. Canker, to a considerable degree, has made its appearance in many col- lections of Tulips ; effectual means must be immediately taken to eradicate it, by removing the soil, cutting away the diseased part to the quick, and allowing it full exposure to the air. Seedling Tulips must be carefully attended to, and kept free from weeds, and their growth encouraged as much as possible. Carnations and Picotees should immediately be put out in their blooming pots, and placed in a sheltered situation on a layer of coal aBhes, to prevent the ingress of worms, &c. In order to make sure, place a piece of fresh-cut Potato in the soil by the side of the plants, and should there be, by any chance, a wireworm overlooked, it will generally prefer the former, and may thus be caught. Dahlia tubers potted off after they have taken root, may be gradually hardened by occasionally tilting the frame lights. Continue to put in fresh cuttings as they become sufficiently long. Pinks and Pansies must be attended to as previously directed, taking especial care to entrap snails, &c. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. The classification of work is at all times of the utmost im- portance, more especially at this period. There are maxims in gardening, established by loDg practice, which if borne in mind by the amateur would save in no small degree the tedium of repetition. For instance, there are certain vegetables for which, in order to produce a continuous succession, no better rule can be offered than to sow a succession as soon as the preceding sowing is fairly above ground. This holds good of Peas, Beans, Horn Carrots for drawing young, Badishes, Spinach, small salads, &c. Again, with regard to plants for early forcing, the budding or shooting of one set introduced to the forcing pit, should be the signal for the introduction of a succession. In matters of propagation, likewise, cuttings of various flowers for the summer's display should be collected, if at all possible, simultaneously, struck in a frame or pit together, and nursed together afterwards. They alwayB meet with more steady and uniform treatment under such a course, and it con- duces likewise to lighten labour. A thorough revision of all the plants in the houses where mixed collections are kept and forced, is necessary at some time in spring, the shutting-up of late vineries and Peach houses generally offering facilities for their arrangement, and, of course, for relieving the other structures. It is of importance to keep plants classified, or in families, as much as possible. This will save labour. For the reception of exhausted forcing stock, a pit or frame should be fitted up in order to avoid mixing such plants with the general stock. The amateur may carry out this principle with a small frame. What is required is a bed of mild fermenting material, covered C or 8 inches deep with tan, well topped up with linings, and matted at night. A bottom heat of 80°, with frequent syringing, and the plants plunged, will restore them to perfect health, and prepare them for another campaign. Fuchsias will be benefited by the application of clear liquid manure. Very liberal shifts will be necessary at this period, more especially for those intended for large specimens. Cinerarias for late blooming should, if potbound, be shifted likewise. Let plants in want of water have immediate attention ; nothing conduces more to the encouragement of insects than suffering plants to be checked through drought. Continue to propagate, and see that cuttings and young stock are carefully shaded when necessary. STOVE. Orchids should now be allowed a slight advance in tempe- rature, especially by shutting up early. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Turned over vacant ground in frosty mornings. What with frost, snow, rain, and Bleet, the ground in this quarter is not yet fit for sowing, but a rising barometer leads us to hope that before this is printed many seeds will have been comfortably committed to the ground. Some seeds sown a month ago, as Peas and Beans, are just beginning to extend the radicle, the seed as a whole swelling slowly. These were safe enough with 8° or 10° below the freezing-point, but seeds of small size, and, as they ought to be, slightly covered, would not be equally safe after germination had commenced. The most tender time with all annual seeds is just when germination has taken place ; when the roots begin to take hold, and some leaflets appear aboveground, the plants will stand much more cold uninjured than in the first processes of vegetation. We had a small paper of chipped seeds of Onions sent the other day, with the inquiry whether it would be safe to trust them. We should Bay, Sow again. They had been sown at the end of February, the seeds had swelled and germinated, but the radicle seemed decayed, and the little plumule or rising stem had turned back on itself, and seemed decayed quite at the points, whilst the seed was soft and pulpy. We have also seen some Oats sown nearly a month ago in stiff rather wet soil. Many of these seeds had been sealed up with nn incrustation like clay, and from want of air had commenced to decay instead of to germi- nate. So many were in this condition that the crop would be rather thin. Hence the advantage, in such seasons, of light easily worked soils, as sowing can take place at almost any time. In heavy soils the time of sowing must be watched. Planted out more Potatoes, and where the soil was in good condition sowed Peas and Beans. We also sowed Badishes where a little protection could be given. Sowed Peas in boxes in one of the houses, as those we had depended on for planting out had been almost devoured by rats aDd mice. We took the precaution of red-leading them before sowiDg. We gave a little manure water to Peas growing freely in the orchard house. In fine mild days we took off the sashes from Potatoes, Radishes, &c, coming into use. Put in the last piece of Asparagus in a bed with a little bottom heat ; and we planted out Lettuces, and sowed a few Cauliflowers, Winter Greens, &c, in boxes, to be a little in advance of those to be sown shortly out of doors. Cleaned Mushroom beds, and as soon as we can spare the 248 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March 31, 1870. material we shall make a small bed in a shed out of doors, which will enable ua to get the Mushroom house repaired. Divided and planted herbs, as Mint, Sage, and Thyme, and kept up successions of Sea-kale and Rhubarb. Tbe weather has hurt the Winter Greens but little, as fortunately the most severe frosts were preceded by a sprinkling of snow. FRUIT GARDEN. But for other matters pressing we would like to finish prun- ing, washing, and nailing, as soon as possible. Our beds out of doors are not very forward as yet, and the severe frosts do not seem to have injured them. Planted a few fruit trees, though we would rather have done it in the autumn, but other matters prevented our doing so then. But for the root action many things do well planted in spring, just before, or when fresh growth is commencing. Orchard houses now have plenty of air, especially the latest, in which some Peach blooms are opening, and Plum buds merely swelling. The earlier house is shut up in the afternoon, so that there may be a succession. Strawberries want a little more sun to give them firmness and high flavour. A row of Black Prince at the back of a narrow Cucumber pit heated by hot water, swelled and ripened fruit fast, though the heat was quite enough for them ; but a little air had to be left by tilting the sash fully a quarter of an inch to give them firmness. Black Prince is still a fine early fruit, though not equal in flavour or size to KeenB' Seedling, but it will do well in a low temperature of from 50° to GO0, with a rise from sunshine. If the foliage be kept vigorous, the size of the berry is also very fair, and when firm and becoming black not by any means to be despised. Regulated and stopped Vines in the earliest houses, and changed the plants beneath them, placing many of them in cooler quarters. The stages beneath have been useful for flowering plants of Roses, Pelargoniums, cfec. Just as a proof of the superiority of a house to a pit, we may state that Roses that stood still in much the same tem- perature in a pit, without any seeming tendency to open kindly, at once swelled and opentd freely when set on a stage in such a house, even though the Vines began to shade them. The abundance of air in a large house, and the more direct light from the upruht front sashes, are great advantages over a flat-roofed pit. Such pits are most useful for keeping plants in winter, and growing them in summer, when the sun is higher in the heavens, and the rays of light approach nearer the perpendicular. In a flat-roofed pit, placed in alow position, very few direct rays pass through the glass except close to the back wall. Hence, though a very white wall in such a pit might be dangerous in summer, as promoting burning and scalding, the lighter the wall in winter, if a little air be given early in bright days, the better will the plants thiive, as in a sunny day the light, and, not to be forgotten, the heat likewise, will be reflected. ORNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT. The work has been much the same as in previous weeks. We have been busy in trying as soon as possible to finish plant ■ ing for plantations and covers. It is much in our favour that few forest trees have as yet made much progress. Spruce, &a., are standing quite still, so that we must hope that when the terminal buds move the roots will also begin to move. There is more excuse for planting now than in most seasons, as last autumn the ground was so dry, though warm, that the plants could neither be taken up without injuring their roots, nor could the roots be prompted to grow at once in the dry soil. Large trees could not be removed at all without injuring the roots, and large or small could not be well planted in the autumn without the help of the water cart, and that in many places could not be thought about owing to the scarcity of water. During last summer we scarcely lost a Spruce that was planted tbe previous autumn and early in winter, but many Larches died after they budded in spring. This was partly because the ground in one place was hardly suitable for Larch, being rather damp and swampy, whilst the Larch is most in its element on elevated ground, or along the sides of a hill. But there was another reason — the Spruce were nice, short, stubby plants, and could be well fastened without planting them too deeply. The Larches were taller and more slender plants, from standing more thickly in the nursery rows, and many of them, we believed, were planted too deeply, in order that the wind should have less power to sway them. Simple though the matter looks, nothing is of more importance than taking care that the collar of the plant, that point whence the roots descend and the stem ascends, should not be buried, or at most but very little. Sinking the stem of a tree 3 or more inches will often kill the young plant. Less than an inch is of less consequence. We recollect a case in which 12 or 15 inches of soil were placed round young Oaks of some 4 or 5 inches in diameter, and it very nearly killed them. We are sure they looked badly for years afterwards. In planting some young Oaks in an exposed place, and far apart, the trees — say 14 inch in diameter at the base and about 10 feet in height, and taken from where they stood rather thickly — were each wrapped round from base to top with a band made of rough hay and straw, having spaces, how- ever, between the rounds of tbe band, and we gave each tree a stout stick to keep it from moving with the wind. The stick was fastened a little distance from the tree in firm ground, and then brought in a bend to the stem, and secured. In staking fresh-planted trees it is always important to put the stakes in firm ground. In planting large trees, it does away with all necessity for pointing the stakes, as the larger and rougher the base the more firmly will they hold. Some years ago it became necessary to thin the trees in a young Oak wood, where, after the nurses of Larch, Use., had been removed, the Oaks stood very thickly together. It was deemed desirable to try and move some of these Oaks to an exposed place, where they would have the chance of growing into goodly trees. These young tree3 would average from 20 to 25 feet in height, and the boles would range from 3 to 4} inches in diameter. As the trees stood rather thickly, any- thing like a ball was out of the question, and even justice could not be given to tracing the roots. That, however, was done as far as possible, and as these Oaks had been planted when 5 feet in height, not sown on the spot, or planted when smaller, they took up better than could have been expected, and without much of a ball were carried to the place where they were to be planted. A little good fresh soil was added to each hole, and instead of burying the collar of the plant, it stood, if anything, a little higher than it did before, so that the tree should have a natural mound, as the pedestal to its shaft or column. When the trees were secured in their places in a temporary way, before the roots were finally packed, and the soil beaten about them, the smaller trees had two stakes, and the larger three, with the base ends placed in the firm soil beyond the moved ground, and the tops bent so as to come to the stem and be secured there with a band of moss or hay, to char the stem, and securely tied with rope yarn. We do not think that one of these trees so swayed with the wind as to make the smallest opening at the base of the trunk. An established tree unless broken never suffers from the wind ; but a fresh-planted tree, if the base moves, and openings are there made in the soil in consequence, cracks and destroys the fresh-forming roots. Hence the importance of firmness. We do not think one of these trees failed, and no one would suppose now that they had been transplanted and staked, as all traces of theee operations have long been gone, and we do not recollect of any extra care they had, except two or three waterings the first summer, and a good syringing overhead in two warm days in April and May, by taking some large barrels of water, and using the garden engine. Now, we might tell all this with perfect truth, and still leave a most important part omitted, one of the chief essentials to success. These trees had smooth bark from being drawn up thickly, the one thus protecting the other. Taking such trees to stand exposed in an open position, would be like taking plants out of a hothouse to stand in the open air, without any previous hardening off. The trunks were there- fore wrapped in straw bands, leaving a little space between the rounds, which the out-jutting straws partly covered, but yet admitting air, these bands being carried into the head, and round some of the principal branches. Besides at the base and top, a small cord was placed round the bands here and there to keep them secure. The bands were never looked after more. Pieces of them would be seen on the trees three or more years after planting, but the winds carried them off just as the bark became rougher, and capable of giving suitable protection. It was often a matter of regret that many more such trees were not transplanted. Whilst giving due prominence to other matters detailed, we think the hay and straw bands formed not the least of the elements of success. The general work of potting, cutting-making, !:mti"^ '" " back wall of No. 2 house with Black Hamburgh or Buckland Sweetwater Vines. Guano for Lawn (Norwood).— There is no better top-dressin" for a lawn than ground bones, and yet for fie destruction of nV, ;s .„ , ,. |„.,t,,,. It should be applied at the end of Ap.il or earlv in 3I:1 "i b slowerv weather, and at the rate of lit ovt. per acre, or 1 oz. per square vaS Heavier dressings may be given, but if the weather prove dry after its application it is liable to bnrn the grass. We therefore think it better to apply the guano twice — namely, in April and again in July, during showery weather, and at the same rate per Bquaro yard or acre. Wireworms in Cucumber Border (Charles Wells).— Your beBt plan will be to insert whole raw Potatoes in the bed at 9 inches apart, making with a dibber holes from 3 to 6 ieches deep; then, if yon point sticks about 9 inches long, you can thrust one into each Potato in the holes, leaving part of the stick above the surface so as to draw up the baits every second or third day in order to destroy the wireworms. The holes should be closed with Boil after the Potatoes are place! in them. The eyes of the Potatoes should bo taken out to prevent growth. The Potatoes will serve a long time. Pieces of Carrot make as good, if not better, baits. After examination return the baits to their positions, closing the soil lightly round them. The use of these baits persisted in will clear the bed of the wireworms, or at least keep them from the Cucumber roots. We use, both for Cucumbers and Melons, fresh turf chopped up, and though wireworms axe plentiful in such compost, we have not suffered from them. Names of Insects ( W. N.).— Your "chrysalises" are the eggs of some Bpecies of Bnail. (W. B ).— The chrysalis sent is that of the common small white Butterfly, of which the caterpillar feeds on the Cabbage. The specimens of the caterpillars which you have found filled with young, as many as twenty being in ono caterpillar, have been attacked by the female of a small species of Ichneumon fly, which deposits her eggs beneath the skin, and the young grubs which you found have been hatched from such eggs, and are consequently pirasites, which will turn ultimately to small black four-winged flies of the genus MicrogaBter. — W. Names of Plants (R Clarke Roy).— Scilla bifolia. (H. C. Castleton). — PteriB semipinnata. (R. K. 0.).— Pteris serrulata. (IF. B.).— 2, Poly- podium plesiosorum ; 3, Pteris cretica albo-lioeata ; 4, Asplenium flac- ciduin; o, Pteris serrulata; 6, Davallia canariensis ; 7, Selaginella Mar- tensii. (D. Bf., Dublin). — Most probably your plant is correctly named Fittonia argyroneura. It appears to us to be that plant Stove treatment in winter is quite essential to it, as indeed it is at all times, and if yours is so small a plant yon will find placing a bell-glass over it a very useful expedient. It should not be allowed to goto rest in winter, indeed, it has no tendency to do bo, and it retains its beauty through the winter; the careful use of the watering pot is to be specially enjoined at that Beason. It roots freely from the joints of the stem, so that a good plant can readily be divided. Cuttings in summer strike with the greatest ease. (Mi.ts Af. B., Wellington}.— Ko leaf came, but we cannot name plants from their leaves only. POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON CHRONICLE. TRIMMING FOWLS. All who remember the long discussion which took place on this subject last season, will Dot need any assurance from me of the deep gratification with which I read Mr. Hewitt's paper in the Journal of March 10th ; and in one sense I by no means regret the flagrant Torquay case of the week before, since it has produced from our " Lord Chief Justice" such a manifesto. As Mr. Hewitt invites co-operation, I hasten to add mine; and I am sure he will not take it amiss if I first state a point where I think his utterance not sufficiently clear, before I pass on to the part where I go with him altogether. When Mr. Hewitt says that he looks upon the abstraction " of a body feather or two " as a very different affair from certain other more glaring fraudulent practices, I do not by any means object, if the words are taken literally ; but I fear there is some danger they may he understood in a far wider sense than he would intend. If a fine Spanish hen has a stray white feather or two, or two or three red feathers are found on the shoulders of a Brahma, I would not particularly condemn anyone who pulled them out. In all I wrote formerly I ex- pressly excepted such cases, as a bird may be really first-rate in spite of such minor blemishes, and we may all be satisfied if people will be fairly honest as times go. But the abstraction of feathers may be carried so far as to have precisely the effect of a dye. At last Birmingham Show one of the prize pairs of Buff pullets had been extensively plucked in the hackle, so as to remove all the black feathers, which had evi- dently been rather abundant. Now, the pure-coloured hackle is a point of great moment in this breed, and a bird possessing it will be of far greater pecuniary value, besides being quite a different fowl for the show pen, to one with black feathers. And certainly, as by plucking all these black feathers out the im- perfect bird is represented as being perfect in colour, it practi- cally amounts to a change of colour, and seems to me a fraud exactly similar, both in kind and degree, to that of the Torquay exhibitor who represented the imperfect wing of his cock as being perfect in colour by using a dye. As Mr. Hewitt says, a rigid line cannot be drawn; but I think common sense leaches that mere abstrae'inn of feathers may be, aud often is, as serious a fraud as dyting or cutting combs. The point seems to me to be, how far the charae'er, appearance, or value of the bird is real!y transformed by any operation whatever. In just the proportion that there is real transformation, it seems to me there is tho f:aud. March SI, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 251 The next point I would mention is the only one hinted at by Mr. Hewitt — it ia, the difference between mere profession and practice. The Torquay exhibitor who brought upon himself such a humiliating exposure, last season signed the " protest " against trimming, and accompanied his signature by some observations on the subject quite as strong as any I would care to use. I regret I cannot find his note, or I should have much pleasure in quoting from it. And now that honest " protestant " has himself been detected in a very flagrant act of trimming ! That others who signed have done the same I know, and though I knew it would probably be so, the proof of it is pain- ful none the less. But further : What are we to say of committees ? There are many of them who actually will not permit a judge to affix an honest card of disqualification. If even the few cases detected were thus posted up and reported in the Journal, the effect of this comparatively mild measure would be far greater than it is ; but at present, by the cowardly shrinking of com- mittees, even these detected cases often pass unpunished. I quite agree with Mr. Hewitt in the penalty he proposes, and would carry it rather further still. I would not only have all other prizes detained, but would affix on every other pen of the same exhibitor a " dis." card, stating that the pen was "Disqualified, the exhibitor being guilty of fraudulent de- ception in Class 00." I would do this because some fanciers only look at their own special classes, and would thus be more ILkely to see the fraud, by its beiog posted in different quarters of the Bhow. Thus extended, I think the idea the best which has been yet mooted, and very far superior to a prohibition against showing in future, which I have never liked, as pre- cluding all future opportunity for reformation. But it cannot be too plaiuly and fully understood, that the adoption of this or any other effective measure rests entirely with committees. The judges, as Mr. Hewitt says, have no power to enforce such a penalty as he suggests, unless it be a condition of the schedule. He has frankly and fairly suggested an effectual remedy, and laid the onus of providing it upon them. He and other judges, to my personal knowledge, are willing to take the responsibility and to do their duty. It only remains to be seen if the committees will do theirs. Let it be understood clearly, no personal ill-feeling or personal responsi- bility will fall upon them. This the judges will take upon themselves, if only the committees are willing to give them power. That is now the simple issue, and I wait the result with much anxiety. I had wished to add a few words further on a subject I men- tioned a short time ago — viz., betting on the awards, which is stealing into the " fancy " unawares to many ; but I have not time now, and I understand Mr. Hewitt, whose knowledge of the matter must be greater than mine, intends to ventilate the subject himself. I do not know any subject, not even trim- ming, which ought to give such painful solicitude to all real poultry- fanciers. — L. Wright. leisure hours in rerfectiDg what is often at first a mere freak of nature to the pleanrjg of the eye, and also in a more sub- stantial way to the bent fit of mankind. I fear I shall tread on the corns of Eome in thus writing, but I wish to state dis- tinctly that I do not allude to anyone, nor is anything further from my wish than to indu'ge in personalities, but as an old exhibitor I am desirous of weeding out the evil which has been caused by overdoing a good thing, and helping, if pos- sible, live-stock exhibitions in their honest endeavours to benefit the country. — Hawthorn. I was very glad to see Mr. Hewitt's very proper and tem- perate reminder in re trimming. In trying to devise a cure, it may, perhaps, be as well to examine the cause of the disease ; this will, I think, chiefly be found arising from three sources : — Firstly, The belief that "you must trim to win " — how often have I heard this expression ! — and that the largest winners are the most scientific trimmers. Secondly, The vanity, which I will allow is harmless in itself, of seeing some attention paid to the exhibitor's name by the editor of one or more local papers. Thin ly, The pursuit of £ s. Mraam." JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ March 31, 1870. Brahma Pootha'r Wino Feathers (T.).— Nothinct is more common than for a Brahma Pootra cock to have on the side of the wins feathers like that enclosed. They are consistent with perfect purity, but not desirable. They are not always hereditary. Fowls for a Limited Space (E. J.).— For laying, you cannot do better than keep Hoadans. Spanish, or Creve-Cceurs, as they do not sit. You are right in supposing that only pallets will lay through the winter. As you cannot rear, you mnst buy early pullets every year. Those hatched in April or May will do well, and if you keep them well, the pallets bought in September should, when they have ceased laying in March, sell well enough to make the difference between buying and selling trifling when the eggs ore taken into consideration. Fowls for Laying and Table (An Old Subscriber).— Cochins or Brahmas will suit you. They will lay and do very well in the space you mention ; but if you think of rearing chickens f'jr the table, you will want more space ihnn you mention, and must allow the hens with chickens to be in the garden itself. They will do no harm. Diahrihea in Fowxs (A Hamburgh Breeder),— "Leave off giving them the seasoning or spice yon mention. Give lettuce leaves, and a diet of oatmeal made into a paste with ale. Hamburch Fowls (J. SI.). — There is no book relative to them ex- clusively. In the " Poultry Book for the Many." you will find what you require. You can have it post free from our otace, if you enclose seven postage stumps with yonr address. Lime Water for Egg-preserving (Bubo).— A pint of lime to a gallon of water will he ample. The water will dissolve very little of it. Any lime fresh from the kiln will answer. Substance in an Egg (H. 0. J.). — That which yon enclosed is oneof the albuminous cords connecting the yolk with the white. It is preter- naturally enlarged and hardened. Egg-eating Hens (ff. J. H.).— Yon must watch yonr hens, and race with them for the eggs. It is difficult to cure the evil habit. The best remedy we know is to put numbers <>f very hard imitation •■L.'gs in their nests and about their haunts. The birds perk at them till they are tired and their beaks are sere. It is generally supposed they eat them for the shell, because they lack the material for forming it. Smnll heaps of bricklayers' rubbish scattered about their haunts, and a liberal supply of ground oats and lettuces, are the best cures we know. Japanese Bantams [Idem). — The Japanese Bantams are small, with ample tails and combs. They are nearly white, having only the tails, flights, and Bonn times the hackles black. They have very "short legs, and as they cany their wiDgs drooping, none are visible. They are marvellously tame, are good layers, find said to sit well. Their cheerful habits make them favourites everywhere. Spanish with Rose Combs (G. M. H.).— The rose comb is never bred from pure Spanish, but the law of sympathy is very strong in all poultry. It is in our opinion more so in Spanish than nny other. They willalmoBt always show traces of any strange bird that has been in the yard with them during the breeding time. We once bad a run of Spanish spoiled by allowing a yellow hen to run with thtm. Every bird had yellow feathers. Tumours on Fowl's Heads (W. W. W.).— We have often seen the swelling ycu mention on the face of a Cochin, but seldom on a Dorking. These tumours are of two kinds. If, when opened, they are full of blood they are curable, if of a cheosy substance they are not. There is no necessity to have a separate run for your Bantams. Thev mavbe allowed with impunity to consort either with Cochins or Dorkings. They will be as Btrictly separate as if divided by stone walls. Ducks ffi. M. W.).— The cross you mention wonld succeed. Both yonr communications are too discursive for publication. High-flying Tumblers (E. P., Penzance).— " Yonr Tumblers may be inherently sluggards, or may have acquired habits of slate sitting, from feeding, pecking, &c., in the brewery yard, after the manner of common dovecote Pigeons. In either case they are hopelessly worthless for fly- ing as Sky Tumblers. If constitutionally slothful (bred from mere slate birds) they cannot be trained to fly. and if habits of roof-perching have been acq u red, they would be more likely to contaminate any other stock introduced to improve them, than to follow the suit of any such stock in flying properties. Your birds, too, may be too close-bred, like the Short- faced show Tumblers, to have strength for high flying, thouch they may fly low and tumhle well ; or they may have dovehouso (laggard) blood in them, if drafted from a mixed colony of Pigeons, and still tumble freely. Both such sorts are called 'duffers,' ' boHters,' 'sailers,' and * skaters,' meaning luw soft skimming flyers ; and when they tumble and lower at each tumble, they are called ' shutterers/— i.e., to shutter or fall out of their flight. All such birds are worth nothing, save as Blate and yard stock, for brood and table use, along wi'h the common dovecote Pigeons. Yon must have flying blood from flying stock in practice, begin anew, and eradicate any bad companionship in your loft. You should buy a few pairs (three or four pairB), of good last season's birds, that have never paired and nested, and confine them until they do pair and nest, and incu- bate, the pairing and nesting being a natural means of staying them. But a cage, some ii feet square, affixed in front of the loft entrance is advisable ; from this the birds, during their confinement, can survey the roof and neighbourhood of their new home on all sides, and thus know the place before they are trusted on the wing. When so trusted it is necessary for safety uot to fly them if avoidai le, but let them find their own way out (the cuar left off) and in again perfectly undisturbed. They Bhould not be flown until settled by nests, young birds, and intimacy v, ith home, for two or three months at least. Never let them loose in fuggy or windy weather, otherwise they will bo lost. When permanently settled, supply their feed-h.pper every night after their roosting, that they may have their breakfast by daylight; it will he digested before letting-out and fl_\ing, at any hour from 8 to 12 a.m. (the best hours), giving them, however, some vetches sparingly, for support, just hefore they are let out to fly. This done daily will induce the habit of flying, the birds returning to tbo loft nfter a fly (but of course lime roof-pecking awhile, which is essential to health) for their mid-day or evening feed; the former in breeding time at mid-day, the latter in the evening, and not in breeding time, this feed towards evening only. Feed alwayB inside, topre- vent outside lazy habits (dovecote style), using small grey peas and wheat two parts) and vetches one part, mixed. Place clean water and gravel inside, and a bath of shallow depth on the roof, for bathing occasion- ally. Green food, as pea stalks, broccoli, clover, or any harmless greens, given inside, now and then are heaUhful— needful, indeed. Pair never akin, and succors will follow. Apply to Mr. H. Yardloy, Pigeon-dealer, Ac, Market Hall. Birmingham, for a few Birmingham high-flying Roller Tumblers, at 6*. to 7s. 6rf., or 10*. per pair for your new stock. The high-flyers (not Roller pure) are a crosaod Roller and Tumbler class. — Reader." Pigeons Dying (A Subscriber).— We quite agree with the judge who has seen your birds, " that tliey ought not to die in such caDital accom- modation" If they had their liberty we should suspect poison. Let a skilled chemist examine the crop of the next that dies. This three months of oast wind is responsible for adding to the deaths of man, beast, and bird. Propolis Fortification (O. Wilson).— Although certainly remarkable, there is nothing very uncommon in the occurrence of propoli3 fortifica- tions, of which, indeed, we have ourselves witnessed many instances. As Dr. Bevan states, " The term propolis is derived from the Greek, and signifies ' before the city,' bees having been observed to make use of it in strengthening the outworks of their city." Ligurian Qukens (An Irish Subscriber)^- Write direct to Mr. Wood- bury, at Mouot Radford, Exeter, for information respecting Ligurian queens. Got " Bee-keeping for the Many" which may be had direct from this office post free for five stamps, also " Profitable Bee-keeping," pub- lished by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, which, in describing w bucket hives," will afford a hint as to making cheap hives out of the halves of Irish butter-tirkius. Bell-glaBses are usually the cheapest when obtained direct from the glass houses where they are made. Black-breasted Red Game fowls Cheap Hives (S. B.).— From 15s. to 20s meaning of our correspondents who ioqu Address [Inquirer).— T. W. Woodbury, Esq., Mount Radford, Exeter. Preserving Peas Grees (William).— They may be preserved until the next spring if some of the summer crop are treated as follows:— Pick them when full grown, shell them, dry them gentlv but thoroughly, and then store them in canvas bags in a dry place. When required for use soak them in water for a few hour* until plumped up, and then boil them. The following mode has beon reported to us by a p3rson well qualified to judge of such matters as beiug vary successful : —Carefully shell the peas, then put them in tin canisters, not too large ones ; put in a small piece of alum, about the size of ahorsebean, to a pint of peas. When the canister is full of peas fill up the interstices with watev, and solder on the lid perfectly air-tight, and boil the canister for ah^ut twenty minutes; then remove them to a cool place, and they will bo found in Jaumry but little inferior to fresh, newly-gathered peas. Bottling is not so good— at least, we have not found it so ; the air gets in, the liquid turns sour, and the peas acquire a bad taste. ety we prefei not prices coming within the r a " cheap " depriving hive. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— March 30. The advance in last week's prices has been barely maintained, and to effect sales some reduction has had to be submitted to in such articles as Kidney Beans and Cucumbers, which are in excess of the demand. The sale of the latter has been much influenced by the prevailing cold weather. The Potato trade remiius much in the sirae condition as in previous weeks. Broccoli from Cornwall, the Channel Islands, and the Continent, continues very good. FRUIT. . d. s. d 6 to6 0 Cherries., Chestnuts bushel 10 Currants J sieve 0 Black do. 0 Figs doz. 0 Filberts lb. 0 Cobs lb. 0 Gooseberries quart 0 Grapes, Hothouse lb. 8 Lemons ^-100 6 Melons each 0 Mulberries Nectarines doz. Oranges #-100 Peaches doz. Pears, kitchen doz. dessert doz. Pine Apples lb. B. 4 quart 0 0 to 0 0 0 0 0 0 Kasiiberries lb. 0 Strawberries oz. 2 Walnuts bushel 10 do %*100 1 VEGETABLES. .Kidney do. Broad bushel Beet, Red doz. Broccoli bundle Brussels Sprouts. . j sieve Cabbage doz. Capsicums ^100 Carrots bunch Cauliflower doz. Celery bundle Ooleworts..doz. bunches Cucumbers each pickling doz. Endive doz. Fennel bunch Garlic lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish ....bundle to li d (i 12 (1 0 n J 0 IS (i 0 n II H 1! 0 ■j li o 0 ' 0 I 0 li 6 0 Leeks bunch 0 4 to 0 Lettuce doz. 10 1 Mushrooms pottle 2 0 0 Mu-Urd & Cress.. pannot 0 2 0 Onious bushel 3 6 5 pickling quart 0 4 0 Partdey sioTe 3 6 5 Parsnips doz. 0 9 1 Peas quart 0 0 0 Potatoes bushel 2 0 4 Kidney do. 3 6 4 Radishes .. doz. bunches 10 0 Rhubarb bundle l o l Savoys doz. 16 2 S.-;i-l..ik> basket 2 0 3 ^hiilltits lb. 0 6 0 Bpinaoh bushel 3 0 0 Tomatoes doz. 0 0 0 Turnips bunch 0 4 0 Vegetable Harrows., doz, 0 0 0 POULTRY MARKET.— March 30. We have but a short supply of young and good poultry. There is, however, little trade, and, consequently, prices arc not so high as they would be after the loDg trying winter we have had. s. d. s. Large Fowls 4 0 to 4 Smaller ditto 3 6 4 Chickens 2 6 3 Goslings 7 0 8 Turkeys 0 0 0 Ducklings 3 6 4 s. d. s. d. Partridges 0 0 to 0 0 Guinea Fowls 8 0 3 6 Pigeons 0 9 0 10 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Day ol of Month1 Week. APRIL 7—13, 1870. Average Tempera- ture near London. Rain in 43 years. Sun Rises. Sun Sets. Rises. Moon Sets. Moon's Age. Clock before Sun. Day of Year. Dav. Night. Mean. Days. m. h. m. h. m. h. m. h. Davs. m s. 7 Th Prince Leopold Born, 1853. 67.7 86.8 , 47.3 21 24 af 5 41 af 6 50 af 8 14 af 0 0 2 10 97 8 F Cambridge Lent Term ends. 66.1 358 46.0 23 22 5 43 6 i 36 9 12 1 7 1 53 98 9 S Oxford Lent Term ends. 55.0 35.3 45.2 22 20 6 44 6 32 10 5 2 J 1 36 99 SlJN Palm Scnday. 55.9 33.5 44.7 16 18 5 45 6 37 11 52 2 9 1 19 ICO h ii M Meeting of Royal Geographical Society. 56.0 85.2 45.6 20 15 5 46 6 aftor. 29 3 10 1 3 191 tOng '•ysv 3.'u 65 8 36.4 46.1 27 13 5 48 6 12 2 1 4 11 0 47 102 W Meeting of Royal Microscopical Society. 55.6 83.9 44.7 17 11 5 50 6 i 82 8 31 4 12 0 81 108 r.:. From observations taken near London during the last forty-three years, .Temperature 35. 3\ The greatest heat was 79", on the 7th, 1859; and the the average day temperature of the week l s 56 0° ; and its night owest cold 20", on the 10th, I860. The greatest fall of rain was M 0.73 inch. PLANTS FOR DECORATING A GRAVE. FTEN has an appeal been made to tlie Editors of " our Journal " for an opinion upon this subject, and they have answered briefly, as occasion required, in their replies " To Cor- respondents," but I wish to offer some com- ments more generally applicable. Nothing better can be said of anyone than that he or she always does what is fitting, and no more depreciatory observation of any- one can be made than that he or she rarely does things as they ought to be done. I knew a gentleman, long since dead, who insisted on his bride putting on a black petticoat beneath her wedding dress, but this was not more incongruous than the pots of gay flowers which I have seen about many a grave. Far be it from me to say that they were not placed there by the hands of truly- loving ones, but gay flowers are not fitting accompaniments of a grave, though not unsuitable to a ball-room — no one would wear at a funeral the costume worn at the deceased's wedding. When one we have loved, and will never cease from loving, is consigned to the grave, our grief, if deep, would no more permit us to consider with what we should de- corate that grave, than we should think of giving utterance to our grief in verse. When I see chaplets of flowers put upon a newly-made grave I know that the thought will be suggested to most visitors — " There may be grief, but grief that would be known." This is no censorious conclusion, but the consequence of acting unfittingly — real grief is at first silent and unostentatious. Time moderates that grief, and when time has tested it, proved it enduring, then the mourner is in a state of mind more capable of deciding on memorials fitting not only to the dead, but to other survivors besides the mourner. The simplest decoration, and to my mind the most fitting decoration of a grave, was a marble cross with a plant of living Ivy twining around it. There I felt a literal illus- tration of Shakespere's utterance, " There are sermons in stones." Gaudy flowers — flowers of any kind — seem to me inappropriate around a grave, even the grave of a child, for the inscription records its early death, and there is no sufficient fitness in the transient flowers ; for the decoration should tell of things more enduring, whether in reference to the after-life of the dead, or the sorrow of the survivors. Rosemary is an evergreen, and that master of congruities, Shakespere, tells. " That 's for remembrance." The Pansy, too, is evergreen, and the same master says, " That 's for thoughts." It is quite true that the heart of the mourner should decide the decorations of a grave, but that mourner would do well to consult good taste to regulate the demonstrations suggested by a flection. If flowers are preferred, I think they ought to be the simplest and the least obtrusive in colour and size. The Snowdrop, the Primrose, and, above all, the Violet, should be adopted, for this last-named is evergreen, fragrant, and unpretending — characteristics suitable for all who are on a level in the grave. No. 471,-Vol. xvni. New Serieb. It is rarely possible to place by a grave any plant em- blematic of its tenant. Three Lombardy Poplars were planted in a garden by a brother to commemorate his three tall sisters — such would have been inadmissible in a grave- yard, and even where they were they were rendered ridi- culous by having their stems blackened. One instance I know of emblematic grave-decoration that is in no way offensive. In an Essex village churchyard rests an officer of the 48th Regiment, selected by the acclaim of his com- rades to lead the first detachment across the Douro in the face of Marshal Soult's opposing army. Lord Wellington directed him to place a sprig of Laurel in his cap ; and at his grave's head well may grow a plant of Laurel, appro- priately kept dwarf by annual root-pruning, for he was one of the most unpretending of men. A commemorative plant might appropriately adorn the grave of him after whom it was named — the Linntea bore- alis might be fittingly around the last resting-place of Linnaeus. Beatonia purpurea might as justly be by the grave of Donald Beaton, if it were sufficiently hardy. Evergreens trainable over a grave are Vinca minor, Cotoneaster microphylla, Bridgesia spicata, and Creeping Ivy (Hedera helix humi repens). Dwarf evergreens that may be around aire Berberis Darwinii, Box, various Heaths, and Ruscus, or Butcher's Broom. Of Conifers I think none so suitable as the Irish Yew. I have purposely abstained from mentioning some plants which I would admit to the grave's side, because they are particularised — so well particularised — by a country clergy- man, and though I differ from him in some of his details, yet I will ask you to republish his notes. " .... in our last decay, Memorials prompt and true." " Among all the purposes of pleasure and ornament to which the culture of flowers may be applied, few persons seem to have considered them in reference to the memory of those friends who have left us to join the Church Triumphant. In some wild and, therefore, poetical regions of our island, the custom of dressing graves with flowers has always been preserved, in others it is reviving, and it is very attractive to those in humble life, who certainly feel less dread of death than those who are called their superiors. In a neighbouring churchyard, the green mounds are adorned at Easter by cut flowers inserted in the turf, in the form of a cross, and when well watered they retain their beauty for many days. A narrow border on each side, well filled and neatly kept, may be a source of much pleasure, and may preserve in the minds of the young a pleasing remembrance of those who loved them once. Never fear that the village children will rob or ■ injure these little gardens ; the experiment has been tried ; : they will soon be busy in imitation round the graves of ! their own friends. But, then, never introduce any plant of value, which may excite a covetous thought. Avoid, also, those which require frequent tying- up, or other at- tention, unless j'ou can promise yourself to continue a frequent attendant on the weekly services. Not by eyen the semblance of voluntary toil let the Lord's Day be pro- I faned ; but other seasons will afford opportunities for a No. 1123.— Vol. XLIIL, Old Series. 256 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 7, 1870. few minutes of gardening, and for plucking a blossom to bear away in thankful remembrance of those who are in peace. " Various plants may suit various feelings and circumstances. One flower may have been the favourite of the departed ; another, by its delicacy, its brilliance, or its fragrance, may present some faneied resemblance to his character. Some are by tradition annexed to different qualities, as — the Lily to innocence ; the Violet to modesty ; the little Wood Sorrel is said to signify parental love ; the Clematis that of a child to a parent; and the Woodbine that of a brother or of a sister. Round the grave of an infant we might place Bingle Snowdrops, so much more graceful than the double ; or the bright Aconite, the first to bloom, and the first to fade. When these have paBsed away, let us sprinkle a morsel of Mignonette seed, which will afford ns many a sweet blossom to take into church. Mignonette and Sweet Verbena are unlike most earthly pleasures, which require economy and self-denial to lengthen out their existence, for the oftener we indulge ourselves with cropping the tops of these, the more freely the plant sends forth new and delicious shoots. For the resting place of a young female every one will think of a Rose, and no Rose can come amiss ; but there is one whose name signifies beloved (Aimfe Viberl) of which the glossy ever- green foliage, pure white flowers, and pink-tipped buds, pro- duced without intermission from July to winter, seem peculiarly appropriate. " Against the tomb of the village pastor we would place the Christian's plant, the Passion Flower, emblematic of that sub- ject on which he loved best to dwell while we listened so often to his honoured voice. The azure rays around the graceful central column represent the glory which belongs to the sacred objects there suggested, but it is not easy to discover the crosB. The writer had often Bought for it in vain, till, while holding the flower on the road to church, a sunbeam suddenly revealed it. It is the shadow, which forms a very beautiful cross, if so held that one of the three stigmas should appear higher than the others, and form the upper part. Thus, if we train the plant against a grave-stone, the holy sign may fall upon it, and by simple means we may imitate the beautiful idea which, in suspending the sacred emblem above the resting place of the Rev. William Adams, has cast upon his tombstone " The Shadow of the Cross." Another plant, suggestive of high and holy thoughts, is the Iris, or Flag-flower. In ancient church decorations a frequent ornament is the three leaves bound together, which are called the Fleur de Ub, and supposed to represent the Most Holy Trinity, but it is not the Lily, as the name imports, but the Iris, which is so imitated, as must be obvious if the flower is inspected. The Forget-me-not, the Pansy {ptnsie, or reflection), the Balm of Gilead, and the Everlasting, would be appropriate to any grave border. " Another thought in reference to this memorial is, that gardening may be pursued by planting the grave of a friend with some flower which may be in beauty at the season of the year in which that friend entered into his rest. To ourselves, the anniversary of a bereavement is apt to bring very mournful thoughts. But will not these appear earthly and selfish if, on visiting the sacred spot, we find it glowing with the biightest hues of nature, as if the earth which holds the loved form were striving to equal the glories of that Paradise which holds the loved spirit? " For this purpose, if the season be May, a root of Gentianella, the rich blue of which is called the colour of constancy, may be chosen ; for June or July, a Robo bush, or perhaps a root of the double-flowering Sweet-briar, or of the Fairy Rose, which will open still earlier. For the succeeding months there are endless pretty annuals which may be sown so as to flower at the proper time, and autumnal Roses, whose bloom may be improved by cutting off the buds in June. Then may follow Chrysanthe- mums, and in the very depth of winter there are Russian Violets, Christmas Roses, a Holly, or a Pyrus japonica, either tied to the headstone or pruned as a bush, in which case it will flower later ; and all our darlings of the spring complete the year again." — G. GRAFTING APPLES AND PEARS UNDER THE SURFACE. Two years ago I tried grafting Apple and Pear trees thus, and the result was 90 per cent, of the grafts took, the scion rooting in nearly all cases as well as the stock. Some of the slower-growing kinds of Apples are well set with fruit buds, and the rest, to all appearance, bid fair to produce a good crop of fruit next year. It is a question with me whether the root- ing of the scion will not tend to prevent canker, to which some of our best varieties are so subject. The mode of proceeding isBimple; I whip-graft the stock, and bury the junction just below the surface. No claying nor waxing is required. The work can be done in the dry.— J. Whce, Gardener to E. V. Brunder, Esq., Benhill House, Sutton, Surrey. WELLINGTONIA GIGANTEA FAILING. ^ In No. 439 of vol. xvii. of this Journal there appear .*> communication from Mr. Robson, of Linton Park, rela \ tea the probable decline of the Wellingtonia. The description e gave of the appearance of his trees at that time caused i'" great anxiety for the future welfare of the trees under my car,, not only because they presented an appearance very similar to those he described, but since the dry summer of 1868 I had noticed a conspicnous falling off in their attractiveness. In the September of that year most of the trees here — upwards of a dozen, large and small — Bhed the greater part of their inner foliage, and continued to do so at intervals up to last autumn, or, I believe, till nearly Christmas. During these two seasons the remaining foliage gradually lost most of that green colour so characteristic of the plant in a healthy state, and, with two or three exceptions, the growth of the trees, including that of their leaders, was considerably less than in former years. Mr. Robson speaks of only one of his trees being affected, and that so seriously as to have lost one or two of its branches ; but although all the trees here are more or less injured, no branches have died, nor do these show any signs of dying, but the trees exhibit Buch an unusual appearance as to create alarm, and induce one to search for a clue to the cause of their partial decline. With this object in view, I have watched the trees most carefully, and have studied all the circumstances I thought likely to influence their condition, but so far as my own trees are concerned (and I have seen no otherB) I am unable to discover anything so likely to bring about such a result as the severe drought of 1868 and the critical summer of 1869. I have since found some things to strengthen my opinion. LaBt month I was ordered to destroy three specimens of the Wellingtonia that were brought here and planted in the autumn of 1865, and when the men were digging out the roots I was surprised to find some of the soil about them nearly dust dry. This may not be so surprising, seeing that at planting time the trees had several hundredweight of soil in one mass about their roots, and there was a difficulty in thoroughly soaking the ball with moisture, even if applied artificially ; but considering that the Wellingtonia is a fleshy and vigorous- rooting subject — the roots very much resemble those of a Vine — and that its roots run very near the surface, one can hardly imagine the injury such a plant must sustain if growing in a soil even half bo dry as that above described. The healthiest tree here is about 21 feet high, and covers a space 44 feet in circumference ; it is at present very symme- trical, and is growing in a dark retentive loam several feet in depth, brought there for the purpose. This tree, from being near the water, has always had a good supply of moisture ; this fact, and its having a good deep soil, are in my opinion sufficient to account for its healthiness. Neither of the other trees has had these advantages. We have another specimen 3 feet higher than that just named, and which exhibited all the signs of a healthy tree until the summer of 1868, although it is growing on an embankment sloping sharply to the south' west, and in the poor clayey soil of the locality. If it had been possible to have given this plant the quantity of water it lequired, I think it would have escaped uninjured. I consider the Wellingtonia, with regard to water, to be similar to a large Heath or Epacris in a pot — that is, if it is allowed to become at all dry no amount of watering at the time will prevent its showing signs of distress. I think its wants, as regards water, should be anticipated by an abundant supply. From the trees here having thriven in both good and bad soil up to the summer of 1868, I thick that, should a more favourable growing season be in store for us, we shall see the trees affected fast recovering themselves ; in fact, I have noticed them more than once making an effort to do so, by shoots breaking out exactly where the others came off, and I shall wait patiently to the end of another season before I con- clude that the Wellingtonia is suffering from constitutional debility. I think, however, that after the trees have arrived April 7, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 257 at s certain size we mast be prepared to see them inclined to deviate from their original shape by breaking into irregular growths at different parts of the tree, indeed, the two trees above described are doing so already ; many of the branches towards the bottom of one side of each tree, instead of remain- ing in a recumbent position, are turning upwards at their ex- tremities, and each has formed a leader both straight and strong. Now, if these be allowed to grow, the trees will most likely become one-sided and unBightly, therefore I think it quite probable that before many years pass away the Welling- tonias at present planted will have to submit to a judicious system of pruning, by taking out these side leaders down to the first set of small branches. Doubtless Mr. Robson, from his great experience among Conifers, has had to deal with similar difficulties in other species, if not in the Wellingtonia. I shall, therefore, be glad if he will state whether such a remedy is likely to have the desired effect, and also if it is the proper one to apply. Perhaps some who read this communication would like to hear why the three Wellingtonias I have mentioned were de- stroyed ; it was because they had not done well from the time they were planted. The moving of this plant is at any time of the year a very hazardous speculation ; whether the trees are of large or moderate size, they are very apt to die off without any apparent cause ; immediately the roots are cut they droop, and seem incapable of being revived. My advice to intending planters is to select small trees, such as have arrived at just sufficient size to show that they will be of good shape, and vigorous. — Thomas Record, Lillesden. WINTER-FLOWERING BEGONIAS. The small-leaved section of Begonias, grown for the beauty of their flowers, are, when properly managed, amongst our most useful winter-blooming stove plants. A dozen plants are as many as I can find room for, but these, cultivated as I shall describe, never fail to give me a weekly supply of blossom and foliage for vases and bouquets throughout the winter. The pendent flowers of Begonia fuchsioides are very attractive when hanging over the edge of a white or blue vase, while the foliage of such kinds as Begonia fulgens and insignis forms an elegant and appropriate bottom row or foundation to a bouquet com- posed of a few blossoms of Tree Carnation, Cyclamen, and a Camellia or two, with a few sprigs of Panicum variegatum to impart the requisite lightness. Grown into compact specimens and kept in the stove till the flowerB are just beginning to expand, the plants may then be taken to the conservatory, where they will continue in full beauty for a considerable time ; and after their flowering is over, which will be about the end of February, cuttings may be taken off, and the plants thrown away at once, unless, indeed, huge specimens be desired. Such may easily be obtained by giving two or three liberal shifts in Bpring and summer, but other- wise, plants a year old, and that have blossomed all the winter, had better be out of the way at once, for old plants kept in the same pots from winter to winter become worthless, and it is vain to expect from them any blossom worth looking at. Sufficient cuttings being taken off in March, they are placed in a forcing pit or on a brisk hotbed, where they emit roots quickly and in great abundance; they are then potted in 3-inch pots in a light rich soil consisting of equal parts of loam, well- decomposed dung, peat, and a double portion of sand, with a liberal admixture of small pieces of charcoal. The top of each plant is pinched off, and they are replaced in the propagating bed for about a fortnight, and then taken to a vinery at work, which is sufficiently advanced to afford a genial growing tem- perature. While there they are shifted into well-drained pots a size or two larger. A Blight damping with a syringe once or twice a-day, careful but abundant waterings, and attention to keeping the growth well under command by pinching, are the simple, yet most necessary, points of culture. About the middle of Jane the plants receive their final shift into 10-inch pots, and are placed in a pit without any artificial heat, but in which, by careful ventilation, a genial temperature is easily maintained. The plants will there thrive, and by careful training will become handsome specimens by autumn, when they may be removed to the stove in full health and vigour, and will quickly come into bloom ; with the assistance of an occasional watering of moderately strong liquid manure, they continue to grow and blossom throughout the winter. I have been induced to give these few simple oultural details from having met with several instances of failure iu the culture of this useful class of plants, arising, as I have found on in- quiry, not from carelessness, but from ignorance of the proper mode of culture. It is hardly necessary to state that the young plants might have been grown with greater ease and less care in the stove from the first, but persons with limited space are very glad to avail themselves of any contiivance which enables them to relieve their crowded houses. A small stove is one of a gar- dener's trials ; for so many are the charming exotics claiming a place that overcrowding, and consequently weakly plants, but too often result, thus proving the truth of the remark that it is better to grow a few things well than to attempt growing mora than one has space for, and so run the risk of spoiling the whole. — Edward Luckhurst, Egerton House Gardens, Kent. CAMPANULAS. A few words about our Campanulas may not be out of place at the present time of the year. To speak of all the kinds of blue bells, white bells, and purple bells (Campanulas, if you please) would be beyond my experience, for they are such a very large family, and are so widely distributed, that it would involve much expense and require a large space to cultivate them. Many of them are well adapted to and used for in-door decoration, but it is on those suitable for out-door decoration that I wish to dwell at present. They will succeed in almost all situations, but they do not like wet positions, nor too much shade ; they are not very particular in regard to soil, but they like good treatment. Loam, leaf mould, peat, and grit or sand, suit them well, with a moderately dry situation, watering when necessary. They also require a little watching, for at times they disappear rather unexpectedly. Some of them, natives of our own country, may frequently be seen adorning our woods, hedgerows, and fields with their blooms. How beautiful are the large patches of Campanula latifolia, which we sometimes meet with in shady woods, peeping through bush and brake, the great spikes of large French-white bells seemiDg to say to us, "We'd rather bloom alone." It makes a fine display in the herbaceous border, and ought to bo brought into more general cultivation. Both the white and purple varieties of Campanula glomerata are fine border flowers. The double variety is very desirable They have found their way into many collections, and ought to be in more. To see these flowers in the profusion in which they grow on the limestone in many places, is a sight not easily to be forgotten. Some of the taller kinds of Campanula are well adapted for open spaces in shrubberies, and for back-row plants in large borders. Of such I may instance obliquifolia, acuminata, lactifiora, and lamiifolia. Among others of dwarfer habit may be enumerated Cam- panula coronata, one of the choicest gems of the family, and deserving of very extensive cultivation ; no flower is more beautiful than Campanula coronata, with its beautiful white coronet-like flowers. It is of good habit, perfectly hardy, and of free growth. Campanula Medium, or the Canterbury Bell, no garden should be without. It is a_ charming plant, both in its white and purple varieties ; nor must the double forms be forgotten, for they are the admiration of all who see them. The seeds should be sown about midsummer, and the young plants potted or transplanted in the autumn when large enough, removing them early in spring to their blooming position, where they often form pyramids of bloom of various hues from 2 to 3 feet high. Campanula Verschaffelti, another fine border plant, attains from 2 to 3 feet in height, and produces very large purplish flowers. It is very attractive, of free growth, and with me quite hardy. It is a fine plant for in or out-door decoration, is worthy of every care that can be bestowed on it, and ought to be in all gardens. Campanula corymbosa, neglecta, stricta, crenata, grandis, ruthenica, urtieretolia, grandiflora, and a host of others, ought to be more frequently met with among our border plants. Campanula pyramidalis is another star, often grown for conservatory decoration, and is one of the very best of the family. It is raised from seed sown duriBg summer, and the plants are grown in pots or transplanted. With us it haB 258 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 7, 1870. braved the past winter in the border unprotected, and at present looks promising for the summer. Campanula nitida, ererulea, and the double white and blue varieties of the latter, are very fine, and are often called by the common people " Rose-without-the-thorn," a name they well deserve. They are very fine when in good bloom, and by far too seldom met with. Campanula garganica is a very nseful little plant of very dwarf habit, well adapted for edgings, and especially for rock- work. It is of rather trailing habit, hardy, and of free growth, often yielding a profusion of beautiful blooms. Campanula carpatica, white or blue, is an admirable dwarf bedding or edging plant, and appears to be at home in most places. With us it stands the winter, and is quite hardy. Campanula Loreyi, white or blue, is a very desirable border plant. Being an annual, it is best sown in pots and the young plants forwarded in-doors. In the late spring months seed may be sown in the borders where the plants are intended to remain. They continue a long time in bloom. There are others of this family well adapted for rockwork, dwarf edgings, and other purposes — for instance, Campanula alpina, elegans, muralis, pnbescens, pulla, Hostii, pumila, pumila alba, and others, which are charming, though diminu- tive plants. When planted in masses their white and blue bells produce a charming effect. These dwarf and choice plants are deserving of far more attention than they now re- ceive, and they will repay one well for any little extra care that may be bestowed on their cultivation. Campanula hederacea, or as we have of late learned to call it, Wahlenbergia hederacea, is a very desirable plant on account of its novelty ; British though it is, it is seldom met with, either wild or cultivated. It is a useful plant on damp rock- work, but is best protected in winter. Its Ivy-like leaves and pretty flowers have an excellent effect. Most of the Campanulas are increased by division ; after blooming is the best time for propagation. The divisions should be planted in nursery beds in a rather shaded situation, and when established they may be removed to their flowering positions either in autumn or early in spring. — M. H., Acklam Hall, Hiddlesbrough-on-Tees. FORMATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF LAWNS, CROQUET, AND CRICKET GROUNDS. In the first place, careful preparation of the ground proposed to be laid down to turf is necessary. This should be com- menced by draining, if found requisite, and digging to the depth of 6 to 12 inches, according to the nature of the soil. When this has been done, the land should be levelled and made firm with a spade, and subsequently raked, to remove stones, &c. Should the natural soil be too stony, it will be advisable to procure a supply of good mould, and spread this over the land to the depth of 2 or 3 inches. If the soil is poor, some well- rotted stable-dung will be very beneficial. Where this cannot be obtained, we would advise, as the best dressing of artificial manure, 2 cwt. of snperphosphate of lime, and 1 cwt. of Peruvian guano per acre. In March, after the ground has been made thoroughly fine and clean, a heavy iron roller should be used to make it perfectly level, and as the subsequent appearance of the lawn depends in a great measure on this part of the preparation, we cannot too strongly urge the importance of its being well done. The ground should then be evenly raked, and the seed sown. April and September are the best months for sowing. As to the sorts of seeds suitable for garden lawns, &c, we can, after a long course of personal observation of the nume- rous kinds which have come under our notice, confidently re- commend the following varieties as most certain to produce a close velvety turf : — Cynosurns cristatus, Crested Dog's- tail Festuca ovina, Sheep's Fescue Festuca tenuifolia, Fine-leaved Fescue Poa pratensis, Smooth-stalked Meadow Grass Poa seuipervirens, Evergreen ditto Poa nemoralis, Woodside Meadow Grass Medicago lupulina. Yellow Trefoil Lotas corniculatus, Bird's-foot Tre- foil Trifolinm repens perenne,Perennial White Clover Trifoliuni minus, Yell* r Suckling These should be mixed iu their proper proportions, and sown at the rate of 3 bushels, or 60 lbs., per acre (English), or 1 gallon to 6 rods or perches. After the sowing has been accomplished, the ground should be again rolled, and as soon as the young plants have attained the height of 2 or 3 inches, the whole plot should be carefully gone over with a sharp scythe. Frequent mowing and rolling are indispensable to maintain the turf in good order. By adopting these means, a close green sward will be obtained in nearly as short a time as a lawn produced by turves, while it will be far more permanent, and at much less expense. It will sometimes happen that annual weeds indigenous to the soil come up ; these can easily be checked, if not c'es'.royed, by mowing them of! as soon as they make their appearance. Plantain, Dandelions, and Daisies, too, will often appear, and these must be cut up each singly about an inch below the sur- face (not deeper), and about a tea-spoonful of salt dropped over the cut part. Birds are very fund of grass seeds, and care should be taken to keep them off until the seeds are well up. For lawns requiring improvement, it is only necessary to sow fresh seed, either in the spring or autumn, using a small-tooth rake and rolling afterwards. Moss in lawns is generally a sign of poorness in the soil, or a want of drainage ; to effect its re- moval, we advise, after raking off as much moss as possible, a top-dreBsiug of quicklime mixed with rich compost, applied in the winter, and a sowing of more seed in the spring ; or a top- dressing of soot will, by encouraging the growth of s.rass, destroy the moss. This should be applied in the spiin^, at the rate of about 16 bushels per acre. On croquet or cricket grounds, where the turf has become bare through constant use, we advise a thick sowing of seed on the bare spots in September, or early in March, rolling subse- quently, and mowing as soon afterwards as practicable. A slight dressing of manure over the whole playing square will often be found beneficial in encouraging the growth of finer kinds of grasses, and help to produce a close-growing turf. We should not omit to mention that here, as in fine garden lawns, mowing alone will not ensure a good bottom without that com- pression which a roller alone can give. — [Suttom' Amateur's Guide.) ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. April 6th. Notwithstanding a frosty night — a night of rather sharp frost even for this cold spring, and although the classes in which prizes were offered were few, and the prizes themselves only commensurate with one of the smallest of the Society's minor shows, everyone was surprised at the extent, the richness, and the variety of the display; indeed, it is not too much to say that it was the most charming spring Show which the Society has held of late years, likewise the most effectively arranged ; and when the bright sunshine hurst through the heavy morning mists, the day and the Show alike were thoroughly enjoyable. Notwithstanding a levee at St. James's and the great University contest on the river, the Conservatory, in which the Show was held, was filled by a large company iu the afternoon, while earlier in the day their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Teck made a lengthened inspection of the exhibition. Cyclamens formed one of the main objects of the Show, and seve- ral excellent collections were exhibited, presenting a very effective mass of bloom on the side of one of the stages, which they nearly filled. Class 1 was for the best collection, and in this Mr. Edmonds, of Hayes Nursery, was first with small but well-bloomed plants ; and Mr. Stevens, of Ealing, second with a less numerous collection, but also well bloomed ; while Mr. James, gardener to W. F. Watson, Esq., was third, all the exhibitors having some beautiful-coloured sorts. Class 2 was for the best six distinct kinds. In this Mr. Turner, of Slongh, was first with splendidly grown plants, and with flowers very nu- merous and very fine in colour. Mr. Edmonds, of Hayes, was second, and Mr. James third. Messrs. Dobson, of Isleworth, also exhibited in both classes. Of Cinerarias, shown in Class 3, Mr. James sent the best nine, the second best coming from Messrs. Dobson. Among the varieties shown, Florence and Eclipse, broad rosy purple-edged, Lord Elgin, rosy crimson self, and Mrs. Hardman, violet purple edge, were the most showy. The plants, however, in both collections were not remarkable. Class 4 was for the beat six Amaryllis, but only one exhibitor came forward — namely, Mr. E. Baxter, gardener to C. Reiser, Esq., Brox- bourne, and the flowers of his plants had been frost-bitten on the journey. One kind, named Beethoven, was a very deep scarlet flower. A first prize was awarded. Among the miscellaneous subjects, of which a large portion of the Show consisted, the fine collection of pot Roses, fifty-ei^ht in number, from MesBrs. Veitch, of Chelsea, formed a prominent object on one side of the centre of the conservatory. The plants had very healthy foliage, and the blooms were splendid. Marie Banmann, Beauty of Waltham, Dr. Andry, Duchesse de Cajlus, Victor Verdier, Souvenir de M. Poiteau, Madame Moreau, and John Hopper were especially notice- able by their brilliancy among the bright shades of red ; while of darker shades, MrB. W. Paul, Fisher Holmes, and Exposition de Brie, were very fine; and of light-coloured varieties, Thyra Ham- merick, Madame la Baronne de Rothschild, and Madame Noman were April 7, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. yery beautiful. From the same firm came also three stands of cot blooms. On the opposite side of the centre of the conservatory Mr. W. Paul had a number of his beautiful new Rose, Princess Christian, which has been noticed in previous reports as a variety of hi^h ex- cellence ; and adjoining this collection Mr. Turner, of Slough, ex- hibited a number of his fine Azalea Mrs. Turner, which, though 3maU plants, were covered with a profusion of large flowers. Messrs. Lane & Son, of Great Berkhampstead. also sent a numerous and fane collection of pot Eoses, together with three stands of cut blooms, and a collection of standards in 8-inch pots, each with from four to half a dozen expanded blooms, besides numerous buds, and the blooms, too, remarkably fine. Those of Marie Baumann and Mdlle. Mane Rady would have been a credit to any stand of cut Roses. Of Orchids, Messrs. Veitch "sent a small collection, in which were excellent examples of the beautiful Cymbidium eburneum and charmin" Dendrobium lasioglossum, besides D. chrysotoxum and several others of the same family ; Odontoglossum hystnx, 9?"*°" tesii, and Cervantesii rosea, and C Keichenhiemii. Along with this collection was a fine plant of Rhododendron Countess of Haddington, and Amaryllis Ackermanni pulcherrima, well known as one of the finest varieties grown. Mr. Williams, of Holloway, had also a collection containing several Orchids, as Cypripedium villosum, Odontoglossum triumphans, Lycaste fiavescens and Skinnen, Ccelogyne cnstata, &c, together with Palms, and some other plants. A splendid group of Orchids came from Mr. Denning, gardener to Lord Londesborough, most conspicuous in which were Dendrobium fimbnatnm ocnlatum (D. Paxtoni of gardens), with a mass of spikes covered with innume- rable rich yellow blossoms, and a basket plant of Dendrobium pn- mulinum. A pot of Lycaste SMnneri, Dendrobium densiflorum, D. albo-sauguineum, and D. Wardianum were also very fine. In ad- dition to these may be mentioned the pretty Leptotes bicolor, and Phalffinopsis Luddemanniana. . . Messrs. Rollisson & Sons sent a rich collection of Vandas, varieties of V. tricolor, amona which one called planilabris was very conspicuous, together with Cypripediums, Dendrobiums, and other Orchids their new Epacris, Dracaena Guilfoylei, and several Palms. Mr. Bull con- tributed a collection in which were several fine Palms, a beautilul Todea superba, Kncephalartus gigantens producing its cone-like in- florescence, Cvpripedium caudatum, villosum, and several other Orchids. There was also a handsome plant of the variegated Cur- culigo recurvata, and a great variety of other plants. From Messrs. Standish & Co., of the Royal Nursery, Ascot, came a fine standard of Duke of Edinburgh Rose in a pot, the beautiful double red Azalea Francois Devos, and a novelty in the shape of forced dwart bouquet-flowered Asters sown in August, also a basket of Bletia ja- ponica with magenta-coloured flowers. Messrs. Lucking, VV estbourne Park, exhibited bouquets and forced flowers. Mr. Ware, of lotteuham, exhibited the same collection of herbaceous plants noticed last week (page 243), also six plants of Hoteia japoniea; Mr. Edmonds, of Hayes, Chinese Primulas and Violets; Messrs. Cutbush Arboii, a mixed group, consisting of an Azalea, Cinerarias, forced shrubs, Arc. ; Messrs. Rollisson, the same collection of Hyacinths as shown at the Regent's Park ; Mr. Turner, a collection of Tricolor Pelargoniums ; and Mr. W. Paul, Euonymus japonicus flavescens and Yv altham Bronze Pelargonium. , Mr. Wimsett, Ashburnham Park Nursery, Chelsea, sent an example of an arrangement for room decoration, showing the advantages ot using Palms aud fiue-foliaged plants interspersed with a few «°we"- It is due to Mr. Wills, the manager of this nursery, to say that the effect was excellent. The double scarlet Thorn, Hoteia japoniea, and graceful Ferns, introduced among Dracamas and Palms, gave a charm- ing diversitv of colour, form, and height. Messrs. Lane, in addition to their collection of Roses, contributed an excellent mixed collection ot Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and Deutzias, in fine bloom. Prizes were offered in Class 6 for Black-spined Cucumbers, lne first-prize was awarded to a very well-grown brace of Blue Gown, about 21 inches long, from Mr. Thomas Lockie, gardener to h. W. Berger, Esq., Court Gardens, Great Malvern. Class 7 was for a brace of White spined. In this Mr. Douglas, gardener to F . Wnit- bourn, Esq., Loxford Hall, Ilford, was first for Pearson s Long Gun. In Class 8, Smooth, the first prize went to Telegraph, froni Mr. Lockie, the second to Mr. T. Sharpe, gardener to A. Savory, Esq., Potters Park, Chertsey, for Potter's Park Prolific. The only other object which remains to be noticed is a box ot honey from Mr. Lee, of Windlesham, for which a special certificate was awarded. Feitit Committee.-G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., in the chair Mr. Westcott, gardener to the Duke of Cleveland, Raby Castle, sent six fine bunches of Lady Downe's Grapes, three of which were proimcc d by Vines grown on the extension system, and three in the ordinary way. The latter were much better coloured than the former Ihey had fine large berries, of excellent flavour, and altogether the exhi- bition was so meritorious as to receive a special certificate. Mr. Batley, gardener to F. W. Wentworth, Esq., Wentworth Hall, Barns- ley, sent two very large and handsome bunches of Black Alicante Grapes, remarkable for the fine condition in which they had been preserved to the present late period of the season. The bunches weie well set and stiff, and a special certificate was awarded to them. Mr. Hallett, Cossington, Bridgewater, sent a brace of two seedling Cucumbers, one called Hallett's Champion, and the other Hallett 3 Perfection. The former very much resembled the old Green Turkey, and neither was considered worthy of a certificate. Mr. T. Sharpe, gardener to A. Savory, Esq., Potter's Park, Chertsey, sent a seedling Cucumber, called Potter's Park Prolific, a long, smooth, pale green variety, which was not considered worthy of a certificate. Mr. Gilbert, gardener to the Marquis of Exeter, Burghley, sent baskets of Mushrooms, some of which were grown out of doors, and others in a Mushroom house. The former were splendid specimens, some of the buttons measuring 4J inches in diameter. A special certificate was awarded to them. Mr. Smith, gardener to Earl Gainsborough, Lxton Park Rutlandshire, sent dishes of Mushrooms raised from French spawn but thev did not compare with those grown by Mr. Gilbert. Mr Record, of Lillesden, sent four dishes of Apples to be named. Mr Dixon, gardener to Lady Holland, Holland House, pent a dish of Cluster Golden Pippin; and Mr. Lockie, gardener to F. W. Berger, Esq Court Gardens, Great Marlow, sent a dish of Reinette du Canada, which had been before the Committee, September 7th, 1S59. They were still in good condition. Mr. Smith, of Exton Park, sent two dishes of Dumelow's Seedling Apples, large and handsome and admirably kept, and a special certificate was awarded. Mr. bmitn also sent three Apples to be named. Floral CojninTEE.— Rev. Joshua Dix in the chair. From Messrs. Veitch came Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, very beautiful, pure white, with a rich orange Up, a great acquisition ; likewise Primula Ccntu, from Abvssinia, for which a similar award was made. Ihis is a singular-looking plant, producing pale yellow flowers in two tiers of corymbs, not beautiful in itself, bnt likely to be useful for originating new strains. Messrs. Veitch also sent several cross-bred Hippeastrums, the handsomest of which was H. pardinum, which had previously received a certificate. . Mr Bull had first-class certificates for Encephalartus mirabilis, an ornamental species, and for Thrinax grandis, a very graceful Palm. Mr. Bull also sent Artocarpus grandis and several other plants, among which were a Mntisia and a Vellozia. Mr Wilson, gardener to W. Marshall, Esq., had a first-class certi- ficate'for Odontoglossum triumphans nigrescens, a very fine variety, and a special certificate for a very fine spike of Odontoglossum Hallii snperbum Mr. Wilson likewise exhibited O. triumphans Marshall! and 0. triumphans Wilsoni, also very fine varieties. To Mr. Williams, of Holloway, a first-class certificate was awarded for Angrascum Ellisii, a very fine species with, for this genus, small flowers set in a double row and sweet-scented, to all appearance a very desirable acquisition. Messrs. Cutbush, of Highgate, received a first-class certificate for Azalea Francois Devos, of which a much better specimen, shown by Messrs. Standish Ar Co., has been previously adverted to ; likewise Hippeastrnm Duke of Edinburgh, a very showy scarlet-flowered va- riety A first-class certificate was granted to Mr. Edmonds, of Hayes, for a very beautiful lilac-rose-coloured variety of Cyclamen persicum, called giganteum ; and a similar award was made to Messrs. Paul and Son for Rose Mdlle. Eugenie Verdier, a beautiful salmon-rose-coloured flower. Messrs. Paul also exhibited Comtesse d'Oxford, much in the way of Madame Victor Verdier, but paler in colour. General Meeting.— The Bishon of Winchester m the chair. After the usual preliminary business, and the election of nineteen new Fellows, the Rev. Joshua Dix reported the awards of the Moral Committee, and in doing so called attention to the advantages of Chanman's packing case for cut flowers, which were noticed in our columns some time° back. G. F. Wilson, Esq., F^.S. Chairman of the Fruit Committee, having announced the awards of that body, the Rev M J. Berkeley directed attention to the most interesting plants exhibited. Among these was a Vellozia, from Mr. Bull, which he considered a very interesting plant, and Oncidium amictum, from the Society's garden, originally, he believed figured as Oncidium arme- tum but known to cultivators as Oncidium sai-codes. The Bletia shown by Messrs. Standish & Co. he thought was only B. hyacinthina, which is perfectly hardy. It -was supposed to be a Brownea, but it had composite, not pinnate leaves. With regard to the Encephalartus gigantens shown by Mr. Bull, Mr Berkeley said, as it was producing its inflorescence it would be curious to know what its fate would be, for if its roots were m good order it wonld throw out leaves ; if not, the flowers would feed on the starch of the rootstock. An Encephalartus (caller) is known as the Caffer Bread, and Mr. Berkeley recounted his having gone to the Crystal Palace on reading a newspaper report that the Bread Fruit (Artocarpus incisa), had fruited there, but he found only the Caffer Bread for the Bread Fruit had never been known to do so m England, but fruit of it, he might mention, had been shown from the Tyrol, at the late Hamburg Exhibition. Mr Berkeley then drew attention to the beautiful sheet of bloom which the Peach trees at Chiswick present just now, and said it was well worthy of a visit. Passing on, then, to the subject of Mushrooms, he remarked that of Mushrooms partly from English partly from French spawn, the former were often brown, the latter usually white, but that in beds several distinct varieties of Mushrooms might be remarked, and even other Fungi. He had received spawn from North Carolina and Australia of Mushrooms as much superior to the com- mon as the improved Peas were to the old-fashioned ones; but how- ever carefully collected, however carefully planted, such spawn had 260 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. rkeley not as yet been found to nm in this country. It was, h< desirable to mate farther experiments in this direction. Mr. IJ( likewise added that Mushrooms are subject to a disease which them in all probability unwholesome, as it preys on the gills, and is similar to the Hyphomycetes which fills the Boletus of the woods with a golden dust. The Chairman made a few remarks on the great loss which the Society had sustained in General Grey, who had taken a deep interest in the affairs of the Society and in horticulture, and expressed his confidence that the meeting would agree with him in the expression of this regret. The proceedings then concluded with the announcement that the next meeting and show would be held on the 20th inst. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING. The second March meeting of this Society wa9 held on the *21st tilt., Mr. H. W. Bates, Vice-President, in the chair. Professor West- wood stated that several specimens of the Locust with the flat pro- thorax, considered by Fischer to be the true L. migratoria, are con- tained in the English* collection at the British Museum, from York- shire and Northumberland, although none are contained in the exotic cabinet, which, on the contrary, possesses a specimen of the crested kind from M. Brisout de Barneville, under the name of L. migratoria. The Chairman stated that a new part of the ll Transactions " was just published, containing several valuable memoirs and plates. Mr. Moore exhibited various specimens of Diantha-cia Barrettii and con- ppersa, from the coast of Devonshire. Mr. F. Bond exhibited a new British Moth of the genus Fumea (F. betulina, Zcller), found at Bishop's Wood, Ilampstead, the caterpillar of which lives in a move- able caBe, resembling that of Psyche fusca. Mr. Lettsom sent for exhibition a singular caterpillar covered with long slender hairs, terminating in flat dilatations like a battledore. It is a native of Monte-Video, and iB, probably, referable to a Moth of the family Noctaidre. Mr. Stainton exhibited a British specimen of F. Leinigella, from Wickham Fen, near Cambridge. Mr. Albert Muller read a note from M. Mayer Dur, on the distinctions between Argynnis Niobo and Adippe, the caterpillar of the former having a white dorsal line, and the Butterflies having an Alpine range of flight, the latter not appearing above 3300 feet above the sea level. Mr. Butler maintained the specific identity of the two insects, in further support of which Mr. Stainton alluded to the well-known instance of two kinds of caterpillars of the Death's-head Moth. An interesting discussion on the subject of dimorphism in insects took place, and several instances were mentioned in which local influences resulted in the production of seemingly permanent dimoqihic races. An ex- tended paper was read by Mr. W. F. Kirby, of Dublin, on the species of Butterflies described by Linnaeus. add that it possesses that which many yellow Picotees have not — an excellent constitution and vigorous habit. — D., Deal. SHRUBS FOR THE SEACOAST. The coaBt of South Devon, though mild and sheltered in some corners, is as much exposed as any other part of our shores to the fierce, hitter, easterly winds, and requires a care- ful selection of hardy shrubs and trees. The Tamarisk stands foremost. It is a most beautiful object in summer ; I have one several yards in circumference, and some 20 feet high, which when covered with bloom is an exquisite bush, and if all the violent winds are over before the foliage bursts, it is perfectly uninjured by their violence. Next come, but a long way off, the Bweet Spanish Chestnut and Laburnum. They are always Stunted, but unless some extraordinary gale arises during the growth of the young shoots, they make a creditable summer ap pearance. The branching Poplar succeeds admirably, also the Stone Pine. I cannot ascertain its proper name. My Pinus Douglasii, insignis, and Scotch Firs, are all browned, and I be- lieve killed, by the late unprecedented weather. My austriacas are too small for the wind to have touched, but I am told there is nothing better for the seaside in this county. I must not omit a dense-growing, whitish, small-leaved shrub, used much for hedges, which is very ornamental, and seems quite at home in a briny atmosphere. — Devon, Dawlish. TREE ITCOTEE PRINCE OF ORANGE. In the very brief notes I made of the Show at Kensington on the 16th ult. I quite forgot to mention the very beautiful stand of this Picotee exhibited by Mr. Perkins, of Leamington. When it was first exhibited last year at the Crystal Palace, doubts were expressed as to whether it was really a perpetual-flower- ing variety or not. Bets were offered by some very persistent deniers of its being of this character. I have always believed in it, and therefore I was very glad to see so beautiful a Btand of it exhibited on the 16th of March. Mr. Perkins has had blooms of it all through the winter, and there can be no doubt of its being a most valuable winter-flowering variety. I may PLANTS FLOWERING IN MARCH. i. Bulbocodium vernom March 16. Dorontcnm caucasicum Andromeda floribunda Hellebonia niger Ranunculus Ficaria fcetidus Daphne Mezereum Popnlus tremula Om pbaludes verna Maxifraga oppositifolia Anemone vornalis 22. Ulmus montana hortensis CorylnB AveLIana Scfflabifolia Viola odorata Tusbilago fragrana Cydoniajaponica Ficaria ranucculoides Double Daisies plena Rhododendron dauricum Ceraatium Uieberateinii hirsutum fcjalix daphnoidea 10. Arabia albida HelU Aubrietia deltoidea prinoidea CampbeUi purpurea Viburnum Tinua Crocus teicberi Hepatica triloba varieties Sisjrinchium granuiflorum Andromeda tetragons Draba aizoidea Foreytbia viridissiina 23. AtyBfium Baxatile 16. Lencejum vernum Vinca minor Jasminum nudiflorum Chimonanthns prjecos Galanthus nivalis plicatus Nordmannia cordifolia TJIexenropams Erythroiiium dena-canis Cheiranthus fruticulosus Viola tricolor BeJliB aueubieiolia Primula acaulis K cilia si bine a Ribes Banguineum Corydalis bulboBa Alnus glutinosus AmygdaluB communis CornuH mas Pulmonaria officinalis H., Acklam Hall, Middlesbrough-on-Tees. ORCHARD-HOUSE TREES. In No. 468 of the Journal Mr. Douglas treats on orchard- house trees, and his remarks are, no doubt, very good so far as culture goes, but in my opinion such trees are toys. It is now fifteen years since I firBt nailed a Peach tree, and I have had the charge of three orchard houses ; the third I last year planted with fine young Peach and Nectarine trees, but not in pots — they are not put in the stocks for a misdemeanour, but are enjoying a good loamy border, and their heads are not tortured like that of a man sent to gaol, and who has his hair cut off. They enjoy a wall and a wire trellis, which appear to me to suit their habits. We too often read in the papers of people pinching their children for clothes, scarcely giving them enough food to keep them alive, and in some cases starving them to death, and it is the same with orchard-honse trees ; first they are crammed into small pots, and then any attempt at progress is pinched or cut-in with a knife. Not long ago there was a fever about pot Vines ; now extension. Let us down with such torture and cruelty, and study the nature and habits of the plants we try to cultivate ; then we shall be on our way to the highest standard of perfection. Many a clever gardener has lost his situation through an orchard house, because he was not able to satisfy the ex- pectations of his employer. In my opinion orchard houses have done more harm than good to the progress of horticul- ture.—T. F. fin reference to your remarks, and especially the growing of trees in pots, see what is stated at page 239. As a matter of increased trouble there can be no question that trees in pots require more attention than trees planted out in a border. The want of that attention, the old " Can'na be fashed," or troubled principle, are in most cases the causes of failure. Your illustrations are very amusing, but not quite appoBite. We presume that hair-cropping in gaol is neither very pleaBani nor very salutary ; but there is a medium in all things, and we have long thought that many of our youths who rival the ladies in the length of their locks, would neither like Samson lessen their strength, nor abridge their sense, if by a moderate cutting of their hair they let a little more light reach their brains. It was quite an easy matter to let a fruit tree have too much wood in its head. We cannot join with you in saying, " Let us down with such torture and cruelty," because we do not see the cruelty, and for these other reasons — First, the orchard house furnishes — at least to amateurs and the possessors of small places — the means not only of much pleasure, but of securing a great variety of fruit in little space. Secondly, the plan has been very suc- cessful on the whole. On many wall trees we have seen such crops of Cherries and Plums as would almost outweigh the soil in which the roots grew, and these fruits of the highest flavour. Thirdly, because the system is based on that lor April 7, 1870. 1 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 261 which yon contend, " the stndy of the nature and habits of the plants we try to cultivate." Were every fruit tree in a pot thrown away to-morrow, we should still look on the introduction of the system as marked by progression and not by retrogression. How long is it since the axiom existed—" Plant a Pear tree that your sons or grandsons may eat the fruit ?" To what is it owing that a man may now gather fruit some two or three years after grafting ? We have gone into many a little garden and found the under-crops next to useless from the shade of some huge Apple, Pear, or Cherry tree. Iu the same gardens now we find the forest-like tree removed, good vegetables and low fruit trees grown, with, perhaps, a dozen or a score of little bush or standard fruit trees round the border, bearing a great quantity of fruit, though each tree would occupy little more space than from 24 to 30 inches in diameter. The pot system helped to give a great impetus to all such compact, fertile miniature fruit trees, and chiefly because the principle was clearly unfolded, that if we plant an Oak wood ought to be our chief concern ; but if we plant a Peach or a Cherry tree, the fruit ought to be our object. It is a good thing that there are many opinions and many ways of arriving at the same object. 'We trust that many will find interest and profit in growing their miniature plants in pots or otherwise, and we say this, though fully agreeing that planting the trees out so as to cover a trellis will give far less trouble, and with well- ripened wood there can be little doubt of success.] THOUGHTS UPON EEADING MR. W. PAULS DENUNCIATION OF FLOWER SHOWS. How is this ? We can remember when Mr. Paul was an ardent and constant exhibitor, a founder and friend of exhi- bitions. How is it that he now denounces exhibitors and exhi- bitions alike — the former as " floricultural milliners," "arti- ficial dressers," " pin-stickers," &o. ; and the latter as being " got np to meet the requirements of a false public taste, to realise the greatest possible display, a gaudy show, heedless of the means by which it may be obtained, or the results by which it may be followed?" How is it that he who writes (see his " Bobb Garden," part i., page 40), " The larger the flowers the better, if they be not coarse," should now seek to describe these very Boses as " fat," and stigmatise even the trees which pro- duce them as "gorged?" Is it as when the sportsman who has lost his nerve declaims against fox-hunting, which he loved in youth, or as when the spinster who has danced but once, has a strong impression that balls are vanity ? " Certain it is," writes Mr. Paul, " that showing does not bring the business to the exhibitor that it used to do." Will Mr. W. Paul, however, believe that the successful collections from Cheshunt, Salisbury, Colchester, Hereford, Piltdown, Hert- ford, and elsewhere do not fill the order books of those who have grown them .' The public make purchases, and will con- tinue to make purchases, whatever Mr. Paul may advise, from the best samples which they find in the market. It is all very well to wish patrons of horticulture to visit nurseries instead of attending exhibitions, but the most certain way of gaining this end is to send first-class productions to the shows. As regards the assertion that " two Dahlias are built up to make one large one," and that " huge trusses of our show Pelargoniums are obtained by gumming," I give it the most positive contradiction. Mr. W. Paul may be an authority, and may have had experience as regards Hyacinths and certain clever modes of exhibiting them, but I impute no unfair doings, although Mr. Paul hints at dishonourable practices being made use of by all other exhibitors. In your issue of the 24th of February Mr. Paul published some ungenerous remarks upon horticultural writers and re- porter?, and designated all who had the misfortune to differ from himself as " little critics ;" but how thankful we ought to be now that we have a great critic of undoubted taste, and may the public receive great benefit from Mr. Paul's labour in this his new sphere. It is reported that Mr. Paul does not intend to exhibit again for prizes. I myself have nearly ceased to do so ; yet would it not be bad taste on my part if I were to turn round like Mr. W. Paul, after having been so many years connected with shows, and say that they were all wrong, accuse the public of bad taste in attending them, and ridicule alike both exhibitions and exhibitors? I have written the foregoing to show that I entirely dissent from Mr. Paul's conclusions, lest your readers should think they were acquiesced in by exhibitors generally. — Chables Turner, Slough. THE SUNDEW, THE DADDY-LONGLEGS TRAPPER. Is reading some of the past numbers of your Journal, I was struck with an article of July 2nd. 18fi8, upon " Plants of Prey." I believe it is not generally known that by observation in a fine evening the common " Daddy-longlegs " Tipula.may be seen depasturing upon the flies caught in the leaves of the various species of Drosera. The fact will aid in explaining the general distribution of compensating powers in nature. — H.J. THE LAMENT OF THE CLEMATIS. " I did not think matters would ever come to this pass," murmured a Clematis from the dim retirement of a back wall in a crowded conservatory. " Dear me ! to think such changes should ever come ! There was a time when I was valued, everything done for me that I could desire— when I stood out to the front and could feel the warm sunshine glow upon my leaves, and the soft air fan me all day long. With what glad- ness I climbed the rafters ! how exquisite was life ! My master's joy and pride I was. How he loved me and cared for me ! And visitors would regard my blooms with such wonder-searching eyes, that I trembled lest in their eagerness they should rob me of my treasures. ' What splendid flowers ! ' they would exclaim, ' what depth of colour ! and what a Bize ! Is it one Clematis or more that so covers half your roof ?' And I, like other beauties, proud of the praise, shook out my feathery fila- ments with gladness. But, alas ! a change came ; they pushed me far back into a region where there was neither sun nor light left, to care for myself, forsaken quite for newer beauties. I passed long days pining for a few drops of water. In vain I hung out my signals of distress ; in vain I stretched up higher and higher, thinking the rain clouds would be merciful. I could not live in the shade, so my strength departed, my beauty fled ; my blooms, once in number more than you could count, were not. I was no longer an object of admiration ; master, and friend, and visitor alike passed me unobserved, or, if they did note my presence, it was only with scornful pity or cold disdain. 'What a miserable thing it is, to be sure !' I heard one gardener say to another ; ' going to the bad and no mistake. I would throw it out.' ' It is starving,' said another, ' pined in that little house. Give it more space and something better to live upon ; it is too good to be thrown away without any effort.' " Then, all at once, without any notice — a few warning knocks would have been a gain — they dragged me rudely out of the little red house I had lived in for more than a year, so hastily that several of my members were broken and left behind. True, they gave me a larger house, perhaps a better, but then it was more than I needed, larger than I could fill ; the food in my deep cellars soured from want of using— my appetite had forsaken me. I tried hard to live and to work, but could not. I was assailed on all sides. I suppose everything existing has its peculiar enemy. Mine found me out in my weak condition, and soon covered my poor half-alive leaves under and over with their fast-increasing broods of hungry scale. How they sucked and drew the sap-life out of me! For long I could not tell what ailed me, nor what had so shadowed over the once-glorious world ; it was so dull, and dim, and dark. I could not see sun, or moon, or stars ; I lived in a perpetual twilight, a gloomy shade that saddened me. In vain I sighed for a glimpse of the blue sky, thinking it would be a renewal of strength ; it was ever clouded over. Through all the dreary sunless summer I endeavoured to make the best of my altered condition and to bloom as of old. One of my flowers did venture out of its soft felt-like enclosure, but it was small, and pale, and soon drooped and fell, covered all over with what should not have been there ; and in truth I was not sorry— I felt ashamed to own it. Then my leaves lost colour and firmness, and hung about the un- ripened cane like brown dead leaves in autumn, strange to look upon in the sultry summer. " ' One more chance for your restoration,' said the gardener, as, in disgust at my unsightly appearance, he tore me down from the upper heights, never thinking of my poor tendrils which still retained the will and the power to hold, and so were left dangling aloft. Then, unwilling to give me over to the 262 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. enemy, with penknife and sharp-pointed sticks, he waged a terrible war of extermination against the parasites, launching bitter and often unjust words against them all the time. Ah ! they never visited me in the glad healthy days of growth and bloom- Now I had sunk eo low I did not care for them— did not care to exist ; better not to be than such a life as mine. Bobbed of the glorious sunshine, the beauty-giving light, and the strengthening air we all love so well and need so much, what was there left worth living for? 'There.it is your last chance,' said the man, as he put me back to my old position on the wall, behind Camellias, Azaleas, and a world of other plants I had lived pleasantly with for years. ' A poor chance at best,' I heard a neighbouring florist reply, ' you might as well bring the Heath from the breezy common to bloom in your stove ; it can never make anything in that sunless corner. Better to throw it away and make space for something that will not be all day quarrelling with the damp, dark at- mosphere. It will never flower beneath the shade of that thick strong Vine.' The mystery was solved. Two thick canes had found their way in from the adjoining vinery, had grown and spread, and spread and grown, until they had covered all the roof. No wonder I could not breathe, no wonder I had thrown out long, soft, slender, useless shoots, in a vain en- deavour to find sun, or light, or air. I knew it was all over with me. They had turned the conservatory into a vinery, changed beauty into usefulness — such beauty as mine, too ; had driven away the long-gratifying and ever-refining pleasure of sight for the short-lived one of taste. I shall not strive again ; too unequal would the contest be — a slender Clematis againBt a muscular Black Hamburgh. So I am slowly dying for want of sun, and light, and air, sacrificed, as Flora's charms too often are, to the wishes and requirements of Pomona." — Maud. NEW BOOK. Alpine Flowers for English Gardens. By W. Robinson, F.L.S. With Illustrations. London : John Murray. If there was one book more than another wanted in horti- culture that book was one on Alpine plants, and if there was one person more than another competent to write it that person is the author of the work before us. It has been too much the fashion of late years to neglect the cultivation of those small but exceedingly beautiful plants popularly known as Alpines. The taste for gaudy glare in our flower gardens has predomi- nated so long that many of the loveliest flowers have been forgotten or neglected, and to many of the present generation of gardeners they are wholly unknown. It is with pleasure, therefore, that we find one who has made a speciality of the study of this class of plants coming forward and reviving, or attempting at least to revive, among us a love and a knowledge of objects so worthy of our attention. The work before U3 is a goodly volume of 400 pages, very nicely illustrated with Alpine scenery, rockwork arrangements, and beds as places adapted for the cultivation of Alpine plants. It is divided into two parts. The first, which occupies about one-third of the volume, treats on the Culture of Alpine Flowers, and embraces the Bock Garden, Ruin and Wall Gardens, Alpine Flowers in Borders, the Wild Rock Garden in Woods, the Window Rock Garden, and a most interesting sketch of " A Little Tour in the Alps." The second part is an enumeration of the choicest Alpine plants alphabetically arranged, com- prising descriptions and full directions for the culture of each, the positions best suited for it in the gardens, &c, and concludes with capital selections of Alpine plants for different purposes. This is a most useful book, carefully prepared, well written, and a valuable addition to our gardening literature. The fol- lowing is an example of the way in which each subject is treated : — Primula scotica. — Scotch Bird's-eye Primrose. " This, one of the most lovely of its family and of the choicest little gems in the British Flora, is a near ally of the Bird's-eye Primrose of the moi6t and boggy mountain sides of the North of England. Its rich purple flowers, with large yellowish eye, open in the end of April, supported on stems from half an inch to an inch high, growing an inch or two taller as the season advances. It is said by some botanists to be simply a variety of the Bird's-eye Primrose, bnt the seedlings Bhow no tendency to approach the larger and looser P. farinosa, and Mr. Syme, who has carefully observed the living plant both in a wild state and cultivated in his own garden, declares it to be 'perfectly distinct.' The leaves are very powdery on the under side, broadest near the middle, shorter and less indented than those of P. farinosa, which are broadest near the end ; and the whole plant is about large enough to associate with a dwarf moss or lichen. It is rather difficult to obtain, unless one has an opportunity of getting it from its native localities in Scotland ; bnt it can be had from several English and Scotch nurserymen who cultivate such subjects. A native of the counties of Sutherland and Caithness, and of the Orkney Isles, growing in damp pastures. The best place to select for its cultivation is on a properly made rockwork in some spot where it would have perfect drainage, and not be injured by strong-growing subjects shading it. The soil should be a friable loam, mixed with sandy peat or a little cocoa-fibre, and made perfectly firm. If placed on the level ground or on a raised border, a few pieces of broken porous rock should be placed firmly in the ground around it, so as to show half their size above the surface, prevent evaporation, and also act as a guard to the very diminutive plant ; and the same plan might be followed to some extent on a rock- work. If a coating of dwarf moss is spread over the earth after a time, I should not remove it, believing the tiny plant to enjoy such a carpet, whether grown in pots or the open air. Although so small, it is, when in health, a vigorous Lilliputian, and seeds very freely, the self-Bown seedlings having often formed with me good plants on the mossy sur- face of the ground or pots. I have grown it in the open air in the suburbs of London ; but as a rule it is best for all who do not try it in a pure atmosphere to grow it in well-drained pots or panB, using the same kind of soil, and protecting the plants in a cool shallow frame in winter, placing the pots out of doors in summer plunged in coal ashes or sand. In all cases the plant should be abundantly watered in dry weather, whether in spring, summer, or autumn. Easily propagated by seeds, which should be sown soon after they are ripe in shallow pans of sandy peat or fibrous loam mixed with cocoa-fibre, and placed in an open pit or shallow cold frame." Pruning Raspberries. — At a recent meeting of the Wisconsin Horticultural Society, Mr. McAffee gave the following as his method of pruning Raspberries : — When the young Raspberry shoots are 8 inches high, pinch out the terminal buds, leaving only three or four shoots to each stool. When the laterals are grown 1 foot, pinch in again, then allow them to grow the rest of the season. Next spring cut to within 1 foot of the last pinching, and stake with small stakes. The pinching and pruning make the stalk woody and lusty, and the plants yield about twice as much as if treated in the common way. LADY COWS. To-day (March 30th), being bright and sunny, I was quite surprised to see the multitudes of these pretty insects on some of the shrubs on my lawn. They literally almost covered some of the bushes. The first plant on which I observed them was a Thuja aurea, and, as it was almost covered by them, I went round to see if they were equally numerous on the other trees. I was very much interested to find that there were few to be seen on the green shrubs, whilst all the Golden Yews and Golden Arbor- Vitoss were almost scarlet with them, and a good many were to be seen on a gold-edged Box. Is this not an instance of that instinct which induces a hare to make her seat in a brown tussock ? I never remember to have seen so many of these useful insects before, though they were very numerous laBt season. It ib to be hoped the green aphis will have a bad time of it this summer. — J. R. Pearson, Chilwell. MAKING CHARCOAL FOR FUEL. [In answer to " Supremely Ignorant " (a confession of self- knowledge rarely made), we reprint the following.] My practice is to commence by taking a sufficient quantity of split wood that will easily ignite on the application of fire, and with a sharp instrument cut it into lengths varying from about 3 to 9 inches. I then place it in a dry shed until I have pre- pared the whole of the wood which is to be burnt into charcoal at one time, and to preserve it from being wet ; for the drier it is kept the sooner it will take fire when the whole is piled for burning. Attention to this will save much trouble, and probably partial failure in the operation. The quantity of dry wood to be prepared will depend upon the size of the heap when ready for being set lire to. A heap that measures about 4 feet in diameter at the base, and from 4J to 5 feet high in the centre, will require a quantity sufficient to form in the centre of it a circular heap about 18 inches through at the base, and 12 inches high in the centre. Charcoal is generally made, on a large scale, of the boughs of trees that have been cut down for sale, or of the underwood and prunings of trees that abound occasionally on the estates of landed proprietors. The wood should be as firm as can be obtained, and as free from sap as possible ; but if it cannot be had of this kind, take the best at command, and cut it also April 7, 1870. ] JOUBNAL OP HOBTICUL.TUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 263 into lengths of about 6, 9, 12, and 18 inches ; and when it is ont be particular to make the lengths into three loose heaps — i.e., those lengths that measure the least in diameter into the first heap, those of the greatest diameter into the second, and those which range between the least and the greatest diameter into the third. Also, prepare a smooth circular piece of wood from 4} to 5 feet in length, and 6 inches through. Attention to these things at this stage of the process will greatly econo- mise the amount of labour which will afterwards have to be bestowed upon the building of the pile. The wood being thus prepared, next proceed to select a con- venient plot of ground upon which to burn it, and which, I would remark in passing, might be the corner of an adjacent field, the Melon-ground, the compost-yard, or, for want of these, the centre of a spare quarter in the kitchen garden. The ground being fixed upon, level and make it firm by beating it with a beater or the back of the spade, and then in the morning of a fine day, when the weather looks settled, wheel the wood to it, keeping the heaps, as already, separate from each other when placed round the ground where the principal heap is to be formed ; also have brought from the field or common a cartload of sound turf, and place it at a proper distance from the material already on the ground. Into the centre of the ground which has been made even with a mallet, strike one of the thick pieces of wood, which, I would observe, must have been pointed at one of its ends when the rest of the wood was being prepared. Allow it, when fixed in the ground, to stand about 9 inches above the surface of the soil round it ; begin to form the pile by placing a few of the shortest lengths of the dry wood equally round the bottom of it, and then, against these, others with one end resting on the ground, so that the end whioh is the uppermost will incline towards the centre of the heap. They must be placed as closely to each other as possible in an imbricated style. In this manner proceed until the heap reach to the top of the stake. Afterwards mix with the wood a quantity of shavings which have been got from the carpenter's shop, which will cause the wood to ignite sooner than it would do if they were not used. The form of the heap, when of the dimensions above stated, should be that of a cone, on the point of which must be mounted on end the long, smooth piece of wood which was made ready for the occasion as already stated. Be particular to make it firm by putting the end of three rods into the ground, so as to form the three points of a perfect triangle, and fastening the other ends of them to the top of the wood. Then take about one-fourth of the lengths which form the first heap of wood, and tile-form lay them equally all over the central pile ; also, take the whole of the second and third heaps, and use them one after the other in the same way, finishing with a layer of the remaining three- fourths of the first heap. The reason for arranging the wood in layers in this form is, that that which is of the greatest diameter, and which is near the central layer, is no more than ready for being drawn when the outward one is perfectly burnt into charcoal, and, con- sequently, the pile is ready for being taken down and the char- coal housed. The piling of the wood being completed, cover it equally all over with the turf which i3 close at hand ready to be U3ed ; place the grass side downwards, and on the top of it a layer of Bif ted soil from 1 { to 2 inches in depth. Having done this, take out of the centre of the pile the smooth, perpendicular piece of wood, and deposit some light combus- tible material, in which a quantity of congreve matches have been mixed, on the top of the dry wood in the centre, by letting it drop down the hole out of which the wood was taken. Set fire to it by casting a few live embers upon it, and when it has caught fire feed it with a small quantity of wood, and then close up the hole with a little turf, so as not to allow the fire to escape. Afterwards take a rod sufficiently long to reach to the centre of the pile, and with it perforate the sides, letting it run to near the centre. By these perforations a ventilation will be created that may be regulated so as to keep the fire equally burning throughout the whole of the pile. As the fire con- tinues to burn, it will require to be fed occasionally with suit- able material. This must be done by uncovering the open space in the centre which was left for the purpose, and care- fully letting down the fuel with which to feed it, and then covering up the orifice as before. The fire in its progress will consume certain parts of the turf and soil which serve as an external covering to the pile, and also to keep the fire smouldering, instead of issuing in flames, which is a point in the process worthy of being noticed by those persons who wish to have good charcoal with little loss of material. Therefore, on the first indication of the fire coming through to the surface, in whatever part of the pile it may be, immediately cover the place with turf and sifted soil, which must be always at command. The length of time it takes to burn wood into charcoal varies according to the softness or hardness of it. Oak takes the longest, and is generally thought to make the best charcoal, and on that account it is to be preferred to any other kind. Now, if the pile, during its burning, be properly attended to, the loss of material will be trifling. The refuse or ashes are, I consider, amongst the best articles that enter the kitchen garden for top-dressing the beds of Turnips, Carrots, Parsnips, Dwarf Beans, &e. ; and for first early Potatoes, either mixed with any other kind of manure or alone, they are equal, if not superior, to anything I have used. — B. B., near Halifax. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. The Change m Fruits Produced et a Different Cli- mate has been long since noted, but so decided an alteration as that recorded as a result in the experimental garden of the Victoria Horticultural Society is unusual. The report says : — "The recorded observations of those residing in a climate like that of England are far from reliable as a guide to growers in this climate, and numerous illustrations might be given of this. Several of the Pears grown in England, and reported upon as merely ' stewing ' Pears, are found here to be melting and delicious dessert varieties ; while many of the Apples which are characterised by English authorities as of no special merit are so changed by climate as to be among our most valuable varieties." WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN garden. While the present cold weather continues, little can be done that has not been recommended in former calendars. Trench all spare ground, run the hoe between the rows of all crops that are above ground, and attend to the destruction of snails and slugs. Sow a little Red Beet, but not much, as it will very likely run to seed; also, a few Dwarf Kidney Beans in a warm corner ; these will require shelter for a short time when coming up. Make the principal sowing of favourite sorts of Broccoli to stand the winter. A sowing of the dwarf Hardy Bussian made a fortnight hence, often bears frost better than that sown earlier. Sow a little Cape Broccoli and Cauli- flower in the open ground. The Celery sown early in boxes will soon want pricking out. The old plan is very good — viz., some very rotten and mellow dung on a sound bottom. On this the plants, pricked out 3 inches apart, will produce many fibres, and will remove with the trowel in balls with a very trifling amount of check. The chief reason why Celery bolts is sudden luxuriance succeeded by sudden checks. Sow a little Hamburgh Parsley and some Purslane. Bampion beds may now be sown ; a light sandy soil suits this in common with most of the Campanula family. fruit garden. The disbudding of Peach and Apricot trees must be com- menced forthwith, by removing all the foreright wood shoots and a portion of those on the lower side of each shoot ; also, as blossom buds are very numerous this year, it will be proper to take off a portion of these where ill placed. Keep a sharp look out for the aphis on the young shoots ; these should be syringed with tobacco water as soon as the insect is perceived. After high winds, fresh-planted trees in the open quarters should be finally looked over, and the earth pressed firmly about them. As Peach and Nectarine trees become older and acquire a full complement of wood, according to the space allotted to them, it will be found necessary to disbud with some severity, in order that the trees may be kept in a healthy frnit- bearing condition, and not weakened by being crowded with too much wood ; therefore, encourage only the young shoot nearest the bas6 of the fruit-bearing shoot ; but as the terminal shoot will be necessary for the proper maturation of the fruit, it must be closely stopped at the last thinning, and any at- tempt at growth afterwards must be carefully removed without injuring the leaves. As soon as the fruit is gathered, it is best to remove the shoots which have been stopped, down to the young ones, which are greatly strengthened thereby, and it also exposes the young wood more to the influence of the sun at a season when the exposure is most needed for ripening it. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 7, 1870. FLOWER GARDEN. Those who f irce Neapolitan Violets should for the next three weeks or a month propagate stock, either by cuttings or runners. Young stock cf choice Pansies of last autumn's striking should now be planted out in the flower-garden beds or borders. If the soil is in any way exhausted, a little fresh should be put in the hole. Sow Sweet Peas and Mignonette. The water which is apt to lodge in the cavity formed by the advancing Tulip leaves ocght to be scrupulously removed, as at this season it is of the first importance that every part of the plant should be dry when frosts occur, it appears that the best means of preveu'ing injury from hail storms, so prevalent at this season, is to keep the beds covered with small-meshed nets, but these should be sufficiently high to prevent the plants from being drawn. Ranunculuses are now beginning to make their ap- pearance above ground ; as they advance it will be a necessary precaution to keep the soil well round the crown of the plant ; when this is neglected the bloom is sure to suffer, though if the surface of the bed be composed of sand to the depth of half an inch there will not be much danger. In consequence of the severity of the late spring frosts, it will be advisable to throw mats over the beds, unless they are in a very sheltered situation. Take special care that the frames in which Auriculas are kept are well covered during the night ; should the expanding blossom^ receive a cheek they become in florists' phraseology set, and they will have great difficulty in expanding. Seedlings will now be blooming in the southern counties. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Propagation by cuttings is one of the most important parts of the gardener's profession. Selection cf wood is the first important point. The wood, as a general rule, should be short- jointed, somewhat mature, and, for plants in an active state, possessing leaves perfectly developed. The due care of the leaf is the next great object ; this should never be allowed to flag or droop from the moment it is taken from the mother plant : hence the propriety of using striking glasses, which, although enclosing a somewhat vitiated atmosphere, prevent any undue perspiration in the leaf, which circumstance is of more importance than the character of the atmosphere. In making cuttings, the more healthy leaves that can be retained the better, provided they can be carefully preserved, but in order to find room for the multitudes required for modern plantations, it often becomes absolutely necessary to reduce these organs. In doing this, there is no occasion to strip the catting like a hedge Poplar ; every stump of the leaf, and even footstalk, that can be left without crowding the adjoining cutting, contributes to the success of the cutting. Those who desire to have the Camellia in blossom from October until May, which it is quite easy to do, must, of course, force their plants into wood successively. If a given stock were divided into three portions, and one portion subjected to this process in February, a second in March, and a third in April, this ob- ject would be thoroughly accomplished, provided the subsequent treatment was what it ought to be. Among the various dressy flowers which should find a place in the greenhouse, a shelf or a portion of the house should be reserved for some of the free- blooming hybrid Roses. Cuttings of these struck last summer, and kept throughout the winter in store pots, if potted in moderately rich soil, and subjected to high cultivation, will make nice bushes for next autumn and spring. They should be forwarded in-doors for a month, and when established in 5-inch pots should receive their final shift at once. All blos- som buds should be pinched off throughout the summer, if the plants are intended for winter or early spring bloom. Cuttings of young wood struck now will flower well late in the autumn, if they are duly cultivated. Encourage afternoon and evening warmth, but give air freely all the early part of the day. Take care to fumigate little and often in all plant houses or pits, if the green fly make its appearance. [stove. Increased heat and moisture may now be given to stove plants in general, but above all, atmospheric moisture of a permanent character. Have shading always at hand to ward off intense sunshine for an hour or two. Use liquid manure constantly to stove plants in general. If not attended to before, it is now time to put in cuttings of the winter-flowering stove plants, such as Eranthemums, Begonias, Justicias, Gesneras, Euphorbias, &c. FORCING PIT. This department will soon find its occupation gone, so far as the forcing of flowers is concerned, and therefore you must take advantage of the breathing room to give encouragement to Clerodendrons and other free-growing plants, which now require plenty of space. Some of the plants may al6o be re- moved from the dung frame to this pit, to make room for Bal- sams. Cockscombs, Amaranthuses, and such other plants as it may be deemed necessary to grow for the Bummer and autumn decoration of the greenhouse and conservatory. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. As we expected, the last of March and the first two days of April gave us sunny days, reminding us of the middle of June, or the first days of July. This, the 2nd of the month, however, is the first morning that has not been frosty, if not wet. Seeds of most of the main crops, as Parsnips, Onions, and Carrots, have been committed to the ground. Could we have made sure of such fine weather we would have deferred sowing until the end of the month, but as time was going on, and stiff soil needs all the time that can be given, we began to feel anxious chiefly about the Onions, as our most forward, sown in the autumn, had been cleared out of the ground, as well as a large bed of Leeks, by unwelcome four-footed intruders. Our soil, though frequently turned over, was not so dry and mellow as we Bhonld have liked it to have been, and therefore, after tread- ing, raking, drawing drills, &c, we resorted to an old palliative under such circumstances, and covered in the rows with riddled light sandy loam, merely drawing the back of a rake over the whole to make it neat and level, and waiting until fine dry weather had set in, and the seedlings were beginning to peep through the surface of the soil, to pass a light roller over the soil to consolidate it there. Where the soil is light, easily worked, and quickly dried, all such care in covering seeds would be quite unnecessary, unless the covering contained something in the way of rich con- centrated dressing. In all soils rather stiff and retentive of moisture — the best soils after all for holding crops, though not for growing them early — in the largest gardens, as well as the smallest, it will be an advantage to have a heap of dry soil to go to for seed-covering. When, as in our case, the soil was wet enough at sowing time, the dryness of the covering was a great advantage. There was quite enough, and more than enough, of moisture below to cause the seeds to swell and ger- minate when sufficient heat reached them, and the young shoots would grow strongly and healthily through the drier soil. If severe frosty mornings should set in, the dry soil would be a good protection. It would be some time before showers would thoroughly wet it, but when they did the rains would pass freely through, which they rarely do when wet soil is used for covering. In the latter case the water would be retained as if in a sponge, keeping the air from reaching the seeds, and often causing them to decay instead of germinating. Hence the great difference between working such soils when they are wet and when they are dry. We have seen days spent in working ground when wet, although it would have been more econo- mical to have let it alone. Having stiff soils in summer free, open, and easily worked, or hanging unkindly together like huge blocks, will depend very much on the treatment we give. In seed-covering, in most gardens plenty of material will gene- rally be found in the refuse beneath potting benches. In the smallest gardens a few barrowloads of fine, dry, light soil will often come in most useful for seed-covering, and with such help seed-sowing maybe practised almost in all weathers, wet as well as dry. No seeds will ever be 6hut out from atmo- spheric influence when such a covering is used. To avoid covering seeds with wet soil some, in the case ef small seeds, merely sow them on as fine a surface as they can, and slightly pat them into the ground, giving no covering. Some seeds do very well thus treated, especially those which germi- nate very quickly ; others that lie some time before swelling and germinating, succeed tolerably if the weather is dull and heavy, if not moist. But failures frequently take place when such Beeds, partly exposed, are subjected to the influence of bright sunshine. Moisture, heat, and access to air, are the great essentials to healthy germination, but most seeds germi- nate best in at least comparative darkness. The Blight covering, proportioned to the size of the seed, keeps it in more equable condition as respects moisture, temperature, &c. Exposure to bright sunshine does much, in our opinion, to weaken or destroy the vital powers of a seed. We once put a lot of seeds — Peas, Beans, Cabbage, Turnips, Melons, Cucumbers, &c, thinly on the shelf of a hothouse, and allowed them to remain April 7, 1870. J JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 265 there exposed to a bright Bun for eight days j bnt a great many refused to vegetate, and those that did so grew very weakly. We nsed to sow our Onions in rows in 4-feet beds, with narrow alleys between, in which Lettuces were grown thinly. These spaces gave a good opportunity for cleaning the Onions without trampling between them, and on the whole we do not think we could improve on the system ; but partly to Bave time and labour at firBt, we have lately sown in rows in a pieoe, generally 1 foot apart from row to row. At this distance the Onions may be left a little more thickly in tho row, so that the bulbs do not touch. This plan renders several hoeings necessary, but they are done by a careful man, using a small sharp Dutch hoe, cutting up the small weeds and hoeing very shallow, so that whilst just the surface is loose the ground beneath shall be pretty well compressed to suit the Onion. In cleaning, thinning, &c, the bed system gives, however, a great advantage, as all may be accomplished without setting a foot amongst the Onions, whilst by sowing a piece in rows there must in thinning be careful walking betwixt the rows. Where there are early beds of Horn Carrots, the beginning of April is soon enough to sow the main crops of Carrots. In order to have them, not perhaps so large, as sweet and crisp, it is a good plan to have smaller succestional sowings, say in the end of April, the middle of May, and the middle of June. These frequent sowings also furnish successions of thinnings of sweet young Carrots for soups, &c. Beet and Salsafy are generally early enough when sown from the middle to trie end of April. Beet, for many years, we have chitfly transplanted when the leaves were of some size. No dusting or netting would keep the birds from it. Before the seed leaves were an inch above the ground, the leaves and what was beneath them would be cut off. What surprises us is that we have gone into other gardens with more wood and shrubs near than here, and not a Beet seedling or a fruit bud on trees would be touched. The birds must either be kept down, or there must be some- thing more tempting for them to go to. What can be the more desirable bait ? In like manner were we to sow a quantity of Love-lies-bleeding and Prince's Feather, we should never have a plant, though the seedlings came up as thickly as Mustard and Cress, unless we resorted to stringing and netting. When the plants attained from 1 to 2 inches in height they seemed to have no charms for the birdB : hence we sowed under a hand- light and transplanted. It would be interesting to know if in other places the birds are aB partial to young seedlings with high-coloured foliage. Last year we happened inadvertently to leave outside of a frame a box of seedlings, about half an inch above the ground, of Amaranthus melancholicus ruber, and when we went back, in half an hour, there was not a single plant left ; whilst the piping of chaffinches and the defiant chirruping of sparrows left ua in doubt as to whom we were most indebted for taking such quick advantage of our carelessness. There is something to us incomprehensible in the tastes and likings of animals, and we should be vastly the gainers if we knew more about them, so as to turn many little matters to our benefit. For instance, it seemed next to impossible to keep deer out of one small place here. Baise the fence as we would, over they would go, until it was something like 7 feet high. In another place, with material inside quite as tempt- ing, a common hurdle, say 3} feet to 4 feet in height, has kept them out, though they could go over it as easily as a cat could mount on a low stool. We have mostly relied on the London Market Cauliflower, a good kind, though not so compact as the Cauliflower alluded to last year as grown by Mr. Hill, Mr. Beales, and others in Hertfordshire. Sometimes our hand-light Cauliflowers have Buffered much by mice and rats, and we have had great trouble to prevent such destruction being felt. This year we do not think a plant has been touched in the hand-lights. In an old frame we pricked out a lot of plants, in the autumn, of our old sort, aleo a lot of plants from seed kindly given us by Mr. Beales. Of the older kind, the same as in the hand- lights, with all our care in trapping, &c, hardly a good plant IB left. Most have had their hearts nibbled out, some are cut over close to the ground, more for mischief than anything else, but not one of Mr. Beales's kind is touched, though placed in exactly similar circumstances. Now, could we know the reason of such preferences, we might be able to get on better. Long ago, when our Onion crop Buffered from the worm and maggot, we could only get a good crop by sowing some Lettuces and Carrots along with them. If the grass mice would always pass this kind of Cauliflower, we should not mind giving them a few plants of another sort to exercise their nibbling proper- ties, but it is juBt possible that next season they may prefer it to all others. In the fine days, as the ground had previously been well turned, ridged, and re-ridged, we planted a good many Potatoes, and, as our space is very limited, chiefly the early and small- topped kinds. The produce of the Prolific Ashleaf last sea- son was wonderful, the ground being scarcely extended enough to allow the tubers to lie when taken up. We expect them to be as fine this season, as the ground was in such excellent order that it was a pleasure to work it. The Potatoes had been kept cool, and in such cold soil it would have been no advantage to plant them earlier. A few tubers that had sprouted nearly 2 inches were placed at the bottom of walls, to come in to succeed those ripe and growing under protection. The shoots of few of the others had elongated above an inch, many not a quarter of an inob, a different thing from planting after the first shoots have been broken off. In the early Potatoes in frames, we have Eeen as yet no signs of the disease. As a proof of the coldneaB of the Boil hitherto, we may men- tion that to-day (April 2nd) we have examined seeds of Peas and Beans, some sown more than a month, and find the radicle rootlet freely lengthening ; but it will yet be some time, unless the heat continue, before the cotyledons or seed leaves appear. Hardly a seed remains of what was committed to the ground in the common way. The mice and other vermin, notwith- standing traps, &c, have used them as their property. As yet, of those just referred to as germinating, not one has been touched, not even a hole made, but these were damped and just coloured with red lead. We have sown later kinds of Peas and Beans to follow the earlier ones, but all have been leaded. BadiBh, Spinach, and Lettuce seed has also been coloured ; we have found nothing else so efficient a protection against mice, birds, and rats, before the seedlings appear above ground. Last year some rows were turned up by pheasants, but the Peas were untouched. This Beason, as yet, nothing has made an attempt at them. What a difference there must be to them in the red-coloured seeds and the reddish seed leaves of Beet, Prince's Feather, &c. As showing the constant care required in a garden, and especially of what is under glass, we lately mentioned about putting some Cucumber plants in a hot-water narrow pit, and plunging some plants in rather small pots in order to fruit them early, and then to make way for the others. These have answered well, producing good though not large fruit, but still Cucumbers for use. In the cold, dull, leaden-sky days little water was given or needed. On the first sunny morning, on examining the soil with our fingers, we intimated our wish that so much heated water should be given the first thing after breakfast — that is, before nine o'clock, and that the plants should be watched, and if they Bhowed the least signs of dis- tress from the sun they should be shaded. We could not see the plants until between 10 and 11 a m., and many of the leaves were flagging very much. No water had been given aB ordered, no Bhading thought about, but an abundant supply of air put on. The air was reduced, shading given, water at 80° afforded the leaves, and the floor and walls syringed ; in less than an hour the plants held their own again, and by one o'clock did without shading. With such dryness in the soil, exposure to such a sun, especially after dull weather, and a large admission of dry cold air, half an hour more would have rendered these promising plants fit only for the rubbish heap. The plants were so robust that, provided the watering had been given, and a fair amount of air, the sun, though powerful, would scarcely have affected the foliage. The plants have feince received a little shade for a couple of hours in the middle of the day, but that, too, would scarcely have been needed but for the above neglect. The great evil of shading is, that if a man put it on, it is very difficult to get it taken off in time. It should never remain a minute longer than is absolutely necessary. We mention this little fact to show that it is not bo much great intelligence and great talent, as the unwearied attention to little things, that will secure success. A man might be able to speak and write well on all the " ologies " and yet that would do nothing to save his Cucumbers in a hot day from the consequences of neglecting to water them when that was required. Such casualties as the above are apt to be followed by insects. We must pass over other matters, as our work was chiefly a continuation of that referred to in previous weeks' notices, but the change in the weather was so great — from dullness to bright sunshine — that we sprinkled the roofs of several of our 266 JOUKNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 7, 1870. plant houses, late vineries, and orchard houses, especially the latest, with water slightly coloured with whiting, just to break a little the full force of the sun's rays. Oar fruit-tree buds out of doors are still backward, and the whitening the moBt of them will help to keep them back until the soil is warmed to promote free root-action. — R. F. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS la the Suburbs of London for the week ending April 5th. THERMOMETEK. ■Wind. Date. BAROMETER. Air. Earth. Rain. Max. Min. Max. 1 Min. 1ft. 2 ft. Wed. .. SO 80.211 80.186 46 27 40 89 N.E. .00 Thnrs. . 31 30.210 30.158 45 28 41 89 Fri. ... 1 31.161 3 '.132 50 18 41 39 Sat.... 2 30.223 30.112 65 21 89 San. . 8 30.367 80.804 54 18 41 39 Mon. . . 4 30 868 SO 324 54 24 40 89 Tues. . 5 30.288 80.155 59 19 41 3D Mean.. 30.261 30.189 5186 22.14 40.43 39.14 j . . 0.00 80.— Densely overcast; fine, overcast ; clear and fine. 31.— Overcast; foggy, densely overcast. 1. — Foggy and overcast; fine ; clear find frosty. 2.— sharp frost ; very fine ; foggy, starlight. 3.— Frosty fog ; fine, slight fog ; foggy. 4. — Dense fog; very fine; clear and fine. 5, — Dense fog ; very fine ; clear and fine. TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Charles Tnrner, Royal Nurseries, Slough.— General Spring Cata- logue/or 1870. Sutton & Sons, Reading.— Buttons' Amateur's Guide and Spring Catalogue. TO CORRESPONDENTS. «g- Being published in time for transmission by the Thursday morning mails, The Journal of Horticulture should, with but few ex- ceptions, be delivered on the, same day in all parts of the country. If there is any delay, let our readers apply to the nearest railway bookstall, an I by paying their subscriptions in advance their copies will be regularly supplied. If country booksellers cannot obtain the Journal in time, we shall be obliged by tlieir communicating the fact to our Publisher. *.' We requpst that no one will write privately to any of the correspondents 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, cOc, 171, Fleet Street, London, E.C. Books (J. J. IT.).— There is no such work as you need. We are ar- ranging for a series of articles on the subject. (IV. D.).— "The Vine Manual" for thirty-two postage stamps, " In-door Gardening" fortwenty stamps, will be sent from our office post free if enclosed with yonr address_ Manuring Potatoes (W. E.B.).— We never grow Potatoes on ground requiring manure, but on that which was manured for the previous crop, as after Cabbages. If the ground must be manured the manure should be spread, dug in, and the sets inserted by the dibble. Various (Ignoramus).— The tops of all branches and all plants are the youngest of the parts, and therefore ripen last. To have large Fuchsias, grow them in 11-inch pots, but they cannot be made gigantic at once. We know nothing about the possible price of the Potato. We cannot name plants from their leaves only. Notes on Irish Gardening (E. B.).— We shall be very much obliged by the " Stray Notes" you offer. Seedling Cineraria.— Your seedling is a verypromising flower; if the plant is of good habit it may be useful, but there are many as good and better. It is something like, but not equal to, Turner's Agrippa. Rhododendron Seedlings (O. C.).— The seedlings, when they are a year old, ought to be pricked out in a sheltered situation, and shaded from the powerful midday sun. A border on the east or north side of a fence is suitable. They'should be planted about 3 inches apart every way, and watered In dry weather daring the summer. In a yenr, ifthey " nted out 6 inches apart, in beds of peat Gem Pericles, Belle of the Ball, Beacon. Exhibitor, Spotted Gem, Mary Hovl'e Fancy -Acme, Godfrey Turner, Fanny Gair, Roi des Fantaisies, Delicatum, Lady Craven, Undine. Modestum, Tormentor, Ellen Beck, Lucy, Bridesmaid. Any respectable nurseryman could supply you. Seeds for Sydney ?S the Fancy, and the French varieties. Formerly there was a fourth class, the Spotted, but that has now been merged m the first The 1 Show Pelargonium, or Large-flowered, as it had better be ealled-fo the Fancy section is equally available for the purpose of exhibition-is well known, but nut ,;,. v to define. The ground colour varies from white to d?epc-imson,ar.d the petals may be either spotted or painted-that is striked with faint line?, or nearly altogether covered w. h a deep blotch of dark maroon or black ; the foliage is ample, and the individual leaves large The Fancy section is composed of plants varying very mach from the foregoing, both in the character of the foliage and in the flower, he fliage is smaller and neater, and the plant more compact in habit reouirio", too Bom. what more heat, and being more impatient of damp ; [he flowers are also smaller and rounder, produced in trusses more numerous and more filled. The French varieties are very different from eUher ■ thev la? claim to no regularity of outline, are sometimes even S&tefc*»«i ^rSeVrv^f^ f0"^^ rel clmous at each end, and the simpler the beds the better " feet in diameter, a path of grass round 4 feet wide. grow well, they will no. ,1 to be plantod out (i inches apart, in l . , «. or fibrous soil. The situation should be open, but sheltered from wind, wMch space you could divide equally into our beds, with 4-teet grass and when the plants meet they should be planted a foot apart in rows openings? Supposing that the outside of these beds .were j or _ o lee with 18-incb intervals. Stopping is only necessary when the plants, from tr'om the end of the grass plat that would leave a nee space ^ oi ■, souic 25 feet in the centre for gra ould lea s, where yon might h large the beds as you liked. oughuo'be cntdown now, or "in May, to'within 6 inches of the soil"." " I 0r a fine"tree, &c." You might lessen or en ie ™ »<"i£S£ White Bedding Pf.laroonium (O IT. M.h-Wo have tried many As proposed abovMh. >™«£»^ ^^SX^^lSti whites, and on the whole find nothing better than Madame Vaucher, | lines made into four beds, 4, erass, 1 leet wiue , (, except Pearl. This is more compact, and the bloom keeps whiter when , 4, grass ; 5, bed as aoovo. Thecanseis exposed out of doors. Hyacinths Blooming without Leaver (FA. L.D.I .. inecanse w Select Show and Fancy Pelargoniums (Tom Taii-M— «*»»— n««e I their not having been plunged un °^??.\„ JL^Jth*. Celestial, Caractacns, Lilacinum, Desdemona, Charle Turn^lpo^le^surir^tSa^ -Sh .v April 7, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 267 that of the leaves. It is well, after the bulbs are taken from the plunging material, to keep them covered with an inverted flower-pot until the spike is clear of the bulb, when it cannot be kept too near the glaBS. We advise you to invert over them flower pots nf a size that will fit immediately within the rims of the others, and to keep them on until the spikes be clear of the bulh, then remove the pots, and by exposure to light and air the flowers and leaves will soon assume their proper colours. Pelargonium Buds not Opening (J. Z. Jtf. ).— We think the cause of the flowers not expanding is burning the paraffin lamp in the frame. The remedy is to have a funnel, which would take the fumes into the outer Resurrection Plant {Goddess). — Selasinella (Lycopodium) lepido- phylla is a small-growiu g stove Moss, and, so far as we are aware, it has none of the characteristics of the Resurrection Plant, the Rose of Jericho (Anastatica hierochontica). The Selaginella requires a temperature of from 6u& to 65 at night, and from 70- to 85° by day. A compost of rather rough sponsy peat, and a free admixture of pieces of grit, or sandstone, and silver sand will grow it well. It should have a position rather near the glass, and needs shade from sun from March to October, and a moist atmosphero, with constant and regular moisture at the root. The pot ought to hive good drainage. Ants in a Pinery (Idem). — '■ We think you intended pinetum when you wrote pinery. You may drive them away by sprinkling cuano over their nests, or give them a good drenching with ammoniacal liquor from the gas works ; and another good remedy is to pour over the n^sts a solution of 2 ozs. of Clarke's compound in a gallon of water, and it will destroy all it touches. Fungus on Lawn (J. Lock). — The fungus spawn, or mycelium, may probably be destroyed by dressing with salt, at the rate of one gallon per rod, or SO.} squaro yards, and it ought to be applied in showery but not very wet weather. If the fundus appear in the form of fairy rings, then your best plan will be to make holes with a crowbar about 9 inches apart and 6 inches deep, and fill ouch several times with lime water, made by stirring-up 12 lbs. of fresh lime in thirty gallons of water. Stir well up, let it stand forty-eight hours, and then water with the clear liquid. After the watering, drop into each hole a pinch of salt, and then fill them up with soil. Cytisus Bloom-spikes Failing (Idem). — This generally arises from the plants being grown at too great a distance from the glass, and then being exposed too much or too suddenly tolight and air, with a deficiency of water at the time the buds are forming. Sometimes it arises from the plants being kept too close for a time, and a sudden check being subse- quently given by exposure to cold air. From the growth, we should say your plants are weak and require repotting. Cottony Blight on Apple Trees (P. C, Herts'*. — It is the American blight (Aphis lanigera). The gouty swellings on the shoots are not the places where their young are placed, but the result of the formation of an increase of bark over the wounds made by the insects. They are now about the roots; try if pouring gas ammoniacal liquor frequently around the stems of the trees will prevent their ascending. Brush with paraffin oil every cottony spot that may appear on the branches. Cocoa-nut Fibre Refuse (R. S. S.).— The dust is the only part to be mixed with the soil for the culture of Ferns and other plants. This may be obtained by siftius the refuse. The fibres do for putting over the drainage of pots, and for mulching Names op Plants (W. 8.).—l, Acacia dealhata ; 2, A. linearis ; 3, Tre- mandra verticillata ; 4, Specimen very much crushed, apparently Daphne Mezereum. (A. B. C.).— Genista Spachiana. (Marten Cat).— We do not recognise your shrub in its present condition. Perhaps a spray in full leaf might assist us. Send under your present signature. POULTRY, bee, and pigeon chronicle. FEATHER-EATING FOWLS. I see in your Journal that some one suggests " a bitter oint- ment," to cure fowls of feather-eating, but he does not say what it is to be. Could you give us a receipt in your "Letter Box," or otherwise, for something which would not hurt the fowls, and at the same time cure them of this most tiresome and, I may say, disgusting propensity, for the poor bare bodies are not a pleasant sight? If the habit continue, instead of being able to show my fowls to my lady friends as a sight worth seeing, no one will care to look at them, but all will rather turn away from them. I read much about it in your Journal last year, but I was then able to congratulate myself on my fowls being nearly free from it ; but to my dismay now, several of my hens are quite bare behind, and a beautiful Partridge Cochin cock, weighing 12 lbs., which I was most anxious to exhibit at the first opportunity, is in the same plight. I also found a Creye-Cceur hen submitting quite quietly while a Buff Cochin hen picked the feathers from her face. I have kept fowls for several years, but never was troubled with feather- eating before. I cannot help thinking that some bitter stuff rubbed on would cure it, only, of course, it would have to be something that would do the fowls no harm. If you could suggest anything, or induce some one else to tell us, it would be a great boon. — F. T. H. appear to establish the fact, that " fowls eat feathers as a substitute for some sort of matter (I will not with him say ' medicine'), which is obtainable in a farmyard," or by scratch- ing in moist earth. Now what are the substances so found, of which feathers are the correlative ? Clearly nitrogenous matters — that is, substances of animal origin. It is, there- fore, a want of animal food which is the source of the evil. It may be that the morbid craving is accompanied by disease of the ovary. This is, doubtless, an effect, and not the cause ; for, indeed, how can the ovary be in a healthy state and perform its natural function, that of secreting and furnishing to the egg a large mass of albuminous fluids, if a due supply of the azotic element be withheld from the system ? If this supposition be correct, it would seem to follow as a natural consequence, that the breeds of fowl which are the best layers should be the most prone to feather-eating when kept in a confined space. Has this been observed? It may be, also, that a special food is required, and that solid flesh, such as is often given to fowls, may not be a satis- factory equivalent. The French breeders do not trust to this mode of feeding their birds. A very common addition to all well-kept hassc-cours, is a " vaminiire," or insect-breeding bed. In some warm, sheltered, but shady spot, is put a layer of stable litter, often of considerable dimensions. Upon this are poured all kinds of animal matter. If the refuse of a butcher's yard is obtainable, so much the better ; the blood, entrails, and their contents, being the best materials for the purpose. In a few days swarms of insects feed upon the garbage, and deposit in it their eggs innumerable. It is then covered with a layer of dry earth, and upon this is laid a fresh bed of litter and animal refuse, and so on until a bed some feet in thickness has been formed, and the whole has become a moving mass of animal life. A portion of this is now taken daily from one end and served out to the fowls, who thus have supplied to them in their confined space what they naturally find when roaming and scratching over a considerable area — viz., the eggs and larva? of various insects. This is beyond doubt the true food of all the scratching birds, and of which they cannot be deprived consistently with health. It is probable that access to a large dunghill receiving daily accretions from the stable is the next best substitute. This is a verminiere to some extent, but possibly owes its chief value to the fact that the panicles of partly digested matter saturated with animal flui.l found therein, have considerable analogy with the juicy morsels for which the poor birds bo diligently and laboriously search, notwithstanding that they may have just received a sufficient supply of vegetable food.— Chemicus. I ageee with your correspondent " W.," that he will be likely to find the use of mangold wurtzel in his pens a preventive, in some measure at least, of the feather-eating propensity. I never possessed a feather-eating Houdan, and, indeed, Ehould be surprised to find one exhibiting this propensity, unless sent to me with it. My birds, with a good run, an un- limited supply of green food, with mangold wurtzel always at command, show no symptoms of this disease. I know of no fowls showing so much preference for mangold wurtzel as the Houdans. They will hollow out the root, leaving a sort of shell only. Their eating each other's feathers is a morbid appetite, caused, I believe, entirely by the lack of the simple require- ments of fowls — viz , the dry dust bath, daily-cleaned houses, and clean fresh water, with an abundant supply of green food. It is also necessary that they should be enabled to have what is termed "their ssratch," in loose earth, gravel, and old mortar. Fowls in confinement are mostly overfed, and become fat and lazy. I like mine as much as possible to work for their livelihood. I have lately given some gleaned corn in the ear, purchased of cottagers, and the exercise it affords them in finding their food I consider very beneficial to their health. I am no advocate for the use of " prepared " foods or too high feeding. Of the two evils I would rather under than over- feed. Let poultry in confinement be allowed to indulge as nearly as possible in their natural feeding and habils, and I believe the feather-eating propensity will not be so frequently heard of. — W. Massey. I was much struck by the note on this subject in your number of March 21th, contributed by Mr. H. Seymour Fraser. His careful observations, extending over a considerable period, trimming fowls. Something ought to be done to effectually stop such fraudu- lent practices, or all honest exhibitors will refrain from exhibit- ing, in consequence of which shows will greatly suffer. Allow 268 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 7, 1870. me to suggest tbat committees insert in their schedules, " that if any fowl be found to have been tampered with, it shall be sold by auction, and the proceeds of the sale go to the benefit of the society ; and, should the owner have other pens, that they all be disqualified." — A Loteb of Faib Play. THE PRIZES OFFERED AT THE LAUNCESTON AND BARNSTAPLE SHOWS. Permit me to make a few remarks respecting the prize schedules of two rising shows — viz., Launceston and Barn- staple, which are shortly to take place, and perhaps if the Honorary Secretaiies and Committees would reconsider the matter, as in the case of a suggestion which was carried out at Torquay, something might be done to apportion the prizes, or arrange one or two classes, in a somewhat different manner. To take Launceston first, there are eighteen classes for fowls alone, and one class is supposed to be sufficient for Cochins, whereas a separate class is given to White Dorkings, four classes to Hamburghs, and one to Barndoor fowls. This appears to me a great mistake. Again, there is no class for fowls of "Any variety," nor for single cocks or hens. Now, as the prizes are of about the same value as those offered at Plymouth, or say a little less, and Plymouth may fairly be considered a greater show than Launceston can pretend to be, I will show that by com- parison the entries for the above classes will not warrant their being established. At Plymouth, Dorkings had one class with only thirteen entries, including, if I mistake not, but one or two pens of White at most. Cochins had two classes with seventeen entries, including first-rate Buff and Partridge, and very fair White. The " Any variety " class brought twelve fine pens, and single cocks seventeen pens. Each of these classes received but £1 15s. in prizes, and yet they filled well. On the other hand, Barndoor fowls brought six pens only, and these were so inferior that the first and third prizes were withheld ; and Hamburghs (two classes) brought twenty-five entries, which would never warrant four classes in any of our Devon and Cornwall shows. In fact, at Torquay Hamburghs were con- fined to two claBses, and although White Dorkings were coupled with Silver, they only brought five entries, two only of which, I believe, were White. Barnstaple issues even a more strange schedule : there are twenty classes, seventeen of which have only two prizes — £1 and 10s. The " Anv variety" class has four prizes — 20s., 15s., 10s., and 5s.; and Bantams two classes — each 20s., 15s , and 10s. This arrangement is, to say the least, novel. Bantams are mere in request, perhaps, in North Devon. Here, too, Cochins have one class only, Brahmas the same, and Dorkings are restricted to Coloured ; whereas Hamburghs, again, have four ; Malay or Indian Game ; Minorcas ; and AndaluBian, Blue or Blue Pill ; each a separate class. Is the poultry fancy de- clining into a mere demand for fancy fowls or birds of feather, or why are those fine breeds Cochins, Brahmas, and Dorkings so discouraged by limitation ? If the funds admit, by all means have every variety classed ; if not, I hope the above breeds will not be curtailed to make room for classes which will be a sham, and not pay for half the prizes. I may observe that neither at Torquay nor Taunton have Malays, Minorcas, or Andalusians classes to themselves. In fact, at Torquay the whole of these breeds did not muster ten pens. I quite agree with your correspondent " Creve-Cceur," and hope in future that labels with an eye at each end will be used ; the convenience I can testify would be very great. — James Lonq. CLASSIFICATION OF BELGIAN CANARIES. In reply to Mr. Holmes's notes of 17th March, I beg to say that my notice of the Crystal Palace Canary Show was not intended as a criticism on the schedule, but as a review of the Show, and therefore I cannot be supposed to have " omitted a very important case " in not pointing out defects, real or fancied, in the schedule. The subject of correct classification is one to which I have more than once called the attention of the " fancy " in the pages of this Journal. It seems to me to be but very imper- fectly understood, and the sooner some intelligent conclusion on the matter be arrived at the better. I shall not go into the subject now, but I purpose doing so before the nest show season commences. Meanwhile I am glad Mr. Holmes has raised the question of the impropriety, if I may so express it, of exhibiting Ticked and Evenly-marked Belgians in the same cIsbs. But before I give my opinion on the matter I will just say in reply to his general request — " is Chairman of the Ornithological Sooiety at Nottingham I have been requested by the Belgian fancy ther*i, and at Sutton, and other places in the district, to draw the attention of the managers of All-England shows in future to this subject, so that these birds may be shown in distinct classes by themselves, instead of being classed together, as they have been at the Sunderland and Crystal Palace Shows " — that for two years in succession we issued the most complete schedule ever seen in the Canary world, in which we offered three prizes in each class for : — 1, Clear Yellow Belgian ; 2, Clear Buff Belgian ; 3, Ticked and Unevenly-marked Yeilow Belgian ; 4, Ticked and Unovenlv-marked Buff Belgian ; 5. Evenly- marked Yellow Belgian ; C, Evenly-marked Buff Belgian; and that on neither occasion bad we a single entry from Notting- ham, or Sutton, or any other place in the district. The Belgian fancy " at Nottingham, and Sutton, and other placeB in the district" should have put Mr. Holmes in possession of these facts before stating " that a greater number of these birds would be shown " upon a correct classification ; and Mr. Holmes himself should have Btudied our schedules before venturing on an incorrect statement. Ticked are not classed with Variegated, nor Variegated with Ticked, at Sunderland. My own opinion as to the best classification of Belgians is this. I contend that they are essentially position birds, and that colour is about the point of least value; certainly, when placed in the scale with (what shall I call them ?) structural points, it is valueless. Moreover. Clear Belgians are more apt to throw very slightly ticked birds than perhaps any other clear variety ; and since such tick or almost indistinct mark is no appreciable detriment to an excellent position bird, I would class the Clear and the bona fide Ticked together as being in all Belgian respects one and the same bird. Not so the Marked classes — the marking has been obtained, as the crest has in the Norwich, by importation from some other variety ; and as in the Norwich crest is obtained at the expense of the most valuable point — colour, so in the Belgian, marking is obtained at the expense of the distinguishing characteristics of the class, its extraordinary physical conformation. Hence, not forgetting that I am dealing with Belgians, I would put all the rest other- wise marked than ticked in one class ; and in judging them I would not allow absolute exactness of marking to Bet aside true Belgian characteristics, any more than I would allow ab- solute exactness of marking to counterbalance true Norwich properties. Beautiful marking and position points would have to be carefully weighed together ; but it would by no means follow that a bird splendidly marked on the wings, with a per- fectly oval cap, or with most unimpeachable spectacle eyes, but deficient in Belgian points, would beat one irregularly blotched but " all there " when called upon. I base this theory upon the assumption that the Clear and the Ticked are in all essential points one and the same thing — high-bred Belgians, and that the Variegated birds are not so pure in breed, or do not show such Belgian development ; and it is manifestly a defective arrangement to exhibit in the same class birds which must be judged for Belgian properties only, and those which have Belgian properties and markingB com- bined. I pass Mr. Holmes's remarks on the annoyance experienced from nnt receiving catalogues in proper time, particularly from Sunderland and the Crystal Palace, because he has only exhi- bited once with us, and cannot know much of our arrange- ments ; but I can assure him that his and one other catalogue which went astray were posted on the opening day. But a catalogue of a Canary show is almost as great a temptation to a dishonest postman or post-office clerk as a letter which feels very much as if it had a half-sovereign ioside. Next year I hope to see Mr. Holmes and all the fancy from Nottingham, and Sutton, and other places in the district, at Sunderland. We will show them a model schedule and a model show. — W. A. Blakston. THE ENGLISH CARRIER PIGEON. We have much satisfaction in presenting our readers who are fond of fancy Pigeons (an increasing number we know them to be), with a portrait of a high-bred English Carrier, drawn on purpose for this Jerarnal by that veteran fancier and skilled draughtsman Mr. Dean Wolstenholme. We have further to state that the standard points given are the result of the combined judgments of Messrs. Brent, Hewitt, and Ord, the April 7, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTCTRE AND COTTAGE GARDENEK. 269 last two of whom have each perused the whole. Mr. Hewitt's skilled eye sees more shows than an; other judge, while Mr. Ord takes many prices, and has at the present time perhaps the most valuable stock of Carriers in the world. We gave two years ago an article on the Carrier (vide vol xiv., page 265). Suffice it for us now to say that no birds ever deserved more truly to take prizes than some of those Carriers exhibited during the last few years. There has been a gain in size and strength ; both were laoking a few years since, when the birds shown were too small and pretty ; now it is not so. Whatever doubt there may be as to which variety of fowls should head the prize catalogue, and committees appear to take different views, yet no doubt exists in any Pigeon-fancier's mind that the kingly Carrier must always be placed first. Apart from the different points, there is the Carrier look which marks the first-class bird. He looks not a creature of feathers, but like a piece of black marble. We will now give the points in their order. 1. Wattle. — Broad across the base of the beak, tilting and tapering from the head towards the point of the bill. It should not press on the cere of the eye, as with age it brings coarse- ness. The wattle and cere should be of distinot formation. 2. The Eye. — Iris bright orange red ; cere, or eye wattle, a oomplete circle round the eye, broad, and equal in width. 3. Head. — Long, narrow, flat at the top ; the narrower the space occupied by featherB along the top of the head between the eyes the better. In a very superior specimen it will be less than half an inch wide. 4. Beak. — Long, straight, thick, fitting closely throughout its leDgth when closed ; it is then called " a box bill." If the upper mandible arches, the failing becomes even more and more developed as age increases, so much so, that not unfre- D.I/7aiST£i\'iJQLM ■., quently the upper bill curves over, and the Pigeon becomes what is generally known as " Parrot-beaked." This defect is by some fanciers thought to be brought on by the birds being fed in troughs, by which no free action of the bill in picking up its food is called forth. Mr. Ord, however, doubts this, and believes it to be hereditary. 5. Fokm. — Neck long, thin, and very slightly curved. Shoulders wide. Wings strong, and pinions long. Back rather hollow. Legs large and stout. Attitude, erect and graceful. 6. Colour. — If black, the feathers should be jet colour, as a slaty tinge is a great fault ; and in Duns, a clear colour is moat im- portant, as the feathers should not be at all freckled with lighter colours at the edges, or chequered in the least. Mr. Ord believes that the freckling in Dans is caused by exposure to the sun and weather. His prize birds are kept constantly in the locker, and have not a pale feather; but others, which are allowed to fly about out of doors, are chequered with paler feathers. To this excellent summary of the points, clear and full, yet not tedious, little more needs be added. But as a guide for size, we may observe that good judges consider that a cock bird should measure 16 inches from the tip of the beak to the end of the tail, and a hen half an inch less. In conclusion, we trust that the engraving and points given will draw the attention of more fanciers of Pigeons to the noble Carrier, for while homing birds and high-flying Tumblers have their interest and value, we hope that never in England will the high-fancy birds be neglected. Foreigners can com- pete with us in Antwerps, but not in Carriers, Pouters, and Almond Tumblers. DUMMY FRAMES. I assume "our Journal" means the only apiarian paper; I therefore beg, as one who has been absent for some years 270 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. from " bee news " in the English journals, to be informed as to the various names under which the old " bar-and-frame" hive, invented, used, and patented some thirty years ago, has been now introduced in England, France, Germany, and America, as reference is made to a name well known in the bee world — viz., Mr. Woodbury's. In what modification, then, does this hive differ from the original ? Is it in length, or breadth, or parts of an incb, or thickness of wood? Your correspondent "Bee- Hive," asks for an opinion as to " the practicability and utility" of "dummy frames." I venture to add, None, but simply they would multiply the lumber arid apparatus of a bee house, and go back to that false system where some imaginary improvement is supposed to arise by the introduction of a frame, a glass slide, or a thermometer ; for it strikes me bee-masters have not yet given Up the charms of novelty, and anything that promises a large harvest of honey, or some peculiar mode of removing bees, either from above or below, the back or the front, or the right or left of a hive. I believe, as the humane system of saving the short lives of the worker bees has been taught through the writings of the Rev. W. Cotton (see "My Bee Book "), so we must discontinue these vain efforts of at- tributing to a " system " of super, or nadir, or collateral, any success in bee culture. I have exhibited honey made in a hat in a favourable locality and good season. But are we guided by the requirements of the bees themselves? Do we study their instincts, or natural habitats ? The quotation from Dr. Bevan's " Honey Bee," I venture to assert is a mistaken passage, and the note also confirms my impression. Dr. Bevan is peifecHy right, that during cold perisbing weather the bees remain clustering around tbe comb, and only obtain food through the internal passages which exist, or should be formed, for the purpose before winter; but when the numbers of the bees are reduced by death in the hive they can no longer generate the required warmth, then they drop and perish, but P, . , * . . ■ ' , , , . J ~ , \, . t\ \ Vi„OQ under a rip on tbe earth. Choose a spot where they wiU get pome son, it requires damp, starvation, and cold to effect this. Doubtless ; andi if po(£iWO) where there is gra?s. Let the chickens have pood beer the " dummy frames " are suggested because they might give to drink. Feed on bread boiled in milk, hard egg chopped fine, grits, and oatmeal, a little boiled liver if you like. This, if adopted at once, will save the survivors. Brahmas' Legs Scurfy (Oldham itc).— It is common but not contagious* It lessens it to rub it with oil, but it is not curable. It generally makes its appearance during or soon after heavy snow. Pcllet Latino Small Eggs (H. D. K (.—You need not condemn the smallest she ever at fault. It may last throughout the laying, but there is no reason to suppose it will con- he ceases to be so in the January following. Such a bird as you describe is not a cockerel, but a cock, and, if a bird three voars old. can only benefit by the term by being sold in 1870 as a cockerel of 1 867, a " ci-devant jeune homme." Poultry fop. Profit (W. H. P.).— You do not tell us enough. Before we can advise you properly we require to know whether you seek profit from eggs or table poultry; whether you purpose fattening and sending to market, or whether you intend to sell to a higgler. If yon want a rough and-ready useful fowl, keep the Brahma Pootrs, hardy to a proverb, an excellent layer, good mother, and average table fowl, malting large- limbed, useful young birds for a country district. If you think of pro- lore delicate birds, keep the Dorkings. They are most excellent table, good layers and sitters. They are not so hardy as the Brahmas. If you put "your fowls in their house after dark, and let them find food and water when they come out in the morning, they will not stray. Spanish Cock Catarrhed [Constant Reader). — The most certain cure will be a return to fine weather and the absence of the abominable east wind. Many thousands of human beings can sympathise with yonr Spanish cock. You must give him castor oil, a tablespooniul daily, till relieved. Discontinue the maize. Feed on ground oats or barleymeal ; give a pill of camphor the size of a garden pea daily, and a meal of bread and ale night and morning till he be better. It is a severe cold. Fleas in a Poultry House [B.H. J.).— Your fowls lack the proper dust bath. Ordinary dnst will not provide it; it must be either wood aBbes or road grit. Mix some black sulphur with it, and put it where it cannot be wetted; you will see your fowls burying themselves in it, raising their wings, and throwing the dust into their feathers. This is a cure. It is supposed the exertion of moving over and among the particles of grit is do more comfortable to the parasites than used to be a pilgrimage to a distant shrine with half a pint of hard peas in the shoes, and they give in. Thoroughly clease your house, and lime-white it thickly. Houdans vcrsu* Creve-Cceurs (A Working Man).— There is little dif- ference between the birds. The Houdans are the hardier, but if kopt in a small space they are apt to eat each other's feathers. The Creve-Ccenrs lay a much larger egg. Both arc excellent fowls. They are good winter layers, but lay late in the spring. Chickens in a Boiler House (A. J. W.).— We cannot admire the spot you have chosen for your chickens. We fancy it has either a stone or a brick floor. If it has, that will account for the cramp of which yonr chickens died, and will die. Remove the hen and the survivors, put her warmth, but this is a fallacy. Bees in their natural habitats — in hollow trees, rocks, &c, do not require this, bo Umg as they are free from draughts and damp above. This is the essential of a well-constructed hive, and it is found alone in the hive- withiu-a-hive, or bar frames with a box hive ; for the combs upon each separate frame are complete, and can be examined I pullet. The first clutch of eggs laid by a fowl or removed when and how the bee-master pleases. The bees ! [rod"c^ ^ ovi( always cluster on the outer edges of the combs, leaving the two t?^ue afte?ward outer combs to act as the dummy combs ; and the space | PoCTER Losing Secondary Wing Feathers (D. G.).-You did not also serves as the exercise ground when milder weather prevails, enclose a feather ; do so, and we can then better answer your query. and they are not tempted out of the hive. Bat can anyone Birds' Skins for Stuffing (J. 0.).— We must ref^ryouto "Waterton's Btate the number of bees that are bred in a comb 9 inches by 12 , Wanderings." Mr. Waterton was one of the best of bird- s tuff ers. Mrs. deep? Can anyone state how the bee grub is fed daily, and I Lee's "Taxidermy is also good. are the ages of workers and queens clearly ascertained ? I look, therefore, for an answer in "our Journal."— W. A. X. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— April 0. [There is no doubt whatever that the rudiments of the business remains much the same, and there is no alteration either in modern frame hive are to be found in the curious and ingenious supply or demand that is worth notice. Some good new hothouse Grapes contrivance patented so many yearB ago by Major Mann, under I are offered, but will not yet entirely displace the retarded ones New , , *1 1 ., , . t J *i • ,, m, i. i A'tc ~ nn Potatoes from Malta, aud early frame Potatoes from Jersey, are in fair the name of the " bar-and-frame hive." The actual difference request at former prices, between the two can, however, be much more readily dietin- fruit. guiehed by comparing both side by side than by any written b. d. a. d i b. d. b. d description. The great advantage of frame hives in giving to | Apples jsieve 3 6to the bee-master the most perfect control over his bees is un- questionable, but beyond this we cannot go, and are disposed to regard the vaunted superiority in other respects of what has been fancifully called " the hive-within-a-hive " as so much tall talk best suited to the vendors of such hives, who may naturally be deemed desirous of praising their own wares.] OUR LETTER BOX. Yellow Duckwtng Bantams (C. Drake).— We cannot aid you. If you refer to the lists of prizetakers at the various large shows you will see who are keepers of the variety. Light Brahmas (J. L.).— Mr. Pares ; the others, Mr. H. Beldon. Brahma Pcllet Leg-weak (S. T. G.).~- If the pullet has shown no symptoms of giddiness or other affection of the head, we do not think her resting on her hocks arises from paralysis. Give her bread— brown bread is best— soaked in ale daily, lettuce leaves, and access to limy rubbish. Hardy Table Fowls— Poultry-keeping Extensively (G. W. D.). — Pure Brahma3 are hardier and easier to roar than any cross-bred birds. We know no bird so hardy, and few so useful. We believe the reason why the Company ceased was that their losses were enormous. Thousands were spent there without yielding a profit. The same will happen to you if you follow the same system. There is no hope of Buccess from keeping a multitude of fowls confined near together. What is a Cockerel? (T. 0. J.).— There are many names, as stag, and cockerel, and so on. A cockerel is a bird of the year. Thus, a bird hatched in January is still a cockerel in December of the same year, but Apricots doz. Cherries lb. u Chestnuts bushel 10 Currants j sieve 0 Black do. 0 Figs doz. 0 Filberts lb. 0 Mulberries quart 0 Nectarines doz. 0 Oranges 1^100 4 Peaches doz. 0 Pears, kitchen doz. 4 dessert doz. 4 Pine Apples lb. 8 Plums isieve 0 Quiuces doz. 0 " i' ' \lA -!-]■..■! n< ■. I'. I' 20 0 ! Strawberries oz. 1 10 0 I Walnuts bush.-l lii 0 0 I do W00 1 VEGETABLES. ns, Kidney do. Broad bushel Beet, Red doz. Broccoli bundle Brussels Sprouts.. Je'eve Cabbage doz. Capsicums V 100 "100 5 0 12 Carrots bunch 0 4 Cauliflower doz. 3 0 Celery bundle 1 6 Coleworts..doz. buncheB 3 0 Cucumbers each 0 9 pickling doz. 0 0 Endive doz. 2 0 Fennel bunch 0 3 (Jarlic lb- 0 8 Herbs bunch 0 3 Horseradish .... bundle 3 0 Leeks bunch 0 4ti Lettuce doz. 1 0 Mushrooms pottle 2 0 0 0 Mustard & Cress., punnet 0 S 3 0 Onions bushel S 6 1 6 pickling quart 0 4 0 0 Parsley sieve 3 6 2 0 Parsnips doz. 0 9 0 0 * Peas quart 0 0 0 8 I Potatoes bushel 2 0 6 0 Kidney do. 3 6 2 0 Radishes .. doz. bunches 1 0 6 0 Rhubarb bundle 1 0 2 0 I Savovs doz. 1 6 0 0 I Sea-kale basket 2 0 0 0 Shallots lb. 0 6 0 0 ' Spinach bushel 8 0 0 0 j Tomatoes doz. 0 0 0 0 Turnips bunch 0 4 5 0 I Vegetable Marrows., doz. 0 0 April 14, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Month ,y 1 .„„, , . on ,™. i Average Tempera- of APRIL 14—20, 1870. tare near London. Week. Bw"l sin 1 Snn 43 years.1 Ri8es- | Set3- Rises. Moon Sets. Moon's Age. Clock before Day of Tear. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Tn F S Stra H To w 1 Day. 57.'J Good Friday. I 58.4 | 57.4 Easter Sunday. 58.2 Meeting of Koyal Asiatic Society, 8 p.m. 1 66.8 1 69.0 Eoyal Horticultural Society, Fruit. Final, 6J.S [and General Meeting. Nieht. Mean. 86.1 46.6 87.8 : 48.1 87.1 ' 47.8 85.8 ! 47.0 88.0 j 47.4 35.6 47.8 35.1 47.7 1 Days. 17 21 27 15 16 10 17 m. h.l m. h. 9af5 ; 52af6 7 5 53 6 5 5 1 55 6 2 5 ! 57 6 0 5 59 6 58 4 | 0 7 66 4 2 7 m. h. 58 af 4 22 6 49 7 15 9 37 10 52 11 morn. m. h. 57 af 4 20 5 46 5 13 6 45 6 28 7 10 8 Days. IS o 15 16 17 1H 19 o' 16 0 0 after. 0 29 0 43 0 56 1 10 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 From observations taken near London dnring the last forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 58 P ; and its night temperature 36.5°. The greatest heat was 77 •", on the 18th and 10th, 1854; and the lowest cold 20', on the 15th, 1862. The greatest fall oJ rain was 0.56* inch. object that concerns all who would adorn P=^5t their gardens with Conifers. Happily this CS'rTi class of the vegetable creation is not so fanci- J^~>- V fill as to soil, &c, as was generally supposed yfi some years ago ; we now see many good specimens growing where even planting an Oak was little thought of before, and. owing to their very low price, good plants can be bought to ornament many waste piecps of ground. I would here caution amateurs who are about to plant Conifers not to run away with the idea generally enter- tained, that the ground cannot be too poor, or that a cart- load of good manure will be the death of a Conifer ; such is not the case ; still I think the system of planting is of greater moment than manure, if the soil has any nutriment to afford. I will take three ways in which Conifers are planted — namely, in hollows, level with the ground, and on mounds. The third method has been commented upon in these eolumns, with no other facts than to say it was doing well or badly ; but the question is, Is the system suitable under varying circumstances ? Is this generally considered when we recommend or condemn a different plan ? I think not. If we happen to see a tree doing very well, we are apt to accept its planting as a model for our future guidance, not taking into consideration the difference in soil and situation. An enterprising amateur on a visit here, who takes great delight in Conifers, seeing we had been and still were planting this class of trees, was struck with dis- may at our planting them on mounds. " Mine are all level with the ground," he said. " What is your subsoil, your situation, your surface soil, &c. ?" "All are good," was the reply, " but yours, I see, are quite the reverse." We must now go back, and take the first system, which is not often adopted, nevertheless it is not to he overlooked, for in uplands, where the ground and subsoil is of a very dry and sandy texture, it is well the trees should be planted below the general level of the surrounding ground. This will not be approved of by some Conifer planters ; but let me ask them if they have not been surprised when taking a ramble through a wood, park, or large shrubbery, to find before them unexpectedly some of the most vigor- ous and well-balanced trees which have come up, as it seems, spontaneously from an old hollow that had been excavated in years gone by, offering a grateful abode for a host of Ferns ? Do we not often, when reading the travels of botanists, find them state that when they were crossing a mountainous country they came to a beautiful clump of such and such a tree in a hollow ? I have ever found this the case in woods and parks with a light sandy soil resting on a gravelly or rocky subsoil. But the planter, in such a place, must be careful not to penetrate into a hard subsoil to carry out the design of planting No. 472.— Vol. xvm. New SERIES. below the surface, for in doing so he makes a boundary for the roots, and in a few years the trees will be brought to a standstill. I know of an avenue of Cedars that would be beautiful but for this cause. They did well until their roots came to where the pick and spado left off. Better far to plant on the subsoil, and cart a few loads of soil yearly to in- crease the dep'h of the surface soil : and here we come at once to the second method, or surface-planting. What I mean by surface-planting is not to raise the ground above the level, but as we generally plant other things. This mode is well adapted for good deep land with an open subsoil, and where there is efficient natural drain- age, but if there should be any doubt respecting the latter, planting on mounds is certainly the safest plan, especially if the ground is very flat with a clayey subsoil ; for of all soils, I think, a cold adhesive clay soil is the worst for Conifers : the exceptions are the Silver Fir and the Scotch Fir. White clayey subsoil seems almost essential to the former, while a red clay or marl seems to suit the latter well ; at least, the finest I ever saw was growing on such a soil. I would advise all who contemplate planting woods on a cold wet subsoil not to employ the common Spruce Fir. We have a large wood that was planted forty or fifty years ago, and the trees, although growing at a very rapid rate for the first twenty or thirty years, are now struggling for existence, and every storm that comes upon them tears them down by scores, and the timber, although 50 or GO feet long, is only fit for firewood, being so rotten. Hence the necessity of putting stones beneath trees in such a soil, as much for keeping the central roots from penetrating the cold clay as for drainage. I find that the primary cause of disease is from those central roots descending into this uncongenial soil, there perishing, and carrying the disease to the heart of the trees. I am now planting some parts of these grounds with more valuable trees, and it may help some similarly situated if I describe the way in which i am inserting them. The situation is very high, facing the north, with a range of high mountains about six miles distant. It will at once be seen it is a very cold and bleak situation, added to which the soil is very poor and shallow, varying in colour, but principally a black heavy bog, here and there running to the depth of from 3 to 5 feet without a particle of sand or grit of any sort (and this is thoroughly saturated with stagnant water), resting on a white clay bottom. My first performance was to drain it: in doing so we came across many old drains, which were completely choked up by not having enough fall to keep them clear, al- though the situation off-red every possible facility for it. But the plan is here to put the drains in a horizontal direction, with a main drain for them to empty into. This may do if there is a main every 12 or 14 feet : if not, in this bog soil the drains act far better in a slanting direction, thus — The drains are put at the bottom of the bog, and in No. 1184. -Vol. XLIII., Old Sebjbs. 272 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 11, 1870. many places some feet in the clay, to afford a rapid escape for the water. We so manage them that they come under or by the side of the hole for the tree, which was dug 2 feet deep and abont 8 or 10 feet in diameter ; stones were put into the hole to the depth of 1 foot, and covered with branches. We then had four loads of turf from the sides of fields, roads, in fact from wherever we could lay hands on it. We also had ono load of rotten farmyard manure, and the same of leaf mould. I should like a load of Baud or grit. These materials, well mixed with the soil thrown out of the hole, made a mound 2 feet high in the centre, running off to the original surface. Tho trees i planted last year in this way are doing remark- ably well, while others, planted previously without any prepa- ration, were generally doing so badly that many of tht-m have been served in the same way this year. The following are a few which will succeed in a well-drained bog without any preparation : — Cuprcseus, Thujas, Crypto- merias, and others. It may be worth adding that, three years ago, the top of a fine Araucaria was broken off while removing it. It commenced making a new leader the same year, but very slowly. It is now a foot long, and I fancy the bottom part of the tree has been improved by it.— J. T., Naesgwynnc, South Wales. THE OYSTEll PLANT AND ITS CULTIVATION. The increasing scarcity of that dainty shell-fiBh, the oyster, so dear in every sense of the word to epicurean tastes, may perhaps help to push into notice this plant, and lead to its being more cultivated and used either as a vegetable or a salad. I have cultivated it for some year3, merely as a curiosity, and I had at one time as many as between three and four hundred plants, which the frequent inroads of visitors, with requests for " just two or three of them," speedily made fewer. It is the Pulmonaria maritima of some botanists, the Mer- tensia maritima of others, and is well known from the curious fact that its fleshy leaves taste exactly like good, fresh oysterr. When allowed to flower, the plant is of a trailing habit, with pointed, oval, glaucous leaves, tho bloom upon which seems to bo a saline incrustation. When cultivated, and the flower stems pinched off as they appear, the leaves grow about 4 inches in length, and are thick and succulent, little less so than those of tho Ice Plant, and, like them, always cool to the touch and taste. Although a native of some of the coldest shores of Britain, those of the West Highlands and the He- brides, it can yet appreciate, and seem3 to like best, one of the warmest spots in the garden. Its culture is extremely simple, and may be stated in a very few words. Any time between the present week and the middle of next month, procure a number of small plants, tho smaller the better, and with as much of the root attached as possible. For their reception, form a small trench by throwing out the soil one spit deep to each side. Fill this nearly full of very rotten hotbed dung, dig it over again, so as to mix the dung thoroughly with the soil in the bottom of the trench, then re- turn that previously thrown out, and the result will be a ridge 8 or lOi nohes high; level this on the top, and put in the plants with a trowel or dibber, taking care the roots are put well down. If tho soil is of a light, porous nature, this is all that is required ; but if at all heavy and inclined to clay, sand must be plentifully mixed wilh it, and the ridges made some- what higher, as anything like stagnant moisture about the crowns during winter is sure to kill off the plants. When fairly growing, a dash of salt along the row during a wet day seems very agreeable to them. Pinch off the flower shoots as they appear, and also the heads, if they have any, of such slugs as may be found " prospecting " about for an oyster supper. Under the foregoing treatment good large leaves will be ob- tained, and what to do with them will become the question. On this subject the French oracles are dumb ; not within the whole range of culinary literature is the Oyster Plant even mentioned, and the presiding genius of that eminently prac- tical department only thinks that if they are good for anything, they may, perhaps, do instead of Spinach; but for patties, " What an idea ! " Well, I have had the leaves cooked as Spinach, than wbieh they are infinitely better, which is certainly not saying very much ; but by this process much of the oyster flavour is lost. I might also mention other ways in wnioh the plant has been prepared, and highly relished by some, though in fairness I must add, by others pronounced just a little green. However, some second Soyer may yet arise and touch the Mertensia with his wand, and give oyster- lovers a new sensation. — Aveshiee Gabdenee. REMOVING THE FOLIAGE OF PEACH TREES. Most gardeners have been taught to regard the leaf of a plant as one of the principal organs of its existence, and to deprive a plant of any portion of its foliage without due consideration is, no doubt, a very dangerous practice. Nevertheless, in our daily operations we often find it necessary to remove what we call superfluous foliage, and consider it an advantage to the plants. If so, is it beneficial to the Peach trees growing against walls to remove a portion of their foliage in autumn ? Some people do so every autumn, oven if there is no need, while others consider the practice barbarous at any time. I have been in the habit of removing the leaves every autumn with a few twigs of Birch, and have not found any injury resulting from the process. My reasons for it are the following : — In this locality the Peach and Nectarine trees are remarkable for the length of time they retain their foliage in autumn, and in some unfavourable seasons the leaves remain on the trees in an apparently healthy state nearly to Christmas ; such foliage is always at the extremity of the most vigorous shoots, which bespeaks an unripened condition of the wood. Now, if we are to regard healthy foliage as a proof of activity in the tree, it can hardly be profitable to allow leaf-action to go on at such an unseasonable time of the year; for the ripening of the wood is retarded, and consequently rest ; moreover, the trees are over- taken by frost, which, under these conditions, is very injurious. Where such circumstances arise the soil is generally, as in this neighbourhood, of a very tenacious nature, very slow in accu- mulating warmth in the spring, but retaining it till late in autumn ; consequently the crops are often very backward in the spring, but most luxuriant towards the autumn. It appears to me, that iu such a soil, and in an unfavourable season, the Peach tree has not time enough to do its work ; because in the summer of 18G5,and again in 18G8, the trees brought every one of their fruit to perfection, and completed their growth and ripened their wood in a much shorter time — not so with other seasons, for much of the fiuit did not ripen, and the growth was more vigorous in September than at any other time. Doubtless the best remedy for this state of things is to provide thorough drainage to the borders, and increase the porosity of the soil by a liberal addition of mortar rubbish and road drift. Water would then percolate through the soil freely, the ground would become more speedily heated, and thus an earlier and more seasonable growth would be encouraged. No doubt there are many parts of the country similarly circumstanced, and I think it better to recommend the removal of the foliage than run the risk of injuring the tree by allowing it to continue its growth under such unfavourable conditions. A fine, warm autumn is beneficial to all kinds of fruit trees, and to the Peach and Nec- tarine particularly. — Thomas Becoed, Lillesden. ERANTHEMUMS. Eraxthehujis have foliage of exquisite beauty, and ought to find a place in all collections of stove plants, in which they constitute a very attractive feature. They are of very free growth, of easy culture, and quickly make excellent specimens. Ekanthehum ederovexiem, a distinct and beautiful little plant, rivals in delicacy of veining the favourite Anajctochilus, but is of more easy culture. It may be grown in a basket or a pan. Suspended from the roof in a basket, it has a fine effect, as it likewise has when grown in a pan, so as to admit of its being closely inspected. It is also very beautiful when culti- vated in miniature rockwork in a stove, with Ferns or choice plants. It very quickly covers the rockwork, and it loves to grow in a shady moist atmosphere. I grow mine in gocd fibrous peat and silver sand, to which I add a little loam and cocoa-nut refuse ; for drainage I use charcoal. In this compost the plant quickly forms a lovely specimen. Eranthemtjm kjhbtjm, — This charming species comes frcm Peru. The long oval leaves are of an obscure dark green, covered with a diamond-like dust, through which there appear a central band and veins of golden yellow, shaded with fiery red in the central part. When the sun is shining upon it, the effect is very fine. Eeanthemtjm sanguinolentuh, a compact erect-growing plant, requires pinching to form a bushy specimen. It has April 14, 1870. 1 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTTJEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 273 dark velvety green leaves, beautifully netted and veined with crimson, and the Btem and leaves are thickly covered with red hairs. It is a charming plant. The compost I use is just the same as for the other two species. Eranthemums are easily propagated by cuttings, and for the decoration of the stove or dinner table they are all that can be desired.— F. P. L. ZONAL PELARGONIUMS. I ventct.e to send a few notes on my last year's experience, as I have been asked by several of my friends which I can re- commend of those I have more recently tried, also which have stood the test of three successive seasons. I will preface these remarks by saying that, with the ex- ception of three or fourieds, I do not grow a great number of a sort together; for instance, I had last year thirty diamond- shaped beds in a long, sloping border which surrounds one half of my garden, with sixteen plants in each. Another large oval bed was divided round the edge into twelvj beds, with twelve plants in each, and besides another large mixed bed I had twelve other beds with from twenty-five to forty plants in each. This does not include Variegated, Bicolor, or Tricolor sorts. Practically, I find twelve good plants will enable one to form as correct an estimate of the value of a Pelargonium for bedding as a greater number. I unfortunately have not the back numbers of The Journal of Horticulture by me at present, so cannot refer to some notes I sent on the season of 1868, nor to Mr. Luckhurst's notes on 1869, which were published last November; I consequently ohall very likelj go over much old ground. To begin with, I planted out early in May last year, com- mencing on the 11th, and all my plants, with a few exceptions, were in a very forward state, most of them in full bloom, as I had kept them warm and growing all the winter. The only exceptions were some Lord Palmerston, Herald of Spring, and Miss Martin, which had been kept in a colder, only partially heated frame ; and this I can cor.fi dently assert, that they never, all through the season, caught up those that had been treated with plenty of warmth and light from the very time they were taken as cuttings off the plants. I also took particular notice of those which were forwardest, and in most bloom, to see whether they suffered from it afterwards, and in no instance could I see that they had. Some of my plants, too, had been hardened off by being put into a brick frame without glass, and merely covered with frigi-domo at night, but I could not see that these stood the cold weather of June any better than those which came direct out of a warm though very light and airy house. Osving also to the system of warmth during the winter, I was certainly six weeks more forward than any garden either in my own immediate neighbourhood — in the north of Yorkshire — or any that I saw in the neighbourhood of London or elsewhere, with one exception, that of Mr. Boper's near York. I allude to this more particularly, because though May and June were very backward and trying last year, yet the Pelar- goniums, being well established before they were planted-out, did not seem to sustain much check, and I do not think by the middle of July there was much difference between 1868 and 1869 ; so that the experience of last season only confirms me in the advice which I ventured to give last year, and that is to keep the plants growing all winter, with plenty of heat, light, and water. There is no comparison, too, in the pleasure during the winter between Beeing plants growing, in vigorous health, as in the heated frames which Mr. Pearson has at Chil- well, and plants which have a miserable struggle for existence in a cold frame, covered over with mats during frosty weather, and with a minimum amount of glass, and therefore of light, for fear of frost getting through the glass. I have seen Pelar- goniums which have been wintered in the pans in which they were struck, taken out of the frames in March with hardly a healthy leaf on, and very often with half the cutting3 in the pans damped-off. I have also seen old plants in store pots bronght out with the largest leaves about the size of shillings or half-crowns, and the gardener to whom they belonged has tried to make me believe they were all the better, because they were hardier, and that though they might be a little later (for he would allow this), yet they would last longer. I can only say that in this ungenial climate of England, however forward you may put out your bedding Pelargoniums, they will always go on blooming till the frosts of autumn cut them off. I was also found fault with, if I remember aright, last year by some who said very few gardeners had the means or con- venience to keep Pelargoniums in this way during the winter. I am not, however, advocating this system for those who have not suitable houses, and who have only cold pits, but I am arguing against those who, year by year, advise amateurs to keep their bedding Pelargoniums as cold as they can during the winter, and say that a cold unheated frame is the best place and best treatment for Pelargoniums, and aver that fire heat only helps to weaken, and render the plants tene'er. I remember very well last year a brother amateur, a very good florist, told me that he had a visit from two neighbouring gar- deners in March, when they exclaimed at his having in heated houses Pelargoniums in bloom at that time, and told him that those would be so tender that they could not possibly be fit for bedding-out. Now, there are many gentlemen's places (I know several, and I have no doubt there are hundreds) where late vineries are never made use of all the winter ; in these bedding Pelargoniums might be kept without any fear of starting the Vines, or in any way injuring them, and a fire could be put on in case of frost; or even if a fire were not allowed on account of the expense, it would be just as easy to protect the plants by means of mats inside a house, by twisting some hazel rods or iron wire over the plants, as it would be to protect a cold frame with mats. To prove that Vines do not start early with the heat which will keep Pelargoniums growing, I have all this winter had blooming specimen plants in a double-span vinery, with two rows of hot-water pipes round two sides of the house, and the other side merely separated by a glass division from a stove, and an average minimum temperature of from 12° to 48° was kept up at night ; yet, although the Vines are planted in an inside border next the stove, they did not attempt to start till the first week in March. The pipes were going day and night, as they are in connection with the same heating apparatus that heats my stove and propagating pits, and though I have the means of cutting off the hot water from two sides of the house, yet I never did so, as I had some Tricolor and Bicolor Pelar- goniums I wished to keep in good foliage, and I also wished to keep a succession of bloom on the ordinary Zonals ; in this I perfectly succeeded, as there was no time in the worst part of the winter months at which I had not plenty of bloom. I had as many as from fifteen to twenty-five trusses out at the same time on a plant, and under the same treatment Tricolor and Bicolor Pelargoniums have had as good foliage as in the summer months out of doors. The houses are very light, double span, and glass all round from the height of the stages— 3 feet from the ground— with large sheets of glass, and rafters to take 20-inch glass in width, so that plants of Pelargoniums do not become in the least drawn up in this way ; in fact, though I have kept some of the Tricolors in a stove tempe- rature, yet as they were on shelves close to the light, they do not seem to be in the least drawn up. I intend this year, a3 an experiment, to plant in the same bed some Mrs. Pollock Pelargoniums straight out of the stove, and others from a cooler house hardened-off, and see whether there is much dif- ference between them. Of course, I am not for a moment ad- vocating the plan of keeping Pelargoniums in stoves, shaded as our stove plants too often are, and drawn up amongst other plants, but I believe it is far better, if there is spare shelf- room near to the glass in a stove during winter, to keep Tricolor Pelargoniums there, rather than in unheated houses, and that all Pelargoniums will suffer far less from being over- hot dnring"the winter, rather than from being too cold. I have dwelt so long upon this point, from the wish to im- press brother amateurs that they need not be afraid of warmth to bedding Pelargoniums during the winter, that I will defer my remarks upon the varieties till another week. There i3 another, and, I think, a very material advantage of the system which I recommend, and that is that I do not cut my plants to pieces in autumn, but wait for cuttings till all the plants are taken up, and then whenever I have a va- riety which I wish to propagate as much as possible, I put the old plants into heat, after taking all the cuttings I can from the plants at the time, and so insure a second crop of cuttings in January. The cuttings I first take off are put six in a 4-'neb- pot on shelves close to the glass, in warm bouses, in the full sun, or else on Btage3 over hot-water pipes, and I begin to pot them off as soon as the new year has begun. From that time to bedding-oat time the young plants are kept growing, their tops are pinched out from time to time, and they are never allowed to want water ; and I find by the time I wish to bed them out they are quite as large as any cuttings taken off in 274 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 14, 1670. autumn, and far more forward in bloom than if the plants had been wintered in a cold frame. I would also venture to give this advice to those gentlemen who are fond of the bedding-out system, and that h to build low double-span houses heated with hot water, to be expressly used for bedding plants, and that they ought not to expect their gardeners to furnish an immense amount of bedding-out plants in addition to the ordinary occupants of the stove, green- house, &c, merely on the makeshift principle. Though the bedding-out system has now been adopted for a number of years, and, in spito of all that its detractors may say against it, is likely to hold its own for years to come ; yet in many places no additional accommodation has been made for bedding plants, though, perhaps, two or threo times the number of plants are now required. The consequence is, that many gar- deners are now at their wits' end to know what to do with the extra stock of plants that are wanted, and have to shift them about from place to place. Double-span houses about 10 feet wide, with shelves on each side and in the centre, can now be built so cheaply, and will hold with proper care so many plants, that they are well worth the small expense incurred ; and low double-span pits, such as recently described by Mr. Pearson, of Cbilwell, heated by hot water, can also be put np at a very reasonable expense. I know many gentlemen, who will go to almost any expense on their Vines, or on Orchid houses, yet will grudge any outlay on houses for growing plants for the summer decoration of their gardens. Yet, however interest- ing Orchids and Orohid houses may he, very few ladies can stand the temperature of the houses in which such plants as Orchids grow ; whereas the flower garden will be a daily object of interest to them during the summer months, and the more care and attention bestowed on bedding plants the earlier will that interest begin. Why is it, for instance, we so seldom see Verbenas in gardens now ? Because so'very few persons take suftiiient care of them during the winter months, but keep them in cold unheated pits, dry at their roots, and in a stagnant atmosphere, and then attribute mildew, damping-off, green fly, and other ailments, to the constitution of the plants themselves, and say that Verbenas are dete- riorating.— C. P. Peach. ORCHARD HOUSES. I bead through "T. F.'s" letter in page 260, getting more and more puzzled till arriving at the last paragraph, which ex- plained all. " Clever gardeners " and orchard houses, as a rule, do not agree. I speak with some knowledge, having had or- chard houses for more than ten years, and no " clever garden- ers " to manage them. Several of my friends with large places and really first-rate gardeners, have put up orchard-houses and have failed. The explanation is, I think, simple. A high-class gardener Considers Orchids the highest branch of his profession, then other stove plants, then conservatory plants, and he pays some attention to Grapes and forced Peaches. But a cold orchard house, to succeed, does not require great skill and experience ; it resolves itself into a question of hard work, much watering, attention to a few simple rules, and last, not least, taking a pride in it, which you could not expect from every " clever gardener." When " clever gardeners " do give their minds to orchard houses they produce really model trees, as may now be seen in all their beauty in the large orchard honse under Mr. Barron's direction at Cbiswick. I do not profess our pot trees to be anything like model trees ; many of them have suffered from various experiments, chemical and mechanical, but they do bear more fruit than could be obtained in anything like the same space or for the same cost trained on walls or trellises. Our Peaches and Nectarines pass muster with the best judges, and our Pears two or three years ago took the first prize for " single dish for flavour," against thirty-six competing dishes. Note, these last were ripened out of doors. I think, therefore, that I am justified in saying to those thinking of putting up an orchard house, and who may have been staggered by " T. F.'s " strong denunciations, Read Mr. Rivers's "Orchard-House" (not forgetting to bless those, of whom I was one, who got him to put an index), then put your orchard house into the hands of a hard-working man who will make it his hobby, and you will find, as I have done, that not only you will have an object of great interest and delight, but that you will have more and better fruit than your neighbours, who have more expensive appliances and " clever gardeners." Of course, I am not speaking of forced fruits, which require both skill and training in the gardener. Our fruits include Cherries, Plums, Apricots, Strawberries, Peaches, Nectarines, Figs, Pears, and American Apples. To those who desire to combine Grapes in quantity, or who can Btand the extra ex- pense, I would recommend the looking into Mr. Fountaine's new plan, now on trial at Chiswick, of- having the trees on trucks, and so running them in and out according to weather, as I believe it to have points of great merit. The lady birds are with us here, as described by Mr. Pearson, swarming on the Thujas, especially the Thuja aurea ; they appear to have hybemated in thick close-growing shrubs. — George F. Wilson, Heathcrbank, Weybridge Heath. H jw unfortunate " T. F." (see page 2G0) has been in his orchard house. It is, however, quite probable that he may have been just a little unskilful, and pinched his trees over- much, which has led him to think his trees " cribbed, cabined, and confined," as they must have been as scrubby "toys." He should have been with me to-day in the full enjoyment of my trees, foj: I have rarely seen them in such beauty. Among my " toys " are Apricots, in 18-inch pots, full of fruit as large as horse beans, and capable of bringing to perfection a peck each ; and pyramid Peach and Nectarine trees 7 to 8 feet high, in 15-inch pots, full of blossom from head to foot, full of health, and bare of insects. They have for many years been pinched, and are more beautiful and hopeful than ever. It is to be feared that a want of skill and care only has brought on failures among some gardeners. A skilful gardener could not possibly fail in the culture of Peach trees nuder glass, the business is so simple. If " T. F." would like to see my trees, you are at liberty to give him my address. The sight of my trees would, I fear, give him no comfort, but it might some profit.— 0. H. WINTER- FLOWERING ORCHIDS— No. 4. DEN'DEOBIUM. This is a very extensive genus, and many of the species pro- duce flowers which rank among the most beautiful in the order; this, in conjunction with the fact that the majority of the species are easily cultivated, and produce their blooms during the particular season in which flowers of any kind are so valuable, should render them special favourites with all lovers of plants. The genus Dendrobium does not exist anywhere on the American continent or in the West Indian Islands, but in Hindostan and the East Indian Islands they abound, extend- ing even to Australia, where many species of this family are found ; but all these, as far as my own experience goes, are totally distinct from their Indian relatives. These plants may be grown either in pots or baskets, except a few which succeed best upon blocks of wood suspended from the roof of the house, and, in this respect, those with limited space at their command reap the advantage, as the roof accommodates a number of species as well as the stages. To speak in general terms of their culture, they thrive well in a mixture of equal parts of peat and sphagnum mosB ; and ample drainage should be provided in the shape of potsherds, or, preferably, pieces of charcoal. This material is suitable for either pots or baskets, but those kinds which are grown upon blocks require only a little sphagnum. During the growing season all require a copious supply of water, both from the watering-pot and the syringe, and those upon blocks 6hould, in addition, be taken down every two or three days and immersed in water. Whilst referring to water, it cannot be too strongly impressed upon the minds of all plant-growers, that the use of water at a lower temperature than that of the house in which the plants are growing, is one of the greatest causes of ill-success ; therefore, never use cold water to Orchids, but let its temperature be several degrees higher than the atmo- sphere rather than one degree lower. After the pseudo-bulbs have attained their full size the plants must be kept drier, and gradually inured to a lower temperature to prevent them making a second growth ; by this means they rest completely, and the amateur will have the pleasure, in due time, of seeing the flowers pushing out from the nodes, when a little extra heat will be beneficial. Little more remains to be said respecting the cultivation of Dendrobiums. During the growing season I keep them in a temperature ranging from 70° to 85°, and after the period of growth | those with the ttrongest constitution require little April 14, 1870. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 275 more than the warmth of an ordinary greenhouse. This re- marks applies, however, to but a few species. The following produce their flowers during winter, but many others of this genus are summer-flowering. D. barbatuluh. — This is a very beautiful species, often cul- tivated under the erroneous name of D. Heyneanum. It is a small-growing plant, succeeds best upon a block of wood, and must not bo dried very much at any season. The flowers are pure white, slightly spotted with deep red at the base, and are borne upon erect spikes. Its very elegant blooms are produced at the end of winter. Native of Moulmein. D. bigibbum.— A very elegant, but somewhat difficult plant to manage ; at least, it has hitherto proved so with me. It is a native of the north-east coast of New Holland, and conse- quently requires more heat than plants coming from the more southern parts. The pseudo-bulbs are stem-like, and the leaves, which are few in number and somewhat small, are con- fined to the upper portions of the spikes, which are erect, and bear in 6trong plants about ten flowers, which are moderate- sized. Petals and sepals very round, somewhat thick, and deep lilac in colour. The Up is three-lobed, and darker than the petals. It lasts a very long time in full beauty. It should be grown in the same temperature as the East Indian species, but rested in a cooler house, and care must be taken that it do not suffer from want of water. Pot it in peat and sphagnum, in which some silver sand has been mixed, and use plenty of charcoal for drainage. D. cheysanthum. — An old and free-growing speoies, which should be grown in a basket. It blooms at various times of the year, very frequently in midwinter. The stem-like pseudo- bulbs are pendulous, and about 3 feet in length ; the flowers are rich golden yellow, with a dark spot on the lip, producing a beautiful effeot. Plenty of water and moderate heat during the growing season, with a slight rest, will ensure an abundant Crop of blooms. It comes from northern India. D. cheysotoxum. — Pseudo-bulbs erect and much swollen, bearing upon the apex several dark green, somewhat leathery leaves. The flowers are produced upon long pendulous ra- cemes, and are pale yellow in the sepals and petals, with a darker Up. It blooms during February and March, sometimes later, and retains its beauty a long time. It should be grown in a pot, and subjected to a thorough rest after the growths are mature. From Moulmein. D. crassinode.— This is a plant of such recent introduction that I can say but little of it practically, but it is such a gem that it must not be left out. The stems are much swollen at the joints, as its name implies, and from these thiok nodes the flowers are produced in great profusion. The sepals and petals are thick and waxy white, tipped with deep rose, the petals being much larger than the sepals ; the lip is roundish ovate in shape, white, tipped with rose, and the disc is bright orange yellow. It is a most lovely species, blooming late in winter and early in spring, and from the great substance of the blooms it lasts a very long time in perfection. Native of Siam. D. denslfloruh. — Although not, strictly speaking, a winter- flowering species, this plant often produces its flowers early in March, which is often very wintry. The pseudo-bulbs are about 12 inches or more long, becoming thicker from the base upwards, and supporting several broad, leathery, deep green leaves upon the apex. From amongst these, or just below them, the long and dense pendulous bunches of rich amber- coloured flowers are produced. It is one of the handsomest of the genus, and it can by a little retarding be made useful for public exhibition. Pot culture suits this species best, and it should be thoroughly rested when the growth is complete. Native of northern India. D. fihbriatum oculatum. — A tall-growing plant, flowering generally very early in March. It should be grown in heat, and then be removed to a cool house and kept dry. The growths are between 2 and 3 feet high ; flowers large, deep orange yellow, with a deep Lruwn velvety blotch at the base of the lip. It requires pot oulture. Introduced from the Indian bills. — Expeeto Ceede. they are open moisture overhead should be avoided, as it is apt to disturb the paste of the eye, and to give the flower a smeared appearance." Now to this I utterly demur. I never allow Auriculas to have a shower of rain on them from January to December, and least of all should I think of allowing them at this season. Independently of the flowers, there are many of them which have beautiful mealy foliage, and when a drop o{ rain falls on fhis it leaves a smeary spot, which destroys the beauty; so let me, as a very old Auricula- grower, lift up my voice against this direction. Auriculas are very late this season, but, as far as I can see promise well. I do not think there can be a good show of them on the 20th of this month. By-the-by, I saw in a con- temporary the other day a list of sorts purporting to be given by Mr. Charles Turner, but there must have been some mis- take— there were no grey-edged flowers in it, and some of those classed as green-edged were grey-edged. I would here add a list of a dozen good ones, not very expensive : — Green Edges, Hudson's Apollo Campbell's Lord Palmerston Oliver's Lovely Ann Grey Edges. Waterhonse's Conqueror Fletcher's Mary Ann Fletcher's Ne Plus Ultra — D., Deal. White Edges. Popplewell's Conqueror Taylor's Glory Heap's Smiling Beauty Selfs. Martin's Mrs. Sturrock Netherwood's Othello Lightbody's Meteor Flag AURICULA CULTURE. I have so often derived valuable instruction from Mr. Keane's directions in " Work for the Week," and hope often to do so, that I feel very unwilling to find fault ; but in the directions given at page 247 I find the following — " Whilst the blooms [of Auriculas] are unexpanded, slight showers will be of ser- vice, when not accompanied with cutting winds, but as soon as FLOWER SHOWS, COMPETITORS, AND JUDGES. Why do the London flower shows not pay ? How is it that the thousands who used to flock to them for recreation and instruction no longer visit them in like numbers, and our London Horticultural and Botanical Societies cannot now be made to pay their expenses ? This is to be deplored, because flower shows are unexceptionable as a source of recreation, and stand high among those good and useful institutions which instruct, refine, and help to bind together the various classes of the community. Men of all shades of religious opinion, all parties in politics, rioh and poor, may here meet together and Bmile upon eaoh other if they will. The extinction of our flower Bhows would in my judgment be a national loss. I therefore sympathise with the noble efforts the London Societies are making to uphold them, and ODly wish that I could help them more than it is in my power to do. But why do they not pay ? No doubt many reasons combine to account for it. In addition to what I have already advanced (see Journal of Horticulture, pp. 220, 221), one principal reason (and this, perhaps, includes some of the minor reasons), is that they are not " fast " enough for the taBte and fashion of the present age. The breakneck pace at which society loves to travel, even at the risk of serious discomfiture, is impossible here ; " fast express " trains do not run on this line. The plodding industry necessary to success in horticulture, and the results which flow from it, seem alike tame and dull to fast and fashionable life ; while the more thoughtful and sober-minded, to whom we may consistently appeal for help, are, consciously or unconsciously, influenced more or less by fashion. Among the minor causes which are antagonistic to the success of Our London shows, although, perhaps, favourable to the advanoe of horticulture in general, is the fact that most cities and large towns have now good shows of their own ; the inha- bitants are interested in supporting them, and will not go far to see what, in their estimation of things, may be seen as well at home. Further, our shows for the last few years have been too similar in character — so much so, that the ordinary observer pronounces them the same thing over and over again. Then, perhaps, quite latterly they have not been so good in the eyes of the public, or so important in the eyes of the exhibitors, as they used to be. Hence the general public does not come because the shows are not so fashionable as formerly, or are wanting in freshness, and exhibitors are withdrawing because the shows are not more numerously attended. And here I would pause to ask, Do our present competitors and judges fairly represent the intellect of the horticultural community in England ? In the paBt it has been taken for granted that it was so, and as there is no purpose to serve in arguing over the past I shall content myself with irjquiring, Is it so in the present ? Here is a question which should not be shelved because the answer to it may affect individual interests, nor should it be settled without a searching investi- gation of the facts. Let anyone who has a fair knowledge of English gentlemen, English nurserymen, and English garden- 276 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 14, 1870. ers put this question to himself, and I venture to think the answer will be an emphatic No. Unquestionably some of the first men in all classes compete for prizes, and win them too, and some of the first men are appointed as censors ; but for one of the highest calibre who competes or judges constantly or frequently, many of the same calibre take no active part in the matter. It must be known to the regular visitors of our London flower showB, that exhibitors who have long figured as stars of the first magnitude, rising and setting with planetary regu- larity, now shine less frequently, and some are disappearing altogether — departing to shed their light in other spheres. I believe that there are more good and beautiful things now than at any former period which never come up for judgment before our judges or floral committees. .There must be reasons for this. With regard to the exhibitor of novelties, the oc- casional thefts which have been practised at flower shows of late have, no doubt, acted with him as a powerful deterrent. Then the grounds on which our censors act are not very clearly defined ; there are different schools of opinion, and hence the glorious uncertainty of prizes. How often collections of plants and flowers are exhibited on the merits of which there are con- flicting opinions, the exhibitors and their friends agreeing on one point only — that the prizes depend on who are the judges. Hence your first-class man who may belong to another Bchool than that from which the judges are chosen, may find his pro- ductions branded with a low mark, when he and his school think them entitled to a high one. " Better not marked at all " is their reasoning. I cannot but think here that it would be in the general interests of horticulture that the names of the judges should be published in advance. In the present Btate of things the managers of our flower shows find by ex- perience that, in order to obtain the necessary complement of plants and flowers, they must consult the wishes of the com- petitors as to the selection of judges, and the exhibitors often virtually, although not ostensibly, appoint them. This may be necessary to secure a large show, but does it serve the best interests of horticulture ? Does it not open the door to combinations from without, against which a dreaded rival or an indapendent exhibitor cannot contend on fair and equal grounds ? Further, the practice of appointing nurserymen as judges does not commend itself to my views. What has he to judge ? The productions of his rivals or his customers ! How- ever sternly honest he may be, his position is a false one ; he is unavoidably open to distrust because presumably in- terested in the issues. The next question that I have to propose is, Can our flower shows be made to pay ? What are the causes which induce horticulturists, amateur and professional, to bring their productions before the public ? The English horticulturist, although often humble and plodding, is not destitute of chivalry, and the love of breaking a lance with a rival or a friend no doubt influences many. But fame of another kind, and money, are perhaps more common influences, especially with professional exhibitors. For the acquisition of these a man of the highest order of intellect sees many avenues open to him, and this one must be made more attractive than the rest to in- duce him to enter it, or if once within to hold him to his course. Perhaps flower shows might still be made to pay if exhibitors would be satisfied with smaller money prizes. I do not con- demn the practice of giving large money prizes. Although one of the leading journals (not horticultural) once pronounced the system to be tantamount to giving an annuity to certain firms, we know by experience that the largest prize is money laboriously earned. But if the Societies cannot afford to give large prizes, we must accept small ones, or look to other sources to maintain the footing we have acquired, and to secure solid standing ground whence to push forward the work iu which we are engaged. I have often thought that if nurserymen gene- rally would give special shows of their specialities, trusting to sales and the publicity thus gained to recoup themselves — if amateurs and gardeners generally would send anything re- markable, not necessarily for competition or for large money prizes, but specially for honorary rewards, the new features of such exhibitions might for a time at least prove attrac- tive. But the question naturally arises, Will they do this ? Doubtless many will, but how many cannot be ascertained otherwise than by experiment. In my judgment, as concerns the nurserymen, the business of the future will lie with those who show and sell, rather than with those who only show, good plants and flowers. Beyond this, professional exhibitors of forecast will perceive that if not actually paid in coin for their labour, the prestige, position, and influence they acquire by exhibiting are capital well invested for their interests in the future. In conclusion, it seems to me that horticulture has never received from the state the recognition it deserves, and this, probably, for no other reason but because its ablest representa- tives have been comparatively humble plodding men. But is not humility one of the first of Christian virtues ? and are not the plodding men a chief source of strength and wealth in a great commercial country like this? Some few years since a great impulse waB given to horticultural pursuits by the re- moval of the duty from timber and glass, and our Government has done much of late by a wise and judicious expenditure in decorating the public parks. But the whole thing wants lift- ing bodily. The cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and flowers is already an important branch of national industry, is becom- ing more and more so every day, and the study and practice of it is calculated to make good men and good subjects. The Belgian Government, prompted by their late wise and virtuous King, Leopold I., saw this, and Belgium has benefited largely as a country by the efforts of its Government to lift horticulture in the scale of UFef ul and industrial arts. — William Paul, Paul's Nurseries, Waltham Cross, N. CONIFER NOMENCLATURE. I quite agree with "C. W. D." (see page 243), that there is a good deal of confusion in the nomenclature of Conifers, but at present I really do not see how we are to get out of it. I have as complete a collection of this tribe of plants as can be met with. I take great pains to keep them true to name, yet am always in difficulty. I had a letter a short time ago from one of the greatest Conifer authorities containing a list of about thirty coniferous plants, and asking if I could spare any of those kinds and vouch for their being correct to name. I really thought this beyond a joke. I had been in the habit of care- fully studying his articles on them, where he pointed out to amateurs the many synonyms which different Conifers bore, and the great doubts that existed as to the propriety of names borne by many of them ; and yet this very authority that I had been worshipping, as it were, asked me to spare him a few rare species warranted truo to name ! Had I sent them, I should have been quite prepared to have received several of them back again with a message that this one was not of Hart- wig, that one not of Douglas, i-c. Only yesterday a friend brought me a gentleman;. who pretended to know much about Conifers. I showed him my wonders, and at the end of our tour he told me I had a marvellous collection, but I had no Sequoia. I tried in vain to explain that some Taxodiums and the Wellingtonia were called Sequoia, but that it was a name rarely used ; notwithstanding this he actually hiod to assure me that there was a plant known wholly and only by the name of Sequoia, and I ought to get it. Here, thought I, is a victim to the " confusion in the nomenclature of Conifers." A few foreign lists are helping to get us farther in'.o diffi- culties by adopting Carrie-re's classification. Thus, our old friend CupressusLawsoniana becomes ChamircyparisBoursieri, CupresBus nutkaensis is the new name for Thujopsis borealis, Retinospora leptoclada (sent out, I believe, by E. G. Hender- son & Son a few years back), rejoices in the longer title of Chamajeyparis spha'roidea andelyensis, and Psendotsuga Doug- lasii replaces Abies Douglasii. " C. W. D." is quite correct in presuming the Abies taxifolia he Baw at Dropmore is a variety of A. Douglasii. It has shorter foliage, and is quite a distinct-looking tree ; it does not, how- ever, come true from seed (I have sown imported seed of it), and is therefore rarely met with. Less confusion, I imagine, would arise if nurserymen, or even amateurB. were to affix the botanists' name after each kind. We desire no mere new names. Conifers do not want re-classifying. The Araucaria would have just the same majesty if it were henceforth to be called AgaricuB, but there always will be the same confusion unless both dealers and collectors affix the botanists' name as I have just proposed. — Gullelmus. GLAZrNG WITHOUT LAPS. Having just completed the glazing of upwards of 4000 square feet without laps, I am able to render " Poplar " some assist- ance. For the last two years I have been making experiments in growing fruit trees in glass structures, which I have called April 14, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ■2:-, " double walla of glass," and in consequence of my expectations having been realised, I hive just added 300 feet to my former glass walls, all of which have just been planted with fruit trees of various kinds, mostly trained on a trellis. The Cherries, however, are of the pyramidal form. These trees, having been obtained in pots from Mr. Rivers, will bear a good crop this season. Bat as the object of this communication was merely to give " Poplab " the result of my experience in glazing on a plan invented by myself, I must reserve all information respect- ing the mode of growing fruit on this plan until another occasion. The rafters, having been grooved to a width a little more than the thickness of the 21-oz. glass, are placed in a tank con- taining creosote, where they are boiled for twelve hours ; they are removed from the tank while the creosote is in a boiling state, and in a few minute3 they are dry, in consequence of rapid evaporation ; in a few weeks the colour becomes brown, and in the course of a year or so the colour becomes so bleached that the building might be varnished if it were considered necessary, but no paint is ever required. On the rafters being fixed the glas3 is slipped down ; nothing 13 ever used in the grooves for packing, as a copper clip is used to keep the glass tightly in the groove. About two hundred of these clips are cut out of a sheet of very thin copper. They are of a triangular form, the acute angles being bent downwards by means of a mandril made for the purpose. These clips are forced into the grooves immediately above the upper angles of the glass. I am rather proud cf this invention, as it is simple and effects four purposes, the most important of which is to prevent the glass slipping down on one side of the glass below it ; the next is that the clips keep each pane tightly in the grooves ; thirdly, the thin layer of copper prevents the edges of the glass touching, and thus chipping of the edges is prevented; fourthly, the space between each edge allows of gentle and genial ventilation throughout the structure, which is of great service at night, if at any time the air be excluded above. There is no putty and no paint in any of these structures, so that the weather has no effect upon them. If a pane of glass be broken, the gardener slips another in from the top. If " Poplae," or any other person, would like to see these structures, my gardener would show them. I patented them to prevent any one interfering with me while making my experi- ments ; but I should be hippy to allow any amateur to use the patent for scientific purposes, or even otherwise. — Obsebveb. A FEW MORE THOUGHTS ON READING ME. W. PAULS DEXUXCIATION OF FLOWER SHOWS. I quite acquiesce in all that Mr. C. Turner says in the last week's number in regard to the extraordinary views that Mr. Paul has recorded in a previous number, on the question of " Flowers and Flower Shows." My experience as an exhibitor only extends over the short period of fifteen years ; my forte has been with the Hyacinth, Tulip, and other Dutch bulbou3 plants, and during that period I have maintained the premier position thirteen years, therefore I presume that my opinion on the subject is not unmatured. When I first entered the field it was with a dozen Hyacinths, at a meeting held in the old Horticultural Society's rooms in Regent Street, and the remarks made upon tho.-e flowers by Dr. Lindley fired me with an energy that has resulted in the increased size and beauty of these early harbingers of sunny times, which one usually ex- pects to see at our annual spring shows. I question very much whether I may not attribute my own success with these bulbB solely to the fine effect produced, and having " first prize " placed so often against my name ; all I know is, on referring to some old books, that when the first dozen was shown our importation did not exceed £50 in three years, but it now exceeds ten times the amount, and goes on increasing. Surely this will prove that the public taste does not recede ; and although Mr. Paul may assert that there is a good deal of what he calls " floricultural millinery," it is impossible to apply it to the Hyacinth, for no flower requires Ies3 artificial help to mike it presentable at Flora's court. It i3 possible that he may have observed small pins sticking into the flowers, and the drooping flowers of a loose truss brought to look you in the face by the footstalk being tied to the stem by an almost invisible ligature of fine green silk, and if he has seen this it is to be hoped he fully exposed the individual, I cannot call him florist, who acted so thoroughly in opposition to every true lover of nature. I should quite agree with Mr. Piil'-' remarks .':' believe that the nurserymen alone reap benefit from flower shows, and at once say, Down with them, even to the dust ; neither can I say that visitors are disappointed when they jot down the names of the best flowers they see, and procure them, nor does my short experience determine me in saying nurseries are less vieited than formerly. When I look round London and see the enormous increase in the numbers of the profession, it certainly does appear that the taste for gardening has most marvellously increased, and this must be attributed, to some extent, to the effects of flower shows. Why are there so many local shows from one end of the country to the other ? Certainly not solely for the pecuniary advantage of the nur- seryman. No ; out upon a florist who, solely for the love of gain, takes to that highest branch of Nature's decorative art. Those whose names we see so frequently in the Journal as associ- ated with certain of Flora's gems are not pecuniary gainers by worshipping at her shine, which anyone may readily prove on reading their names. If, then, by flower shows we can further tho taste for flowers, it is our bounden duty to do so, for, depend upen it, the cultivation of plants has an in- fluence upon a people, most conducive to their welfare. If I never enter the arena again as a competitor my energy will never slacken in inducing others to do so, and I advise them to avoid laying themselves open to unjust criticisms, such as are so liberally bestowed, as far as I have experienced, in the denunciations of exhibitors and exhibitions, and I protest against such a charge of dishonesty being associated with our noble profession. — James Cutbcsh, Highgate. GARDENERS' ASSISTANTS.— No. 2. THE ARC 2I1IEDEAN LAWN MOWER. Is this we have one of the most original inventions that has come under our notice for several years. Mowing machines have driven the old-fashioned scythe almost out oi sight, leav- ing it no work to do but round corners and amongst rough stuff. The very fineness of the construction of our patent English lawn mowers has, however, proved somewhat of a weakness. The grass for their proper operation has to be of a certain quality, without bents, &c\, and of a certain height, otherwise they will not cut it. In the Archimedean lawn mower, which comes to us from America, we have something quite original, and differing ma- terially from all others. It is a very simple machine to look at, and a very little affair altogether, yet it is so constructed that it will cut grass in almost any condition, and of any height. The knife, or cutter, is in the shape of the simple Archimedean screw, which, being set in motion in the usual manner, revolves with great rapidity, and, as it were, overlaps the grass in front, beating it down on the cutter-bar fixed at the bottom. In this way not a single leaf which the screw is enabled to over- lap escapes uncut. There is no roller in front to lay down the grass ; the Archimedean takes it just a3 it stands. Instead of the rollers, there is a flat skid or sole on each side, on which the machine slides easily along ; and by raising or lower- ing this sole by mean3 of a small screw-nut the height of the cutter is regulated. In this way it can be set to cut the grass close to the ground, or an inch or more above it, as may be desired, which is an important feature, as by going over the ground two or three times a very heavy sward of grass may be inch by inch reduced. The height of the cutter may also be regulated somewhat at will by the operator's raising or lower- ing the handle of the machine, and thus it is enabled to cut realily up hill and down hill, and over uneven ground. Another peculiar feature i3, that the grass when cut is not gathered up, but scattered on the ground the machine passes over. If the lawn is cut regularly, as it should be once a-wetk or so, it i3 not necessary that the grass should be gathered up, but, on the contrary, it may be allowed to lie. This may seem a little untidy, but it is not so. In America in this way only can freshly-cut lawn3 be kept from scorching, and in this country we often suffer from the same cause. The grass, as cut by this machine, serves a3 a mulch and protection from the sun's scorching rays, likewise as a fertiliser of the sad ; and this I can positively affirm to be the case from experience during last year. Our lawn3 operated upon by this machine never looked so well. When the grass is very abundant it is easy to have it swept up. Having used thi3 Archimedean lawn mower for several months during the past year, I am enabled to speak decisively re»p=.cting it. It will cut grass quite as well in a wet state as 278 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 11, 1&70. when dry, so that the work may be done at any time that is most convenient. All who have seen it at work here have been quite charmed with its performance, and all the work- men, who are generally very slow to take up with new things, especially those which tend to the economy of labour, are quite delighted with it, and will use no other. — Archambaud. TABLE DECORATIONS. Last season, the stands we used for the decoration of the dinner-table here were in constant use for something like eight months, and to keep these trim and nice is not only a heavy tax on one's time, but also on one's resources ; however, having given entire satisfaction, I consider I was amply repaid for my trouble. As the provision for table decoration is be- coming more and more a task allotted to the gardener in an establishment, I venture to detail what I have done. I will first observe that Ferns and Mosses are among the most useful things for the decoration of the table, and even such a common thing as the Male Fern (Lastrea Filix-mas), which may be found in the hedgerows in almost every parish, is of great value for forming a fringe to the dish of a stand or centre piece. Equally valuable is the native Welsh Polypody (Polypodium vulgare cambricum), which makes a nice change with the Male Fern, the handsome fimbriated edging to the fronds adding to its worth. It is by no means so common as the Male Fern. That charming greenhouse Moss, Selaginella denticulata, is another useful thing for the purpose. I use plants taken out of small pots to fill the base of a stand, and fill np between the balls with silver sand, using about four plants for the purpose ; and with the sand I mingle some powdered charcoal to neutralise the effect of any offensive smell that will sometimes arise after the plants have been placed in the sand several days. After a sprinkling has been given to settle the sand about the roots of the Moss, the branches should be pegged down neatly with small hair-pins. If watered about once a-wetk, the Selaginella will grow very nicely, and keep beautifully green for two or three months together. Scarlet Pelargoniums and other flowers can be stuck in the sand by their stalks to give a finish to it. That popular form of the Maiden-hair Fern, Adiantum cuneatum — perhaps one of the most lovely of the Ferns, notwithstanding that it is common, and always a great favourite with the ladies — is also of great value, and makes a beautiful fringe for the top dish of a design, it being so light and graceful. Some five or six years ago Mr. Charles Turner, of Slough, was a competitor at one of the Crystal Palace exhibitions with a vase of Roses, and by way of giving a finish to his vase he used fronds of the Maiden- hair Ftrn among his Roses, which was a great improvement on the formality of a bunch of tLis favourite flower, but the vase was disqualified by the judges in consequence. Now, it is the custom for the schedule of prizes to state Ferns can be used, and no disqualification follows as a consequence ; and the same thing also holds good at South Kensington as well as at Brighton. There are certain plants that are very useful for twisting round the upright stem of a stand used for the decoration of the dinner-table ; and branches of these should be stuck in the sand, and then be neatly and elegantly twisted round the stem ; and a few ties should be placed np the stem at intervals to keep it in its place — fine thread or wire can be used. The Japanese Honeysuckle, Lonicera aureo-reticulata, is one of the best for the purpose ; so is Dioscorea batatas. The common Ivies I find to be too heavy. Tradescantia zebrina is a nice thing to hang over the top dish, especially if some cuttings are placed in a 32-sized pot in some light sandy soil, and allowed to hang over the sides of the pots till rooted, and then shaken from the soil and laid round the dish, with a little silver sand about the roots. The heads of the plants should hang over the sides, and they will grow freely, and last for six months if required. Of pendulous growth, and variegated foliage, the effect is charming and effective. The silvery-leaved Centaureas candidissima and argentea vera make a nice change, and the leaves can be used to make a layer inside the Ferns in the bottom dish. Besides the scarlet flowering Pelargoniums, the white flowering ones, like Madame Yaucher, as well as the sweet-scented kinds for the perfume the leaves jield, are also very desirable. The flowers of the scarlet and yellow Nastur- tiums last a long time in the wet sand. Verbenas make a nice change in their season, and especially Roses ; the flowers of these should be cut young in the morning when the dew is on them. Such stands as these are never complete without light-green foliage of some sort or other, such as the different kinds of ornamental grasses in their season, and the tops of some of the meadow grasses in the autumn. In the same way sprigs of Asparagus from the kitchen garden are very useful ; so is the foliage of Tamarix gallica, a hardy deciduous shrub ; also Humea elegans, and suchlike. Variegated plants work in well ; the Iresine, with its handsome mottled red leaves, keeps well in the sand; so do Coleuses and variegated Pelargoniums; of the- latter, such as Mrs. Pollock, and the white Ivy-leaved kind L'Elegante. Then there are blooms of Gladioli, Asters, Chry- santhemums, and many others, with stiff stalks to support them. In a general way, many of the flowers will last only oDe day, and I change the whole of them three or four times a-week, but make a rule of looking the stands over every other morning. The sand should not be so saturated that the flower stems will not stand erect in it, or they are apt to fall out whtn the stands are removed from the table. — William Plesteb, Elsenham Hall Gardens. — (The Gardener.) NOTES AND GLEANINGS. Mr. Cn.iRLES McDonald, gardener to Colonel Tighe, of Woodstock Park, Co. Kilkenny, has been appointed to the Pbcenix Paik, Dublin, and ho has been succeeded by Mr. Murdoch Matheson, late gardener to the Marquis of Exeter at Burghley. This is a fitting rise in the career of one who Las distinguished himself in every step he has made in his pro- fession. Trained in the gardens at Haddo House, he so con- ducted himself as to attract the attention of the great Earl of Aberdeen, who presented him on his leaving with a donation of books, with the following inscription : — " Presented to Chas. McDonald, for diligence in self-improvement, from the Earl of Aberdeen." Thence he went to Dalkeith, under Mr. McLitosh ; and then to Trentham, under Mr. Fleming. We next find him at Dunrobin, exercising his skill in landscape gardening, under the late Duchess of Sutherland, so successfully as to elicit from one of our greatest artists the expression, that the grounds laid out by Mr. McDonald around the dairy at Dun- robin, were " the most promising piece of landscape practice he had seen." It adds much to the high estimation in which CoL and Lady Louisa Tighe are already held, to know that both of them have sacrificed so much of their own interest in benefit- ing their valued servant, as to use their utmost influence to procure him the appointment he has now received. PORTABLE FRAME FOR STRIKING CUTTINGS, &c. We have just perfected a little frame which will be of great advantage to amateurs who have no glass structure, and to parties who have only a small conservatory. It is the Wal- tonian case worked out to a successful issue. In the Waltonian case there was an ugly chimney in the centre, and there was always a difficulty in keeping the source of heat burning. We have completely done away with the chimney, and the lamp burns freely. The heat in the case can be raised to almost aDy point, and can be kept down to almost any point. The case can be worked with gas or oil. We have had it working at our shop for a fortnight, during which we have raised seeds, and now have a batch of cuttings striking. — Barb & Suoden. [We have seen it in operation, and recommend it to be called April 14, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 279 " Barr & Sugden's Lamp-heated Propagating Case." It is well adapted not only for striking cuttings, but for raising seedlings. It is a simple, inexpensive, long-enduring structure, made of galvanised iron, and will germinate the most stubborn seeds as well as the most difficult and delicate. Messrs. Barr & Sugden manufacture these cases in three sizes, but they may be mauo ornamental, and used for Ferns or other plants. We add woodcuts of the plain and the ornamental. — Eds.] WORK FOR KITCHEN GARDEN. The advantage of applying manure in a liquid state to kitchen-garden crops is so great that it becomes an important duty to see that none is wasted. There should always be a tank in the dungyard or frame ground, conveniently placed for the water-barrow, and into this tank should be conducted all the drainage of hotbeds, heaps of fermenting dung, green refuse, &c. The liquid will form an excellent dressing for Cauliflowers and Celery, also for pouring over Sea-kale and As- paragus beds, the ground in which Artichokes are growing, and a diluted portion over the Pea ground in dry weather ; indeed, almost any kind of crop will be benefited by it when in a growing state. Let a sowing of the winter and spring Broccoli be made forthwith. Cape Broccoli and Cauliflower for Michael- mas may, however, be sown a week or two later. See that plenty of Kale, Savoys, Brussels Sprouts, Leeks, Scorzonera, Salsafy, Beet, &c, be sown without delay. Continue succes- sions of Horn Carrots; indeed, sow a bed every month from January to September. This is the best way to be independent of the grub. Ridge Cucumbers should be brought forward, also Tomatoes and Vegetable Marrows. As soon as the young Asparagus is from 3 to 6 inches high, let the new plantation be made. As soon as the principal crops are in the ground, and the main quarters have their supply of dung wheeled on THE WEEK. to serve for the season, proceed to make good any part of the Box edgings not in order, by taking the whole up and replant- ing, or filling up any blanks. Thrift and similar edgings require to be taken up and replanted every two or three years. Although Box edgings look neat, and help to setoff the kitchen garden, yet from their harbouring slugs, &c, and the annual repair which, even with the best care, Box requires, stone or earthenware edgings are decidedly preferable. Though more expensive at first, they will in a few years repay the additional outlay, besides the appearance of stability which they giv3 to the walks. When 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- out the season a clean, well-regulated appearance. FBUIT GAEDEN. The late frosts will have their effect upon the Peaches and Apricots where adequate protection has not been afforded ; tha same cause will also have retarded the growth, so that the dis- budding recommended last week will hardly have begun, but it should now be proceeded with. This should never be the work of a second person, but should be put into the hands of one who thoroughly understands the principle on which he works. The most expeditious way is to commence from the centre, and take every shoot as it comes, not leaving it till all 280 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. [ April 14, 1870. is done that is required at that time ; a quick, practised eye accustomed to the work will see in a moment what to do, so that there need be no hesitation. If any of the early Plums are expanding their blooms, it would be well if a little protec- tion could be afforded them at night for a short time. FLOWEE GARDEN. In the following remarks on the most select plants for group- ing, I shall only notice a few, leaving those more commonly grown out of the question. Taking the Phlox, which I would like to see more frequently, Omniflora magna makes a fine white bed, blooming throughout the season ; and from the many varieties raised from Drummondi and the late-blooming herbaceous sorts a selection may be made of some beautiful kinds. Among Salvias, S. patens will be always in request for its decided colour, and S. cterulea compacta, though less showy, is, perhaps, as useful. Most of the varieties of Pentstemon gentianoides are handsome; Buckii, CloweBii, and formosum being especially so, while P. speciosum is a good pale blue species. Cuphea platycentra and strigillosa splendens are neat, compact plants, more adapted for baskets than beds. Euthales microphylla is a useful plant for vases or large baskets, from its diffuse habit. Linum flavum, when properly managed and covered with its golden yellow blossoms, is a fine object. Oxalis floribunda makes a pretty edging or small bed, and 0. Bowiei is very showy throughout the autumn, and easily managed. Snapdragons are now so numerous that names are out of the question ; many of them form showy beds. The same may be said of Alstrcomerias, of which the Ghent seedlings are easily managed, and are distinct and showy. Dianthus f ulgens, a rich crimson, is fine, and there are others equally good, not forgetting D. superbus, which should always be grown for its fragrance. Delphinium Barlowii and grandiflorum, when pegged down closely, make good plants for deep blue beds. Dielytra spectabilis must not be forgotten, for when planted out it is one of the gayest plants grown, blooming freely throughout the season. Kalosanthes coccinea, and others, are unequalled for brilliancy of colour, and are adapted for beds or vases, where they are very striking. Hollyhocks which have been recently planted will require a fair supply of water should the dry weather continue. Cuttings may be taken from old plants ; these strike readily now if inserted firmly in river sand and planted in a shady border. We should allow three shoots to remain for blooming. Auriculas require just now very great attention ; if for exhibition, carefully inspect the growing truss. Some little judgment will be requisite in thin- ning out the pips, so as to retain those which will expand to- gether. Avoid by all means possible the chance of having the stems drawn ; abundant air will be necessary, and an occa- sional watering of very weak liquid manure, made with 6heep's dung, will be found beneficial. Carnations and Picotees being all potted, insert forthwith the sticks to which they are to be attached. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Proceed with the staking and tying-out of plants requiring such assistance ; but if former directions are carried out re- lative to growing plants with short-jointed wood, much in the way of stakes may be dispensed with, although seme will be necessary to give the plant its desired shape, but on no ac- count use more than will effect that purpose. Turn each plant frequently round, that it may not become one-sided. Hardwooded plants should be frequently examined in respect to their drainage. At this season many of them, as most of the New Holland plants, are either in bloom or approaching that state, and will, consequently, require a larger quantity of water, more especially any large specimens not shifted since last season ; it will be obvious that if the drainage is im- perfect, or if the entire mass of roots is not equally moistened, the death of the plant must soon occur : hence the necessity of paying attention to this important point. The more valu- able, because the more delicate, plants are the first to suffer. STOVE. The greatest care will be requisite to prevent softwooded stove plants from drawing ; as these will now be making rapid growth they should have a large share of light, using shade only in the middle of the day. Some of those potted early may now require a second shift ; in this, however, the culti- vator must be guided by the requirements for which the plant is grown. Take every opportunity of keeping down insects by fumigation and the active use of the syringe, but in this care- fully avoid injuring the newly-formed foliage of large-leaved plants. The cuttings which it was previously advised should be struck for a stock of winter-flowering plants, will now require potting-off. As it is not desirable these 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. They can be placed close to the glass, and by a little attention will by the autumn form stout, bushy plants with well-ripened wood, and may then be brought into bloom at pleasure. See that the growing Orchids have abundance of atmospheric moisture, with a liberal circulation of air early in the morning, shutting up closely early in the day, and taking care to use moderation in the use of fire heat, in order that a pure atmo- sphere may be enclosed for the night. Growing Dendrobiums will now require liberal supplies of water, and air-plants on blocks frequent syringings. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Potatoes. — Planted more as stated last week, and never were they in better order; the bulk of the Potatoes were just be- ginning to move, so we may expect them to come up strongly. The weather has become colder again, and a falling barometer leads us to expect rain ere long. It will be very acceptable for the healthy germination of all seeds, for, though there is plenty of moisture beneath, the surface in many cases is dust-dry. We are sometimes half inclined to envy the farmers, who, in snch fine suitable weather, can put in the bulk of their seed3 whilst gardeners must sow often to have regular successions. Peas. — We stated that we lost by mice and rats most of those intended for our first crop out of doors, as we did not red-lead them before sowing. We have a lot in little boxes, which we hope to plant out in the begimiiug of the week and to stake at once. These we shall find useful to come in after those in pots and sown in borders in the orchard house, as the first-sown Peas out of doors this spring are only now becoming visible. Nothing could more truly indicate the coldness of the ground, as we never recollect of seeds remaining under ground so long. They are growing well now. Beans that have been in the ground six weeks have scarcely made any progress except downwards, so we shall transplant some Broad Beans also. With so many enemies, we find there is great trouble and but moderate success with those Beans sown in autumn. Dwarf Kidney Beans. — Now is a good time to bow a lot in 4 or 5-inch pots where there i3 a little heat, to be turned out afterwards in a sheltered place. These will yield good gather- ings long before those sown in the open ground. It is hardly worth wLile sowing them out of doors until the end of the month, but we have had fine early crops under hand-lights. Globe Articliokes. — Bemoved the long litter packed about these, and forked over and manured the ground. The stools are all safe, a matter of importance where Artichokes are much sought for. Good-sized pieces taken off now, and planted in rich, well-stirred soil, will continue the produce fully a month later in the autumn. Sea-kale. — A good portion of that which had been taken up to be forced has been again transferred to the soil, and it wrought beautifully in this dry weather. All the tops and crowns that are good are planted by themselves in pieces about G inches long, being set in rows 2 feet apart, and about 6 inches from each other in the rows. All the smaller pieces of roots, and any parts left in the ground, as large as, or even smaller than one's little finger, are also sized and cut into pieces about 6 inches long, and firmly planted, leaving the npper end just level with the surface of the ground. Some ashes are then strewed along the rows to keep slags and vermin from the fresh-cut tops. Plenty of buds generally come from the tops of these pieces, which may need a little thinning in summer. Some with fair crowns will make good-sized plants for taking up and forcing after Christmas, and the smallest will do well after they have stood two summers. Every person who can command the ground for summer growth may easily have Sea-kale in winter, and that without purchasing fresh plants, as a great portion of the plants forced will come in useful again when treated as above described. A good succession may also be obtained by sowing a little bed every year, but we know hardly any vegetable so subject to the attacks of the fly when the plants are in the seed leaf, and just a little older. Wood ashes and a thin layer of spruce branches we have found the best means of keeping the fly at bay. When the roots are cut up and planted as above, the fly cannot touch them, and a small cone of ashes keeps the tops sound. Put a number of common pots, 10 or more inches in diameter, over some good April 14, 1S70. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 281 heads, and a little rough hay round the insides of the pots, which would alike moderate heat and cold. No litter is in- tended to be plaoed round these. We have several beds which we intended covering with, say, 7 inches of ashes, but we are short of the latter just now. Sea-kale out of doors intended to be cut during the spring, cannot be covered too soon, as if it attain any size it takes a long time to turn it from its natural colour to white. Rhubarb. — There is less difficulty with seedlings of this, and in fine rich soil seedlings soon become strong. The roots taken up and forced need not, however, be lost, as if placed in a shel- tered corner, watered, and covered up with litter, they will soon show where their buds are, and may then be divided in pieces, and planted out again. These may generally be raised as large fine plants after they have had two summers' growth. The worst of taking up Asparagus is, that nothing can be made of the old roots as respects future growth. FRUIT GARDEN. We finished most of the pruning. We fear we shall have to wash onr bush Apple trees with lime and soot, aB the birds have begun on them. The buds are swelling fast and looking well. Peach trees are in full bloom in the latest orchard house ; the blossoms of Plums are all open, and the buds of Cherries are swelling fast but not yet open. A few Piums in the earliest house have a little air opposite them all night. A close atmo- sphere will not suit them or Apricots long when in bloom. The buds of Peach and Apricot trees out of doors are opening fast. As yet we have used no covering. We have less faith in covering if it do not keep out heavy rains. Such a covering we have always found useful. Strawberries are improved fcy gathering the fruit when the soil is comparatively dry — that is, before watering. In suc- cessions, if the outer leaves grow rather upright, more strength will be thrown into the trusses if these leaves be bent down a little. We have some now in a pit heated by hot water, and though we throw a mat over the glass at night, there is rather too much condensed moisture on the leaves and bloom in the morning, even though a little air be given all night. Such an appearance seldom shows itself much in a shelf in a fair-sized house. Even the mat does not seem to arrest the condensa- tion of moisture. In fine, sunny weather it matters but little, but in dull weather the flooding with dewdrops is rather in- convenient. Regulated, tied, and attended to Vines. Those in the late house are breaking, though we shaded the roof a little, and did the same as respects the orchard houses, where the light and heat were very powerful. The Vines are also moving in the orchard hous', that which we shut up in the afternoons. ORNAMENTAL DETAETHENT. Outside we have been busy planting the last of the Sprnce. As the trees had not moved we think they will succeed, though we would rather have planted them in November. . Planted and sowed lots of Gorse for cover. Perhaps the beginning of April is about the best time for this work. In sowing ou rather light land it is a good plan to draw drills, say fully 3 inches deep, cover the seed, and leave the drills unfilled. This will greatly protect the plants the first winter, and small soil fall- ing down will not hurt them. When a large space is sown by drill, it is a good plan to drill Barley or Buckwheat thinly between the rows, as what the pheasants, &c, leave will greatly protect the plants the first season, when they most need it. It is of little use to plant or sow if the ground is not netted with wire netting of a mesh so small that neither young rabbits nor hares can creep through it, as they will leave almost everything to nibble the young Gorse. Where netting is not resorted to, these intruders must be kept at a distance, or you may wait long for a cover. Rolled the lawn, and ere long will give the walks a renovated appearance ; as yet few weeds appear on them. Pretty well finished pruning Roses, as all vegetation is late this season. Many of our permanent edgings to beds have become ragged within these four weeks, going off where they stood the rest of the winter well. Trees and shrubs transplanted would have been much bene- fited by a daily syringing overhead in the bright sunny days, but these days began also to tell on our water supply, so that we shall be glad to see a warm plentiful rain. Those who live near rivers and streams can form no idea of the schemes that have to be resorted to to save water in some gardens, and especially where sufficient means have not been adopted to save for future use the rainfall. With such means used, few places need be without the necessary supply. We know of some large building operations shortly to be commenced, and if the contractors have made their calculations without reckon- ing on the supply of water, it will be next to ruinous to them unless we have a moist summer to fill the pools and ponds, otherwise they would have to go five miles for water — a serious thing where a large quantity of mortar is to be made. Earth Pits. — These, as yet, are comparatively empty; the press of other matters and the cold nights have prevented us turning out many plants for the flower garden where they would remain at least until the 20th of May. Next week we hope to turn out a lot of Calceolarias, which are now very thick iu the beds in which they were struck. They have been exposed every day to harden them. In addition to what was said last week, we may instance that in that bed of Calceolarias there are three pieces of a great favourite of ours — Aurea floribuuda, aud at a considerable distance from each other. The mice have left the others almost untouched, but they have found out the three pieces of our favourite, and stumpd them well in, so that we shall be obliged to give them a little better treatment than the rest to bring them round by planting time. We heard lately from a gardener that his crop of early Strawberries had been cut over and left in heaps in the pots. The mice have not as yet done much damage to our fruit, but they woftilly mal- treated our plants, eating out the buds of hundreds. The other day at noon wo saw a rat come out of the openiug from a slid sash of a Peach house, and scamper along the ridge of the house with a green Poach in his mouth, not the first by a great many, we believe, he had taken in the same way. Many years ago, noticing a run in the house, we raised a stone path, and found in a heap we forget now how many dozen Peaches just stoning, and every one had been so carefully carried that there was not a tingle mark ou the fruit. We should think that even the rats must have been " hard up " to use such a store. Azaleas. — Dressed over those done blooming. When they begin to grow, if a few shook push strongly and prominently, these should be stopped bam so as to make two other shoots instead of one, and that will cause the others to grow freely and regularly all over. A little additional heat now, wili ensure early- blooming plants next season with but little trouble. Camellias. — Removed some of the earliest to a vinery, where they will have a little shade to help to make their wood and set their buds, and then they will flower early in a greenhouse. The help they most prize should be given just as they finish blooming. Heaths.— The winter-blooming kinds of these should be cut back, and kept in a closer and warmer place uutil they break freely, when they must have more light and air. The same may be said of Epacrises that bloomed early, only they will 3tauu a little more heat. In pruning back it is well to have a little of last year's wood, as they do not break freely from older wood, and after cutting back it is well to let the plants stand still for ten days or so in the same temperature as they bloomed in. Then a few degrees more heat and a moister atmosphere will cause them to break freely, and when growth has progressed the chief points are first to encourage growth in summer, as in a cold pit, and then to ripen that growth, with full exposure to sun in the autumn months. We top-dressed Pelargoniums, tied them out, and fresh potted them. — R. F. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS In the Subnrbs of London for the week ending April 12th. THERMOMETRY Wind. S. s.w. s. s.w. w. w. w. Date. BAROMETER. Air. Earth. Rain. Max. Min. Max. Min. 1 ft. 2 ft. Wed... 6 Thurs. . 7 Fri. ... 8 Sat. ... 9 Snn. . . 10 Mon. . . 11 Tues. . 12 30.074 29.984 29.662 29.443 29620 30.C61 30.097 29 967 29.76') 29.49? 29.391 29.732 S0.02O 30.063 66 67 66 56 55 60 60 22 29 35 35 24 36 43 47 47 46 46 46 48 40 41 42 42 43 43 43 .00 .00 .00 .12 .02 .00 .00 Mean.. 29.878 29.776 61.43 29.71 46.14 42.00 0.14 6.— Frosty fog ; very fine ; clear and very fine. 7.— Very fine ; exceedingly fine ; clear at night. 8.— Very fine ; clear ana fine ; fine, starlight. 9.— Overcast ; cloudy, slight rain ; cloudy, cold wind. 10.— Cloudy ; showery, hail; clondy and cold. 11. — Fine but cloudy; fine ; clear and fine. 12.— Very fine ; cloudy but fine ; clear at night. JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 14, 1870. TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Bell & Thorpe, Paddock Nurseries, Stratford-upon-Avon. — General Catalogue of Plants. Child & "Lorinier, 49, Darley Street, Bradford, and Bradford Nur- series, Shipley. — Catalogue of Agricultural Seeds. TO CORRESPONDENTS. «®- Being published in time for transmission by the Thursday morning mails, The Journal of Horticulture should, with but few ex- ceptions, be delivered on the same day in all parts of the country. If there is any delay, let our readers apply to the nearest railway bookstall, andby paying their subscriptions in advance their copies mill be regularly supplied. If country booksellers cannot obtain the Journal in time, we shall be obliged by their communicating the fact to our Publisher. *«» We request that no one will write privately to any of the correspondents 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, die, 171, Fleet Street, London, E.G. N.B. — Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. Aquarium (R. C.).— Mr. J. Caven Fox, Arcades, Boyal Horticultural Gardens, South Kensington, will give you the information. Address (J. W. Mcanwood).—1he address you require is 61, York Terrace, Regent's Park. Delachampia Roezliana (Constant Reader).— You may obtain it from any one of the following nnrservmen :— Mr. Bull, King's Road, Chelsea ; Messrs. Veitch, King's Road, Chelsea ; Mr. Williams, Victoria Nursery, Upper Holloway. Mushroom Culture (Mushrooms)^- If you enclose five postage stamps with your address, and order " The Kitchen Garden Manual," it will be sent to you post free. It contains the information you need. Hangolt Wurzel (E. W.).— This, or Mangold Wurzel, is the correct mode of spelling. Mangolt is the German for Beet, and wurzel for root. The book you mention could be obtained through Messrs. Sampson, Low, and Co., Booksellers, Fleet Street. Cyclamen Seedlings (J. J. Jarrold).— When they have made two or three leaves, pot them off singly into small pots, and in summer remove them to a cold frame, keeping moist, and shaded i'r on ! 1 le'ht sun. Pot as may be necessary into larger pots, and take in-door3 at the end of Sep- tember, placing the plants on a shelf in a house with a temperature of 45r; and with due supplies of water, and potting as required, you may probably flower them next spring ; if not, let them go to rest in summer, potting them when they begin to grow. They will flower in autumn, winter, or spring, according to the sort. In potting cover the corni with soil. A little old cow dung may be mixed with the soil. Good drainage should be given. Flower Bed Arrangement (R. Clarke).— If you send us a plan of the beds, and how you propose to plant them, we will point out any errors or improvements that we can. We cannot originate the planting for any one. New Dahlias (Amateur).— Alice Gair. Aristides, Provost, Toison d'Or, Annie Neville, Emperor, Indian Chief, Memorial, Mrs. Brunton, Unique, James Hunter, and Head Master. These are all kinds sent out in 1809 and 1870. The latter, of course, are expensive. Carnation Shoots Eaten (Novus Amicus).— We think earthworms are not the cause of the mischief, and though you cannot find them, we never- theless think slugs are your enemies. Dust the plants with Boot— it will drive away the slugs, and dust with lime occasionally. Soot is a good manure. Cucumber Growing (Idem). — We think with you that something must be wrong besides the heat of the hotbed, as, after this month, linings of graBS keep up a sufficient heat. Have you the " Garden Manual ?" It contains instructions for Cucumber culture, and may be had post free from our office for twenty postage stamps. Delphinium formosum (An Inexperienced). — The only difficulty with the Delphinium is to see that the seed is not dried up after germination has taken place : hence, if sown out of doors, a little shade may be given until the seedlings appear. We sowed last year in a little box in a cold pit, and the seedlings came np like Mustard and Cress. We cannot well account for the want of success, except by the reason given above. The flower garden will look well, especially if you can look down upon it. Your centering 6, 7, 8, 9 will be an improvement. We should edge all these with Cerastium, and then you can edge 2, 3, 4, 5 with Lobelia, and plant these beds with Golden Chain, Mrs. Pollock, &c. The best Calceolaria to suit Stella would lie Amplexicaulis ; the next best, and strong-growing, would be Aurantia multiflora. Boxes for Greenhouse Climbers (C. H.). — We do not think you could have anything better than slate for your boxes for climbers. From 18 to 24 inches square, and as much in depth, would be large enough. Wooden boxes of a similar size would last many years, and they might be painted, and well sanded outside when the paint was fresh, SO as to resemble stone, but they would not be so lasting as slate. Slate could be painted and sanded in the same way, if deemed desirable. Strawberry — Cinerarias (Stotan). — The berry was smashed. The fruit probably is deficient in flavour, as, though ripe, you " never let them get dry." The Cinerarias are pretty, but mauy better are in the florists' lists. Erratum.— In page 260, fourth line from bottom of second column, for " wall " read pot. Worms in Orchard-house Pots (T. Matthews).— Worms will injure the roots of your pot plants by making the soil loose about them. You can easily destroy worms bv watering with clear lime water. Throw a spadeful of quicklime into 'thirty or forty gallons of water, stir it well, and if left a night and a day it will be quite clear, and then use the liquid. Glazing without Putty (S. Shaw).— From what yon state we hardly know whether your roof is very steep or very flat, as people speak of angles so differently. If steep, there will be no .linger from drip. II the Blope is very fiat, like that of a common frame, there will be danger if the glass be not well packed beneath. The grooving plan is no doubt good, but we cannot speak from our own experience. We know that placing the squares edge to edge without laps will not cause drip, but the grooves must be deep enough to allow of expansion laterally. Glass over a Border (H. C). -You can cover such a border in the way proposed ; a lean-to roof and an upright front would be the cheapeat. The best plan would be to have an upright front 6 feet high, and then a low hipped or a span roof from the back wall, and front glass. The Figs will succeed best in the Vine divisions. BOCGAINVLLLEA SPECTABILIS NOT FLOWERING (J. L.).—Foi this plant to do well it should be planted-out in a border of light turfy loam, not very deep, wide, nor long ; 4 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 2 feet deep, will be sufficient. To this space its roots ought to be confined. Good drainage must he provided, and then fill with light turfy loam chopped np, adding about a third of leaf toil, and a fourth of sharp sand. It is well to have the border near the hot-water pipes, so that it may be warm and dry in autumn and early in winter. We should turn out the plant at once, and give it every encouragement to growth up to September, then keep it dry at the roots, and the atmosphere also dry. Continue this treatment up to the following February, an70. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 283 in potting dniu well, snd cover the cirms from one-h iH to three- quarters of an inch with SoiL Use acorapnstof twoparts sandy loam. one part left! soil or sandv peat, one part old cow dang, and one part of silver sand and charcoal in pieces from tho size of a pea to a haz*l nnt. K-ep the plants in the frame, with the soil moist, and in November remove thera to a shelf near the gla=s in the grc.-uhiuse. If the plants are in small pots they may have a shift in November. The soil should be kept moist in winter, but do not wat^r until it is r<>quir?d. then give a good supply. We think your plants will prow and flower next year. Any further information we shall be glad to jive. What are Greenhouse Plants ? (Secretary).— It is usually con- sidered that greenho.i^ plants do not. in the schedule of a horticultural society, include anv 3 .lists' flower, as rdarg-miums— Show, Fancy, and French— Fuchsias, Cineraria", C'.'.ceolarhs, Verbenas, Petunias, or other plants known as such ; but nil other greenhouse plants are admissible. It is difficult to name six greenhmse plants for blooming in August, as mnch is needed in the way of forwarding or retarding as may be re- quired, so as to have tlio plants in bloom at the proper time. We have known exhibited at the time you name, Plcroma elegans, Cassia corymbosa, Crow*?* s :ligna major, Erythrinas, Indigofera decora, Kalo- santhes coccine t -up -^<\ ',.■ ■< .-iir>sea. Plumbago eapensis, ?t'itiro Holfordi, Witsenia forvial'n^ ', Tremandra v-frticillata, Swainsonia gale- gifolia, and Erica C -vcodishii. ventricosa Eothwelliana, globosa, and grandiflora. It is well to grow more than yon require for exhibitirc ; but if you can only accommodate six. then the third, fourth, second, seventh, eighth, and eleventh, or twelfth named, would be most likely to meet your requirements. Temperature for Vh-ts- Fumigating (A. O. F.).— We think 10CP too high a temperature to Bui ject Vines in Dots to for any length of time. If you cannot give more air, you hid better shade a little for a couple of hours or so. Much may bo done by having no fire heat in hot days. You may smoke wita tobacco to destroy the green fly, but do not give too strong a dose. Make sn^e that the leaves of the plants are dry, the house cool, and th at the smoke reaches the plants cold, not hot. Fowls' Deng (J. B.).— It is one of the most powerful of manures, is a kind of English guano, and may be used for all crops and plants th^t require a rich manure. Double the quantity that is used of guano for any purpose may be used of fowls' dung. Guano as a SIanttre for Strawbereees fXorice).— Guano is a good manure for Strawberries ; indeed, there are few crops that are not bene- fited by its application. Ion mav apnlv it now, sprinkling it over the ground, but not over the foliage, at the rate of 2 ozs. per square yard. We think it better, howev. r, to qiv-i a dressing at the rate of 1 oz. per square yard at the end of April or beginning of May, and again at the end of May or beginning of Juse. and always in moist weather. We consider manure, except for pot plants, is best supplied in a solid state, and that watering with clear'water is preferable to watering with liquid manures that arj very uncertain in strength, and on that account, in inexperienced hands, more injurious than beneficial. Cape Gooseberry Culture Reader). — This (Physalis edulis), is not worth growing for Covent Garden, and though, it may sell there it certainly will not pay the grower; The fruit resembles a Cherry, and is candied for de=sert." In the natural state it has no value except as being little known, and in an ornamental point of view is inferior to the fruit of P. Alkekengi, which i3 hardy. Physalis edulis is a green- house perennial, but will flower and fruit the first year. The plants you have raised from seed in gentle beat should be potted singly in small pots, and be forwarded in a gentle hotbed, shifting them into larger pots as those they are in till with roots. When they are a foot high give them their final shift into vots 9 inches indiameter. and place the plants where they can be trained to a trellis, or put in sticks 6 feet long and train the shoots to them. Five sticks in a 9-inch pot will be sufficient. The plants ought to have their points pinched out when they are a foot high, and will need to be stopped until enough of shoots are produced for training. The further treatment consists in stopping any shoots that grow too rampant. When the plants have made a foot of growth, if they do not show fruit, gtop them, and stop again as required; but after they com- mence to bloom it will not be ntcess^rv to stop. Cut out unfruitful shoots and those likely to cause overcrowding. The fruit usually ripens at the end of summer and in autumn, but the crop comes in successionally, all of it not being ripe at one time. The plant will grow to a height of 12 or more feet, but usually fruit-i whea about 2 feet high. It fruits much more freely in the second than io th.3 first year, ita growth being then not so free. A c impost of li-ht loam and one-third well-decomposed manure or lea' - 'well. A greenhouse temperature suits it, but it does best in a vinery. Insect in Forcing House {A Constant Reader).— It is the red spider (Acarus tellarius). The fume3 of sulphur (not by burning it), raised by sprinkling fl >wers of sulphur on the hot-water pipes are fatal to this insect. A "lady cow" was in your packet. Remember that insect is one of the gardener'., best friends, sd ling the green fly and other insects^ Names of Plants [J. T., Thornhill Rectory). — Streptocarpus Rcxii. It is a native of the Cape of Good Hope. (J. S. S.).— 1, Moium undu- latum ; 2, Hypnum tamarisciuum ; 8, Peltidea canina. < A. JbT-).— 1, Ha- brothamnus elegans ; 2, Hardjnbergia monophylla ; 3, Selaginella Mar- tensii ; 4, A composite ; send a^orther specimen when in bloom ; 5, Pteris longifolia; 6. Centradonia rosea; 7, Polypodium Dryopteris. (T. N.t Ebbw Vale. Newport).— Arrhostoxylon formosum, once known as Jtuellia formosa. It is the nature of the plant to produce but few flowers, having only a single pedicel from an axil, and only the upper axils are florif^r.nc. We know of no cultural means to overcome such a defect, or render the plant more attractive. POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON CHRONICLE. FOWLS FOR LIMITED SPACES. How frequently do we find those living in and around London and other large towns anxious to keep some kind of poultry, especially after having paid a visit to the suburban or country residence of some friend who may have a fancy for fowls, and accordingly shows his birds, and with a little par- donable pride discourses over the beauties of some hen, or grows eloquent when speaking of the superiority of a bird (the winner, perhaps, of so many cups) over those of all other exhibitors, concluding with the many benefits to be derived from new-laid egg3 for breakfast. Many people believe large grass runs, plenty of pure country air, and no confinement are necessary to keep fowls in health. I shall endeavour to show that these advantages — for such they are— are nnt always required for all kinds of poultry. Others feel inclined to keep poultry, only they have no room, or should they possess a garden they fancy it is too confined, even if the whole of it were made into a run, but this they care not to do, as they are too fond of their few flowers, and quite naturally so, to give up the whole garden to poultry. 1 shall show there is even no necessity to do this, and that some variety of fowls may be kept in confinement very successfully, either for exhibition, ornament, amusement, or for their eggs. The variety 1 have found best suited for small places is the Spatish, and of the many breeds of poultry none is so beauti- ful or thrives so well in confinement. The shape is hand- some, the actions graceful ; and the erect, finely serrated comb, snowy-white face, and bright glossy black plumage make the cock one of the handsomest of our domestic poultry for the exhibition pen, or yard. Then notice how gentle are his attentions to the ladies of his harem ; how he calls them around him when he finds any extra delicacy, and yet set see how quickly he allows them to take the dainty morsel from him. What courage he displays on your attempting to touch any of his wives ! His whole heaving, manner, and appearance stamp him, to my mind, as " a perfect gentleman." And the hens, how the comb, face, plumage, and shape blend in making one beautiful picture ! As for eggs, I know of no other breed which lays so many or such large eggs. Then the hens never want to sit — a great advantage where there is only room for one or two nest-boxes. Yet these birds can be kept in perfect health, and will lay plentifully, and, if of a pure breed, arefit for exhibition at almost any time with a fair chance of win- ning. I have never exhibited but at one show without my birds being noticed, and they are kept in places 4 feet by 4, with a Bleeping place of half that size. To do this successfully their houses must be kept perfectly clean, and should be about half a foot above the ordinary level. The bottom should consist of sand, cinder ash, and old mortar mixed together ; the top of the house should be covered with roofing felt, two of the sides boarded, and the rest wire. Some old window-saehes, glazed, should be kept for covering the wire in cold or wet weather, as the fowls require- to be kept warm and dry. In one corner place a box containing coarse sand, and this will answer for their bath, and keep them free from insects ; they will also be able to obtain small sharp stones, which are necessary to digest their food. Some oyster shells, crushed, to supply materials for the eggshell, and straw, should be scattered at the bottom, and amoDgst this their com should be thrown ; they will then have to scratch for it, and consequently will get exercise. In my next I will describe the way to feed them, and their general treatment. — N. ANNALS OF MY POULTRY- YARD.— No. 1. I am now just entering on the tenth year of my amateur poultry-keeping, and shall be very happy to think that my varied experiences of success, not unclouded with many failures, may induce some to adopt this most interesting and profitable hobby, may encourage others to persevere in their adoption, and may avert some of the disappointments to which I was subject. I began with a very small stock, consisting of four Golden- pencilled Hamburgh hens, one White Cochin hen, two White Bantam hens, and one Silver- spangled Hamburgh cock ; in all, seven hens and one cock. My strange mixture of breeds was the result of selecting a few special favourites from a larger yard when we moved to smaller premises. Thus, practically speaking, my working staff, to which I looked for support of my statement, " that the ordinary keeping of poultry for the supply of a gentleman's house was no loss," consisted solely of four layers, one sitter, and three passengers, as we should say of a boat. My old Cochin hen hatched twice, and my Bantams each once, producing twenty -nine chickens. Of these Dine died immaturely, and twenty were reared, of which eleven came to table, and nine were kept as stock. At the beginning •2Si JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 11, 1870. of the winter I dispensed with the two little Bantams, and one of my Hamburgh hens having died, my stock at the commence- ment of the ensuing year consisted of fourteen head. My debit and credit account stood thus : — Dlt. £ s. 8— Stock of poultry at be- ginning of year valued 1». 6. Borne ; H. Yardley. Any other Variety— 1. \V. Harvey. 2, H. Yardley. he, W. Bearpark. c, Kitchen ftnd Co. (Local).— 1, H. Bury. 2, J. T. Riley, Accrington. Judges. — Poultry : Mr. K. Teebay, Fnlwood, Preaton, and Mr. J. Hindson, Everton, Liverpool. Piyeons : Mr. T. C. Charlton, Bradford. TRUMPETER PIGEONS. I should have answered the inquiry of "Fleur de Lis" (see page 235), last week, but wished to see if any other fancier would favour us with his opinion. I am sorry the discussion has not been more general, as there are plenty of Trumpeter fanciers whose opinions on the standard properties would havo been valuable. I observe that Mr. Rule and " Flecr de Lis" both differ from me in some measure as to what a Mottled Trumpeter should be ; but I still venture to think that the standard I have given is the true one for the show pen. My advice to breeders of Trumpeters is, " breed them dark enough, and you are right," the tendency of Mottles being to become light, as " Fleur de Lis " remarks. If they are light when they have their first moult, the chances are that they will have one or more white flight feathers. The colour of a Black or Black-mottled Trumpeter's beak should in my opinion be black, or as near an approach to it as can be got. Replying to the inquiry as to the advisability of introducing a Black strain into a Mottled one, I say Yes, most decidedly. You cannot breed Mottles with the proper black ground without it ; at least that is my experience.— J. Firth, jun. ACCRINGTON POULTRY SHOW. The following is the prize list of this Show, which took place on the 7th inst : — Draycott. he, F. Sales. Crowle; C. Chaloner. e, H. M.Julian; W. John: (Local).— 1. Kustivu.nl ,'c Hin. lie. Accrington. 2. Morris .v. Woods, Accrington. 3, J. Smith, Accrington. Single Hem.— 1, C. W. Brierlev. 2, O. Chaloner. 3, E. Ayla-oyd.Bra.lt. ird. lie. R. P.ivne ; S.Matthew, e, liillington & Gill ; J. Dyson. Dorkings— 1, J. White, Warlaby. 2, T. Bri.len. Earby. 8 and he, J. Stott, Healey. Cochins.— BujJ or Cinnamon— \ and 2, W. A. Taylor, Man- chester. 3, J. Sichel, Timperlev. he, E. Fearon, Whitehaven i J. Sichel; J.G. Broxup. c, J. G. Broxap. .-lny other rarirtit.—l, W. A. Tavlor. 2, E. Fearon. 3. J. Sichel. lie, W. A. Taylor; J. Lee. Spanish— 1 and 2, F. & C Haworth. Haslingdeu. 3. ll.Bel.lou, Goitstock. he, H. B. Smith, e, P.Kaine. Erahmas. —1, J. H. Pickles. 2, W. Hargreavcs, Bacup. 3, E. Loach. Rochdale, lie, F. and C. Haworth : W. Whiteley. Hiiinrnniis.- Uohlowncilb .(.-1, H.Beldon. 2. H. Pickles, jun., Earby. 3, W. Speakman, Nantwich. lie, F. S. Driver. SUver-peneilled.— 1 and 3, H. Pickles, jun. 2, H. Behlon. Goldeit-spdiioled.— Cnp, J. Newton, Silsden. 2, H. Pickles, jun. 3, N.Marlow. lie. H. Beldon ; N. Marlow; W. MeMrllon, (ll,..-,,... r. It. n.ldon ; N.Marlow. Sileerspaiuibd.— 1 and 2, J. Fielding, Newehurch. 8, H. Beldon. lie, J. Farrer ; G. & J. Duck- worth. Black.— 1, T. Walker, jnn., Denton. 2, H. W. Illingworth, Idle. 3, C. Sidgwick, Keighley. lie, H. Behlon; J. li.d.inson. French.— 1, G. Andrews, Tuxford (Cltve-Cffiurs). 2. H. Beldon (Crcvc-Ocurs). 3. S.H. Stott, Rochdale (Houdans). Polish— 1 and 3, H. Beldon. 2, H. Pickles, jun. lie, T. Dean; W. Harvey. Any other Variety.— 1, R. Loft, Woodmansey (Sultans). 2, R. Hawkins, Sunderland (Malay). 3, Kitchen ,v Co., Feniscowles, Blackburn. Selling Class.— 1, J. Dyson, Halifax. 2 and 3, J. Laming, Broughton. Ban- tajis.-BIocI.- Ibd Oiiuii'.— 1. W. 1'. Entwisle, Clcckhonton. 2, T. Barker, Burnley. 3, J. Crosland, Wakefield, lie, R. Gerrard. c, J. Gardner. Game (Any other Colour).— 1, C. Furncss, Acerbnet.m. 2, J. Crosland. jun. 3, W. F. EntwiBle, Leeds, lie, .1. Crosland, jun. ; W. F. Enlwisle; W. Greaves; J. R. Robinson. .S'.imI.' (',..■/.-.— Cup, J. Cioslan.l. 2. G. Maples, he, J. R. Robinson; H. Shumaeh; W. Entwisle. (Locall.-lau.18. liarw 1 ,v Bucklcv, Accrington. ' 2, C. Furness. .in./ oilier Yurirtn.-l, V..V. Frew, Kirkcal.lv. 2, S. & K. Ashton, Mottrnm. 8. R. C. Frew, Kirkcaldy. I.e. II. ll.l.lon ; K.li. Rilev ; J. W.Cannan. e, J. Walker; W. A. Taylor; T. Sharpies. Ann varatii crc.j.f Home Bantams (Local).— 1. W. G. Holt. 2 and 3, C. Furness. Turkeys.— 1, C. W. Brierlev. 2, G. Hustler. Stillinglle.'t Vicarage, York. 3, K. Leech, lie. J. Houlker ; P. B. Bury. Geese.— 1, E. Leech. 2, G. Houlker. 3. W. II. Belcher, Lea. Ducks.— Aylesbury.— 1, M. Seamons, Avlesbury. 2, S. H. Stott. 3, .1. Houlker. he, M. Seamons; E. Leech ; T.Wilkinson. LVuicn.—l, S. H. Stott. 2, T. Wareing, Preston. 3. C. W. Brierlev. lie, E. Leech ; J. Houlker. Aim other Varicti/.—. 1. S. Burn, Whitby. 2, A. dtJ.Trirkctt, Wiitcrioot. 3, C. W. Uin-rley. lie, T. C Harrison, Hull; S. Burn; C. W. Brierlev; S. .i It. Ashton; H.B.Smith; B. Consterdine. c, T. C. Harrison. PIGEONS. Carriers.— 1, J. F. While, Birmingham. 2, T. Stretch, Ormskirk. Ac, H. Yardley. e, H. W. Marklan.l. Tihelers.— 1, W. Harvev, Sheffield. 2, H. Yardley, Birmingham, lie, J. Ashworth. Barbs.— 1, H. Beldon. 2, H. Yardley. MR. FRANK GRAHAM'S CHALLENGE. I regret to say I cannot accept Mr. Graham's offer to show a pair of birds against his, for the very sufficient reason that I have not, nor ever had, a "pair of Blues" in my possession, and I cannot show other colours against them with an equal chance of success, since Blues are in advance of any colour in points. So long as the Dragoon is without a standard, I maintain I had a perfect right to say the birds were coarse in skull ; I will now say further, that they are too short in head. My idea of a Dragoon (and I flatter myself I know one when I see it, as I have bred Dragoons for several years) is a long, flat, narrow head — the narrower the better — straight thin bill, and pro- minent eye, with a small even cere all round. — Your Corre- spondent. DUMMY FRAMES. I hate perused with much interest the excellent article which appeared in No. -171, bearing the signature of " W. A. X.," and although I agree with nearly all of it, I must beg to take exception to one particular — viz., " dummy frames." I have in use Pettitt's "hive of hives," which contains thirteen rather large bar frames, the comb-building space in each bar frame being 13J inches by 8 J inches. Now, without these dummy frames this hive would not suit my purpose, for these assist me much in manipulation, and give me the power to enlarge or diminish the size of the hive at pleasure. During the honey season the bees occupy the whole of the thirteen bar frames, but in the autumn, when I " put up " my stocks for the winter, lean reduce the size of my hives to about seven fiames, which give me ample space not only for the bees but for their winter's provision also, and the combs in the outside frames I can appropriate to my own use. I also contend that the " super, or nadir, or the collateral," each has its use as far as honey-getting is concerned ; but if we desire to go further, and to " study the natural habitats," the combs " upon each separate frame " afford us the only means of doing this effectu- ally. I think when Dr. Bevan first used bars in his hive they were firmly fixed to the crown-boards, which he soon found did not give him the necessary command over his bees ; he there- fore adopted loose bars, which he found suited his purpose better, and Major Munn soon followed with his bar-and-frame hive, which gave a stimulus to scientific apiculture. — Sudbury. Hunger Swarms.— The Rector of a village near Stamford writes to ns that a swarm was hived there on the 1st inst. 286 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 14, 1870. This was not a " swarm " at all in the true sense of the word, but a general exodus which sometimes takes place in the view of impending famine, and is hence called by the Germans a "hunger swarm." OUR LETTER BOX. Weight of Game Bantams (IF. B. P.).— Tho smaller Bantams of all kinds are, the better they arc considered ; for Game wo should try for a cock about 16 ozs., a hen 14 ozs. Mandamn Dccks (Idem).— Mandarin Dnclis should be kept in confine- ment. They are too valuable to be turned on large or open pieces of water. If, however, you do not mind tho risk of their straying, or being injured or stolen, youneel have no fear of their being delicate. They are as hardy as common wild Duels. The fittest place for them or Caro- linas is on a small pond in a garden. Spanish Fowl's Face Diseased (W. 2?.}.— Spanish fowls are subject to several disorders of tho face. One springs from the eye, that is incur* able ; another consists of a hard malignant swelling under the white face, this after a time becomes cancerous, and is incurable. The third is -vhere the face grows in rolls or ridges, and tho inner part, where the skin is always in contact, becomes sore and weeps. AVherevcrthe discbarge runs. itturns the white face brown. This is curable. The face should be dried with linen, and the cracks treated with powdered alum. Shortening Cock's Spurs (Poplar).— There is little danger in its bleeding, and caustic will stop it. As a rule in these long spurs, two- thirds of the length are merely horn or dry bone, and hear cutting as easily as finger nails. We believe you can cut low enough to remove all that is necessary without causing it to bleed. You try to cut too much. Hen Laying while Sitting — Killing Hens for Table (J. osed of that matter that there is no need of saying another vrord in refutation of it. Twenty or thirty years ago there used to be many trick3 in the exhibiting of all kinds of produc- tions. Florists' flowers were manipulated, fruit was borrowed, and plants bought just before the show, &a. ; but a higher tone of feeling has prevailed, and those who resort to evil practices in the matter of exhibition are the exception to the rule. To what, then, are we to attribute the decline, so far as it lias taken place ? I believe it may be summed up under the following reasons. 1. The extensive, nay, almost universal practice of what is called the beddiDg-out style of gardening, the fashion for which his spread through all classes of the community who are inter- ested in flowers, makes such demands on the time, space, and attention of the gardener, and is, moreover, so easy in its practical working, that it has gradually shoved on one side the florists' flowers. It is easier to grow 10,000 bedding Pelargoniums than one framef ul of Auriculas. The garden looks ao brilliant with its mass of colouring, and people who take no trouble about their garden can yet profess to know so much about what is the " uewe;>t thing in bedding out," that I own I am not surprised that the one has elbowed out the other — the frame which sheltered the Pansy or the Auricula is used for the Calceolaria or Pelargonium. Then the gardener or o-sner must have his garden as gay as Mr. Tomkins's, and so the matter progresses. 2. Florists' flowers do not pay so well as the more easily grown plants that are now so much the fashion. What, for instance, does a nurseryman make by his collection of Auri- culas ? Not one-tenth part of what ho might make if he gave ap the space they occupy to the more easily grown plants. 3. They are not sufficiently encouraged at onr metropolitan ■ exhibitions. The small prizes offered by our two great Societies are not sufficient to encourage amateurs, and it is only those who live near London and have grown tbem for years that care to compete. The prizes induce no fresh hands to come for- ward, and, as I have always maintained, exhibitions foster a flower. Do away with Rose shows — the Rose would still be grown, but not with one-tenth of the ardour and zeal it ie now. One can hardly look for an improvement in this respect — yea, matters get worse. The abandonment of the Crystal Palace autumn show on purely financial grounds has given a severe blow to the growth of the Dahlia and Hollyhock ; and unless the florists find themselves strong enough to establish a flori- cultural society, which I look forward to some day seeing, I fear we shall still have to mourn over the decay of florists' flowers. Such seem to me some of the reasons for the decline of the culture of florists' flowers. They are not very philosophical, but they are plain common-sense ones I believe. We are counted by those who aim at great things as poor grovellers. Well, so it must be, and we are content to bear it ; withal that, we have left our mark in the floriculture of England.— D., Deal. THE CHEMISTRY OF MANURES. Since the papers on this subject by Mr. Peach appeared in " our Journal " (see pages 206 and 225), my thoughts have been constantly recurring to them. I hoped to see some one capable of handling the subject in a masterly manner either refute or confirm Mr. Peach's theories. What opinions are safe from Mr. Peach's attacks ? First, he proves that both theorists and practical men had incorrect views with regard to heating by water, and now he wiches to prove that the data on which the value of manures is estimated are erroneous ; at any rate, that if practically correct they are based on false assump- tions. It appears that he does not wish to prove that a ma- nure is not valuable in proportion to the nitrogen it contains, but that it is not to the nitrogen it owes its value. His pro- positions are so novel and so plausibly stated, the subject is so interesting and difficult, and yet so important, that even if he be wrong those who are forced to reconsider the matter will be benefited. In approaching this subject I would carefully guard against, even in appearance, claiming any right to speak as a professor of chemistry, to which I have no manner of pretension, also against appearing as an opponent of Mr. Peach. It seems to me quite clear he is not anxious to prove he is right and all our best authorities are in the wrong, but being one of those who think independently, he has been led to doubt the gene- rally received opinions as to the sources of nitrogen in plants, and wishes to elicit the truth by disenssion. Let me first state what I gather to be his views. 1st, That relatively to other elements nitrogen is found in small propor- tion in plants. 2nd, That as the atmosphere by which plants are surrounded is nearly four-fifths nitrogen.it is hardly pos- sible they should not be able to procure from this source what they require. 3rd, That as carbon is the principal constituent of plants, it must be more Decessary than nitrogen. -4th, That whether nitrogen be combined with hydrogen to form ammonia, or presented in the forms of nitrate of soda or of potash, it has in each case so weak an affinity for the elements with which it is combined, that it readily yields its base to any other acid in combination with carbon, thus acting as a solvent for substances more valuable than nitrogen. 5th, That as water is a very stable compound of oxygen and hydrogen, and only resolved artificially into its elements with difficulty, it is more probable that plants obtain their hydrogen from ammonia than from water. 6th, That as the air contains traces of am- monia and nitric acid, and rain water owes its softness chiefly to the presence of ammonia, there is reason to think a fictitious value has been placed on these substances in estimating the value of a manure. Whether I be correct or not, these are what I gather to be the reasons why Mr. Peach doubts the received opinions on the sub- ject. My first objection would be that the proportion in which an element is found in a plant is no proof of the value of that element in a manure, because it may not be necessary to fur- nish it artificially at all — " We do not carry coals to Newcastle." Scarce and valuable as phosphorus is as a manure, I have land which is not benefited by the application of phosphates, and I think plants growing on cultivated land seldom suffer from a deficiency of carbon, having the power of abstracting it both from the air and the soil. Though a small amount of nitrogen is found in plants, yet, if necessary to their existence April 21, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. or well-being, it will be absolutely required in a manure in- tended for their production if they have no natural source of supply— i.e., if they cannot procure it from the air and soil in sufficient quantity. If glass were scarce, the windows of a house might cost more than the bricks and timber, and would be as necessary to a comfortable dwelling. My second objection is that food containing nitrogen is necessary to the formation of muscle in an animal, though it breathes the same atmosphere as the plant, consisting of four-fifths nitrogen, thus proving the animal is " placed in a medium necessary to its existence with- out the power to assimilate it." Then, again, as the effect of an application of nitrogen in any form is to darken the green foliage of plants and promote their growth, I think the good effect of such application can hardly be referred to the base combined with it, or to the solvent powers of such nitrates or other substances contained in the soil. There surely would be more difference seen in the effects produoed by hydrogen, soda, or potash if these were the active principles. Then, again, if the increased greenness of vege- tables manured with ammonia be due to the hydrogen of that compound, why is the same effect seen to follow the applica- tion of nitrate of soda or nitrate of potash, which contains no hydrogen ? If the nitrates are compounds of weak affinity, and thus act H solvents, or act chiefly by their bases easily set free, how will the action of sulphate of ammonia be explained ? Are not the sulphates, generally, very stable compounds ? If nitrate of soda is so valuable as a manure, how on these prin- ciples is not carbonate of soda equally valuable ? Though carbonate of soda is a more stable compound than nitrate of soda, yet as carbonic acid is a weak acid, it must readily give up its soda to plants, particularly, one would think, in presence of quicklime, or some stronger acid in the soil or plant. Com- mon salt is a solvent for lime. Is no soda set free in this case ? I ask for information, for I have never investigated the subject. If it be so, ought not an application of common salt on well- iimed land to be followed by more marked effects ? As few 3oils are completely barren from the total absence of some principle necessary to vegetation, and yet few are found to which an additional quantity of one or more of such elements does not conduce to a great and marked increase of production, is it not possible that the minimum quantity of ammonia or nitric acid necessary for a plant's healthy growth may be fur- nished by rain water and the air ? But if that plant is to be stimulated to increased productiveness, or if a larger number of such plants are to be grown in a given space than it would naturally maintain, an additional dose of nitrogen may be necessary. Knowing as we do that food containing no n-itrogen can only make fat, that manures appear to act quickly and effectually in proportion to the nitrogen they contain, one can hardly be brought to look upon nitrogen as of small account. I offer these crude remarks more to induce Mr. Peach to reconsider the subject, or draw out some other capable corre- spondent, than with the idea of maintaining any theory my- self.— J. R. Pearson, ChV.icell. EXPERIMENTS ON GRAFTING VARIOUS SORTS OF FRUIT ON DIFFERENT KINDS OF STOCKS, MARCH 1867. These experiments were conducted at the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens, Chiswick. Grown. Failed. Cerasus Mahaleb, grafted with Cherry, Elton none . . all Morello none . . all May Duke none .. all Plain, Prince of Wales 1 strong . . 3 Mitchelson's none . . 5 Green Gage started . . all Laurel, Portugal (grafts bad) none . . all Common none . . all Common Cherry, grafted with Cherry, Elton none . . all Morello .' weak .. 2 May Duke 3 ..2 Plum, Mitchelson's none .. all Prince of Wales 2 .. 1 Green Gage none . . 5 Laurel, Portugal none . . (i Common none . . all CRAT.£aus speciosa (weakly-^rowinglvarietv). grafted with Pear, Doyenne d'Ete.. 3 ..1 Winter Nelis 2 . . none Marie Louise 2 . . none Windsor none . . none Crat.egus splendens (3trong-growing), Grown. Failed, grafted with Pear, Marie Louise . . 1 . . 3 Winter Nelis 4 ■■ none Doyenne d'Ete 1 •• Windsor none . . 1 Crataegus acerifolia, grafted with Pear, , J 3 weak none Marie Lonise *|lstrong" WinterNelis ^IsTm"^-- none Nonvean Poitean 4 good .. none Doyenne d'Ete 3 fair .. 1 Crat.egus coccrxEA, grafted with Pear, Doy- enne d'Ete 3 Winter Nelis 3 good . . none Marie Lonise 2 weak . . 2 Nouvean Poiteau "Mlweak° " Pommeef. de Paradis, grafted with Apple, Golden Harvey all . . none Old Golden Pippin all . . none Dumelow's Seedling all .. none Gloria Mundi all . . none Mussel Plum, grafted with Laurel, Common (made four leaves) 2 . . 8 Portugal n°ne • • aU Amelanchier, sp none . . all Prunus Padus none . . 6 Prunus Damas nofr, grafted with Clierry, Morello none .. all Elton 1 •• - May Dnke none . . all Plum, Green Gage 6 . . 1 Mitchelson's - •■ Prince of Wales 4 • • 4 Amelanchier, sp., grafted with Pear, Marie Louise 4 weak . . none WinterNelis 4 weak .. none Apple, Old Golden Pippin 2 weak . . 2 Golden Harvey none . . all Prunus Padus. grafted with Pear, Winter Nelis none . . all Nouvean Poitean none . . all Doyenne d'Ete none . . all Marie Lonise ri°ne • • *& Clierry, Morello none . . all Elton none . . all Mav Duke none . . 2 Plum, Mitchelson's none .. aU Prince of Wales 5 strong . . 1 Green Gage 2 strong . . 2 Sorbus aucuparia, grafted with Pear, Marie Lonise 8 weak . . none Nouvean Poitean 7 weak .. none Winter Nelis V weak . . none Doyenne d'Ete 3 weak . . 3 Cotoneaster laxiflora, grafted with Pear, „ J 4 strong j Winter Nelis 1 5 weak Nouvean Poitean 5 strong . . none Marie Lonise 3 . . 2 Doyenne d'Ete 1 ■• a11 Cotoneaster frigida, grafted with Pear, Doyenne d'Ete none . . all Marie Lonise 4 • • ^ Nnuveau Poitean 7 good .. 1 Winter Nelis 4 strong . . 2 Quince (strong stocks), grafted with Pear, r ( 1 strong nQne Doyenne d'Ete (4 weak Marie Louise 6 weak . . 4 Winter Nelis 2 . . 2 Windsor MiSS"" — Quince I weak stocks, grafted with Pear, DoyenM d'Ete 4 strong . . 1 Marie Louise •> weak . . 1 Nouvean Poitean 7 weak . . none Winter Nelis 6 strong . . 1 Amelanchier, sp. (1 broken by wind) 3 weak . . .Vole- The failure of the experiments in some instances may be due to several other canses besides that of incompatibility of stock and scions, such as imperfect operations or the too greatly advanced state of the stocks themselves before cutting down, as in the case of the Quince, or, as in the case of the Cherries, the greatly advanced state of the bnds on the grafts used. Laurels, again, would, without doubt, succeed better grafted in a frame or some other place with a more con- fined and regularly hnmid atmosphere, while many would perhaps succeed best by budding in the summer season. — A. F. Barron. — {Royal Horticultural Society's Journal.) Fungi.— We learn from Mr. Worthington G. Smith, in refe- rence to a recent report of the proceedings of the Woolhope 290 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 21, 1870. Naturalists' Field Clnb, that he has in preparation a " Clavis Agaricinorum," which will be an analytical key to the genera and sub-genera of the British Agaracini ; designed to give an immediate cine to their proper generic and sub-generic position, and thus assist in their ultimate determination.— (Nature.) ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. April 20th. A brilliant day, a brilliant show, and a Rood company ; these words sum np all we have to say in a general point of view Horticul- tnrally the special features were the Azaleas, forced Rhododendrons, Auriculas, and Pansies. Of the first two thero was a large display, but the exhibition of the latter was somewhat limited. Class 1 was for nine Azaleas. In this Messrs Lane, of Great Berkhampstead, were first with large, well-bloomed plants of President Humane, Koi Leopold, Magnificent, and Petunianora, and smaller plants of the brilliant-coloured Stella, Rosea alba Advance, Mnrry- ana, and Reine des Blanches. Mr. Willie, gardener, Oak Lodge Kensington, was second with an even-sized, well-bloomed lot, not trained in the usual stiff, crinoline fashion. Among the varieties were Queen Victoria, white, striped with rosy purple, a charming light- coloured sort; Due de Nassau, bright rosy crimson ; Belle Gantoise. pink, edged with white ; and Flag of Truce, semi-double white Class 2 was for six, amateurs onlv, and here Mr. Willie toot the first prize with a well-bloomed set of plants; Mr. G. Wheeler, gardener to Sir F. H. Goldsmid, Bart., Regent's Park, being second. Among these were Stella and Holfordii, each very bright, though not so full ot bloom as we sometimes see. In the nurserymen's class for the same number Mr. Turner, of Slough, took the first position with round- headed dwarf standards, the same as he exhibited last year, and with the heads forming dense masses of bloom. The kinds were Mane Vervaene, Angnste Van Geert, scarlet ; Hooibrinkii, Antoinette, Alba striata, white, with hardly a striped flower, and Hercules, salmon rose, much spotted with crimson. Messrs. A. Henderson & Co., Pine Apple Place Nursery, were secoud with well-grown plants, hut not sufficiently forward. Messrs. Dobson & Son, of Isleworth, were third - one of their plants, Reine des Doubles, formed a fine mass of rosy crimson flowers 24 feet in diameter. The best single specimen was a standard Sir Charles Napier, from Mr. Wilkie ; the second best a small plant of Flower of the Day, from Mr. Turner. In Class 5, for the best Bix forced Rhododendrons, Messrs. Lane were first with plants 2 feet high, among which Blandyannm, Ne Plus Ultra, Queen of the West, and Lord John Russell were in fine bloom, the first-named especially so. Messrs. Standish & Co. were second with Chianoides, white with lemon spots ; and the rest unnamed seed- lings. Mr. Wilkio was third. Mr. Wheeler, Regent's Park ; and Mr. I A. Wright, gardener to H. C. Roberts, Esq., Avenue Road, Regents Park, also exhibited in this class. . , Auriculas came next in the schedule. Mr. Turner was first in the : open class for twelve, with Admiral Napier (Lighthody), Stapleford Hero (Turner), Earl of Shaftesbury (Tomer), Crown Prince (Turner , Bishop of Lichfield (Turner), Eliza (Sims), Prince Alfred (Turner), Master Hole (Turner), Colonel Champneys (Turner), Buekstone (Turner), Exhibition (Turner), and Galatea (Turner). These had all fine trusses, and manv of them ten and twelve fine pips. Mr. ames, gardener to W. F. Watson, Esq., Isleworth, was second. Some of the trusses were excellent, others somewhat rough. For six, Mr. James, who was the only exhibitor, was first with Ne Pins Ultra, Conqueror of Europe, Meteor Flag, Bright Pint-bus, Lovely Ann and Mrs. Smith, the last with an immense truss. For twelve Alpiue Auriculas Mr. Turner was first with a selection from the greatly im- proved varieties of his own raising. We noted the following as the most showy— viz., Defiance, Chieftain, Prospero, Neatness, and Mrs. Fordham. The second prize went to Mr. James. _ Of Pansies iu pots only two collections were staged, the exhibitors being Mr. James and Mr. Hooper, Vine Nursery, Widcombe Hill, Bath, to whom prizes were awarded in the order they are named. Mr. James had finely grown plants with large flowers. Rev. H. Dorn- brain and Novgorod, dark sell's, were very fine ; Sunset and Queen of England, the one yellow, the other white, were also excellent; Snu- set especially being very effective ; the belted flowers were also fine. For six beddin" Pansies Mr. Hooper was first ; the most effective were Sunset, Sunshine, and The Bride. Mr. Bragg, of Slough, and Mr. Hooper also sent collections of cut blooms. In Class 11, for the best basket of hardy spring flowers, the first prize went to Mr. Wheeler, Regent's Park ; his collection contained Dielytra spectabilis, Tulips, Hyacinths, Polyanthuses, Primroses, Lily of the Valley, &c. . Class 12 was for the best twelve trusses of Rhododendrons, and in this Messrs. Lane bad the first prize for a box of fine trusses, in which Madame Miolan Carvalho, white; Imptratrice, bright rose; Mrs. John Waterer, and Sir Robert Peel, were the most conspicuous. The miscellaneous subjects again formed a very large, indeed the larger portion of the Show, and certainly also that which was most attractive. Messrs. Veitch, of Chelsea, as on the last occasion, ex- hibited a splendid collection of pot Roses. Most conspicuous among these was a largo plant of Charles Lawson. Marcchal Vaillant was brilliant, and Madame Willermoz, Princess Mary of Cambridge, and other light-coloured varieties gave a charming diversity. The same firm had also fine boxes of cut blooms. Messrs. Lane it Son had like- wise a splendid collection of pot plants, including a large number of the new kinds of the last two or three years. From Messrs. Standish & Co. came a splendid stand of cut blooms of Mnr, chal Kiel. Messrs. Lane sent a numerous collection of Rhododendrons in fine bloom, backed up with half-standard Azaleas, and interspersed with Deutzia gracilis, Clematis Standishii, and Hoteia japonic*. _ From Messrs. Rollisson, of Tooting, came a fine group consisting of Vandas, of which V. meleagris was the most remarkable, and received a special certificate ; Cvpripediums, Palms, and Ferns. Mr. Denning, gardener to Lord Londesborough, had again a collec- tion of Orchids, of which magnficent specimens of Cattleya Skinneri, Dendrobinm Jenkinsii, and Odontoglossum hystrix received special certificates. Besides these there were very fine specimens of Cypn- pedinm candatnm, Dendrobinm pulchellum pnrpurenm, and Tnchopilia crispa. Mr. May, gardener to Lady Ashbnrton, Melchet Park, Rom- sey, had a special certificate for two plants of Phalienopsis Sehilleri- ana, the grandest plants ever seen of the species. Messrs. Veitch sent a fine mixed group of Orchids among which was Oncidium sar- codes, with a raceme of which the flowering portion was a yard long —this received a special certificate ; Sonchns Saunderaii, a graeefnl- leaved plant, and Echeveria intermedia, a hybrid between E. secunda aud E. metalliea ; the white-flowered Rhododendron Sestenannm, &c. Mr Williams, of Hollowav, sent a very interesting mixed collection of stove and greenhouse plants and Orchids, beautiful specimens of Trichomanes reniforme and Hvmenophyllum demissum ; also Sarra- ceniaflava, Amectochilus Lowii, etc. Mr. Ware, Hale I arm Nur- series, Tottenham, had a fine collection of hardy flowers ; Messrs. Standish & Co., a collection of Maples, of which Acer polymorphmn rubrum and several varieties of A. palmatum were very singular; Mr Bailey, Feltham, early-flowering Pelargoniums m excellent bloom ; aud Mr. James, Cinerarias in fine condition. Messrs. Dobson & Son sent fine varieties of herbaceous Calceolarias; and Messrs F. & A. Smith the beautiful hybrid Rhododendron Countess of Haddington, Epacrises, and Azaleas. Mr W. Paul again exhibited Euonymns japonicns flaveseens, YVal- tham' Bronze Pelargonium, and his magnificent new Rose, Princess Christian, better than ever. Mr. Wimsett, Ashburnham Park Nur- series, exhibited a group of his fine hybrid Ivy-leaved Pelargonium Willsii, very beautiful in colour; and from Messrs. Reeves ; Brothers, Netting Hill, cime a group of Deutzia, Dielytra, and Mignonette. From Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son, St. Johns Wood, came a basket of the pink Dalechampia Roezliana rosea, a basket of Howartt: Ashton Tricolor Pelargonium, and an arrangement of flowering plants, for which a special certificate was given. In this collection two large- flowered Narcissuses were very conspicuous, the one called Empress, the other Emperor, and we believe the former to be a variety of N. bicolor, the latter of N. maximus. The same firm sent also a plant of Rndgea maerophvUa in flower. A special certificate was awarded to Mr. Laing, gardener to P. W. Flower, Esq., Tooting Common, for a fine plant of Rhododendron Countess of Haddington. Mr. BuU sent Odontoglossum Alexandra and other Orchids A few other objects yet remain to be noticed. Among these was a fine collection of' Cvclamens from Mr. Edmonds of Hayes Nursery. Mr. Stevens, of Ealing, sent a basket of Ealing Rival Tricolor Pelar- gonium ; and Messrs. Carter & Co. baskets of the finely- coloured Varieties they have just been sending out. Mr Ware had a beautiful little basket 'of Alpines; aud Messrs. Veitch a fine group of Azaleas. The only exhibition for the prize offered for the best collection of forced vegetables was from Mr. Gilbert, gardener to the Marquis oi Exeter, Burghley, and to this the first prize was awarded for the great excellence of the vegetables exhibited. The Peas, Sea-kale, and Mushrooms were especially fine. Fruit Committee.— Daniel Nash, Esq., in the chair. Mr. Gar- diner gardener to E. P. Shirley, Esq., Eatington Park, sen, a col- lection of twelve varieties of Apples in excellent condition, which were so -ood as to receive a special certificate. They consisted of Durne- ss Seedling, Holland Pippin, Rymer, Boston Russet, Stunner Pip- pin McredeM. nage, Cherry Choke.Yorkshire Greening. Hanwell faonr- n°' Blenheim Pippin, and Reinettedn Canada. Mr. Mobbs gardener toW B Tyringham, Esq.. of Tyringham Park, sent a collection of twent'v-one sorts of Apples, which were also in good condition, and re- ceived a special certificate. Mr. Craddock gardener at CoraptonVerney, sent specimens of Verulam Pear, aud dishes of %^¥^*riM*. oil Annies Messrs. Cripps & Son, of Tonbrulge Y\ ells, sent fruit of Sn A! pTe caUefl the « Jew?s Apple," a conical-shaped fruit, with a brisk acid, v. Mr. Craddock sent some tubers of two Potatoes called Comp- ton King and Neil's Perfection, both of whlsh were fine tubers. They we"e to be exhibited cooked at next meeting. Mr. Denning, gardener to Lord Londesborough, Grimston Park, sent some good, specimens of eariy Cabbage. Mr. Gilbert, gardener to the Marquis of Exeter, Burghley, sent a collection of salads. Mr. George Cooling of Bath, fent a selected Broccoli called Matchless. This is evidently a very annerior selection of the old Self-protecting Broccoli. The heads were larP4 and whfte and the variety was considered a valuable acquisition and was awarded a first-class certificate. Mr. Muir, garuener to Sn Philip Egertoi i, Bart., Oulton Park, sent a dish of forced Figs, which received a special certificate. April 21, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 291 Floral Committee. — Rev. Joshua Dix in the chair. On this occasion there was not a large show in the Council Room, but the awards were numerous. Some of these have, been already noticed where the subjects to which they were given formed integral parts of the exhibition in the Conservatory. Mr. C. Noble sent a basketful of two very beautiful Clematises, which, having already received certi- ficates as novelties, were awarded a special certificate. One of these was Miss Bateman, white, with a faint flush of violet, and when it opens having a lemon band in the centre of each petal; the other was Lord Londesborongh, pale lavender. Both of these are very fine, broad-petaled varieties, in which the regular arrangement of the stamens in the centre add to the effect. Mr. Williams, of Holloway, was awarded a first-class certificate for Gloxinia Scarlet Gem, an erect flowering variety, very intense in colour. Mr. R. Veiteh, Exeter, received a special certificate for a specimen plant of seedling white Azalea Lady Poltimore, in excellent bloom and condition notwith- standing its long journev : and Mr. Atkins, Painswick, had a similar award for a fine pot of Cyclamen repandum (Sibthorp), C. vernum of Do Candolle and othei-3. A special certificate was also given to Mr. W. R. Morris, of Deptford, for a basketful of Tricolor Pelargoniums, interesting as showing the development of variegation; and a like award was made to Mr. Needle, gardener to the Comte de Paris, Twickenham, for a collection of Orchis and Ophrys, chiefly from Spain. Messrs. K. G. Henderson Ac Son had a first-class certificate for Pansy Golden Redder, as a showy variety for garden decoration ; and the same firm sent a variety of Hoya carnosa with leaves edged with cream colour, a Eranciscea, stated to be a hybrid, and a variegated Cauna, not. however, effective in its present state. From Messrs. A. Henderson & Co., Pine Apple Place, came Hydrangea Otaska, with large heads of pale blue flowers passing to white ; and from Mr. Hooper, Bath, a stand of cut Pansies, of which Sunshine, yellow, with a broad belting of orange brown, and Mrs. Shirley Hibberd, the prevailing colour of which was purplish lilac, received first-class certificates, the former as desirable for bedding. Mr. Green, gardener to TV. Wilson Saunders, Esq., Hillfield,Reigate, exhibited, besides other plants, a Brazilian Dorstonia called argentata with silvery variegation. Mr. Denning, gardener to Lord Londesbo- rongh, Grimston Park, sent a new Cattleya ; Mr. Turner, Auricula Col. Champneys, a very beautiful grey-edged variety, for which a first-class certificate was, given ; and a special certificate was awarded to a fmely- flowered specimen of Azalea Grande Duchesse de Bade, grown in the same style as the Azaleas exhibited by him in Class 3. "White Rhodo- dendron Edith, and cut blooms of Azalea Reine Marie Henriette, the latter, a very beautiful soft rose, with crimson spots, were also shown by Mr. Turner. Mr. Garland, gardener to Sir T. D. Ackland, Bart., Killerton, re- ceived a special certificate for magnificent cut spikes of Phalsenopsis Schilleriana. Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing exhibited several Gold and Bronze Pelargoniums ; Messrs. F. & A. Smith, seedling Cinerarias; Mr. Wiggins, gardener to E. Beck, Esq., cut blooms of seedling Cyclamens and Polyanthuses ; and Mr. Keller, Colworth Gardens, cut flowers of Hippeastrunis. Messrs. Veiteh sent their hybrid Echeveria, already noticed; and J. Anderson- Henry, Esq., Primulas with leafy calyces, and a hybrid Rhododendron between R. ciliatnm and R. Brookii, by no means attractive. Special certificates given to Mr. Denning, gardener to Lord Londes- borongh, Messrs. Veiteh, and Messrs. Roliisson have been recorded ' our report- of the Show. The same award He then noticed the Epidendrnm, as being one of a class of Orchids not showy, but which, growing up among bushes, would some day- be very valuable from the numerous heads they produce. Though their flowers were small, they should not b<; ueglected. He then urged the claims of terrestrial Orchids on attention, and charming as those from the south of Europe were, those from the tropics — from the Cape, from Australia — were far more brilliant. They could be easily secured, easily sent home, but not easily growu. The difficulty in their culture arose from a want of knowledge of the conditions they required, and especially the hygrometrical state of the atmosphere; this, more than temperature, he believed to be the main point. FLOWER SHOWS AND COMPETITORS. I am glad to see these subjects set up for discussion in your columns, as I and some of my friends think there is much need of reform. Mr. Turner gives "the most positive contra- diction " to Mr. Paul's statement that Pelargonium flowers are gummed, while Mr. Cutbush asserts " that it is impossible to apply it [dressiug] to the Hyacinth." Now, it is common talk in my circle that the flowers of certain Pelargoniums were found to be gummed at a recent Enfield show, und that the flowers of certain Hyacinths were found to be pinned at a recent Liverpool show, and that the judges, notwithstanding, awarded them prizes. I do not say thi3 report is true ; hut it is generally believed, and if untrue it should be contradicted on authority. Mr. Turner cannot point out, I think, where and in what words Mr. Paul has "denounced" flower shows, and I am similarly of opinion that Mr. Gutbush cannot show where and in what words Mr. Paul has said the public visit the nurseries less frequently than formerly. To denounce the practices of those exhibitors who have brought flower shows into discredit is not denouncing flower shows. " Purchasers are now forsaking the flower shows and returning to the nurseries," says Mr. Paul (Journal of Hor- ticulture, page 221). Let me say to the combatants, " Fight fairly, and if you do not all take first prizes you will then all win." — Ax Old Exhibitor. a gronp of Azaleas ; to Messrs. Standish for Acers, also for Msrechal Niel Rose; to Messrs. F. & A. Smith, to Mi-. James, ami Mess: -. K. G. Henderson for collections of plants ; to Mr. Laing for Rhodo- dendron Conntess of Haddington, to Messrs. Dobson for V to Mr. Wave for Alpine plants, and to Messrs. Carter A; Co. for Golden Tricolor Pelargoniums. PUZZLING HARES AND RABBITS. I can strongly recommend a plan adopted by a friend of mine who used to suffer very much from the nocturnal visits of rabbits and hares, that used to eat and destroy nearly every- thing that was green. The plan was this : — While the plants were still wet with the dew, he used to go over the beds and rows, and dust them with pepper from a large-sized tin pepper- box with fine holes in the top. The plan, I must confess, wa3 to me a novelty, but theie was no mistake about the effect in- tended, for not a thing was touched wherever the pepper went. I have never had any necessity to adopt this proceeding myself, but have no doubt it would answer the same end with rats and mice, particularly for plants in frames under glass made to Mr. Noble for I where they would be kept dry ; as, of course, after a fall of rain the operation would have to be repeated. The plan is simple and not very expensive ; an ounce of pepper goes a long way. If " K. F." adopt it, perhaps he would kindly favour us with the result in a future number. — T. M. General Meeting. — W. Wilson Saunders, Esq., F.R.S., in the chair. After tue election of twelve new Fellows, and the usual an- nouncement of the awards, the Rev. M. J. Berkeley addressed the meeting. After stating that tho Primula from Abyssinia shown on the u'th hist, was probably only a form of P. verticillata, he passed on to the supposed identity of Oncidinm amictnm and 0. sarcodes. Although there were some points of difference between the specimen of the latter shown by Messrs. Veiteh and that of O. amictnm sent to the previous meeting, on the whole he considered the former could only be regarded as a fine variety of amictam. A new yellow-flowered Epidendrani shown he proposed should be called E. Bowmanni, that being the last plant sent home by the late Mr. Bowman. The collection of terres- trial Orchids from the gardener to the Comto de Paris then came under notice, and Mr. Berkeley remarked it was very desirable that those having friends in the south of Europe should ask them to collect bnlbs of any plants found there. The hybrid Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums, the extreme difficulty with which they had been ob- tained, and the hundreds of crosses made without success by Mr. Wills before he attained his end, were next referred to. In speak- ing of tho Dorstenia from Mr. Wilson Saunders's gardener, Mr. Berkeley said he beheved it was under consideration to have a set of certificates for plants of botanical interest, and had such been in . existence it would certainly have had a first-class. jumcious way. Tho Chairman moved a vote of thanks to Lord Londesborough for explained in a very useful tract that has been put into my his splendid exhibition of Orchids, which was unanimously carried. I hands, published by the proprietors of The Midland Counties SHRUBS AND TREES FOR THE SEACOAST. I am living near Weymouth. My garden is exposed to the well-known heavy gales from the Ghesil beach, and also from the Bay of Weymouth, and from experience I can strongly recommend the Evergreen Oak, or Quercus Ilex, Euonymus jiponieus, Tamarisk, Hollies, Berberries, aud both the Pinus insignis and austriaca, also the Cupressus macrocarpa. The first two named no wind will injure, but although the others mentioned may be a little cut by the sea gales, they very soon recover their beauty. I have had the experience of fourteen years. — D., near Weymouth. COTTAGERS' HORTICULTURAL SHOWS. Amongst the many institutions having for their object the improvement of the homes of the labouring classes, there are nene really more deserving of support than cottagers' horti- cultural shows. The encouragement they give to good culti- vation and careful and well-directed industry has certainly not yet been sufficiently appreciated, while those who coun- tenance and assist such shows do not always do so in the most Others refrain altogether, from reasons well 202 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 21, 1670. Herald, and the contents of which first appeared in that paper. The following quotation describes the apathy with which cot- tagers1 exhibitions too often are treated. " Many of onr readers have no doubt been present at some of the exhibitions of cottager*' floral and horticnltnral societies, and have been mnch interested in what they have witnessed. There are none of onr village festivals more pleasing, or productive of more useful re- sults than those to which we are anxious to invite attention ; and we hope in doing this to supply some information and to make some sugges- tions which may aid those who are desirous of establishing exhibitions of the kind in localities in which they have not hitherto been found. We shall accomplish this object the more satisfactorily by showing what has been done in villages with which we are acquainted, and by pointing out how these societies may be advantageously worked. During the past year we had the pleasure to notice in our columns the formation of several new societies, and we have heard privately of a number of others, the reports being in all cases of an encouraging na- ture. We regret to state, however, as the result of rather extensive inquiries, that at present comparatively little has been done in this direction. In some cases there is an indisposition to undertake the necessary work ; in others there is the want of any real concern for the welfare of the labouring classes; while in some instances there will be found the ' Village Tyrant, ' some churlish, and it may be, wealthy person, who opposes every good work which it is proposed to set on foot — one who belongs to no claeB or school but that ' Where blind and naked Ignorance Delivers brawling judgments, unashamed, On all things all day long'— but who has, unwisely, been permitted to obtain an evil influence over hie neighbours. Cases like this are, happily, exceptional, and gene- rally the reason that nothing is done is this, that every trifling apparent difficulty is magnified, and becomes ' a lion in the path ;' but where the task is undertaken in earnest it soon becomes a l labour of love,' and all obstacles disappear. We have said that cottagers' floral and horticultural societies are amongst the most useful of the many valu- able institutions to be found in our villages, and we make this assertion not only from what we have seen ourselves but on the authority of a number of clergymen, of laymen who assist in their management, and of some of our leading nurserymen, and others to whom we have spoken on the subject. The vicar of a parish in Gloucestershire writes : — • * Last year I commenced in my small parish a flower and vegetable show, and was greatly pleased that out of my parish, which onlr con- tains fifty-fonr houses, there were about two hundred entries, and this year (1869) my people are taking it up warmly.' Indeed, from what- ever part of England our informants may have come, their testimony as to the utility of these societies has always been the same, and has nearly always been given in the same words. Another point we may mention, and of the truth of which we are equally well satisfied, is this — that in any locality where progress in horticnltnral matters has been but slow, the best stimulus that can be applied is the establishment of a cottagers' society, conducted on principles like those to which we shall more particularly allude. " As a rule, it is desirable that the clergyman of the parish should take the first stepB towards the establishment of one of these societies, gathering around him a few influential laymen, and securing the assist- ance of the ladies, which will be as valuable here aa it is everywhere else. We will refer, in the first instance, to a cottagers' show pure and simple, where cottagers alone compete for prizes, and the gentle- men and nurserymen in the neighbourhood kindly send plants for the decoration of the room or tent, and specimens of new and well-grown fruits and vegetables. It is to these latter contributions that we have alluded as being calculated to benefit the whole district, giving rise to a friendly rivalry without in any way interfering with the first objects of the society — that of promoting the interests of the cottagers." Now, apart from the reasons given above for withholding support to, or neglecting to establish what the author calls a village horticultural show, there are many well-disposed per- sons who think they do all that is required of them by sub- scribing to some important horticultural society established at the county town, or some other important cer»tre, where ex- hibitions of plants and fruits from the best gardens in the neighbourhood are held. There is a liberal array of prizes allotted to cottagers, and the general public, on being admitted, feel not a little gratified to find the cottagers' productions in many cases quite equal to those of the subscribers and others, who, by their position, have greater advantages than the holderB of cottage gardens. Unfortunately, a closer inquiry into the matter too often reveals the fact that the prizes mostly pass into the hands of a few, some of whom ought either to be regarded as amateurs or even nurserymen. This is more especially the case in an old-established society, and however stringent a rule may be laid down, it is very difficult to exclude the speculative exhibitor without at the same time shutting out the deserving, industrious man. In a wide-spread associ- ation it is no easy matter to distinguish between the cottager who grows little or nothing but that which is required for hiB own use, and the little market gardener or nurseryman, whose I assumed calling may be widely different from either, but who, nevertheless, contrives to grow many things for sale. The retired tradesman, or man of some means, also sometimes lowers his position by competing as a cottager. These evils generally result in the public seeing the same names year after year posted as winners, and the competition is reduced to a minimum. Now, this drawback is avoided in the village parish show, where each exhibitor is known to all the others, and, to a cer- tain extent, the products of his garden also ; therefore, anyone guilty of exhibiting what is not his own has a good chance of being found out, and public opinion in a small commnnity of fifty or a hundred individuals is not without its influence, so that the would-be delinquent cannot commit improper acts with impunity ; besides which, it often happens that a village or parish contains some one, be he a squire, rector, or military officer, who, in addition to patronising the exhibition, also has the power of punishing any act of intended impro- priety in a prompt and decisive manner, or whose decision in any disputed case is final. Bat so far as my knowledge goes, and I am not without experience in the matter, it is rarely that any dispute arises, and honest and honourable rivalry is the order of the day. In reference to this matter, the writer of the pamphlet, alluding at the same time to prizes for well- managed gardens, makes the following remarks: — *' We cannot too strongly recommend the plan of offering prizeB for the neatest and best cropped and cnltirnted gardens. Without pre- miums of this kind a village horticultural society would lose mnch of its valne ; for the garden inspectors, if judiciously selected, would be enabled on their visits to the several gardens to make many useful suggestions. At the same time their inspection would be a sufficient check upon any attempts at deception if they were the judges also, which should be the case wherever such an arrangement could be made. We believe, however, that the cases in which a cottager showg things which are not grown in his own garden are exceedingly rare, although the mere suspicion that such is the case is sometimes made an excuse for withholding support to our village societies, or for refusing to aid in their establishment. A regulation should always be inserted in the prize sheet to the effect that any one exhibiting specimens not of hit own growing would be excluded from all future shows. At the same time it is not well to act as though every one was suspected, but rather to give proof that we have confidence in the integrity of our humbler neighbours. We have seen a rule on a few prize sheets somewhat to this purport, that after the entries have been made, which is to be done some considerable time before the show, any or all the members of the committee shall have power to visit the gardens of the intending ex- hibitors as often as they may think necessary. A parish in which a rule of this kind is required would scarcely be benefited by the estab- lishment of a cottagers' flower show, and no consideration would induce ns to join a committee which considered it to be necessary. It is much better to convey the impression, while guarding in a proper manner against any breach of the rules, that we rely upon the honour of those with whom we are dealing, than to act as though we suspect and dis- trust them. It is a mistake to suppose that the poor do not deeply feel and resent, although not openly, a want of confidence in their in- tegrity. "As we have already remarked, cottagers' flower shows are amongst the moBt pleasing and attractive of our village festivals ; and the in- terest of the proceedings may be greatly increased by making the dis- tribntion of the prizes at the clo^e as agretable and attractive as pos- sible. The Rev. C. B. Snepp, the Rector of Perry Barr (who was the founder of the show in that parish, and has for more than sixteen years taken the most active part in its management), usually gathers around him on these occasions a goodly number of his brother clergy- men, friends, and neighbours. We may mention, also, that the late Lord and Lady Calthorpe, when at Perry Hall, seldom or never failed to be present; and we should be glad to see this excellent example more generally followed than it has hitherto been, and the resident noblemen or other landed proprietors meeting and encouraging their fellow parishioners in so good a work. A few addresses of a practical character, as is the case at Perry Barr, can be usefully given at these meetings, reference being made to the productions displayed on the tables, and to the best modes of cultivation, while the garden inspectors could at the same time report how far progress had been made during the year. A few books, picture cards, (fee., would, at the same time, be very acceptable as little presents to the children who may not have been prizewinners — or, we wonld rather say, to all the poor children who may be present — so that they all might be sent home happy. The judges, also, would do well, after having disposed of the prizes Bet forth in the schedule, to point out some of the exhibits unnoticed which possessed considerable merit, with a recommendation that a few additional premiums Bhould be given. If the attendance at the distribution is like what we have seen at Perry Barr, and should be glad to hear of elsewhere, the trifling addition to the funds which would be required for the purpose suggested would be obtained without difficulty." With regard to the funds necessary to commence an ineti- April 21, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTCRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 203 tution of tbia kind, the Bum required is not so very serious an outlay after all, and a few benevolent persons having the means would be amply repaid by the senBe of the good they were doing, and by witnessing the pleasure of the successful ex- hibitors. In some villages there is that inestimable place of public resort, "The Green," where a suitable tent for the ex- hibition might be erected, and the hire of it is not usually a serious matter. Such a tent had better be open at one end, with a broad centre table for the more choice kinds of produce, as fruits, small vegetables, plants, and flowers, and a narrower table all round the three sides for larger productions, such as Cabbages, Carrots, and Rhubarb ; and a little order in the arrangement will give the whole a pleasing appearance. Sometimes a vacant space may be occupied by the productions of some gentleman's garden, or any interesting or instructive object that might be lent for the occasion. — J. Robson. (To be continned.) PUZZLING THE CATS. Has anyone with a Bmall garden in a densely populated neighbourhood ever been troubled with cats ? Has anyone had reason to observe that natural curiosity, that incarnate love of knowledge, which impels the feline race to search for it round the roots of freshly-planted specimens? Have finished beds borne witness to their infernal gambols au clair de la lime ? I present a " perfect cure," or, what is better, prevention. The material is simple enough, and obtainable everywhere ; it is wire-netting. Bat how to apply it ? At first I had it fixed on the tops of the walls and fences, IbuB raising them 4 feet all round the premises. Well, this answered for about an hour and a half, after which interval it was of no service whatever, apparently an attrac- tion. Tabbies and tortoiseshells, tailed and tail-less alike, seemed to approve of and fall into the arrangement readily. They also brought friends to see the novelty. Now, the grandest discoveries have ever been of the simplest charac- ter. By simply taking down the wire-netting and fastening it flat on the top of the wall or fence, like a coping, projecting 2 feet on eacn side — if it bend down by its own weight and form an aDgle so much the better — I have for now six months been able to defy all the assaults of the enemy. I have seen many a grimalkin, perched in a tree, with wistful eye " view the landscape o'er," but never yet has one managed to cross. It might be asked, Why have the wire on your own side too ? Stop a bit ; the foe may get in through a gate or window care- lessly left open, and, then, if anyone is fond of what our neigh- bours call " le sport," if he admires feats of agility, he will wish to keep the intruder from getting out immediately. Let him close the gate and begin. To watch the pursued puss run or rather fly along up in the angle a, is a delight hardly to be surpassed, except by that of watching two! To see 'the affrighted foe race round the walls and run to each avenue," will be vengeance enough without the whip, with which, how- ever, it is well to be armed, as I have found a cat in despair face about and attack dogs and children. Let this simple remedy be tried. I will answer for it that the angle E will keep any cat from getting in, and the angle a from getting out, until you choose to let it. — Penumbra. "WORK FOR THE WEEK. FRUIT AND KITCHEN GABDEN. Among gardeners' enemies snails and slugs hold a prominent position. The pressure of gardening work in April and May is so great, that the destruction of these depredators is apt to be neglected. Lime is instant destruction to them ; it is, how- ever, not always at hand in a quick state, and a shower of rain soon mollifies its power, but new sawdust and riddled cinder ashes if timely applied, will Bet them at defiance. The ashes should be riddled to the size of Radish seed, all dust being ex- cluded. These, strewed over the young crops when just emerg- ing from the ground, will be most efficient ; they likewise afford an excellent chance, when occasion requires, for a thorough me- chanical division of guano as a top-dressing. A handful of good Peruvian guano blended properly with the ashes, would prove a ready mode of manuring a weak seed-bed. Let Beet, Scorzonera, Salsafi/, &e., be sown if not done. Transplant Chamomile. Seeure plenty of good Parsley in highly-manured beds at the nearest end of the kitcben garden, and examine and remove the Herb plantatioiis. Sow a bed or two of herbs for next year's planting. This should be done every second year. Among such herbs may be mentioned Pot Marjoram, Winter Savory, and Thyme, of which the old plants are liable to wear out. Sow successions of Mound-leaved Spinach in a cool aspect. A sloping bank should now be prepared and planted with good runners of the Alpine Strawberry for fruiting in September and October ; plant three in a patch, the patches at intervals of IS inches, the ground between being covered with slates when the plants are established. Take care to thoroughly clean all Strawberry plantations before the runners come out. Tbin suckers from Raspberries, leaving four or five to each stool. FLOWEB GARDEN. Thoroughly dress all beds and borders ; prepare stations on lawns for extraordinary specimens of ornamental plants, as large Fuchsias, placing drainage at the bottom, and good turfy and mellow compost above. Trim and prune all climbers on out-door trellises or conservative walls, and prepare stations to fill up blanks. Auriculas are now blooming, and the amateur may experiment in cross-fertilisation to obtain new varieties. In growing for exhibition the pips which are misshapen should be removed with a sharp-pointed pair of scissors, and care must be taken that the trusses of bloom are not exposed to the too powerful action of the sun. If the seed gathered last season has not been previously sown, now will be found a good time. Sow in shallow pans or boxes in light vegetable soil ; it is only requisite to press the seeds on the surface and cover them lightly with freBh moss. They will, when placed in a cold frame, be up in a few days. Take great care that the soil is close round the neckB of the rising plants of Ranunculuses ; re- move all weeds as they appear, and if the btd ar.< infested with worms pour lime water into the holes. The universal late- ness of Tulips may save them from injury from the late spring frosts, but there are fears that the b'ojtn generally this season will be unsatisfactory. When the flowers begin to show colour, the top cloths of the awning may be put on ; carefully examine all diseased foliage, and expose the affected parts as much as possible to the sun. Put down the sticks as soon as possible to the Carnations and Picotees ; if this be delayed the roots will be injured by their insertion. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Great care should always be bestowed when watering i>t plants. Too much, too little, or an injudicious mode of appli- cation is equally fatal to high cultivation. Very many plants are seriously injured at the period of shifting or potting-off, by improper watering. It has been the fashion to recommend1 what is termed a " thorough soaking " to newly-potted stock, and it is feared that in this very act the foundation of what is technically termed "Eeurnesa" is frequently laid. A very fine- rosed pot, with slight applications of water at intervals soon after potting, is the best way, as a general rule, to penetrate the mass, and to cause the particles of soil so to arrange them- selves that the access of a;r shall be somewhat modified but by no means intercepted. There is, however, no good reason why all plants should be watered immediately 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 the plant's drying up. When, however, the plant — say a Camellia, has a hard-wedged ball, steeping it in water for an hour is the preferable course. After this, frequent syringiugs or waterings through a fine rose will be the soundest policy for a week or two. See that climbers and all plants of rambling habit have due attention in regard to stopping, water, &c. Camellias forced into wood should have a trifling check as soon as the young leaves have attained their full size; this is best accomplished by eiiminiebing the supply of water at the roots. Continue, however, to shade and syringe morning and evening. In the mixed greenhouse I presume the existence of a climate somewhat in advance of the cool greenhouse — that is, a house in which artificial heat only sufficient to repel frost is main- tained. By keeping one end of such a house (the end where the hot-water piping or smoke flue enters) closer, using more atmospheric moisture, and at the Bame time a greater amount of air at the other end, it is not by any means impossible JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 21, 1870. for the amateur to induJgo in many of the luxuries of larger establishments. Repot and propagate Eegonias. This is one of the most useful families of plants that can be grown. Any attention which will serve to prolong the beauty of the Azaleas, New Holland, and other plants, with which the show house should now be gay, will be well bestowed, as when these are over it will in most cases be impossible to furnish the house with equally handsome specimens and the same variety of colours, which these afford. Also, carefully examine the plants in the forenoons of bright days, and see" that none of them are suffering from want of water; for with bright sunshine, accompanied with drying winds, it will be no easy matter to properly supply plants with water, particularly specimens which may be pot-hound. In ventilating, endeavour while parching winds prevail to avoid allowing currents to blow through the house, especially near recently-petted plants, or plants recently brought from the stove. Orange trees in middling health which, owing to the neglect with which they are generally treated, is too commonly the case, will require attention to prevent the young leaves being eaten up by red spider. The readiest and most effectual method of clearing them of this pest is to lay the plants on their sides and well wash the under sides of the leaves with the engine, but unless the trees be kept in health this will be but a partial cure. STOVE. Many of the Orchids, being now in active growth, will require careful shading to protect the tender foliage from the direct rays of the sun, and to keep down the temperature without ad- mitting currents of air which, during the present state of the weather, would render the atmosphere altogether unsuitable for them. Keep the atmosphere as moist as possible, by fre- quently sprinkling every available surface, and shut up the house early in the afternoon after syringing, giving the plants a good steaming. COLD PITS AND FRAMES. These will be occupied now with some of the early-struck or potted-off cuttings hardening for the flower garden. "Any spare room may be occupied with the thinnings'of the other plant houses. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. _ Parsley.— Sowed the main piece of this, as we like to have it in by the middle of April. We generally sow on a tree border so shaded that scarcely anything else would grow, and in such positions it generally stands better in winter than where more fully exposed. A month or six weeks later we generally sow in a more exposed place, and where a little protection can be given, and about the middle or end of June we sow :■. line in the orchard house to render us independent of frost and snow in winter. Sowed also successions of Radishes, Turnips, and Lettuces, drawing shallow drills for the seed with a pointed stick, and covering with the back of a rake. The ground for the Parsley was rather rough, and, therefore, the drills were filled up, or nearly so, with light sandy Boil. FRUIT GARDEN. Finished pruning, though not nailing; so there were will be better weather for the latter. Forced Strawberries.— Pnt out some rows, planting the halls whole, with a little rotten dung round them. When good crops are to be had in the autumn, the plants should be turned out in this month and the first fortnight of May. For several years we scarcely had ours out in time enough, owing to a press of work waiting to be attended to. We were among the first to turn forced plants to this purpose, and to state that even if they bore in the autumn, no other system of planting would be likely to yield such crops the following summer. We can recollect a very able writer on agricultural chemistry and other sciences being quite unable to account for forced plants bearing in the autumn, and yet bearing so profusely the following sea- son. We can only state the facts, but we' fear we Bhould fail us endeavouring to give satisfactory reasons. We never saw better autumn crops than Mr. Cadger, of Luton Hoo, had last season. Two facts more may here be stated. First, forced plants, when turned out late, will do no good as respects autumn fruiting, but they will fruit the following season as young plants will very rarely do. The second fact is, that the nrst crop from such plants is generally the only extra one. The second season the crop will generally be tolerably good, but in the third season it will be inferior. Such plants should be used, therefore, chiefly for the first summer's crop after plant- ing them out. A few days at the end of the week were so bright and hot that we sprinkled the roofs of orchard houses with water just coloured with a little whiting — say the size of a walnut dis- solved in seven gallons of water, or partly dissolved, so as to give a whitish covering. We have no doubt the treeB would have done without it, but the evaporation would have greatly increased, and we began to think of our limited water supply, as much water has been used during the week. ORNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT. We fear the dry weather will put a stop to some chaDges, turfing, &c. All gardens are constantly requiring changes to be made. At first planting everything cannot be seen, and provided shelter is obtained, it is very easy to make vistas and open spaces afterwards. Many beds and groups, u-eful at first as backgrounds, become eyesores when there are backgrounds beyond them. The dry burning weather rendered attention to all large traasplanted trees and shrubs necessary. A Blight covering and the use of the engine over the tops will be more useful than drenching the soil at the roots, as the more water given the more the cold produced by evaporation. Shading and covering fresh-planted shrubs present anything but an ornamental aspect, but then the end so far justifies the means, and, the object seen, the ugliness i3 so far modified. A lot of temporary screens and protections for plants too tender for the position are quite a different affair. Acclimatising should chiefly be left to large places. In places where space is limited, hardy trees and shrubs should chiefly be depended on. How different the feelings with which we contemplate a healthy Cedar, Pinaster Pine, or Weymouth Pine, and a sickly fine- foliaged Mexican Pine, or even an Araucaria that has lost so many of its lower branches as to become broom-headed instead of having healthy branches sweeping the ground. A good opportunity is now given for sowing hard;/ annuaU, not forgetting the useful Sweet Pea. In all such sowings, two things are essentiil. First, sow thinly enough, or thin early enough— the first is the better mode — so as to give the plants space to grow ; secondly, cover the seeds in proportion to their size. All small seeds like dust should have only a dust-like covering, and if out of doors they will vegetate all the better if shaded with a pot. For small Eeeds sown in pots and pans, as those of the Calceolaria, Lobelia, A-c, we find no plan better than making the surface smooth, well watering, allowing the pot to stand until the surface becomes moderately dry; then level, and with a dry finger and thumb, or the point of a knife and a little stick, scatter the seeds equally, press slightly, cover lightly with silver sand, press again, and cover the pot with a square of glass, and the glass with moss or paper, until the seedlings appear, when light and sir must be gradually given. If the pots are set in a damp place, or so that the base can be kept moist, they will seldom want watering before the seedlings appear, and then the water should sail the pot, and not be poured over the young plants. Amongst other matters we have been busy repairing and altering our turf or eartl: pits, to receive lots of bedding plants. This we should have done a week or two earlier if we could. These pit3 were made of earth, with a turf along the top, the back being considerably higher than the front. In the course of years, from adding fresh material, the pits were becoming too shallow, and the walls were getting rather uneven from the visits of rabbits and mice. The surface turf at the back was UDrolled, soil taken from the front inside, so as to raise the back from 4 to 6 inches, and, the wall being made straight, the turf was replaced. The bed inside being dug over, we have the bed considerably lower than it was, in proportion to the earth walls, which will give more room to Calceolarias and other plants. These pits are generally used for something all the season, and therefore in tnrning cut the bedding plants, as Calceolarias and Pelargoniums, we find they thrive better and lift better, if each row as planted has a little compost added before watering and firming them ; this compost being made of rough riddled leaf mould, a little exhausted Mushroom dung, and some fresh rather sandy loam. We are late enough with the Calceolarias, which are strong plants, requiring more room, for they are standing where they were put in as cuttings in the end of October. We may mention as an element of success, and for saving labour, that in planting the rows of such plants, when firmed with a little fresh material round them, and before the little trench is firmed, the plants are well watered, and then the dry earth is put on the surface, and the next row , made ready and treated in the same way. — R. F. April 21, 1870. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS In the Suburbs of London lor the week ending April 10th. THERMOMETER. Wind. DAT! BAROMETER. Air. Earth. Rain. Max. Min. Max, Min. 1 ft. a «t. Wed. .. IS 30.116 80.098 66 43 51 45 W. .00 Thurs. 14 30.234 S0.137 65 S3 51 45 N.W. .00 Fri. ... IB 30.303 30. -.-,:: 65 28 51 45 N. Sat. ... lfi 30388 30.838 71 29 49 45 N.W. .00 Sun. . 17 30 338 B0.242 67 40 50 46 E. .00 1R 30 ■::.-. 80.025 60 32 5') 46 E. .00 Tues. 19 n.. 29.953 29.904 7(5 84 50 46 S.E. .00 Mea 3J.228 80.142 67.14 34.14. 50.28 45.43 0.00 13.— Cloudy; very fine; clear and fine at night. 14. — Very fins ; cloudy but fine ; starlight. 15. — Very fine ; exceedingly fine ; clear at night. 16. — Very fine ; fine, very hot ; clear and fine. 17.— Esceediogly liue; foggy, fine ; densely overcast, cold wind. 18. — Foggy, densely overcast ; fine, cold wind ; overcast. 19.— Fine, foggy ; very fine and hot ; clear and fine. TO CORRESPONDENTS. Books (AsMmowle).—" The Cottage Gardeners' Dictionary," with its supplement, contains what you need. Bunches of Grapes Withering (J. 21. D.).— In Vines so vigorous and young, we should ascribe the withering- up of the young bunches to the wood not being hardened enough last autumn. The straw ought to have kept the border right, Pear Tree Bark (J. L. D.).— There is nothing the matter with the bark. The cracks aro the usual result ol increasing age. There is no Madame Rachel in pomology to render " trees smooth " and " beautiful lor ever." Grafted Apple Trees (.4. E. F. CX— If the shoots aro very crowded, thin them out sufficiently to let the air in to the interior. Do not prune the shoots back much, excepting when more branches are wanted, as prun- ing them serves to give increased vigour and less tendency to fruit. Those remaining of the original branches should he cut right off. Fruit Trees in a Greenhouse (H. P.).— From your interesting de- scription we should not be inclined to blame tho ricketty flue nor the smoky atmosphere as causes of the unfruitfulness of your seemingly healthy Peach trees. We should be more sure of what is the matter, if yon told ns if your abundant bloom was perfect in the parts of its fructi- fication. Under such circumstances the female organs are often defective, and frequently totally absent. If that was the case all the camel-hair pencil brushing that could be given would he of no avail. Our im- pression is, that tho failure is partly owing to the shading given by the greenhouse plants in the bouse, but chiefly to the border being always kept in a moist state by plants in pots standing on it. The trees would be benefited by the soil about the roots becoming not dry, hut dryish, early in the autumn. The full play of the sun on the border would also be advantageous ; but if the plants must be there, then the requisite healthy resting dryness could be best secured by standing the plants in saucers, so that the soil would not be sodden and rendered unhealthy in winter. The continued waterings keep the roots moist, and prevent the wood being thoroughly ripened. Plum Trees Blooming but not Fruiting (Agnea). — We think that as the trees bloom freely they are too dry at the roots. We advise you to have holes made now with a crowbar, or to take out the soil in ridges parallel to the length of the border, a few inches deep, so as not to inter- fere with the roots, and a spade's width, and the same distance between, and along these shallow trenches make holes with a crowbar 1 foot or 18 inches deep, and 9 inches apart ; then fill the trenches with water, and when it subsides refill them thrice. Afterwards level the ridges. In this way you may thoroughly moisten the soil, which we imagine has become too dry. The surface of the border nest the wall has become, from tread- ing, impervious to r'ins ; therefore the trenches for a distance of 3 feet from the wall should bo well soaked ; seven times filling the trenches will sometimes not be too much to effectually moisten the soil. This we have found answer, along with good waterings with liquid manure or pure water in dry hot weather in summer. Pruning Azaleas (Idem).— Ton may cut in the Azaleas after flowering, removing the irregular growths and thinning out the shoots where too thick ; but if you cut in the shoots closely we should not like to say the plants would flower next spring, though, with a brisk moist heat they would no doubt make fresh wood freely, and if it were well ripened they would flower well next year. We prefer regulating the shoots by tying rather than pruning. By tho former the growth is not so strong, and the growing points are preserved — the small twiggy parts that give an abund- ance of flowers We Bhould not prune theia but tie the shoots now rather loosely, and after the growth is complete tie in the shoots regularly so as to produce a well-shaped plant. Straggling Heaths And Epacbises {Idem).— Cut down the plants at once, leaving abont an inch of the shoots of last year, or cut them back to within an inch of the old wood, leaving them long or short as the form of the plant mav determine. We cutback ours about a month ago, and they are now breaking again beautifully. The Heaths are, of course, winter or early spring-blooming varieties. Watering Plants with Boiler Water {Ammonia).— Ihe small quantity of niuri ito of ammonia in the water in the boiler will not hurt the plants to which it is applied ; but though, like you, we use hot water from pipes and boi'ers to warm water for watering, we would much rather have water heated by other means. Birch Tree Bleeding (Birch Tree).— The roots being cut through and bleeding will not much injure the tree ; it is tapped to make Birch wine with the sap. The bleeding will ceaee as the leaves open. Oyster Plant [J. T. ami others). — We cannot havo "Ayrshibe Gardener " intruded upon. It is a native plant found on sandy shores near Maryport, Cumberland; near Aberdeen; west coast of the Isle of Waluey; north-east coast of Anglesey : about Aberystwith ; shore by the Ornie's Head. North Wales ; the Southans, Devon, and Bhores of the Frith of Forth. Any local herbalist could supply seeds or plants. Its popular names are Sea Eugloss and Sea Lungwort. Aeutilon striatum (R. Detries).— This is the name of your greenhouse plant growing against the back wall. It is covered with the scale insect. Paint the branches and stems with a creamy mixture of soft soap, flowers of sulphur, and tobacco in water. You may plant Box now. It is too late to prune yonr Apple trees. Flower Garden (L. If.).— To answer your queries would require all the pages of one of enr numbers. If you enclose fivo postage stamps u ith your address, and order " Flower-Gardening for the Many," it will be sent to you post free. It contains the information you need. Calla ffithiopioa and Nymphtea alba would grow in the basin of your fountain. Magnolia (Sigma):— It must have been a printers' error, and the true name Magnolia Lenne. It is hardy and needs no treatment differing from the other hardy kinds. Solanum Treatment (E. S. C.).— The irregular growths ought to be now cut back, and the progress of the black fungus should be arrested by dipping the plants in a solution of Clarke's or Gishurst compound, at toe rate of 2 ozs. to the gallon. Repot them in a compost of two parts of light fibrous loam, and one part of old cow dung or leaf soil, with a free admixture of sharp sand. Iu potting, remove all the old mil possible without any great ir.juiv to the roots, and replace the plants m the same size of pot. Keep thtm close and shaded for a few days until they have recovered, then expose them fully to the light and air, keeping them rather dry until the roots are working freely in the fresh soil, then water liberally. Shift in June or July into larger pots, and keep them in a light airy part of the greenhouse. Stop any irregular growths, but not after July. Greenhouse Plants for Suspended Baskets (Z3em). — The two baskets filled with Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums, and Saponaria in the centre, may have two companions of Petunias, with a centre of Fuchsias, and the other two may be Nierembergia with Heliotrope in the centre. Melons for August and September (A. B.).— To have them ripe bv the time named, the seed should have been sown at the beginning of this month, and the plants should bo put out early in May. You may now sow, and plant out when the young plants are large enough, which will be about the middle of May; you will then have fruit at the close of August or early in September. Zonal Pelargoniums, to flower at the same time, ought not to be stopped after the first or second week in July. Silver versus River Sand (A. I'.).— Silver sand is not superior to. river sand for many purposes, but for Heaths and all plants that have very small fibres, there is no comparison between the value of one and the other. Silver sand is best for Heaths and other plants requiring peat soil, and for those with delicate roots. For such, and for striking cuttings of hardwooded plants, river sand is not suitable, as it keeps the soil too open. For softwooded plants, as Pelargoniums and Cinerarias, river sand answei-3 very well both for potting and propagation. Indeed, it is quite as good as silver sand for plants requiring loamy soil. White-berried Holly Seedlings (E. J. If.).— It is correct both of the white and yellow -berried Hollies that the plants from their seeds have red berries, but it is not correct that the whole of the seedlings re- turn to tho normal state ; some of them will have white or yellow berries like their parents, but the majority red hemes. Sowing Kidney Beans to Transplant (An Amateur).— It is a common practice to do this ; they may Le sown in boxes at the end of April or beginning of Mav, and planted out when the early Cabbages are cleared off. For sowing in a frame from the middle of July to the beginning of Au"ust, we advise Sir Joseph Paxton and Canterbury White ; the former we like. If vou like a dwarf sort Kewington Wonder will answer, it may be cooked with the pods whole. It is a very abundant bearer. The lights ought not to bo used except in very wet or frosty weather. Your other question was answered at page 249. Asparagus Watering with Sea Water (Asperrie).— Wo should not adviso watering Asparagus with sea water, but we would now sprinkle salt over tho beds at the rate of 1 lb. to H lb. per square yard, and after May water as much as you like, with liquid manure or slops of any sort np to September. Erratum.— A hypercritical reader has written anonymously to Mr. Cutbush, in a tone anything but courteous, to complain of his having used the word '■unmatured " instead of •' immatured," in his last week's communication. As it happens, Mr. Cutbush did not use it in his manu- script, bnt it was substituted entirely through a printer's error. Trees and Shrues for Low Situations (E. F. IF.).— In a cold wet soili where Wellingtonias and Deodars do not succeed, the following would perhaps thrive :— Alnus (Alder) glutinosa and its varieties crispa, incisa, laciniata: A. cordifolia, and A. nigra; Cornus c.-ernlea variegata, C. mascula variegata, C. sanguinea ; Popnlus fastigiata, P. argentea, P. nigra, and P. canescens pendnla; Salix americana pendula, and its varieties babylonica, crispa, and cincrea variegata ; Viburnum Opulus, V. Opulus na'num, V. dentatum, and V. plicatum. All the above are deciduous. Of evergreens there are few that would answer, though if the ground is free of stagnant water Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Kalmias, and some of the Vacciniums would succeed. Scotch Fir, Norway Spruce, and Austrian Pine may serve as evergreen trees. Eox Edging Dying (Hem).— Box edging mav die from various causes— the most likely are clipping late in autumn, and severely; late planting in spring, and failing to water properly until well rooted, or planting badly rooted divisions or slips. Many other causes might be named, bnt you give no data. When was it planted, in what position and soil, and what has been the treatment for the past twelve months ? Cyclamens not Blooming (Idem).— We think the plants have not bloomed owing to the late potting, but even that would not interfere with the flowering if the roots were not disturbed. Continue them in the greenhouse in a light airy position until the end of May, and then re- move them to a cold frame, and in June stand them in a position shaded from the powerful midday sun. At the end of August or beginning of September thev will begin to grow; then repot thtm. place them in a cold frame, and continue to keep them moist until October, when they JOUHNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 21, 1870. should be removed to a shelf in the greenhouse and potted if necessary ; bat if they are nut [Trowing very freely it is well not to repot at that period of the venr. The drainage «f the pots should be t,ood. and the corm covered from on^-half to three-quarters of an inch. In potting, the roots should not be disturbed ; it is sufficient to remove the drainage and the old soil. Water ought not to be given until the soil becomes dry, and yet the foliage must not suffer from want of moisture. Gardeners' Aprons {B. E.).— Sec page 212. Dwarf Pfa for Present Sowing, &c. {It. H.).— The best dwarf Pea for present sowing is Bishop's Long-podded. There is nn necessity for watering Peas now: wait until the weather becomes hotter and the ground dry. To insure speedy germination it is a good plan to water where lawn gvacs seeds have been soivn on a patchy lawn, hut if the "st it is not necessary. It would be best to scatter the id Carrot beds before the plants come up. a Greenhouse (Hopeful Amateur).— The plants I in a greenhouse as they would in a cold frame lear the front lights as you propose, and with d night, they will no doubt succeed tolerably " d on wire trellises. You will or ht but that the Pansy would ashes over the Onion Growing Pansies will not succeed so y but bv keeping then abundance of air da well. The plants must not be trai ught to be disqualified submit to it. hut it ought to be discountenanced Verbena Culture (Live find Learn).— The best solid manure for Ver- benas isoldcowdnng Two-fifths nf fibrous loam, one-fifth of leaf soil, one- fifth of old cow dung, and one-fifth of sharp sand will grow them well- They are best grown on flat trellises on which, when fully grown, they will be highest in the centre owing to the shoots that come from the base being strongest. They are best grown in cold frames, as they can then be protected from heavy rains, strong winds, &c. Roses for August Blooming (Idem) —Defer pruning the standard Rose trees for blooming at the end of August until May ; therefore you will need to leave them as they aie with their shoots at full length, and the shoots coming from the highest buds will ta*e the sap, and the lowest two or three buds of each shoot may remain dormant. At the beginning of May cut the shoots back to within two or three buds of their base, and the plants will bloom late. But it may be necessary to retard them, which may be done by a canvas awning placed over them by day in very hot, dry, bright weather, removing it every night. Plants for a Window (S. A. L. D. Y.).— For a window faeing the south we should advise Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, and Petunias for sum- mer; in winter they would not succeed, but you could accommodate them with a window in a room from which frost is excluded. In winter we wonld grow such bulbous plants as Hyacinths, Narcissuses, and Tulips, which would flower in spring. Gloxinia Seedlings (A Constant Pnith-r).— The nlants should be con- tinued in a hothed. or on a shelf near the glass in a house with a tem- perature of from 60° to 65^ at night, and from 70': to 75' by dav, with a rise to 8C° or 85- with sun aud abundance of air. They are the better of being grown in a slightly shaded position, and the shade of Vines is very agreeable to them, snd a vinery answers well for »heir culture after they have been potted off, but a frame suits thera best until they are placed m their blooming-pots. Continue them, therefore, in the hotbed, and keep the soil moist, but avoid making it very wet : find when they can b« taken hold of place them singly in small pots filled with a well-mixed compost of equal parts of fibrous light loam, Bandy pent, leaf soil, or old COW dung, and a fourth part of silver sand. Keep them moist and shaded from bright sun, aud when the pots are tilled with roots shift the plants into others a size larger— say from a 8-inch into 44,-ineh pot, and finally into one G inches in diameter, which will be sufficiently large for blooming. With a moist atmosphere and Good heat the plants will bloom in autumn. Mter flowering keep them dry, giving no more water than enough to prevent the leaves from flagging, and in November withhold it altogether, the pots being set on a damp surface, whence enough of moisture rises to keep the bulbs from shrivelling. A temperature of between 5flc and 55r is suitable in winter. Canna Seeds Germinating (Idem).— It would be difficult to say how long the seed will be in germinating; but if it be sown in a hotbed of from 70° to 75", the plants ought to ho up in three weeks. It is well to soak the seeds in water at a temperature of from 120- t> 125: for twelve hours before sowing, and then to sow in light soil on a ffentle hotbed, where the seedlings should be continued until potted off singly when they show the second leaf; and keen ibem in bent until they are esta- blished and have grown considerably. th*m harden them off aud plant them out in June. They will afford some fine leaves this season. Frame-heating for Melons (Idem).-- A pipe uncovered along the front and above the surface of the bed for top beat, and another beneath the bed for bottom heat, would answer well, and the frame would be suit- able for bedding plants in winter. Watering Vines with Liquid Manure (Idem),— You may water the border with liquid manure when the berries are set and swelling freely, not before; and as the border is outside it ought not to be given except in dry weather, and not after the Grapes change colour for ripening. It would be well to have the water 5" warmer than the soil; 70- will be too high a temper iture at nieht ; one of from 60° to 65° is quite sufficient, with a rise of 5a bv dnv without sun. and from 10" to 20° with sun and air. Potted Shrubby Calceolarias (frmorance).— The plants, we presume, are now in small pots, bnt of good size. Fot them, sav into 7-inch pots, draining well, and using a compost of two parts loam from decayed turf, one part old cow dung, well-decomposed manure, or leaf soil, with a free admixture of sharp sand. Place them in a eold frame or pit, and water so as to keep the soil moist, giving a sprinkling overhead every morning ather. The plants cannot have too "much bright i and but protect them from frost. When the pots fill with roo"ts'transfer th plants to fi-inch pots, stopping any irregular growths up to witbin weeks of the time at which they are to flower. The shoots should be tied-out so as to produce neat, evenly-formed plants. After May the lights may be drawn down, and afford partial shade during the day, with a eopiouB flilpp'y of water. CvANornvLLUM magnificum and CissfsJdiscoior Compost (Idem).— Two parts fibrous loam, one part sandy fibrous peat, one part old cow dung, or one part, leaf soil, with one part of charcoal in pieces from the size of a pea to that of a hazel nut, and one part of silver s-i nd will grow both well. Good drainage is necessary. Tbe loam and peat should be torn to pieces, and the whole of the compost well mixed but not sifted. Low Temperatures (J. B.).— We have made irquiries, and have no reason to believe them incorrect. Broom for Game Covep.t (W. IT. B.).~ The ground should be brought to a fine surface by first ploughing, then harrowing, and using a clod- crusher if necessary; then sow at the rate of 20 lbs. of seed per acre for a thick covert, and in an exposed situation; but for a sheltered position from 12 to 14 lbs. per acre will be sufficient. It ought to be sown now, giving a light harrowing afterwards, aud a rolling, if rough, with a wooden roller. Broom does best in a rather light sandy Boil, but will succeed in almost all soils and situations, except undra'med ground. Various (C. A. I).— Paint the ineode of the glass with whiting and a littlo size in the water. See, also, " Doings of the List Week" to-day. Lime water may be made by putting a spideful of fresh lime into about fifty gallons of water, to be stirred well, allowed to remain twenty-four hours, and used when clearly settled. You will have seeu what was said in our columns about the lawn-mower. Names of Plants [W. B ).— We cannot name plants from their leaves only. POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON CHRONICLE. ANNALS OF MY POULTRY- YARD.— No. 2. I was so encouraged by the success of my first year's ex- periment in poultry, as stated in last week's paper, that, like the gambler, whom one "lucky hit" only urges to plunge deeper, I began dabbling mare amongst the feathers with a stook of fourteen head. These consisted of seven mixed Ham- burgh hens, two Cochin-Cbina hens, two Dorking hens, and two Hamburgh cocks. I obtained from these, during the first half of the year, an average of thirty-six eggs per week, such being a fair quantity ; but my average iu the latter part of the year dwindled down most sadly to fourteen a-week. Much time was taken up with twelve hatches of chickens, doubtless ; but the real solution is contained in a foot-note. " I had disease amongst my poultry." There was, I well remember, a long-continued wet season, and nearly all my stock had the " blacks " or " snuffles " — in fact, a running cold in the head. I had not then an out-door protection for them, which I sub- sequently made — viz., a small shed cut into tbe slope of a south bank, roofed with old pea-sticks and fern. This little place, of not more than G feet by 4, was a great refuge from north winds and rain ; for the back and sides, being cut in the solid earth, admitted no draughts. In summer, with a few inches of sand and wood ashes, it was always a favourite bath. I reared only sixty-five chickens to maturity out of all my twelve sit- tings ; for besides the ordinary ailments and accidents which annually carry off a large number of chickens when very young, a most carnivorous pig made great havoc. On one occasion he waited quietly in bis den till four inquisitive youngsters had crept well into his enclosure, and then mercilessly slew them all. In spite of all these disasters, my Dr. and Cr. account — without any charge for labour, rent, taxes, fuel, &c, which I never lay to the charge of poultry — presented a respectable appearance. Dr. £ s. 14— Stock of poultry at be- ginning-of year, valued at Is. 6rf. each 1 1 2 Ham burghs bought 0 2 1 20 lbs. of IndiBU corn 0 9 70 lbs. of wheat 0 5 Medicine 0 2 1 sack of oatmeal 1 10 10 lbs. of malt 0 2 Profit . 6 0 4 Cr. £ s. d 4f> Chickens killed, at 1.- 6rf. S 9 0 13D) Frets at 15 n-shilling, less 170 used for sitting 3 15 4 11 Pullets sold at Is. 6rf. . . 0 IB 6 S Old stock killed off 0 S 0 19— Stock of poultry in hand at end of year, valued at ls.6tf.each 18 6 £9 12 4 £0 12 In one year my profits came rapidly down from nearly 300 per cent, to under 200 per cent., owing to the disease in the latter part of the year, the voracious pig, and the following reasons : — Whereas, in the previous year seven hens contri- buted to the support of one cock, this year only twelve hens had to support two cocks. In fact, a note reminds me that one hen, though handsome and showy, was barren and never laid an egg. Later in the year, while hoping for an improvement, she began to crow and assume tbe plumage, in part, of a cock bird. This, of course, threw the maintenance of three unproductive birds on the remaining eleven. The value of the four little things devoured is slight, one may say ; but the three weeks of sitting, and six weeks of rearing, were simply time unprofitably spent, for the four were the entire brood ! These facts explain, in a great measure, the rapid diminution of profits. The in- crease of food will explain the remainder. — W. W. B. H. THE DRAGOON PIGEON. Followino upon our descriptions and portraits of prize Antwerps and Carriers, we now have the satisfaction of calling April SI, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 297 the attention of Pigeon fanciers to a description and portrait of a standard Dragoon, The letterpress is from, as v. ill be ob- served, two distinct yet equally reliable sources. Thus by being able, by the courtesy of first-class fanciers of each variety, to give the correct points of such variety, we venture to think we shall he conferring a benefit upon the fancy generally. Of recent years it has given us pleasure to insert at large com- munications upon many Pigeons, and we hope still to do the same. Without further preface we will proceed to the description of the standard Dragoon sent us by the Biimingham Colum- barian Society, whose members state that they "are pleased to find that the portrait of the ' standard Antwerp,' which ap- peared in your Journal of February 17tb, seems to have given general satisfaction. It has, unquestionably, supplied a want which had for some time been apparent to most Pigeon fanciers. As inquiries have since been made for a portrait of a ' show Dragoon,' we gladly give our ideas as to what constitutes a perfect bird of this variety, and in doing so must add that we have been for a long time past quite conscious that, like the Antwerp, a Btandard has become necessary. " The accompanying engraving is a portrait of a Blue Dragoon hen, four years old, of great merit, the winner of many prizes, and a breeder of wonderful stock, which ha3 been expressly selected to be portrayed for publication in your Journal. " In giving our opinions upon the show Dragoon, we would first say that those opinions have not been hastily arrived at. Several of us have been breeders of this variety almost ex- clusively for many years ; therefore, from our great experience and frequent discussions upon the especial and general charac- teristics of this breed, our views may be deemed of some value to those who seek such information. " There are in Dragoons five acknowledged colours — Blue, Silver, Red, Yellow, and White. The first and last named are the most numerous classes ; but ia speaking of all the colours we do not with to Bhow a preference for any one kind, but to advocate the claims of all collectively, and to further describe the chief points of difference separately. " One chief object, and also the great difficulty, especially to the uninitiated, is in severing them from their allies, the Carriers, whose name must inevitably crop out when describing Dragoons ; but let it be understood there is, and should be, a marked difference between the matured birds of each ; yet not- withstanding this difference, the young Carrier is often very improperly placed in competition with the Dragoon, and too frequently gentlemen who are called upon to adjudicate at some of our shows appear so perplexed by the comparison, that they are occasionally beguiled into the error of placing young Carriers upon the prize list in the Dragoon class, which is rather discouraging to those who have from time to time pointed out in what particulars the great dissimilarity exists. " Dragoons should not be large birds, but of moderate size, neat, and compact inform; light in feather; have sharp- pointed wings ; be broad in shoulder, with butts well dis- played, and narrow-rumped. The head should be long and straight ; skull narrow, well developed at the back. The eye shonld be large and prominent ; the lash, cere, or flesh wattle, uniform, equal, white, and circular, with but little of it. The wart upon the beak should be small, and not overhanging. The neck should be long, slender, and graceful ; the carriage erect ; the legs long, clean, and angular ; the feet large. The general bearing of these birds is of a timid, tremulous kind, invariably displaying a shaking and nervous temperament. The Blues, Silvers, and Whites, are prolific birds, good nurses, and are swift and good flying Pigeons ; but this cannot be said of their brethren the Reds and Yellows, whose constitution seems to have suffered by close breeding, in order not only to perfect, but to keep pure, their beautiful uniform colour, and in con- sequence they are not to be trusted from home, otherwise they will probably be lost. " These are our compressed views of the essential points of show Dragoons collectively. Taking them separately, they may be described thus — " Blue Dragoons should be of a good sound colour upon the sides of the wings, head, belly, thighs, back, snd tail. The head is generally of rather a darker hue ; the neck also dark, and gorgeously illuminated with bright iridescent colours, and terminating in a distinct and circular line upon the shoulders, breast, and back, thereby producing a pleasing con- trast with the lighter and less brilliant parts of the body ; the ljwer extremity of the wing coverts have two narrow and jet black bars, running obliquely, and terminating just above the thigh ; the tail, also, has a band of black about an inch wide, JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 21, 1S70. and within a quarter of an inch of its end ; tbe flight feathers are dark. The beak also must be dark ; the eye of a bright red colour ; tbe legs and feet red, and with dark nails. " Silvers are frequently bred from and crossed with Blues, but it is better not to do so, for, as a consequence, too often the produce of such a mixture is a muddle of both, resulting chiefly in the production of birds of a silver colour, with black bars and dark flights, which are, therefore, not regarded as Silvers, but are looked upon as washed-out Blues. True Silvers may be simply described as follows: — Their colour is a sort of whity-brown, or very light drab, with darker drab bars, neck, and flights; they should have light horny bills and nails ; tbe hackle is not so beautifully resplendent as in tbe Blues, tho iridescence being greatly diminished by the drab tint of which their colour consists. Tbe eyes of this variety partake of a rich pearlish kind, without a particle of yellow observable in them. They are a very attractive variety, and good specimens are very scarce, more especially cock birds. " Yellows are rather a scarce variety, as they are difficult to breed pure in colour, and good in shape as well, for with close breeding they are sure to degenerate, or if fresh blood is in- fused they will as surely show the white feather, or the slaty rump or thigh ; therefore, they are by no means numerous. Good Yellows should be of an entirely uniform colour, and not yellow as their name signifies, but of a rich sienna brown ; the eye should be of a bright red colour ; the beak flesh-coloured (pinky white). In other respects they should answer the general description of a Dragoon, but in one or two points they often differ, beiog generally coarser in wattle and broader in skull, two points which materially detract from their otherwise admirable appearance. As before said, birds of this variety are not usually good breeders ; their young are very delicate and difficult to rear. The eyes of the young oneB of this variety present a singular appearance when about a fortnight old, being of a transparent pink colour, but they gradually change until the birds are full fledged, when they soon assume the usual colour. "Reds, like the Yellows, are scarce, and still more difficult to obtain of a good rich colour. They are generally tinged with blue upon the rump, belly, and thighs ; the beak should be darkish ; the eyes bright red. There are some, although few, excellent specimens of this kind, which are very beautiful, and ought to be prized, the neck, like that of the Archangel, being beautifully enlivened with a rich copper bronze, which adds greatly to its appearance. " Whites are very beautiful and very numerous, but perfect specimens are scirce. They should be pure white; have dark eyes, with white lash ; with white beak and nails. Indeed, they should bo quite colourless. Any colour upon them, with the exception of their legs, amounts to a disqualification. This variety is not so extensively kept, from the fact that they are so difficult to keep clean." The foregoing was sent to us whilst we were asking Mr. Jones Percivall to favour us with his opinions. Most readily he met our wishes, and furnished us with a portrait of one of his prize Dragoons, but we found that we had no right to publish it, as it had been prepared and issued by our sporting contemporary. At the same time Mr. Percivall sent us his opinions of the characteristics of a perfect Dragoon, and these, from one so celebrated as a breeder of the variety, must not be withheld, and it is highly satisfactory that they so agree with the opinions of tbe Birmingham Society. " This bird, I agree with Moore, was originally bred from a crosB between the Horseman and Tumbler, although it has for a considerable period become a distinct breed, promising pro- perties which it would take many pairs to produce. The weight of a Dragoon should be about 1 lb., the colour of a darkish or slaty blue, with a bronze black bar; tbe rump also blue, the white rump being in my opinion one of the greatest defects. The length of face from the inner part of the eye to the tip of the beak should be 1J inch, with the beak wattle well tilted, the beak black and ebony-like, the wattle round the eye perfectly circular and dark-coloured, a pink-looking wattle being decidedly objectionable. Some fanciers contend that a Dragoon should be pink-eyed— that is, that the wattle should not be circular, but that there should be a much larger pro- portion of wattle at the front and top of the eye than at the back. This opinion I hold to be a very erroneous one. What would be said of a Carrier, however good in other respects, if it were pink-eyed ? and if a defect in a Carrier, why not in a Dragoon, which certainly approaches nearer to the Carrier in properties than any other Pigeon ? The head should b6 narrow, with the beak a little curved, a long neck, broad and prominent shoulders, and altogether of a racy or Game cock-like appear- ance.— J. Pebcivall." Thus we have been able to give from two valuable sources the characteristics of a standard Dragoon. Mr. Percivall's opinion is, indeed, that of one fancier; but it must be re- membered that be has taken prizes at the chief shows in the country for the last nine years, with his strains, with the further result of selling tbem at prices varying from £3 to £9 per pair. We think the description of the Dragoon given by tbe Birmingham Columbarian Society is very excellent, save that justice is scarcely done to the beautiful silver colour, by calling it "drab," drab giving the idea of the bird being dark; silver is silver and nothing else, and to be known must be seen. TOULTRY AND PIGEON COMPETITIONS Tms season of the year, before our poultry and Pigeon shows begin, seems to be a very appropriate time to make comments on the various practices of exhibitors, committees, and judges. Having taken an active part for a long time in the management of one of our leading shows, being a member of committee, as well as an annual exhibitor only at our local competition, I hold, perhaps, an exceptional opinion as regards the incentive to trimming to win. It isvery clear to me that judges, as a rule, put too much stress upon a foul feather, and too readily piss over a magnificent specimen having this paltry defect ; conse- quently there is a great temptation to pluck the objectionable feather. Insert the wedge, and we know how easy it is to go on from pulling out a single feather to making a perfect plumage throughout. If judges would only fairly balauce such a defect with other properties, all would be right. How often have I seen by far the finest specimen in a class thrown on one side — that is, passed over for a fault that could not be detected except by the keen eye and close examination of a judge, and which could be very easily remedied. Another remark I would make with all due deference to the gentlemen who so kindly officiate for ns as judges. I have too often seen extra good specimens acknowledged to be first-prize birds disqualified — that is, passed over silently, on account of some mark on a feather, or something seen on a bird, that might indicate the ownership. Now some of our most conscientious judges unhesitatingly disqualify such pens. Does not this seem absurd if they are certain that such marks could not be put for them to know ; or even if they did, should it make any difference in their judgment? Can anyone doubt for a moment, that gentlemen who are called upon to act pretty often during the season do not know the principal prize birds without any private marks ? Surely these gentlemen, who are known and acknowledged to be the most honourable of men, do not require to give this proof of their integrity to the committee. We want to know and see the finest specimens in their respec- tive classes, and in looking over the pens find a first-prize card on a third or fourth-rate bird, whilst in our humble judgment we see a truly grand bird in the next pen, perhaps with no notice whatever — we look in vain to find out how the judges could have made such a mistake, when it turns out a nick had been seen in one of the wing feathers, or a thread was round the bird's leg. If it is necessary to disqualify such pens oil this account, I would suggest that the frizes should not be awarded to inferior birds, but withheld by the committee until they were satisfied as to the intentions of the exhibitor. Another incentive to trimming is the increasing prize money that is offered. There seems to be no satisfying the craving of large exhibitors for the money prizes ; medals and cups are now discarded for tho value in money, and these large commercial speculators calculate their chances of gain to a nicety — having a host of birds of all sorts, taking the circuit as systematically and regularly as any merchant or manufacturer might do. We find them exhibiting at several show3 at the same time. I also observe this class of exhibitors are those who are crying out about it being unfair for local committees and secretaries to exhibit at their own shows ; that ten per cent, on the prize money should be the utmost entrance fee ; that committees should, if they wish for numerous entries, give large money prizes, &c. I could name a few such exhibitors who have been known to show unfairly repeatedly, and acknowledge so doing unblushingly ; and more than once r have known the dishonest pens claimed, and the unfortunate purchaser exhibiting his newly-obtained treasure in "moranee, and the supposed pair turning out to be two hens or two cocks he has been brought April 21, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. into disgrace by being exposed through the confession of the very party who sold the birds. Such is the game played by un- scrupulous exhibitors. How this is to be remedied is a vexed question. To reduce the prize money to a nominal sum, and let exhibitors show for honour more than money, would tend to prevent such evil practices, and judges, instead of disqualifying marked pens by passing them over, would give more satisfaction by awarding them the prizes they were entitled to. It would be a dangerous experiment to take the responsibility off the shoulders of the judges, and the present seems to be the only system that could possibly save a society from endless trouble and confusion. It may be better for judges to pass a pen over when in doubt, than the society should run the risk of a law suit by a com- mittee publicly condemning an exhibitor for supposed fraudu- lent practices. Many instances have come under my notice of young birds of the season having been condemned as old birds, when I know to the contrary. Had a committee taken up such a case, and roughly handled the owner, what would be the conse- quence if the owner could prove his entry was correct ? I will leave it a question. I think it is better as it is ; judges to act to the best of their ability, as I believe the majority of them do in ill honour and integrity, but not to disqualify birds that may be outwardly marked by a feather being cut, or by a thread, &c., this having nothing to do with the merit of the specimen which is sent to compete, but perhaps necessary for the owner to distinguish his own birds in his own stock. What would a defaulter care to be deprived from showing ? His son, or his brother, his wife, or his mother could, and he would still derive the benefit. — Deeds Show. BREEDING DUCKWING GAME FOWLS. Is breeding Duckwings for exhibition two separate yards, as you state, are necessary. For Cocks. — A high-coloured, good, willow-legged, Yellow- Duckwing cock, no relative to his hens ; hens of the yellow or wheaten-coloured strain, willow legs. And for high colour in the cocks a few yellow-legged wheaten-Duckwing hens are useful, if close in feather and good in shape. Crossing back to the Duckwing original, the Black-breasted Red is, on the whole, bad. Foe Hess. — A good willow-legged Silver-Grey Duckwing brood cock is best if obtainable. Hens silvery-blue-grey, willow legs, but a few blue-legged or white-legged Silver-Grey Duckwing hens are often useful in this cross, as giving a more silvery colour and freo from brown or yellow wings and similar markings. You can, as you state, seldom breed both cocks and hens fit for exhibition from the same yard or strain. The cock, here, should not be too near in blood to his hens, as in breeding for cocks I would not use Black-breasted Reds at all, as Duckwings are all too prone to breed back to their originals, the Black-breasted Reds. At most exhibitions I have remarked that in general the cocks' legs are of a yellower willow than the hens' legs, which I attribute to the way in which they are often bred, in the manner I have just described. The Black-breasted cross is troublesome to " breed-out " again, and is not, on the whole, cither advantageous or correct. — Nev.-aiaeket. MANGOLD WURZEL AS POULTRY FOOD. I ah astonished that two of your correspondents recommend mangold wurzel as food for fowls, as I always find that if mine can obtain plenty of it, and they cannot always be prevented doing so in a farmyard, their combs turn black, and I lose more or less of them'. Fowls are very fond of it, and perhaps it is only when they eat it in excess that it does harm. My fowls are never guilty of feather-eating, as they have what run they like. I should like to know whether others have had the same expe- rience.—A Farmer. We shall be obliged by information on this subject. We know that the fat of bullocks fed on mangold wurzel is rendered very yellow ; and a case occurred in which the fat of Turkeys was similarly affected. — Eds.] estimated that not les3 than five millions of inchoate fowls are sacrificed every year in the production of photographic por- traits.— (Photographic News) Eggs Used in Photography. — The annual consumption of eggs in photography is nearly a million in the United States alone, while the number used on lis side the Atlantic is pro- bably at least three or four times as great. Hence it may be DRAGOON PIGEONS. I find by a letter in yonr last week's impression that " Youa Co-- respondent,'' who was so fast at picking to pieces the Dragoons I exhibited at Wolverhampton Show, will not accept my challenge. He appears to be under the impression that Blue Dragoons are far in advance in points of any other colour ; this is evidently another mis- take into which " Your Correspondent " has fallen, the first-prize pak of Silvers exhibited by Mr. Percivall at the last Birmingham Show being, in the estimation of many excellent Judges, equal, if not superior, to any there shown irrespective of colour. Again, " Yoce Correspondent " offers another opinion equally fallacious when he tells us that a Dragoon should have a thin beak, which is not con- sidered correct by those who really are judges of the beautiful birds in question. He says he has bred Dragoons for several years ; he may have done so and still be a novice. — Frank Graham, B [Here this controversy must cease. — Eds.] NEW BOOK. The Handy Book of Bees. By A. Pettigeew. Blackwood and Sons, Edinburgh and London. Another bee book added to the multitude already before the public lies before us in a neat-looking volume by Mr. Pettigrew, a name long well and favourably known in the annals of apicul- ture. But why this new bee book ? we ask as we open its pages. Solomon says, " There is nothing new under the sun :" so we open it in a critical temper of mind, but a:e disarmed at once by the avowal in the preface that the author is " a working man ; " for who does not gladly welcome everything from the pens of working men of pure spirit, as we hope to find in their deliverances something fresh — fresh in the way of putting things, if not absolutely fresh in matter ? And we are not dis- appointed as we skim the pages of this new book on bees, for it abounds in fresh and vigorous writing ; and we see in every page abundant tokens that the author is not only one of those "qui se passionent pour les abeilles," but that in all that re- lates to tln-ir practical management he is thoroughly well in- formed. Working men will do well to follow him here as a safe guide. Nevertheless there are some grave faults in this book, and, as might be expected, just where the author has travelled out of the beaten track of his own expeiience. In his chapter on the natural history of bees there are errors of fact ; as, for instance, where he says that if young queens " are not mated before they are ten or twelve days old they are worthless for bleeding purposes." Again, the egg-laying of young queens really begins almost always on the second day after the success- ful wedding flight, although Mr. Pettigrew tells us it does not commence till after "six or ten days" from impregnation. Once more, at page 8, he states as a credible fact that working bees "help the queen to distribute and deposit the eggs in their cells." We have seen bees eat the eggs when laid by a queen bee along the edges of cells at a time when honey super- abounded, and there were no empty cells suitable for her pur- pose, but never saw them carry them off and distribute them, and we require something more than assumption ere we admit so remarkable a statement as fact. To " the sexes of eggs," which, by the way, is a very curious and interesting subject, Sir. Pettigrew devotes about fifteen pages, in which he favours us with a correspondence that passed last autumn between himself and our Euglish Huber, Mr. Woodbury, on the subject. The sum of it is, that while Mr. Woodbury negatives the idea promulgated by Mr. Pettigrew (not now for the first time), that bees' eggs are all of one gender when deposited in the cells, and proves his negation by an appeal to facts, our author reiterates his assertion, but without proof, beyond what may be implied in the vague formula, " I was informed," or in the still more unsatisfactory suggestion of possible experiments. It is, moreover, not a little singular that these very experiments have been anticipated and fully carried out by his supposed ally, Mr. Quinby, who records the fact that they have resulted in the complete refutation of the ideas promulgated by Mr. Pettigrew. It is true he backs up his opinion by quotations from the book of Mr. Quinby, an American authorof some repute; but whatever may have been Mr. Quinby's opinions some years back, he has certainly changed or modified them Bince, because his last edition, published in 18G6, altogether omits a good JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 21, 1871). deal of matter which Mr. Pettigrew quotes in support of his theory from a former edition of the American work : not only so, Mr. Quinby pointedly modifies his original views by recasting the concluding paragraph on the subject in such a manner that he may be said in fact virtually to have recanted them. The truth is that it has been abundantly demonstrated that bees' eggs when deposited in the cells are of two kinds, fecundated and unfecundated — that the former invariably batch into fe- males, either perfect or imperfect — i.e., queens or workers, and the latter into males ; that all eggs are alike imperfect when they first leave the ovaries of the queen, but that in the case of those eggs which are destined to hatch into female bees, whether they are developed into queens or not, they become fecundated as they pass from a fertilised queen. The perfect mother-bee, however, has alone this power of fecundating eggs, which, indeed, she seems to exercise at will. We observe that Mr. Pettigrew gives scant praise to the now fashionable Ligurian or Italian Alp bee. He allows it but one merit, that of beauty, from which, however, he detracts by, let ns say, odious comparison with that of the wasp. Herein he differs from the general opinion which prevails among bee- keepers who have really given the Apis ligustica a fair trial. Mr. Quinby is quite as warm in his admiration of its superior qualities as any of his brother bee-keepers, German, English, or American, who in this respect follow the high authority of dear old Virgil, himself a practised bee-keeper. We will venture to say that Mr. Pettigrew knows nothing by full personal experience of this charming and useful bee. A singular statement occurs at page 47, where Mr. Pettigrew asserts that bees " carry home as much haney as possible during the day, and that during the night they re-swallow it, when it undergoes a thickening process, and thus becomes honey proper." Is this more than a fanciful theory assumed to be fact » We have thus criticised a portion of Mr. Pettigrew's book, not in an unfriendly spirit, but in the interests of science, which will admit nothing as fact which has not been satis- factorily proven by patient investigation and repeated ex- periment. A further notice shall be given upon the second part of the work, which deals with the practical management of the apiary. — B. &W. (To be continued.) Bees in California— Some of the fruit- growers of California are unjustly very angry with the bees, which they believe de- stroy their grapes and ripe fruit. These insects, like everything else in this wonderful country, have increased marvellously, and afford a striking instance of the enormous powers of reproduction in animal life when introduced into a genial climate. It is said, and I believe with truth, that before 1853 not a honey bee ever crossed the Sierras to the Pacific Slope. In that year the first hive was introduced, and the bees multiplied so rapidly that bee-producing soon ceased to pay. The insects took flight to the mountains and forests, and now the Mexican hunter and the digger Indian can gather their wax and honey for nothing. Bee-culture is mostly con- ducted in the ordinary rough way, and I could obtain no good information about the products. One man told me that from a new hive he reckoned he took 30 or 40 lbs. of honey, but that his bees swarmed so often that he had given up looking after them. One hive threw off eight or ten swarms every year, and as he had no room or time to bestow on them he let them go.— (Correspondent of Exeter Gazette.) OUR LETTER BOX. Anonymous Correspondents [P .C.).— We know a very great majority of our correspondents ; and one chief reason for not signing their rea'l names is that when they do they are liable to be pestered by private communications. Barnstaple Prize List (H. Lemortliy).— There cannot be two opinions on this list. It ib very imperfect— only one class for Cochins; Malays are not Indian Game ; French varieties all in one class ; Polands, any variety ; Ducks, Rouen and Ayle9bury Ln one clasB, are such mixtures that no judge could do justice to exhibitors. Brahma Cock Lame (Lame Brahma).— As we do not know the amount of injury, nor where it is, we cannot give an opinion aB to the probability of recovery. Keep him by himself without any roost, and out of sight of all companions. Black Spanish with Face Diseased (W. .¥.).— Purge with castor oil ; follow it np with Baily's and camphor pillB. Wash his face with vinegar and water, and feed entirely on meal and green food till he has recovered. Crossing Brahmab (Forest Bill).— Your friend should be put " in durance vile " before he makes such a blunder as crossing Brahmas with Spanish. Wc dislike all crosses, but if there is a cross to which we par- ticularly object it is one between sitters and non-sitters. It destroys the good qualities of both. Keep the Brahmas pure. Non-flyino Fowls (E. O. M.).— Ciesar and Pompey are very mncb alike. If the Spanish fly over so will the Houdans. They are sure to prefer the garden because they should not go there. Men and fowls are perverse. A very celebrated "Blue-nose " was asked if be had any idea why his forefathers originallv camp into North America. He said he had no doubt because "they were wanted in England." Just so, if it were possible to make fowls understand, and you could explain to them they were wished to go into the garden, then they would go the other way. Brahmas or Cochins will suit you — no others. Eogs Tasting Musty (J. S. IF.).— Your fowls must get at something that giveB the flavour to the egg. Nothing is more easily influenced in taste than an egg. If anyone would try it for experiment's sake, let them feed a fowl on garlic, and the eggs will taste of it ; onions the same, malt duet the same. The only answer wo can therefore give is, that the taste is from without and not from within. Overfatness and its CONSEQUENCES (H. J. H.).— Your Game Bantam pullet which has occasionally laid during this last month, and has twice lately been found lying down, apparently having lost all use of her legs, and moving abont on her wings spread out, and gasping, but after a few hours seemed as well as ever, getting up and cackling, and each time laying a soft fall-eized egg. is suffering from an inflamed egg-passage, the consequence of overfatness. Give her no corn nor any other hard food, but meal and boiled potatoes, and lettuce leaves. Mr. Hotsh (W. A. A'.).— He died in 1850. AU the queries you put have been discussed in former volumes of our Journal. Queen's Supposed Death (G. £.).— Blow a few whiffs of smoke under the edges of the hive all round during the middle of a tine day, and then boldly turn it up and examine it. If when the bees are dispersed from the combs by a few more puffs of smoke no brood ia visible, the hive is probably qneenless, and its inhabitants should be expelled by driving and united to the next stock. Neighbocr's Hive Untenanted (J. E. E.).— We do not think it posBible to tenant your unoccupied Neighbour's hives and obtain glasses of honey from them by June. We should advise you to have patience and stock them with swarms in the usual way. Bees all Dead ID. Stewart).— Your bees probably died owing to the protracted winter, or they may have dwindled away from the death of their queen. We have ourselves lost one stock under very similar cir- cumstances, and, indeed, never expect to be entirely exempt from oc- casional casualties of this kind. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— April 20. We are unable to report a continuance of the improvement we noticed a fortnight ago, the trade generally having fallen off. Large arrivals of foreign goods have had much influence in their particular department. Old Potatoes of choice quality are still in request, notwithstanding the importations of the new from Malta, the West Indies, Lisbon, and Prance, are now assuming a large bulk ; prices varying from 2d. to 4 Endive doz. Fennel bunch Garlic lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish .... bundle 0 0 0 0 .00 00 Leeks bunch Lettuce doz. Mushrooms pottle Mustard & Cress. . punnet Onions bushel pickling quart Peas quart Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Radishes .. doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle Savoys. „ doz. Sea-kale . Shallots lb. Spinach bushel basket 2 0 SO Vegetable Marrows.. doz. 0 0 0 0 POULTRY MARKET.— Aprh. JO. Large Fowls 4 0 to 4 Smaller ditto 8 6 4 Chickens 2 6 S Goslings 6 6 7 Turkeys 0 0 0 Ducklings S 6 4 Guinea Fowls 2 Pigeons 0 Hares , 0 Rabbits 1 Wild ditto 0 April 28 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Day Bain in Sun Sun Moon Moon Moon's Clock Sun. Day of Year. of Month of Week. APRIL 28— MAY 4, 1870. ! tore near London. 43 yeaia. Rises. Sets. Rises. SetB. Age. m. h. m. h. in. h. m. h. Davs. m. b. Th Royal Botanic Society's Show closes. 60 8 85.7 48.2 18 41af4 16 af 7 25 af 4 46 af 4 27 29 F Anniversary Meeting of Zoological Society, 61.5 ll p.m. 61.0 37.5 39.1 49.0 50.1 15 17 87 4 17 7 19 7 43 4 2 5 55 6 • 2 65 120 2 StTNDAT AFTER EASTER. 61.4 39.2 5D.S 16 35 4 21 7 22 5 1 8 1 S M Meeting of Entomological Society, 7 p.m. 62.7 62.4 89.1 42.2 50 9 52.3 15 20 33 4 81 4 28 7 24 7 14 6 10 10 3 3 17 123 4 W Royal Horticultural Society, Fruit, Floral, 62.4 38.5 505 16 29 4 26 7 48 6 9 11 4 3 23 [and General Meeting From observations taken near London daring the last forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week s 61 6° ; and its night temperature 38.7°. The greatest heat was 81', on the 2jth, 1840; and the lowest cold 18°, on the 29th, 1861. The greatest fall ol rain was 0.75 inch. BEDDING PELARGONIUMS. ONTINUING my remarks on bedding Pelar- goniums (see page 27;-!), I will begin with the darker kinds, as Waltham Seedling, Inter- national, Eclat, Le Grand, Bayard, and Black Dwarf. Of these Waltham Seedling is to my mind still the best, and quite a type of what a bed- ding Pelargonium ought to be. It is dwarf, of free habit, has a large truss, with a stiff footstalk, and throws its dark crimson flowers well above the foliage. I do not like any Pelargonium that grows coarse with good treatment, and my own expe- rience is much in favour of dwarf Nosegays, which will stand good soil. It is certainly a mistake to have to starve a plant into flowering, and much as I admire as pot plants many of the Zonal Pelargoniums, for instance, Clipper, Dr. Lindley, William Underwood, Rival, and that much- overrated one Lord Derby, yet, in spite of incurring the censure of florists, I do not think they are so good for bedding purposes as the Nosegays ; and I venture to pre- dict the time will come, now that the breed of Nosegays is so much improved, that very few of the true Zonals will be used as bedders. Le Grand is very good, with a fine truss, but inclined to be too strong a grower. Eclat has a still liner truss than Le Grand, and International is of a very fine distinct colour, but, I think, will not be so free a bloomer as either of the above ; but I have not given Eclat and International a sufficient trial. Bayard I have received from Mr. Pearson, and I have a good stock of it this year, but I question whether it is so good as Waltham Seedling, as the truss is not so large, though it is a rich crimson, and a free bloomer. Another very promising variety which I have for trial this year is R. K. Bowley ; it has certainly in a pot one of the finest trusses and the most vivid crimson colour I have yet seen, and, I believe, has received a first-class certificate from the Royal Horticultural Society. Next comes the Scarlet section, as Cybister, Lady Con stance Grosvenor, Multiilorum, &c. I discard, to begin with, all the Zonal Scarlets, as Clip- per, Dr. Lindley, &c , as having too upright a habit, and hardly ever branching, unless they are constantly pinched back ; besides which I have never seen any that would equally well stand both dry weather and wet weather. I still think Cybister, though rather too coarse a grower, one of the very best, as it always blooms freely in proportion to its growth, and though in some places it may grow too tall, it never looks all leaf as Punch and others of that class. Lady Constance Grosvenor has beautiful foliage and habit, but it is a late bloomer, and the flower-stalks are not strong enough, so that the flowers are apt to straggle about the bed, much the same as with Black Dwarf. Multiflorum is a great favourite of mine, dwarf, with a branching habit, and very free-blooming ; the truss is not, however, quite large enough, though the individual blooms being so fine help to make up for this. No. 171.— Vol.. XVIII, New Susies The next section includes such as Lord Palmerston, Duchess of Sutherland, Mrs. Laing, Godfrey, Grand Duke, &c. Of these I am afraid Lord Palmerston has had its day ; for though a very fine free bloomer, still its footstalk is too slender, and the heads of bloom are apt to be dashed about with rain, and look badly in wet weather. Duchess of Sutherland is a free-blooming sort, of a soft pleasing shade of colour more nearly approaching cerise, but not quite stiff enough in the footstalk. Godfrey lias more orange in the flower than the above, with a very fine truss, is a free bloomer, and, I think, promises exceedingly well. I see it is one of those which are reported favourably of at Chiswick, without actually getting a first class certificate, Mrs. Lane approaches more to a true red, much like King of the Nosegays, and both of them are worthy of further trial, but I had not quite enough of them last year to decide upon their merits. Grand Duke is one of the finest and most promising of the large- flowered Nosegays, with one of the largest trusses I have ever yet seen, and well thrown up above the foliage. It may prove too strong a grower, but the truss is so fine that it will always, I think, have sufficient bloom, but I had not enough of it last year to make a separate bed of it. Among the Bed Zonals which I bedded last year were William Underwood, Miss Martin, Herald of Spring, and Roi d'ltalie. Of these William Underwood, one of the seedlings of Mr. Pearson, of Chilwell, was the best, and at one time made a very good bed indeed, but as the season advanced it became too leggy and upright ; still, I can strongly re- commend it to anyone who has light soil. Roi d'ltalie has a very fine individual flower and a dwarf habit, but the truss is not large enough. Miss Martin does not stand dry weather, and grows too coarse in wet. The same may be said of Herald of Spring; in fact, as I have before stated, though I have tried a great many Zonals, I have never found one that came fully up to my standard of perfection as a bedder. The next section I come to are the Nosegays of the cerise and violet cerise shades, as Amy Hogg, Violet Hill, &c. By far the best of them, and the best bedder I have yet seen in any section, is Violet Hill. It is of very dwarf, spreading, and short jointed habit, has large compact trusses, and is very free blooming ; it requires only good soil and good treatment, when it will well repay all trouble. It is so dwarf and short-jointed that it is difficult to obtain a stock of it, and it is not, consequently, a favourite among nurserymen, so that it has hardly found a place in many catalogues ; in fact, though I have now tried it for four years, I have had so many demands for cuttings that I have not more than eighty or ninety plants of it, and have saved every old plant. I put it out in full bloom in May last year, and it continued in flower till the winter frosts compelled me to take it up out of the ground. At the time of our annual flower show (July 27th). it was re- marked by every gardener who saw it, and by many who asked me for the name of it, but they have been since No. 1126,-Vol. XLIII., Old Series. 302 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 28, 1870. disappointed in not being able to get from the nurserymen as many plants as they wanted. Next comes Amy Hogg, a very free bloomer and of good habit, bnt rather too leggy in the footstalk. Dr. Hogg is, in my opinion, an improvement on the former, with more of a violet shade, and one of the most lovely flowers to look at individually I have ever seen. I am almost afraid, however, it will prove too strong a grower in many places. Indian Yellow, also a seedling of Mr. Beaton's, will como next, though not strictly belonging to this section ; it has a peculiar shade of colour blended with the cerise, and the name Indian Yellow is rather apt to mislead, except with those who call the darker chrome yellow No. 3 Indian yellow; but there is not really so much yellow in the flower as in the Orange section. It is a very valuable bedder, as being a very free bloomer, with a good habit, and offering a very distinct colour in a bed. I will take the Orange section next. I have tried several, bnt like Orange Nosegay best, though it is too small a truss, and too strong a grower. I have a promising kind to try this year, called Grace Holmes, which seems dwarf and free-bloom- ing, and I hope to be able to report favourably of it another year. The Rose section cornea next, with Rose Rendatler, Rose Perfection, Blue Bell, Ne Plus Ultra, &c. Of these, Rose Rendatler has hitherto proved far the best ; it is rather upright in its habit, but if carefully pinched-in before bedding-out, its trusses of bloom are so fine and of such long continuance, that I know nothing to equal it yet in this colour. Blue Bell (another misnomer), has, in my opinion, too coarse foliage, but otherwise is good. Christine Nosegay I have not sufficiently tried. Rose Perfection did not answer the expectations I had formed of it, but the colour of the flower is so good that I shall give a further trial this year. Ne Plus Ultra is alBo promising, but I had not enough of it to bed it last year. Although I have now tried several salmon-coloured varieties, I have never yet found one which altogether satisfied me; and the same may be said of what the Royal Horticultural Society's report calls oeulate Zonals, of the type of Madame Werle, Francois Desbois, &c. The only one of this section which may prove good is Gloire de Corbenay ; but I have hitherto found none th».c would stand both sun and rain. Madame Voucher is still as good as any of the white sorts, but we are very much in want of a better, and a good white- edged variegated kind supplies the want in a great measure. To sum up, then, I think the best bedders we have at present are — Waltham Seedling, Le Grand, Eclat, C.v bister, Multi- florum, Violet Hill, Grand Duke, Dr. Hogg, Indian Yellow, Rose Rendatler, Robert K. Bowley, Masterpiece, and Godfrey. The last three I have not yet tried except in pots, but am very confident of their succeeding. — C. P. Peach. THE FIG AND ITS CULTURE— No. 5. Soils. — Somewhat in relation to this, we bave one very note- worthy fact, which has repeatedly been observed — namely, that the Fig has been found to succeed best in districts bordering on the sea, whether the plants have been grown in houses or in the open air. All along the southern coast of England the Fig succeeds most admirably ; this may be parlly owing to the genial, humid atmosphere on ihe sea ooast, or a little, perhaps, to the sea air, as in the north of Scotland the Fig also succeeds near the sea, whilst in inland districts farther south it is much more difficult to cultivate. The same fact ha3 been noted of the Fig in France and other countries, with but few exceptions. What, then, it is worthy to inquire, are the natural conditions of these districts which seem so favourable for the growth of the Fig? A moderate yet warm temperature, a humid atmo- sphere, sea air, and a calcareous soil. In almost every instance ■where the Fig has been found to succeed well the soil is chufly calcareous and shallow, retting very frequently on the chalk, or on any gravelly subsoil. These, then, are the conditions which we must provide and secure to command success. If a calcareous soil cannot be had naturally, the soil must be made to assume Ihe same conditions by mixing it with chalk, lime- rubbish, and materials of that kind, the chalky particles'aoting not merely as simple earthy ingredients, |but tending to give it greater porosity. To two-thirds of ordinary yellow loam, add one-third of chalk, with some burnt ashes. Trees in pots, which are more confined in their energies, require a soil some- what richer ; for them, therefore, add a good portion of rotten manure. Preparation of tee Border, &c. — Trees planted-out, espe- cially those in the open border, should have the space allotted to their roots, as well as the quantity of soil, very limited in extent, bo as to check their natural tendency to exuberant growth, and a production of gross and unfruitful shoots. The soil should therefore be excavated to the depth of about 21 feet, and then from 9 to 12 inches filled up with brick rubble for drainage ; over this put a layer of chalk of about 3 inches, and fill up wilh the remainder with the soil recom- mended. The border for trees on trellises or against walls need not be made more than from 4 to 6 feet in width, unless it is intended for the trees to attain a very large size. The roots should be prevented from extending further by a solid brick wall in front. For bush, standard, or ordinary-sized trees planted out, a square yard of Boil about 15 or 18 inches deep will be quite ample for a good-sized plant. Root-pruning. — Another mode of repressing the excessive vigour of the Fig and inducing fruitfulness, is root-pruning. This is rendered necessary at times, and is beneficial also when, if the soil happens to be rich, and the roots have liberty, the trees are growing too luxuriantly. The plants may be taken up out of the soil, the roots shortened or cut quite closely back, and then replanted in the same soil. This thould be done as soon after the fall of the leaf as possible, as if delayed until late in spring it is apt to endanger the first crop of fruit. With small bush trees, &c, planted out, it is recommendable to sub- ject them to this treatment regularly every season. Some may require much pruning, others very little. The condition of all, however, is thus seen and known, and the cultivator is enabled to treat them accordingly. With large trees which are in a fruitful state, this root-pruning is not necessary ; but with unfruitful rampant-growing trees of whatever age or size, it is, perhaps, the most efficacious mode of bringing them into a fruiting condition. It is wonderful how much it improves them, causing the production of short, stubby, fruitful wood. It is a practice, therefore, to be highly recommended. Potting. — The young plants or cuttings (as explained at page 107) are first potted-cff into 3-inch pots, the soil then used being rather light, after which, when the roots have pretty well reached the sides of the pot, they should be potted into what are called 48's, or pots 5 inches in diameter, the soil used being that recommended for the tree's general culture. The pots should have a liberal supply of drainage ; pieces of broken pots are the best, and they should alwajs be clean and pure, not dirty, as frequently is the case, and in goodly-sized pieces. A little extra atrention to these comparatively small matters wrll tend to greater success in the pot cultivation of all sorts of plants. By the end of the first season the plants will have become tolerably well established in the above-sized pots. Some may bave required a third potting. If it is intended to secure large plants speedily, they may be shifted into larger pots as soon as it is found that the roots have freely penetrated through the soil, othernise it will not be required. Fruit being the object, a little cramping at the roots is most conducive to that end, excess of pot room tending more to the production of wood. As soon after the fall of the leaf as possible, the plants should have all the loose soil shaken from the roots, the roots slightly shortened, and should be shifted into pots just a size larger ; then during the succeeding summer if the plants seem to re- quire it, they may receive another shift. After the fall of the leaf the same practice in shaking out the soil, trimming the roots, and repotting, has to be again performed, and so on year after year, or at least until the plants occupy as large a pot as it is intended they should. Fig trees will produce fruit in very small pots, and they are then much more interesting and more easily managed than when in large oues. We should endeavour, therefore, to retain them as long as possible in the smallest pots we can. Many of the plants may not every season require a larger shift: ; these should therefore simply be turned out, the ball of roots and soil reduced, and be repotted in the same-sized pot. I do not recommend the use of large-sized pots for any fruit tree, as they are uot only very unmanageable, but they take up much space, are unsightly, and not in any way advantageous. For Figs, the largest size I would recommend is the 14-inoh — that is, 14 inches in diameter. The most desirable size, however, is the 12-inch. I have found almost as much fruit can be grown in pots of that size as in larger pots, and they are much more convenient. Plants in the largest-sized pots may, if in good condition, instead of being repotted, have the surface soil picked off as far dewn as possible — half-way down the pot — with April 28, 1870 ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 303 & great portion of the roots as well, and the space filled np with fresh soil. Every second or third year, however, they should be turned out of the pots completely, the ball and roots reduced two-thirds, and again repotted. In this way the same plants will for many years produce fruit in abundance in the same- sized pot without increasing much in size. — A. B. C. MESEMBRYANTHEMUMS FOR BEDDING-OUT. Although for many j-ears I have devoted much attention and time to the embellishment of my flower garden, and some seasons almost exhausted my exchequer through upending large sums in procuring all the novelties among the Zonal and other varieties of Pelargoniums whiob have been so strenuously re- commended, yet it never occurred to me, although acquainted with the family of Mesembryauthemnms, to use a selection of the most free-flowering and showy species, such as those of which I send you the names. I saw these bedded-out in the flower-garden part of a small nursery ground, of which I do not now recollect the name, but adjoining the station of the London, Chatham, and Dover Railway at Penge ; and excellent was the effect in the way of a gaudy display, although at the advanced end of the season — namely, the first week in November, and at a time when all my Zonal", &c, were destroyed. These Mesembryanthemums were certainly most tastefully arranged, producing an effect such as I am confident no other family of plants could furnish at so late a season, nor, indeed, during the most favourable part of the summer. The species were as follows, all planted in long rows in a bed : — Cnrvi- florum, pure white; coccineum major, spectabile, conspicuum, formosum, inclaudens, diversifoliam, glaucnm, glomeratum, aureum majus, a splendid large golden flower, and hispidum, and there were many others equally abundant and perpetual in their habit of flowering with those I have enumerated. — R. Claiske, Chialekunt. beoome an ardent believer in orchard houses. At all events, he ought to try them with the trees planted out ere he makes nse of such sweeping accusations against orchard hawses. — J. H. Davis, Hasehcood, Upper Norwood. ORCHARD HOUSES. I have been much interested in reading the late discussion about orchard houses and their tenants, and venture to add a few plain facta in favour of such structures, as, taking them in all points, they are, when built with the means of applying heat, most useful houses. I think, however, that as a rule, the trees should be planted out ; of course, in those places where labour is abundant and watering no object the pot- system has the advantage of perfect control of the roots ; but, generally speaking, gardeners in spring have as much as they can possibly do, and the having a large orchard house to attend to, with the trees in pots, is a large addition to their labour, and once neglect them and a season is lost. I speak feelingly, having a vivid remembrance of a large orchard house in Staffordshire, a beautiful building, but the trees all in pots, and the watering twice a-day was something tremendous, and the amount of fruit not at all in proportion to the amount of labour. My house here is quite small, a span- roof 25 feet square, with about three dozen trees in it, all planted out, and at present it is quite a picture. The trees — Peaches, Nectarines, and a few Apricots — are all in the most robust health and literally covered with fruit ; in addition to this, having seven Vines on the roof, I shall have a good quantity of really first-rate Grapes. Peaches last year measured 10i and some 10} inohes round, and Nectarines 8-! inches to 9{ inches, and the trees carried a full crop, thank3 to having means to heat the house during the cold sunless weather we had last spring. In fact, nine seasons out of ten an orchard house is almost a certain snccess if unheated, and with the means of heating a gardener is decidedly not clever if he ever fails, let the weather be what it may, accidents of course excepted. With the trees planted out, there is no more attention requisite in watering than in a vinery. I give my house liquid manure pretty freely, and look upon the syringe as the most efficient aid in maintaining perfect health and cleanliness. One remark of " T. F." is certainly original. He says, " Let us down with such tortare and cruelty, and study the nature and habits of the plants we try to cultivate," See-, and yet his trees are enjoying a good wall and wire trellis — rather queer things to be found in nature ! Standards and bushes are far more natural, and decidedly more profitable. If " T. P." resides in this locality I shall be glad to show him my house, and have no doubt he would be converted and SOIL FOR STRAWBERRIES. The soil on which I have found Strawberries succeed; best and produce the best crops is a substantial black lonm ; in such, if prepared in the usual way, and a fair portion, of ma- nure added, they will produce good crops for four years. Here, last year, we gathered from part of the varieties cultivated, berries 4 ozs. in weight, and the crop was abundant. The plants were constantly attended to with water from the time that the fruit had set until it was becoming ripe. We never cut off the leaves in autumn, but remove all the summer's growths from the sides of the rows, and then hoe and rake the space between. A year ago I planted a new quarter, and the plants are now in splendid condition ; I also had a crop of magnificent Onions between the rows of Strawberries, for the soil is well adapted for both Strawberries and Onions. I can readily understand the cause of failure where people have to cultivate a light poor soil, for, with the best of skill on the part of the gardener, Strawberries can never produce, well. They Bhould be removed every three years, and when preparing the ground it should have a large allowance of manure from the cowhouse. In planting, the plants should be made very secure in the ground, all runners Bhould be cut off, and if the weather be dry supply water constantly as above stated. — James Reid. TREES AND SHRUBS versus HARES A^D RABBITS. Wheke hares and rabbits are numerous and can gain access to pleasure grounds and plantations, the patience of the planter is tried to the utmost. He plants trees and shrubs suitable to the soil, situation, and the object in view, takes care that the ground is properly prepared, that the planting is performed at a favourable time, and pictures to himself the yearly progress j but whether the object be shelter or orna- mental effect, his anticipations are cut short by these four- footed invaders. That hares and rabbits are fond of some things and dislike others, is only what may be expected ; but that they bark trees and cut off the tops of the young and tender snoots from no liking that they have for them for iood, is like saying that rabbits make burrows to play in, and not for shelter and safety. Every thing and every creature are for a purpose, and work, insignificantly though it may be, in some way for the good of man. I may be asked, What good are rabbits and hares ? With regard to rabbits I have no answer to give, except that they are good for food. In some uncul- tivable parts of our island they may be kept with profit. There are thousands of acres not yielding anything, that might be made profitable ; for on our highest hills, and where Brake, Heath, and Gorse, the rock and crag are, there the rabbit would multiply, and would tend to diminish the price of beef and mutton. To defend the keeping of rabbits in highly cul- tivated districts I know is absurd. The sportsman cares little or nothing for them, and most landowners are a3 anxious as the tenants to have them destroyed ; but not, as some would like, by anybody, for they well know that under pretext of killing rabbits tbe gun is levelled at, and the snare, net, and trap set for nobler game. Rabbits are far more destructive than hares to trees by peeling off the bark, and are far more difficult to scare or keep from what they take a liking to. Hares not only do not com- mit so much damage as rabbits, but are also more shy; but though they do not attack the bark to such an extent as rabbits, they are very destructive to it, as well as to the tops of young trees, and the young shoots of Bhrubs. Where hares and rabbits are numerous it is not a question of what is most suitable for planting, but what will stand a fair chance of escaping their attacks. There are trees and shrubs which they are very fond of and in ordinary v, iaters eat to the quick, some which they do not attack except in very severe winters, and others which they do not touch under any circumstances. Much valuable information has already been given on the subject in the pages of this Journal, but I think it worthy of greater attention than it has hitherto received, and I shall be glad of the experience of others. It cannot be ex- 304 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 28, 1870. pected but that the evidence or facts mast vary considerably, for harea and rabbits may be partial in one spot to some- thing which they may not attack in another from there finding preferable food ; therefore, I think it desirable that each corre- spondent in giving his experience should state— 1st, What trees and shrubs are most liable to their attacks ; 2od, Those they do not interfere with, except in very severe winters ; 3rd, Those not interfered with in any way. Before entering further into the subject, I should like to make a few remarks on the size of the trees, which has a great effect, for it is when theBe are young and tender that they suffer. Take, lor instance, a Spruce 18 inches high or leas; every growing point is out off, whilst one 2 feet high or more may escape, as the main stem of the Spruce is seldom interfered with ; and the like remarks apply to the Scotch Fir. Not so, however, with the Larch; hares cutoff the tops tbey can reach, and rabbits bark the sterna, if the tops are ont of reach ; both will bark Lime trees of considerable size. Deciduous trees, when planted, are generally so tall that their tops are beyond the reach of rabbits and hares, but many evergreens or nurslings are planted when so small that rabbits can attack the leaders. These matters require consideration, for it may be laid down as a rule that the older trees and shrubs are, the less liable they will be to suffer, for when the bark becomes scaly, rabbits and hares do not care for peeling it off. What they want are the young bark and the tender shoots. — G. Abbey. (To be continued.) CHARCOAL REFUSE. Most charcoal dealers dispose of the small refase charcoal at a rather cheap rate, but not so cheaply as most people can make it for themselves. The mere dust is best used for seed- covering and in propagating. When used to lighten or keep the soil open out of doors, in a bed of Cucumbers, or for pot plants for the window or the greenhouse, the mere du6t should be excluded, and only the little bits of charcoal used, say from the size of a pea to that of a bean or a walnnt. Years ago I used charred wood rather largely, but different reasons operated for a time to keep me short of it, and I know with no beneficial result. I will therefore return to the old custom as much as I can. It ia easy to burn a heap of twigs and rubbish to ashes, but these ashes for general purposes will not be so useful a3 if tbey had been nictly charred. In back volumes the whole process and principles of charring have been referred to ; and as re- spects large pieces of wood, or even strong faggot wood, I could not improve on the modes recommended ; but though, when charting large wood I was perfectly satitfied, I was not equally satisfied with charriDg twigs and small wood — that which is most roadily obtained for general garden purposes. I used to make rather large heaps, cover them carefully, and take other precautions, but the result too often was that I had more ashes and less charred wood than I expected. If I have led many of your readerB into a mistake in this direction, the only apology I can make is frankly to state that at the time I knew no better way. Now, unless when I wish to pass the fire through a lot of bad weeds, or a lot of clay and effete soil, so as to make it almost as valuable for mixing with heavy soil as a dressing of lime and sand, for all small wood, prunings, clearings, &c. — say from the size of a wheat straw up to that of the little finger or thumb — which I wish to char, I have given up all idea of large heaps, covering them, watch- ing them, &C. When I now want from a bushel to several barrowloads of small well-oharred wood for potting and general purposes, I have it, if I can obtain the material, in the oourse of an hour or two. The plan is best carried out when the wood or twigs are sorted a little as respects size. It is as well when wood from the thickness of a straw to that of the little finger goes together, and when that from the thickness of the littlo finger to the size of the thumb also goes together. Now, to obtain as much charred mateiial as possible in little tim« these precautions are necessary :— The heap should not be large — say from one to five or six barrowloads, then a little dry straw ahouli be placed in the middle to light it, and before the fire is applied a layer of damp litter, dung, tree leaves, or vegetable refuse ought to be thrown over it when the fire has taken hold. According to the size of the wood, from mere twigs up to common faggot stuff, from half an hour to an hour and more will be sufficient to char the wood through, and yet little will be burned to ashes. When a little is drawn out and found Jo bo charred, water is thrown over the heap, covering and all. When the steam has passed off the covering is laid aside, and more water given to prevent further burning. For particular purposes, when it becomes cool, the charcoal is sifted so as to separate the larger pieces from the mere dust. By catching it at once, I have several times from a heap of very small wood had scaroely a peck of black ash or duBt, to three or four barrowloads of good, useful, charred Btuff. If at any time, owing to a want of poorer stuff, I could com- mand from one to a dozen common-sized faggots, where the wood would range from a quarter of an inch to 1{ inch in diameter, I Bhould never be long withont useful charred ma- terial, if I had a little damp litter, long grass, or weeds to cover it with. Such clean charred stuff is one of the best moderators and regulators of soil, rendering a person nearly independent of many of the materials, suoh as heath soil, which in some places it is almost impossible to obtain. After trying many plans I have found no mode so successful for turning out Buch a quantity of charcoal and with so little trouble as the above. I recommend it, therefore, to the con- sideration of your readers, and I shall be greatly obliged if any correspondent will point out a better and more economical mode of obtaining a greater quantity of charcoal more easily from small wood, prunings, faggots, ire. I certainly would prefer prunings of hardwooded to those of softwooded trees, or of the Pine and resinous trees ; or rather I would have greatly preferred them in times gone by. I believe that the action of the fire exercises an ameliorating in- fluence. I have used the charred twigs of Larch and various Pinuses, the Scotch Fir among them, for some rather tender plants, and the roots seemed to luxuiiate among them. This season I charred a lot of Laurel prunings, after most of the leaves had dropped, but whether the hydrocyanic acid was de- composed or not, I never saw healthier roots of Scarlet Pelar- goniums than where a lot of Buch charred refuse was used to lighten and regulate the soil. In such a matter, however, I should be very glad to find my own experience confirmed, or the contrary experience stated. At present I am inclined to believe, and m*ke known my belief for the benefit of others, that charred material from any wood is better than none. If we are to be abut out from road drift and road sides, and may as well think of pulling a star from the sky as being allowed to revel in the top spit of a park or pasture land, we shall be forced every day to make the very mo it of what we can get, or manufacture at home. — R F. COTTAGERS' HORTICULTURAL, SHOWS. (Concluded from page 293.) In general it will be found that cottagers are by no means unwilling to exhibit when encouraged to do so. In a small parish, where I had the pleasing duty of acting for some years as secretary to a show, supported by the principal landowner of the place, we had usually between three hundred and four hundred entries from fifty or sixty exhibitors, being, with very few exceptions, something from every one eligible. The prizes announced in the schedule were supplemented by a liberal number of extra prizes at the discretion of the judges, so that comparatively few retired from the show without a prize of some kind, and many with a great number. The garden and premises generally of every exhibitor, and of some who were not exhibitors, were also looked over, and prizes given to the meritorious in the form described in the following schedule, copies of which were distributed beforehand in the neighbourhood. COTTAGERS' HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY AND SHOW, For the Cottagers and Allotment Tenantry of to be Held , 1870, when Prizes will under — viz., s. rf. «. d. s. d. For the best-managed garden of large size ..100 76 5 0 F'or the best-managed garden of smaller size 7 6 5 0 3 6 For the best-managed allotment garden 7 6 5 0 3 6 In awarding the above, attention will be paid to the quantity and variety of useful produce in proportion to the size of the garden, the preparation for the ensuing year, the state of the fences and piggeries, and the cleanliness and neatness of the cottages and premises gene- rally, as well as the cultivation of fruits, flowers, creepers, and window plants. RULES OF THE HORTICULTURAL SHOW. 1. All exhibitors must reside in parish, or have been at least one vear employed by a patron of this Society. 2.' No person to exhibit any production which is not the growth of Parish be given as April 28, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 305 his own garden, and any one breaking this rule will be disqualified from taking a prize, and will not be allowed to exhibit in future. 3. All exhibitors mutt give notice to the Secretary some time the day before the Show, of the nnmber of articles they intend to exhibit. 4. All productions to be on the table by nine o'clock on the morning of the Show, and the ground to be cleared by ten o'clock, after which hour no one will be allowed to remain but those officially engaged. 5. The Show will be open to the parishioners of generally at o'clock. I!. Nothing to be removed from the table without permission from the Managers of the Show. 7. State some local arrangement. SCHEDULE OF PRIZES. VEGETABLES. sjfd. For the beet basket of Vegetables a 0 5 0 BO 6 Kidnev Potatoes 1 0 2 6 6 Round ditto * 0 2 6 60nions 3 0 3 0 GCarrots S 0 2 0 OParsnips 3 0 3 0 CTuraips S 0 2 0 3 Cauliflowers 3 0 2 0 8 Lettuces 3 0 2 0 12 Pods Broad Beans 3 0 2 0 25 „ French B-ans 3 0 2 0 25 „ Scarlet Runners 3 0 2 0 25 Pea 3 0 2 0 i StalkB Rhubarb 2 0 10 Collection of Herbs 4 0 2 6 16 For the best Specimen in Comb 5 0 2 6 FRUITS. For the beBt Collection ot Fruits 5 0 3 0 2 0 „ 6 Applet 2 6 16 6Pears 2 6 16 6Plums 2 6 16 12 KM Gooseberries 16 10 12 Yellow ditto 1 6 10 12 White or Green ditto 1 6 10 12 Bunches of Red Currants 1 6 10 12 Bunches of White ditto 1 6 10 12 Bunches of Black ditto 1 6 10 Plate of Morello Cherries 3 0 2 0 Plate of Cherries for Table 3 0 2 0 Plate of Raspberries 2 0 10 FLOWERS. 'For the best 3 Plants in Pot suitable for Cottage Window i 0 2 6 16 For the best Single Specimen ditto ditto 2 6 16 For the best Boutraet of Garden Flowers for the Table 2 6 16 For the best Bouijuet for the Hand 1 6 10 For the best Device or Collection of Wild Flowers .... 2 G 16 For any production not mentioned above, which the Judges may think worthy of notice, small extra prizes will be given. From the above schedule of prizes it will be seen the expense is not serious, and in the case alluded to the snm laid out was sufficient for the purpose. Larger prizes might be given where advisable, but it is better to multiply their number than increase their value, and in the case before us the prizes for well-managed gardens have on some occasions been Bwelled to nearly twenty, the prize list being entirely remodelled. Generally there was one first prize, perhaps three or four second prizes, the same number of third prizes, and so on ; and the occupiers of small gardens, competing in a class by themselves, had a better chance than when contending with those with larger holdings. Usually two or three neighbouring gentlemen's gardeners will be found willing to act as judges, and the whole affair, once it has been brought into working order, is more easily managed than might be supposed. For the information of those who for the first time under- take the duty of judging cottage gardens, I may mention a mode I have adopted of noting down the merits of each in such a way aa to have the whole in a tabular form when the work is finished, and, owing to its simplicity, for upwards of twenty years it has been adopted by all with whom I have acted in concert. It is this : On taking a survey of the garden, itB con- tents, and surroundings, and carefully considering its merits, see how nearly it approaches perfection, and assuming perfection in everything to be represented by 100, how nearly does the garden before the observer approach that figure. Assuming its ideal merits to be 70, affix that number against the name of the cottager, go on to another, and, repeating the process, it will easily be seen at last whose figure stands highest, and so on. In some cottagers' horticultural societies it is customary to look round three or four times during the year, and the cottager having the best position at all times wins the prize. The position of the cesspool, an indispensable feature in a garden that adjoins the dwelling, ought also to be taken into consideration ; and I could point out instances wherein judges became sanitary commissioners. The pig and cesspool should be as far removed from the back door as possible, and the oess- pool, especially, ought to be frequently emptied. I cannot, however, fall in with the views put forth by the writer of the pamphbt in allowing so large a space as he does for the piggery, for it rarely happens that in a cottage garden so much can be afforded, and cottagers who manage well know very nearly the space that will do for one pig only, and that kept, perhaps, not more than eight months during each year. I will, however, quote another passage on cultivation with which I fully concur. " Good cultivation, well made manure applied at the proper time, and good seeds, are the foundation of all successful gardening ; and it is possible, in the case of gardens that are apparently worn out, to effect great improvements both in the quality and quantity of the produce In a great number of instances cottagors' gardens, and other gardens also, are never touched after the crops are cleared off in the summer and autumn until the time for planting comes round a^ain, the Potato and Pea and Bean haulm, the stems of Cabbages, &c., bling left on the ground as if to supply food during the winter for the wireworm and other pests, which will be ready to prey upon the crops in the following year. We should be glad to see this slovenly system give place to one which will he found to be highly advantageous wherever it is carried ont. All the ground not required for cropping until the following spting should be thrown up in ridges, say at the end of October or beginning of November, or trenched where neces- sary, and on the land so treated, during the first frosts of winter, the manure for the next crop should be spread. The benefits of this plan are many, and have, perhaps, never been more tersely pointed ont than they were by Mr. Smith, of Woolston, in a letter published in the Times in January last. Mr. Smith was speaking of a tract of land in Essex, in some such state, we imagine, as the gardens we have referred to, and he said ' Air and rain water are our cheapest muck- cart, for we have nothing to do but to put our land in a proper state to pick np the good fertilising qualities of both.' The exposure of the manure during the winter, both on light and heavy soils, would bo most beneficial, and the land would be found in the spring in the best possible state for planting. We speak here from actual experience in our own garden, and in other gardens in which we have had opportuni- ties for observing the modes of cultivation adopted. Crardens which have been cropped principally with Potatoes for a long period may. bv the means we have pointed ont, bo brought into a state to grow that root in greater perfection than has hitherto been done; and we have now in our possession three or four samples of very fine seed Potatoes from a cottager's garden which has been mostly under that crop for many years, bnt the produce in which, of all descriptions, has become much finer under a better mode of treatment." With regard to the most suitable time for holding a cottage gardeners' "show, I mav remark that generallv one chow in a eea- sonwillbe sufficient, and that it should be filed in most, if not all places to come off between haytime and harvest,] ust before the small fruits, as Gooseberries, Currants, &o., disappear that being, in fact, the time when the greatest number of useful fruits and vegetables can be collected together ; and if all those men- tioned in the schedule I have given be exhibited in tolerably good condition, it may be set down at a pretty fair show. Riles to meet local requirements can, of course, be appended at plea- sure and any other regulation needful for particular places can easily be made. I mav, perhaps, return to this subject at a future time ; but I would urge those having the means not to let another season pass without their encouraging such Bocietiea as those for which I plead.— J. Robson. [Since the above was in type we have received from the Rev. C P Peach, Appleton-le- Street, the schedule of prizes offered at the exhibition he has most successfully established there. He observes :— " It has interested me very much to see the way it has gradually crept up and developed. It began in 186- with a schedule of prizes amounting to £18. I have a Com- mittee who work very well with me, and we have been at a good deal of pains about" the Bchednle, and I really think it isa wonderful schedule for a country village to put out. We begin the year, however, with £103 in hand, and a subscription list amounting to £128." The exhibition now includes horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry, and one of the rules relative to the exhibiting of the last-named deserves to be generally adopted :— " Any trimming (except dubbing game fowls) or colouring of plumage, will disqualify not only the pen exhi- bited but every pen by the same exhibitor." — Eds.] Queensland Acclimatisation- Society.— We extract the follow- ing from the Society's Annual Report, published in Jjnuary :— " There is now at the park a goodly collection of young plants raised from seed, of many kinds before unknown in the colony, and in all cases of kinds really of value. It is not necessary to 306 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 28, 1870. lengthen this report by inserting a long list of botanical names, but the Conncil feel proud at being able to instance the famous Sourya (theTulip Tree of India), of which a considerable number are growing at the park, and the glorious Poinciana regia, also being raised in hundreds. This is the more gratifying at a time when the question (and want) of shade trees is again being diB- cnased. Among other new plants introduced, the value of which to the colony has yet to be ascertained, is the plant from whioh the pith hats, well known here and in other tropical countries, are made. For this importation the Society is in- debted to Dr. F. Von Mueller, who, after years of endeavours, succeeded iu procuring the seed, and in the true spirit of soienoe lost no time in placing some at the disposal of this Society, that the plant might be permanently secured to Australia, in case the climate of Queensland should be better adapted to it than that of Victoria." ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY'S SECOND SPRING SHOW. This was opened yesterday, and will be continued to-day. It is altogether an excellent display for the period of the year, but the pot Roses constitute its greatest charm. These are not only numerous, but in beautiful bloom, and we expect nothing less from such exhibi- tors as Messrs. Paul & Son and Messrs. Lane. Collections of twelve greenhouse 'plants in flower came from Mr. Wright, gardener to C. H. Compton Roberts, Esq., Avenue Road, Regent's Park; and Mr. Wheeler, gardener to Sir F. H. Goldsmid, Bart., Regent's Park. Mr. Wright had two line pyramidal Azaleas — viz., Coronata and Alba ; a large plant, in excellent bloom, of Gene- tyllis fuchsioides, Arlenandra fragrans, Erica eleganB, and a good specimen of Erica Hartnelli superba. Mr. Wheeler had very good specimens of Azalea Stella, Tetratheca ericiefolia, Aphelexis, Erica Spenceri, and a well-flowered Dracopkylluui gracile. Collections of twelve forced hardy herbaceous plants came next. Of these Mr. Ware, of Tottenham, furnished examples of Primula eor- tuBoides amoena, looking beautifully fresh and bright, the white- flowered and a small pink-flowered variety of the same ; Trillium grandiflorum, Dielytra spectabilis, Dictamnus Fraxinella alba, a double yellow Wallflower, Smilacina bifolia, and others. Mr. Wheeler sent two nice pots of Aubrietia purpurea, Dielytra, Hoteia japonica, Arabis albida, &c. Collections of twelve Rhododendrons came from Messrs. Lane and Son, Mr. Wheeler, and Mr. Wright. In that from Messrs. Lane, Mrs. John Waterer, Sir Isaac Newton, Ne plus Ultra, Imperatriee, Fastuosum flore-pleno, and Lord John Russell, formed splendid masses of bloom, while Minnie, as a light kind, maintained its character as one of the best. Of Roses in pots, Messrs. Paul & Son, of Cheshunt, had a splendid nine, eveiy one of which was good, but Victor Verdier, Princess Mary of Cambridge, Charles Lawson, and Senateur Vaisse were magnificent ; •while Souvenir d'un Ami and Beauty of Waltham were very fine, but the first three were the stars. In the amateurs' class for Roses Mr. Wright and Mr. Wheeler were the only exhibitors. The former also sent six Azaleas, four of which were very well bloomed ; and Messrs. Lane and Mr. Wheeler exhibited a like number. The best six Dielytras came from Messrs. Reeves Brothers, Notting Hill; and the only exhibitor of Amaryllis was Mr. Baxter, gardener to C. Kieser, Esq., Broxbonrne, who, in addition to Bending six for competition, sent a collection of twenty-one seedlings in the miscella- neous class. Duke of Edinburgh and Kieseri were two rich blood red varieties ; and Albertine, Olga, and Mdlle. Tietjens the finest of the light-Btriped kinds. Deutzias in good bloom came from Messrs. Lane, Reeves Brothers, and Mr. Wheeler ; also from Mr. Wilkie, Oak Lodge, Kensington. Among miscellaneous subjects were several excellent exhibitions, Mr. Wheeler sending a remarkably good collection of fine-foliaged and flowering plants, including a fine pot of Paujcnm variegatum. Messrs. Paul & Son had a large collection of beautiful pot RoseB, also a box of cut blooms of Marechal Niel ; Mr. Wright, a collection in which were magnificent specimens of Pbcenicophorium secbellarum and Gene tyllis tnlipifera, Orchids, and Ferns ; and Messrs. Rollisson, Dendro? bium densiflornni, Vandai, and otln r Orchids, Dicborizandras, Heaths, Azaleas, and Ferns. Mr. Osman had cut blooms of Roses ; Mr. Bragg. Pansies ; Messrs. A. Henderson & Co. and Messrs, Lucking Brother.-!, bouquets ; Messrs. Carter & Co., Tricolor and Golden-leaved Pelar- goniums, and Ecbeveria metallica glanea ; Mr. W. Paul, Princess Christian Rose, Tricolor Pelargoniums, and Primroses — several, as Waltham Magenta, Waltham White, and Waltham Yellow, very showy ; and Mr. Stevens, Ealing, had a first-class certificate for his Ealing Rival Tricolor Pelargonium. From Mr. Chambers, gardener to J. Lawrence, Esq., Beddiugton, came an object of special attraction in a number of the magnificent white flowers of Beaumontia grandi- flora, which are delightfully scented. For theBe a special prize was awarded. Messrs. Lane & Son contributed a most beantifnl and varied collec- tion of Roses in 6 and 10-inch pot;, together with Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Mr. Wilkie, Oak Lodge, Kensington, Mr. Wheeler, and Mr. Wright also sent miscellaneous collections, while among nursery- men Mr. Williams, of Holloway, had numerous fine specimens of Azaleas, Ferns, Heaths, a remarkably fine plant of Tetratheca erica- folia hirsnta, besides other plants. Messrs. A. Henderson & Co., of the Pine Apple Place Nursery, sent a collection of Azaleas in excel- lent bloom ; Mr. Ware, of Tottenham, a numerous collection of hardy spring -flowering plantB ; and Me3srs. Reeves excellent pots oi Mignonette. First-class certificates were given for the following: — To Mr. Williams for Agave Verschaffelti and A. Yerscbaffelti glauca, two fine dwarf American AloeB ; to Mr. Kennedy, Covent Garden, for Macro- zamia magnifica, a North Australian plant, of which the roots are used by the natives as food ; to Messrs. Rollisson for Ecbeveria aga- voides, Erica tnbseformis, Rhododendron fragrantissimum, and Pteris stramiuca attenuata ; to Mr. James, Highgate, for Silver Tricolor Pelargonium Mrs. Colonel Wilkinson : to Mr. Hooper, of Widcombe Hill, Bath, for Pansies Mrs. Shirley Hibberd, Mrs. Felton. and Sun- shine : to Messrs. Paul & Son. of Cheshunt, for Tea Rose Celine Noirey ; and to Mr. William Paul, of Waltham Cross, for Pelargo- nium Waltham Bride, and Waltham Yellow Wallflower, a new dwarf, richly-coloured kind. It may be interesting to add that a plant of Fonrcroya longaava is now flowering in the conservatory, where one of the same species flowered for the first time in Europe in 1865, and was figured in the *• Botanical Magazine " of that year. FLORISTS' FLOWERS at the royal horticultural society's show. April *20th. Acriculas. — As I anticipated, the great backwardness of the season made the display of these of a very limited character, there being only two exhibitors — Mr. Charles Turner, of Slouch, and Mr. James, gar- dener to Mr. Watson, of Isleworth. Mr. Turner's Auriculas were good ; bnt as an old grower, full, of course, of all sorts of narrow- minded prejudices, I must protest against what seems to be the modern notion of showing Auriculas, and one which judges seem to favour — —viz., that the larger the truss the better the flower. Now, the espe- cial beauty of the Auricula is the refinement of its bloom, and very rarely can these large trusses be obtained without the sacrifice of this quality. I do not agree with the northern growers, who consider that three pips constitute a truss ; but I do acree with those old-fashioned growers who in former days made the Auricula their special hobby, and who maintained that seven pips were a sufficient number. I have taken the trouble to carefully examine many of these large-trussed flowers, and I can see that this style of growth deteriorates the ground colour and makes it run into the edge. This would not have been tolerated in former days. I had hoped that the National Auricula Show would have somewhat altered the taste, but I see no signs of it ; and so I suppose, as we must have everything " big " now-a-days, we must put up with " big " trusses of Auriculas. Mr. Turner's plants were very fine, and comprised pome seedlings of his own as well as some older varieties. They were — Sims'B Eliza ; Turner's Exhibitor ; Turner's Colonel Champneys, a large-eyed flower, apparently a seedling from Sophia, brilliant ground colour, but with too light-coloured paste ; Turner's Galatea ; Turner's Bishop of Lichfield, very dark ; Turner's Buckstone, style of Stretch's Alexander, and, like it, inclined to be foxy in colour; Turner's Master Hole, very dark self ; Lightbody's Admiral Napier, a small plant, but the flower with a beautiful green edge ; Headley's Stapleford Hero (not Turner's as labelled), very like Waterhouse's Conqueror of Europe ; Turner's Earl of Shaftesbury, good, grey edge ; Turner's Crown Prince, purple self. Mr. James took the second prize, and also the first iu the class for amateurs, but his flowers had a good deal of roughness about them, and there was a deficiency of green-edged flowers. Of Alpine Auriculas Mr. Turner had an excellent lot ; and although in the eyes of old florists they can bear no sort of comparison with the show varieties, yet they are very striking and pretty. There were not, however, in the class any flowers that seemed in advance of those before exhibited by Mr. Turner. . Passies in Pots. — It is imnossible to praise too highly the admir- able collection of these exhibited by Mr. James. Some of them were the perfection of growth, and Mr. James would confer a favour on the lovers of this pretty flower If he would give to the world an account of his method of growing them. Sunset, yello-v ; Novgorod (misspelt on label), Rev. H. Dombrain, Isa Craig, and Princess Helena were espe- cially good. The collection of bedding Pansies was very poor, and, indeed, some had no right to the name. A bedding Pansy ought to be one-coloured, and of a good sturdy habit. Some of them did not fulfil these conditions. — D., Deal. Flowers in Paeis.— The first Lilacs of the season have just made their appearance in the Paris flower markets, mostly brought from the neighbouring districts of Pantin, Montfermeil, and Romainville. The expenditure in Paris for flowers is cal- April 2S, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 307 . Mn'.vnr.i-, . Killeanv, Bfonntrath. 3 and he. Miss acta ick, <'■■. liu. Bbahiia Pootka.— Dor*.— I, J. c. .1 .■ - . ..- G. A. Sti.h.ns. Dublin; K. W. Boyle, ilh'..-\ .,u 1 -. < .ipL L>ownm:in, Beechcrove, Kingstown. -1, J. C. Cooler. 2, A. E. Ussher, Camphire, Cappoquin. Ik, F. W. Zuvhorst, Duuliu. c, W. G. sheppurd, Carrickunnes. Co. Dublin. White.— 1.3. C. Cooper. 2. !■'. W. Zuvhorst, Dublin. Brown or Partri.toe — 1, A. K. Ussher. '2. K. P. Williams. Game.— 1, G. A. Perrm, Chantilly, Lough- Imstown, Co. Dublin -. r. E. M'i ,linlock. Glen-kint-b. Crumlin. Co. Antrim. Cooper's Hill. Lim, De Courcv Drevar, I Cooper. 2 and c. Ho Manno, Blaekroek. Cochin-China.— Bufi. _ HlluL Spangled— \, Hon. -T Kb (Golden). Win; 1. R. P. Williams I A (Whiter-rested Bla -.. I. >.. created Black Poland:). 1 (Crested (rold-spangled). Fow .sok). 2 and he. Miss De Courcy Drevar r. I nerhurv, Blaekroek, Co. Dublin [White. ;,.M „r Sil'rer.—l, K. P. William 8, Glashnn petition. La Fleche.— 1, J. C. Cooper, Limerick. 2 and he. G. A. Stephens, Dublin. Houdan. — 1, J. C. Coop< 2, Hon. J. Massy, c, G. A. Stephens. CRi.vK-l'.ituit Fowl.— 1, F. W. Zurhorst. 2. J. C. Cooper. A>.-r other Variety.— 1, J. C. Cooper (Sultans). 2, Mrs. Taaffe (Black Cochin-China). Bantams. — name, ami Variety. — I, N. E. Wallace. Beltiehi. Donnybrook. ".Mrs. Do-.vnman. Ann other Variety.— 1, G. A. Stephens (Black). 2. F. W. Zurhorst. Turkeys.— 1, J. C. Cooper. 2, S. Mowbray, Kiln-any. Muuntvltk. ;:, Miss L. King, Rathfeaton House, Geashill. Geese.— 1, J. C. Cooper. 2, Hon. J. Massv. 3, Mis. Warburton (Embden). lie, Mrs. Warburn n i 1 .iiih.l.is ■ ; I: p. Williams, Clontarf (Toulouse). Ducks. —.Rouen.— 1. Withheld. 2. R. W. Boyle. Aylet'miry.—l, J. C. Cooper. 2, Mr8. R. Clay. he, S. Mowbrav. Waterfowl. — Ornamental. — 1 and 2, R. P. Williams. Selling Class (Any variety).—!, J. K. Millner. 2, Mrs. Taaffe Dorking.— 1 and he. Mrs. Warburton. 2, J. C. Cooper. Spanish.— 1, F. H. Green, Windsor, Belfast. 2, R. P. Williams. Cochin-Giuna.— 1, F. H. Green. 2,A.E. Ussher Brahma Pootba.— 1, G A. Stephens. 2. A. E. Ussher. c.Mrs. Warburton, Kill. La Fleche.— 1. G. A. Stephens. 2, J. C.Cooper. Houdan.— 1, Withheld. 2, Hon. J. Massv. Creye-Cceur— 1, J. C. Cooper. 2, F. W. Znr- borst. Game.— 1 and 2. G. A. Perrin. e, Mrs. Taaffe. Turkeys.— 1, J. C. Cooper. 2, Hon. J. Massy, he, A. Field. PIGEONS. Carrier.— 1 and he, J. M'Donnell, Upper Rathmines. 2, C. F. Staunton, Clon- dalkin. Pouters (Any colour).— 1, J. M'Donnell. 2, J. K. Millner. he, A. E. Ussher. Tumbler (Anv variety. -1. A. E. Seale, Cottage Park, Kilgobbin, Co. Dublin. 2. J. M'Donnell. lie, F. W. Zurhorst (Red Mottled, c, R. W. Wallace J E. A. Seale. Fantail— 1, E. A. Seale. 2. J. M'Donnell. he, J. K. Millner. c, E. A. Seale (3). Jacobins.— 1, C. F. Staunton. 2, J. M'Donnell. c, E. A. Seale. Owls— 1. J. M'Donnell (Blue). 2. G. A. Stephens, he, G. A. Stephens; A. E. UBBber. Barbs— 1, J. K. Millner. 2, F. W. Zurhorst (Black), c, J. M'Donnell. Turbits— 1, C. F. Staunton. 2, A. E. Ussher. Any other Variety. —1 and 2, C. F. Staunton. 3. J. M-DnnnelL he. C. F. Staunton ; A. E. Seale (White Trumpeters). c.E.M'Crea. Altona.Stillorgau (White Dragoons). The Judges were Mr. Edward Hewitt, of Birmingham ; Mr. Charles Peacock, of Dublin ; and Mr. William Mulligan, of Belfast. FLYING TUMBLERS— BIRMINGHAM ROLLERS. The old maxim says, " Better late than never ;" so, bearing that in mind, I now, although somewhat tardily, comply with the request made in the note appended to my former com- munication, " to send you a few further details in reference to the breeding and management of flying Tumblers." In the first place, I should like it to be understood that what little information I may be able to impart is not in any way given as novel, or with the idea of instructing those who have had experience in the matter, many of whom, I have no doubt, if they would only be at the trouble, could do it far better than I ean. My sole object is, to the best of my ability, to help those who desire to enter npon this particular fancy, and, if possible, to render a little easier the acquisition of that know- ledge which, after all, must be gained mainly by experience. The first point to consider in the matter is naturally the construction of a suitable pen or loft in which to keep the birds. Of course, very much depends upon the nature of the conveniences which the fancier may have at his disposal, and the number of birds he intends to keep. It often happens that there are about one's premises various nooks and corners (in an outhouse, loft, &c), which, with a little judicious fitting-up, can be rendered available for this purpose ; but should the beginner have no such place at his disposal and a pen has to be constructed, the following is the plan I would recommend as best adapted to the purpose. At the same time, as regards the internal arrangements of any suitable place that he may have npon his premises, I should advise the adoption, as far as possible, of the principles stated beneath. Perhaps my ideas will be best conveyed by the following sketches. The above figure represents the external appearance of the pen I recommend. It should, if possible, be placed against a wall facing any point between south and west, for the obvious reasons of being sheltered from cold winds and to have the benefit of the sunshine. The dimensions are (3 feet square, with the exception of the back, which is 7 feet high. It should have a boarded floor, either raised a little from the ground or the foundation dug out and filled with dry ashes. There should be a pane of glass in the roof, and two "holes cut in the front and fitted with bolting wires, to be closed up with a ledge working on hinges, to ensure protection from cats. Provision, of course, should be made to ensure the necessary ventilation, and this can be done by boring holes as represented in the door, and at other places near the roof. The latter can either be tarred or covered with roofing felt to keep out the wet. The internal arrangements are represented in the following 1 ■ n II II - — m ••=== i "-— - - — -i ft « Five shelves, each a foot wide, should be placed against the back of the pen. They should be 1 foot apart, and, with the 314 JODBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 28, 187H. exception of the epaoe between the floor and the lowest shelf, should be divided in the centre by a partition. In front of these shelves should be nailed four boards, also a foot wide and 5 feet long ; one at each side of the pen and two down the centre, all reaching from the top to the bottom shelf. This ■will give breeding places for ten pairs of birds ; these will be 3 feet long by 1 foot wide and 1 foot high, with a blind at each end behind which to put the nest pans. The two spaces be- tween the top shelf and the roof should be fitted with lath fronts made to bung by hinges from the roof, and these will be found most useful either as paiiiog-cagea or to pen birds in. The floor of the pen should be left entirely free, with the exception of the water-bottle, the mortar-pan, and the salt; all of which should be placed under the bottom shelf to keep them clean. Each side of the pen should be fitted with perches made in the well-known triangle shape. A little Bttip about an inch wide should, however, be nailed across tbe ani/le to prevent the sharp edge from iojuring the feet of the birds, and to enable them to rest comfortably. The perches should be from 3 to 4 inches wide, and placed about a foot apart. They can easily be fixed by nailiog them to a strip of wood, and so screwed to the side of the pen. I have omitted to state that a door made of stout laths should be fixed to the pen in such a manner that the outer door may shut over it. This can easily be done by nailing a lath on each side of the door inside the pen ; one to hang it on, and the other to fasten it to. The inner door should be made to open outwards the same side as the outer door, by placing the perpendicular laths about an inch nearer the centre of the doorway than the width of the outer door. This inner lattice door is to give light, air, and sunshine to the birds; the outer door, of course, to lock up safely at night, and to keep the birds warm and oomfortable in cold and wet weather. A pen on the above scale is calculated to accommodate from thirty to forty Pigeons, and the cost of its erection will be about £2, which, again, may be diminished to somewhere about half if the fancier is at all handy with the hammer and saw, and able to erect it himself. Of course it is not in- tended that the pen should of necessity be made to the di- mensions I have given. Everything, as I sr-id before, depends upon the intentions of the fancier as regards the number of birds he intends keeping, &e. ; but whatever may be the dimen- sions of the pen, the above principle should be adhered to as best calculated for the kind of birds of which this article treats. It may be as well to state here that the inside of the pen should be well lime-washed once or twice a-year, and the floor and breeding places kept well sprinkled with sand, which will render it healthier for the birds, and easier to clean out. I would recommend that the latter process should be performed daily. It can be done in the following manner in five minutes, and the little extra trouble will be amply repaid by the better health and breeding of the birds, and tbe pleasure of seeing them always clean. Scrape out the dung from the shelves on to the floor, and then, having scraped all into a heap, pass it through a fine riddle, taking the excrement away and using the sand again. Before I say anything about the birds I should like to make a few remarks in reference to my former communication (see pa^es 214 and 215). I have been informed that it was thought I meant to convey the impression that there are no dark-winged birds that are good in the air. Such was not my intention ; all I meant to iufer was that such birds, even when good, were not general favourites amongst the best fljing fanciers; for although they may really work as Bharp and fly as freely as white-winged birds, yet they do not seem to do bo ; and two or three of these birds amongst a flight do not at all improve its appearance in the air, where, except for their style of flying, they look as nearly like crows as possible. One of the prettiest sights afforded by a flight of white-winged birds is to be seen on a bright morning or evening, their white flights twinkling in the sunshine, and all their varied colours brought promi- nently in view. One of the longest and be.-;t rollers I ever possessed was a dark-winged and muff-legged bird; and at this present time I have an esteemed frieDd and thorough fancier who flies nothirrg else but these dark-winged birds, and all as good as tbey are handsome. His birds are Black and Red Mottles, and in colour and marking far surpass any of the Short-faced birds. Then comes the question, Would many fanciers be at the trouble and expense of breeding to such beauty and accuracy of marking — for they are beautiful in the loft there is no doubt — to run the daily and hourly risk of flying them away? "Readik" snys that my remarks in reference to these dark-winged and muff-legged birds are merely fancy, and he is quite right. Pigeon-keeping from beginning to end is all fancy, the only question being which is the best fancy, and this point. I. as a true lover of Pigeons, hope will never be solved, or we should very soon lose many of our nume- rous varieties. I can assure him that if he gets a strain that has been bred white-winged and clear-legged, and does not cross them at any time with either dark-winged or muff-legged birds, he will not, as he has done, get a white-winged and dark- winged young bird in one nest, or one muffed and the other clean-legged. The parents or grandparents of his birds had been paired in that way, and it is well known what a tendency there is in Pigeons to throw back in breeding. I stated that in Birmingham as a rule very little heed was paid to the colour of birds in matching them, and that in consequence their colours are various. I have now amongst the birds I keep as feeders for my fancy birds, a Tumbler cock which is blue chequer on one side and a red spangle on the other, and a Bed and a Blue have thrown a Yellow. How is that to be accounted for except by throwing back ? And now to return to our Bnbject. There are two method* of raising a flight — either by purchasing young birds from a good stock, or three or four pairs of old birds known to be good, and so breed what is wanted. In either case I would recommend the fancier in starting to purchase a few common flying Tumblers, which he can do at about 10s. to 12s. a-dozen. I recommend this for this reason — that he must have some old birds with which to train his young ones. No Berious loss would be sustained if he loses one or two in getting them stout, and he will be saved the risk of losing his more expensive birds, which he need not fly till they have bred what young ones he requires. When the common birds have answered the purpose for which they were bought, they can either be sold or put in a pie. I would further recommend that the new birds should be confined to the pen till they have Bettled down and got used to it, when they should be let out a few at a time towards evening, haviDg been kept, without food the whole of tho day, and a further precaution if necessary may be taken by tying one wing of each hen bird. After giving them their liberty a short time get them in again by feeding in the pen, and this plan should be repeated for three or four days till they know the premises. It would be best not to fly them too soon. And now haviog got your common birds stout as a founda- tion to work upon, and purchased three or four pairs of good birds, we will consider the best method of breeding, training, and feeding in a further communication. — H. T., Birmingham. TAMrEEixo with the Plumaoe of Show Bihds. — We are glad to find a very general approval of Mr. Hewitt's suggestions, and we may quoie as an instance, that the Committee of the Whitby Poultry Show have made a Btringent rule with the view of stopping so nefarious a practice. NEW MODE OF CONTROLLING THE FERTILISATION OF THE QUEEN BEE. So long ago as February in last year I received a very kind letter from Mr. Thomas, an excellent and practical apiarian of Canada, informing me that during their last season (1868J a dis- covery has been made which threw the KiiLder process quite into the shade, " since by it we can cause a queen to be fer- tilised by one out of any four or five drones which we may select." This discovery was stated to have been made by an American lady apiarian, a breeder of Italian queens, whose name was withheld at the time, but who, I have reason to believe, is Mrs. E. S. Tupper, of Iowa, U.S., and it is thus de- scribed by Mr. Thomas : — "On the fifth day after the queen i3 hatched, or earlier if you choose, although the lady thinks queens seldom take their bridal tour before the fifth day, catch her and confine her with four or five select drones in a wire cage with honey in the comb or in a sponge, and place the cage on the top of the nucleus or stock from which she was taken, and let her remain from twenty-four to thirty-six hours, covering her up with the cap so that it will be quite dark. She will be fertilised and commence to lay soon after being liberated. The lady makes the cage G or 8 inches in diameter, and 12 or 14 inches long ; the ends may be made of wood or of pasteboard. She says she April 28, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 315 leaves the queen twelve, twenty-foar, or thirty-six hours according to weather, and places the cage on the frames of the hive." Now all this being imparted to me under the seal of secrecy I was not able to communicate to any one else, and to confess the truth I was so firmly impressed with the idea that there must be some mistake, and that queens would certainly not mate whilst held in durance in this manner, that I did not take the trouble to submit the matter to the test of actual experiment, but, like Mr. ilicawber, waited for something farther to " turn up." Contrary, however, to my expectations, something farther has turned up, and I can no longer delay submitting the whole to the apiarian readerB of " our Journal," in order that it may be fully tested and reported upon by them. In January last a letter was published by a Mr. Moore, of Ohio, in which he stated that he had succeeded in getting queens fertilised by confining them with a few drones under a wineglass or tumbler placed in the sun, also by confining them in a lamp chimney with the upper end stopped by a cork, and the lower end fitted into the feediog-hole on the top of the hive, egress in this direction being prevented by means of wire eloth. These plans he had tried very often and " succeeded about half of the time." He had also tried Mrs. Tapper's process, and was successful to a reasonable extent. Finally a letter from a Mr. Malone, of Garden Island, has appeared in a recent number of The Toronto Globe, in which he recapitulates the process pretty nearly as it has been already described by my correspondent Mr. Thomas, and relates how well he has succeeded with it. — A Devonshire Bee-keeper. NEW BOOK. The Handy Book of Bees. By A. Pettigrew. Blackwood and Sons, Edinburgh and London. [Second Notice.] We eomenow to the practical part (Part II ) of Mr. Pettigrew's " Handy Book of Bees," where he is evidently in his element, and in every page we can detect the master hand — sometimes a little dariDg and self-opinionated, sometimes a little fanciful, but always interesting and instructive. " The most important chapter in the book," says Mr. Pettigrew him-elf, " is that on hives." Here he hits English bee-keepers very hard, averring that we are " apparently fifty years behind the day," and " have yet to learn the A B C of profitable management." In what re- spect? In one only ; "the secret of profit" lies in keeping bees " in large hives." Our own experience goes along with Mr. Pettigrew in this particular, and we are fully persuaded that in nine cases out of ten in average good years the large hive will be found far more profitable than the small one in the hands of a really practical bee-keeper — by this we mean in the hands of one whose object is honey and not amusement, or mere experiment in the management of bees. As to the material of which hives should be made, our ex- perience is decidedly adverse to the straw hive. Here we differ from Mr. Pettigrew. Hives of wood we use exclusively, and find them in eveiy way excellent. As to damp and rotten combs in wooden hives, we have no knowledge of such, and are persuaded that they are or ought to be unknown in a well- managed apiary. Of " bar-and-frame " hives, whether of wood or straw, we have no personal experience; but Mr. Pettigrew, who does not mate use of them, admits that they are "very useful to the student of bee-history." Also, most useful are they in the multiplication of swarms, although certainly not necessary to the profitable management of an apiary. Mr. Pettigrew gives his verdict in favour of the swarming over the non-swarming system, probably because he knows more about the former in the actual management of his apiary We have tried both, and have always found the Utter the more profitable; at the same time we should be sorry to give an absolute verdict in favour of the one system over the other. We doubt not that Mr. Pettigrew with his large hives makes his apiary more profitable than most Eogli>h bee-keepers find theirB to be on the non-swarming system ; and we are in- clined to believe that the latter is hardly possible where very large hives are u=ed. The vast crowds of bees thronging in and out of such hives by one entrance (and only one entrance should be allowed), must impede one another and incommode the workers and the queen within ; at any rate Mr. Pettigrew's chapter on this enhj-ct is well worth careful reading. The same may be said of his chapter on artificial swarming, which operation he performs, as we ourselves do, by the very simple process of driving. We agree with him that artificial swarm- ing is indispensable to the perfect management of an apiary, and perhaps no simpler plan can be devised than that recom- mended by Mr. Pettigrew, although we ourselves adopt the plan advocated, and we believe invented by Mr. Langstroth, an American, which reduces tbe risk of failure to a minimum. It consists simply in driving a strong stock (A), queen and all, into an empty hive (a laige one it may be) which we place exactly where the old hive stood. Then we shift another Btrong stock (B) to a new stand at some distance, and substi- tute in its place the deseited stock (this we may call C), out of which the swarm was driven. As this last hive will rear arti- ficial queens, we utilise these much in the way Mr. Pettigrew recommends at page 132, and with their aid manufacture other swarms ad libitum. We earnestly advise all bee-keepers to learn the art of artificial swarming; with the aid of a little smoke-fustian or common brown paper — it matters not which — the operation may, after a little experience, be most safely and easily performed. Having said this much on the salient points of Mr. Petti- grew's book, without paitiality we cordially recommend it to the bee-loving public, and wish him every success. — B. & W. BEE EPIDEMICS. In answer to "A Youno Beginner's" inquiry on bee epi- demics in page 253. there are many causes why bees drop dead around the hive: — 1st. sour honey ; 2nd, foreign honey which has been fermented; 3rd, foreign honey which is mixed with sugar and prepared with nil of vitriol to give it the appearance of honey, of which there are great quantities sent to this country; 4th, poisoned with loaf sugar, a practice I have sus- pected for several years, but I have not been able to prove the fact satisfactory until this wirjter. The following are the symptoms when the bees are affected by sour and fermented honey : — The bees creep out of their bive and drop down ; their bodies are swollen to a great size, and under the body you may ptrceive a white appearance all along the under side of the wing, and the smell from those that discharge is very unpleasant. Candied and sour honey will produce both dropsy and diarrhoea. Symptoms fri ra feeding with loaf susar: — the bees will take 4 lbs. of syrnp in a day, and deposit it in their cells without our perceiving there is any- thing wrong, for you will find very few dead bei s, as those affected fly away and never return. It is when they begin to live upon the stores they have deposited that they will run out of the hive and dance about as if they had been stung by other bees, and others will fly right off, according to the quantity taken. If you stand by your hives in the depth of winter, you will find bees flying out which hare been poisoned by sugar. They will keep wasting all winter, and it may be some few left as late as sprirg. I have lost three good ?warms and one good stock from feed- ing with loaf sugar, which ha« been the cause of my findingout the source of the eril. Last September I had a good swarm which I thought wanted about 4 lbs. of sugar to make it a standard, so I boiled about 4 lbs. of syrup, and gave the bees nearly 2 lbs. the first night, next morning I found a very few dead bees ; not thinking anything about it, I gave them the remainder next night. I went into the garden about 11 p.m., I heard bees every few minutes fly away from the hive, so I took away the syrup which was left, and next day I perceived the bees were getting less, and finding three other st< cks were fetch- ing it out, I drove the hive and cut all the syrup out ; but the three stocks bed taken part of what had heen given, and all three stocks have gradually died off in the manner described, as I have watrhed them all the winter at different times, and have seen bees fly out, some dropping and dancing about, and some flying right off. The last died in March, leaving plenty of honey. I should advise, in using loaf sugar, not to select the strong-grained and dull-looking and that which b':s a bluish white appearance. As there is something used in refining some loaf sugar whi -h is injurious to bees, I have no doubt we have lost many of our fayonritoa from feeding with sug.r — Fobh Years' Experience, C. B. H. UNION OF A JACKDAW AND MAGPIE. At Lutterworth, where many wonderful things have happened before now, an admirer of these mischievous pets last year reared a Magpie, a neighbour some eight or ten houses higher 316 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 28, 1B70. np the street adopted a Jackdaw, and both being of a kindly disposition allowed a certain amount of liberty to these happy birde, which in their rambles met, and I suppose were smitten with each other's charms. Certain it is that Jack induced Miss Mag to take up her abode with him, everyday at any rate. Mag could fly the best— I am not sure if she had not her full liberty at this time — Jack was clipped ; but just over the wall of Jack's proper domain grows an elder tree, and this happy pair, thinking how nice it would be to have a home of their own, set to work to build, and many a stick and straw, or any- thing which a yard and garden offered, was carried into the elder tree, and there a commodious nest is built. Jack and Mag appear highly delighted with their work. At present no happy family is theirs, but time which worketh all things right will bring this blessing with it — the question is, Will it ? Has suoh a thing ever been on record ? For my own part I have never heard of such an occurrence. I will communicate the result, if any, at some future time. I can vouch for the above, as I saw the pair of birds building on Good Friday. — C. Baker, Long Street, Atherstone. OUR LETTER BOX. Silkies (J. W.).—Yova Silkies must a class for birds that cannot be othei made for them in the prize list. Management of Pea-fowls (Aliquit).— Success can hardly be applied as a term embodying the result of keeping Tea-fowls tethered on a lawn. They can be kept so, but neither comfortably to them nor to the full satisfaction of tho owner. A light cord will do for the purpose. It should at the end have a strap of soft leather about half an inch wide and 6 inches long. This should have a slit like a button-hole at the end, and when the string has been passed through it and the leather, it will be found to form a perfect and safe fastening. Any attempt to tie string round the leg ends in hideous, painful, and often' fatal wounds. The objections to thiB system are, that however tamo the bird may be, whenever he reaches the end of bis tether he is rudely checked, and too often strains till he stopswith the tied leg suspended in the air. It is also a most cruel practice when there iB any possibility of the birds being tensed by dogs, &c., and Pea-fowls do more harm in such a state to a lawn in two days than they would in a fortnight at liberty. They must be tied to a post driven into the ground, and a perch must be contrived at some height from the ground to ennblo them to clear their tails ; they delight in roosting on trees, but this cannot be when they are tied by the leg. Their food should be good barley, maize, green stuff, and scraps. They are not choice in appetite, and do well. They will rear their young, but hens do it better. The young are rather delicate, and require to be fed like young Turkeys. If the hens are at liberty they will steal their nests, and gene- rally rear their young. Poland Fowls (Idem).— The best breeder of Silver Polands is Mr. G. Adkins, The Lightwoods, near Birmingham ; and for White-crested Black Polands we advise you to apply to Mr. Edwards, Railway Station, Lyndhurst. Tubkeys (Arthenicc).— Your Turkeys of last year's second brood will not probably lay much befure June. You must have them watched, but as a rule they are the strongest birds that come from the stolen nests. We were in the Bams predicament as yourself last year. A late hen of 1868 stole her nest and brought out a brood in July. We took no trouble about them, and she reared them all into strong birds. We have given orders this year that the same hen shall be allowed to have her own way. Fowls in Small Enclosure (F. W. B ).— Your space is too small, but if you mean to keep one sort you must fix ou Brahmas. Read and act upon an article we hope to insert in our columns next week. Certain things are necessary, and if the run does not provide them you most. Cock with Discharge from Nostrils (A. G.).— Purge freely with caBtor oil, use Baily's pills; but if you have them not, give pills of camphor twice everyday, each the size of a pea. Feed on bread and ale, wash the face with cold water and vinegar, and keep him away from all other fowls. Roden Ducks not Laying (Louisa).— Ton are over-feeding your Ducks. They require the good sunny yard, and the tub of water changed daily, which should be at least 18 inches deep. Discontinue the kitchen scrapB and Indian meal. Givo oats whole, mixed in a shallow pan with gravel and a sod of grass. Your Ducks will look smaller, but they will lay plenty of eggs, and you can make them fat again when you like. Whatever food they have, you should give them only as much as they will cat up clean. Roosting-hoube (J. H. D.I.— The roosting place Bhould be covered in and sheltered from cold winds. The floor must be of earth; if you can give them all the space so much the better, it is not too much. Their sleeping place should be tj feet long by the same width. Dtjckwing Game Breeding.— " I omitted to state, in page 299, that in breeding for cocks, the red or robin-breasted Duckwing hens should be nsed, and in breeding for hens the pale fawn-breaated hens should be employed. There is likewise the emission of the word " Red," after " Black breasted" in third line frum bottom.— Newmarket." The Dragoon Pigeon.— "Will you kindly allow us to correct a slight typographical error which has occurred in publishing our description of the standard Drug' urn Pigeon which appeared in the Journal, AprU21st?— a miBtake, which although apparently slight alters the meaning we wished to convey. We are represented as having written that Dragoons should be ' light in feather,' wnereas it should be ' tight in feather,'— that is, the feathers should be closely fitting to the body, as though a transparent skin were drawn over the bird. Loosely-feathered Dragoons are unsightly from the fact that when their feathers stand on end their symmetrica form is lost, and such feathering is one of the surest indications of ill- health and weakly constitution.— The Birmingham Columbarjan So- ciety." The following corrections should also be made in the same article. In page 298, firRt column, in the eighteenth line from bottom, for "promising," read "possessing;" in the next line, for "pairs," read "years;" in the fifteenth line from the bottom, for "bronze," read " broad ;" and in the third and eighth lines from bottom, for " pink-eyed," read "pinch-eyed." Incubator [J. D.). — The subject of artificial incubation was discussed in our columns some years Bince. Practice has proved that it cannot be carried out profitably. Any of the incubators will hatch chickens, bat the failure is in rearing them. Grinding Canary Seed— Stmmer Rape (J. H.).-~ " The coffee mill re- ferred to, was for grinding common canary seed for young birds when old enough to pick, but not strong enough in the beak to'erack the husk of the seed. Summer rape is small, of a reddish brown colour, and much sweeter to the taste than the larger black seed sold for Canaries. Mr. Jamea Jones, Old Mitigate, Manchester (nearer tban London) will have a stock. June is late, very late, to pair Canaries, and the end of June almost too late.— W. A. Blakston." Rabbit Hutches (Q. W. D.).— Rabbits should be kept a foot from the ground if intended for exhibition and for fineness of breed. The hutches should be about 4 feet long, 24 feet wide, and from 20 to 24 inches high, and one-third of the length enould be taken off for a breeding or dark room for the doe to litter in. The other portion should be of perpendicular three-cighths-inch meshed strong wire-work, to exclude all vermin and prevent the young Rabbits being strangled by pushing their heads through. This space is for medium-sized Rabbits, as Himalayan, Angora, and Silver-Grey; Belgian Hare Rabbits, Patagonians, and Lop- oared should have 2 feet more superficial extent of hutch ; and for the Dutch 1 foot less will do. A large hutch may be had for the weaned Rabbits to live in nntil, say four or five months old, when they are to be separated. Each doe will thrive best if in her own hutch, but if intended to be in a semi-wild state, then three or four boxes may be placed in a 4-feet-square room, yet the fear is all would not be "peace and harmony." Three hundred Rabbits may be reared every year until four months old, in properly arranged hutches, covering not more than 150 square feet, in stacks of three in height, say with a breeding stock of twenty does and four bucks. If 170 or 180 square fuet can be given to them all the better. Bees in Marriott's Hives (8c 9 10 11 8 28 3 33 2 88 3 42 3 45 3 48 3 50 125 126 127 12* 129 130 131 From observations taken near London during the last forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 62.2s ; and its night temperature 89.6°. The greatest heat was 84 \ on the 6th, 1862; and the lowest cold 20°, on the 6th, 1863. The greatest fall of rain was 1.26 inch. COMPARATIVE HARDINESS OF BEDDING PLANTS. HE following notes were suggested by queries from a correspondent, " Kittie." I know of many instances in which the little greenhouse or greenhouse vinery is a perfect picture in the winter, every inch available for plants and cuttings being stowed as thickly as possible. These all do well until the sun gains power in March and on- wards, and then they begin to require more room. Here the difficulty of which " Kittie " complains begins, and many errors are made by turning out tender plants instead of comparatively hardy ones first. Many plants, though comparatively hardy, are also often injured by being turned out of the house into almost complete exposure to the open air, and thus the care of nursing through the winter has all been gone through in vain. In ordinary seasons we begin putting out about the end of March lots of plants that had the protection of glass in winter, but this year, owing to the weather being so cold, wc did not begin until the first and nearly the second week in April, though we would have turned out a good many in the first week if we could have found time. Suc- cess— in other words, preventing the plants being hurt or stunted by the change — consists greatly, first, in not ex- posing them at once to the full sun, nor yet to the cold nights, without protection. This is easily effected where there are cold pits or cold frames covered with glass. but these accessories are becoming more and more scarce for this purpose, even in large establishments, and are absent altogether in the numerous places where there is only one greenhouse. In such a case, the most convenient place for the hardiest is a position on the south-east or south-west side of a wall or fence, where the plants can be placed tolerably closely together, and be protected at night and during the hottest part of a sunny day with a mat, canvas, calico, or an old hurdle, thinly twisted with evergreen twigs. One of the readiest ways to do this quickly is to set a row of large pots, say at (i or 8 feet apart, and at a suitable dis- tance from the wall, on these lay a rough rail, and from that to the wall put cross pieces every (i feet, with a light rail or rod longitudinally in the middle, so that you can have the mats tied together or the cloth rolled along easily, the rod being higher than the highest plants to be pro- tected. A second mode I often practise is to throw out beds 4 feet wide for Celery, with 4-feet ridges. Some leaf mould and a little fine soil are placed in the bed or trench, and there we set lots of plants in pots and boxes ; but they will do well if planted out pretty thickly, especially all those with fibrous roots, as Calceolarias, Verbenas, Cu- pheas, and Lobelias. A few sticks or rods laid across the bed from ridge to ridge enable one to protect the plants easily. Hurdles thinly thatched do well for this purpose. A third and better mode still is to have an earth or turf pit for the purpose, say a pit with the soil inside of the natural No. 470.— Vol. XVIII,, New Sertee. level, but the front earth wall a foot above, and the back wall 2 feet above, the level. About 5 feet is a good width. Such a bed need never be idle, but it is very valuable for all the hardiest of the bedding plants, and they will do- best when turned out with a little rough rich soil about the roots, so that they may rise with a fair ball. The bed may be protected by the modes I have mentioned, and in other ways, but of all I have tried I have found no material so good and economical as double-width, un- bleached, rather thin calico. It is not easy buying it cheaply at fully 2 yards wide, but it is easy to obtain it 6 or It inches narrower than the 2 yards in width. A piece of calico, if used only for this purpose, will last a good many years if put away when well dried by the sun ; though ours is used for various purposes, we have some pieces seven years old tolerably good. In such a pit we lay sticks or rods across it at every 4 or 5 feet. Whatever the length of the calico, be it 5 yards or 15 or more yards, it is fastened at each end to the middle of a neat pole, say 2 inches in diameter, and 8 or 9 feet in length. On these poles the calico is rolled when taken oif. The pole at one end being fixed with pegs, the other is unrolled as the planting goes on, so as to cover the plants. At the farther end, the calico is kept stretched by the pole being held firmly by the pegs. Besides this, at every 5 feet or so, strings are fastened on the calico back and front, and these strings, being attached to a peg in the turf wall, keep the calico as tight as an expanded umbrella, so that heavy rains are excluded if moisture is not wanted. Now, to show the economy of this mode I will give just- one instance of the saving of labour. With the help of calico I have frequently planted out lots of Calceolarias, Salvias, and Verbenas at 3 or 4 inches apart, watered them well about the roots, and left the drier soil as a covering on the surface, and except lifting the calico a little to give several syringings in very hot days, the plants were neither watered nor uncovered until a few days before they were to be finally turned out in the beds, and better, more suitable stuff it would not be desirable to see. Fully exposed, or under glass, in warm weather there would be the daily watering, whilst this is almost avoided by using the calico, which lets enough of light through for healthy growth, and yet gives sufficient shade to prevent rapid evaporation. Frequently, in planting out thousands of Calceolarias from the cutting bed, I have had no occasion to water, nor yet to uncover, until a few days before they were to be taken to the beds. Any sort of rough bed or pit, to be thus covered with a piece of unbleached rather thin calico, I can thoroughly recommend to everyone who wants to make the most of his little glass house. Now, as respects some bedding plants and their respective hardiness. Cerastium in ordinary seasons will stand all the winter ; but though I have not done so this season, I would consider it more secure if, during the beginning of the winter, a good many pieces had been planted in a well-pulverised border, even if 2 or 3 inches apart ; these, if wanted, could be removed wJth roots and little balls. Variegated Af.aeis, to be safe, should be treated in the No. 1127.— Vol. XLHI., Old Series. 318 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 5, 1870. uame way. The rooted plants enable the gardener to dispense with much watering. Cinerama maritima is generally hardy, but some winters Rave killed the whole of ours. It is well to have a few young plants in reserve. It strikes best from small sucker-like shoots. It is easily raised from seed, but seedlings require to be in the second if not the third season before they become so silvery as old plants. After March very little protection will do for young or old plants ; old plants are little injured that have stood out all the winter. We have just cut them down close to the ground, and if there should be a few vacancies, we have some plants to supply the gap. Centaukea candidissiiia. — Last winter but one many plants stood out well, but in the past winter all went except those standing pretty high on a south aspect, though we put dry ashes round the stools. Many of the plants, though rotten at the top, seem to be fresh at the bottom, and it is possible they may push again. This plant, however, for general purposes does best when small plants are turned out. With a little protection in the coldest nights, young plants may be exposed after the 1st of April. Calceolarias. — All the shrubby kinds will in general be better out of doors after the 1st of April, with the help of a little protection, the simplest being the piece of calico referred to. My plants or cuttings have generally a space of from lj to 2 inches each in winter; when turned out I generally give them from 4 to 5 inches, which enables them to be strong plants showing bloom when turned out finally about the 20th of May, or even at the end of it. Pentstehons and Cupheas are es hardy as, the former hardier than, the Calceolaria, and like it do well planted out in temporary beds. Koniga variegata is not quite so hardy, and does rather the best when taken from a shallow box, so that the roots will not ran far. I have lifted it nicely from a bed, but the above method is the best. Verbenas, Lobelias, and Gazanias may follow in a few days, say a week, after the Calceolarias, and like them, if planted out in a bed, they will lift with good roots. If with any oi these there be four or five plants in a small pot, it i3 a good plan to ruffle the outside of the ball, and turn out the ball nearly whole, packing the earth firmly against them, and dividing at the final planting out, as the fresh roots from each plant will extend outwards. Petunias are as hardy as the above, but they do best from pots, as if planted out the roots become too straggling. The same may be said of LlNCM GKANDIFLORUM EUBRUM AND GNAPHALIDM, Only they are more tender. The Gnapbalium should either be potted or kept in boxes not more than 2 or 3 inches deep. Heliotropes and Ageratums, in general, should not be ex- posed much until May. The Ageratums may be turned out towards the end of April, with a calico covering in a common season. That would hardly suffice for Heliotropes, as they are more sensitive to cold in the spring than to a little frost in the autumn. Tagetes. — All the tribe produce plenty of fibres, but in most seasons they should not be exposed until the middle of May. Half-hardy annuals succeed best when not sown too soon so as to require much coddliDg before they are turned out. Teop^eolums of sorts, when raised in a house, should not be fully exposed until the middle of May. They often do better when sown out of doors at the end of April or the beginning of May. Striped Maize. — To have strong plants this should be kept in the greenhouse until the middle of May, and then be hard- ened off with a little protection by the side of a wall before planting it out. It even then requires a warm place to do well out of doors. It succeeds best under glass. Foch?ias, to bloom well out of doors, should not be forwarded much under glass, as the more forward they are the more will they suffer from the change when breaking freely. They should be planted out under a little protection by the middle of April. The less lengthy the shoots, when turned out towards the end of May, the belter will they bloom in the summer and autumn. Cannas. — If you have plenty of room get these well forward, turn them out under a little protection at the end of May, and plant them out about the middle of June. Where there is not room to grow them indoors, it is as well not to encourage them to grow above a foot or so before you turn them out to iarden, say at the beginning of May. If for such you could make a slight hotbed under the bed, and plant the rather back- ward plants about the beginning of June, you would have fine foliage in the autumn if the place were pretty well sheltered from winds. I hoped to make a fine feature with Cinnas, and with a little bottom heat obtained fine foliage and spikes of bloom, but every season when there was a brisk gale in our exposed place the fine foliage was torn, not merely to ribbons, but to strings and threads. Pykethrum Golden Feather. — This plant is also mentioned by your correspondent, and is said to be quite hardy. I suspect it is about as hardy as Cineraria maritima and Centaurea can- didissima. A great many of our plants in the open air died this winter. Those in boxes in a cool orchard house seem all right, though left to themselves. Xoung plants seem to have the strongest vital powers, which is in this case an advantage, as the younger the plants the better they answer, and the more free are they from flowers and seeds. Seedlings, from sowing under glass late in autumn or early in spring, mill, when pricked off and finally planted out, give more satisfaction than older plants. Seeds seem to come quite true. Plants, unless in extreme cases, would be quite safe if kept protected in winter and turned out in March. Of course, spring-sown plants should be kept under protection until April or May. I have also omitted to refer to the Bedding Pelargoniums. All the sections of large flowers, Nosegays, and Variegated, as a general rule may come out of the house after the Calceo- larias, and at the same time as the Lobelias. All the green or horseshoe-leaved kinds are very similar in hardiness, and all should go out a week or ten days before the variegated- leaved sorts — Gold and Bronze, Tricolors, &c. The latter will be the better of protection until the middle of May. The commoner Scarlets will do well under calico after April. Oi course in avery severe night a little straw, orevergreen branches, &c, must be placed above the calico. Where immediate effect is wanted, all Pelargoniums do best when turned out of pots. We have, however, planted great Dumbers in temporary beds, and raised them with less or more of a ball. In such case there was generally a flagging and a withering of a few leaves, but the plants quickly recovered themselves. This tribe do well when potted in small pots, so as to form a ball, and then planted out as stated for Calceolarias, as the ball will hold, though there are plenty of wig-like fibres all round it. — R. F. GRAFTING VINES. The Vines in late houses which are now coming into full leaf are just in condition for grafting, and the operation may there- fore be performed. Vines are very easily grafted, when grafting is done carefully, and when both the stock and scion are in proper condition. When the operator understands what graft- ing i3 — that it is simply the placing together two pieces of a plant in such a position that the rising flowing sap of the one, which is the stock, may intermingle with that of the other, which is the scion, and that these juices becoming united form one wood, and then the union is complete — he will the more readily understand the conditions in which each part should be. In most cases grafting is performed juBt previous to the commencement of active growth, or when the sap in the stock begins to flow, the stock being somewhat in advance of the scion. The Vine, however, if cut at that period has such an exuberance of sap, that it is apt not only to injure the graft but to bleed itself to death, and grafting then, is, consequently, seldom a success ; and if we graft much earlier, there is the danger of the graft drying up. The time, then, which I have found the most favourable is just at the decline of the flush of sap, when the first leaves have about fully expanded and are able to draw up the crude juices, but while it is still flowing. The exact condition may be discovered thus by just malting a small cut in the stem, when, if it bleed freely, wait a day or two ; if but slightly, then graft at once. The scions should in the meantime also be a little excited, so that when cut a little moisture is observed. The best and surest eyes to use are those which have been buried in some moist soil, which feel soft and moist, and just show signs of growing. To put on a hard dried-up eye is of but little use, as it will but very seldom grow. It is desirable, in grafting, to leave a shoot beyond the graft to draw up the superabundant sap for a time. This, however, as soon as the graft is fairly taken should be destroyed. Bud-grafts may be put on now all over — on every part of the stem if necessary. It is a good practice to make good blanks JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 319 amongst the side shoots which may have been broken in tying down. Tbe bud may be out to about li inch in length, and a corresponding piece cut out of the stem, so that it may fit in exactly. I have clothed many very naked old stems in this way. The thickness of the bark of Vines is very variable and exceedingly deceptive. Have a care, then, that the inner bark is reached ; that a corresponding piece of the wood of the stock is bared to that of the scion. Bark to bark, we are told, is the rule in grafting ; but it should be the edges of inner bark to the edges of inner bark, for it is there only that the union takes place. After having fixed the grafts and tied them, cover over the part with Mastic L'Homme Lefort, the best material which can be used for grafting Vines. — Archambaud. "WINTER-BLOOMING ORCHIDS.— No. 5. DEN'DROBIUM— Contitiu. ■./. D. heterocakpum is a very pretty and easily-grown species, which, during the last dozen years, ha3 been somewhat over- looked by what I call aristocratic Orchid-growers ; lately, how- ever, we have had some rather extensive importations of this plant, and these have proved what a useful and beautiful winter bloomer it is. The stems are nearly round and pen- dulous, producing oblong, acute, dark green leaves, which are, however, deciduous. The flowers are produced very freely, and are deliciously scented ; the sepals are linear-oblong and acute, the petals ovate-acute ; both are thick in texture, and deep primrose yellow in colour ; the lip is somewhat fiddle- shaped, deep yellow, with two deep crimson spots towards the base. In some varieties the colours are much paler. It lasts in full beauty a very long time, and fill3 the house with its grateful perfume. It should be grown upon a block in the East Indian house, and subjected to cool and comparatively dry treatment after the pseudobulbs are fully formed. The plant appears to be plentiful in Assam. D. Hillii. — In general appearance this plant resembles D. speciosnm, and as a species is undoubtedly very nearly allied to it. The growths are much taller, and not so stout ; the leaves thick and leathery, somewhat oblong, and very dark green ; the racemes long and pendulous ; the flowers very nu- merous and creamy white ; the sepals and petals are linear, and the lip oblong. D. Hillii should have pot culture, and be grown in moderate heat. After the stem-like pseudobulbs are formed it should be gradually inured to a greenhouse tem- perature, and ultimately be removed to the open air for a month or six weeks, to be afterwards taken back to the green- house until the flowers begin to push, when a little more heat will be advantageous. It blooms during midwinter, and iB a very effective kind. It is a native of Queensland. D. lingceforme. — This is a curious little Australian species not possessed of much beauty, but its feathery racemes of white flowers are elegant ornaments for ladies' hair, and on this account the plant should be extensively grown by all amateurs. The leaves ate about an inch long, very thick and fleshy, flit and furrowed on the upper surface, convex below, and deep green. The racemes are erect, about 4 inches in length ; sepals and petals long, linear-acuminate, and pure white ; lip smaller, pale yellow, dotted with red. I* should be grown upon a block in a cool house, and blooms profusely. D. lituiflorum. — Although this plant can be kept from flowering until the end of April or beginning of May, it is more strictly an early spring bloomer. The pseudobulbs are up- wards of 2 feet in length, slender, and pendulous ; leaves oblong-lanceolate, thin, light green, and deciduous. The flowers are large, usually produced in pairs ; sepals lanceolate- acuminate, rich bright lilac ; the petals are much larger than the sepals, and rich purple; lip convolute and incurved, rosy lilac, with a deep violet spot at the base. This very beautiful plant is rather difficult to cultivate, but amply repays the grower for every attention bestowed upon i'. The East Indian house i3 the proper place to keep it in, and it should be grown npon a block of wood, or in a basket suspended from the roof, where it can have abundance of light, but be sheltered from the direct rays of the sun. During the growing season it re- quires careful attention in watering, and the folmge should be frequently syringed. Native of the East Indies. D. Jenkin-ii. — An elegant, small, compact-growing species, which should be grown upon a block. The pseudobulbs and leaves are both small, and dark green ; the flowers are rather laxly set upon the spikes, ground colour light yellow, shaded with rich golden yellow. It is a beautiful little plant for sus- pending from the roof of a Wardian case. Native of Northern India. D. nobile. — This superb old plant has been in cultivation since the year 1834, and is still one of the moBt beautiful Orchids in cultivation even at the present day ; it is too well known to need much description. The stems are erect, bearing many oblong, obtuse leaves, and the flowers are produced in great profusion ; the sepals are oval, petals much broader, waxy white, suffused with bright rosy pink ; the lip is cordate and cucullate, white, with a deep crimson blotch. In addition to this being one of the very handsomest kinds, it is also one of the most easily grown ; it succeeds well either in a pot or a hanging basket. I prefer it in the former. The soil should be peat and sphagnum ; give it good heat, and plenty of water when growing, afterwards remove it to the greenhouse, and keep it dry ; when the flowers begin to show, place it in a little warmth, and soon the exquisite blossoms will unfold. No person with even a very small greenhouse should be without this magnificent plant. It is widely^distiibuted throughout India. D. nobile pendulum resembles D. nobile in every respect, except that it has pendulous growths, and it is, therefore, ad- mirably adapted for hanging baskets. The flowers are large, and resemble those of D. lituiflorum in colour. It is very elegant, and, like D. nobile, flowers during midwinter, lasting several weeks in bloom. D. nobile Wallichianum. — Many people consider this a distinct species, but I am inclined to believe it is only a variety of my old favourite, D. nobile ; it is stronger in its growth than that plant ; the flowers which are produced at the same season are much larger, the lip is longer, and the colour is much darker, being rish rosy crimson, and the large spot at the base of the lip is very intense. The treatment should be the same at that recommended for D. nobile. The flowers of these plants are very useful for bouquet-making, and they last a very long time in water. D. moniliforme (of gardens). — A plant which has had its name called in question so much during the past year or two that I really am at a loss to know how to name it. The plant is in habit somewhat like D. nobile, but more Blender, and the treatment of that Bpecies will also suit it well. The flowers are bright cherry colour and white, faintly shaded with lilac, and very freely produced, affording a pleaBing contrast during winter. Native of Japan. — Experto Cride. CRYSTAL PALACE AUTUMN SHOW. "^ On opening your Journal of last week I was pleased to see that there is some hope of resuscitating the autumn show at the Crystal Palace, and that the florists have taken the matter up. I hope the growers and exhibitors of fruit will not be behind. We sadly want an autumn show of fruit, and the Crystal Palace is a good place at which to hold it ; we can scarcely expect the Company to hold exhibitions at a loss, but with the help of gardeners and their employers this might easily be prevented. The Society for the Encouragement of Florists' Flowers would do well to invite exhibitors of fruit to assist them, as a successful exhibition in September is not possible without fruit. I have brought the matter before my employer, who will be willing to subscribe to a fund for the en- couragement of fruit. I will subscribe a guinea myself, and if other exhibitors will take the matter up success is certain. — James Douglas, Loxford Hall, Ilford. PANICUM VARIEGATUM, AND ITS CULTURE. This variegated Grass, brought from New Caledonia, when well grown is one cf the most beautiful plaut3 introduced of late, and very useful for the decoration of the stove and con- servatory. So quickly does it make a specimen that it is very valuable. I grow mine in three different ways. As a basket plant it has a charming effect when suspended from the rafters of the stove ; drooping quite a yard, it looks like a ray of sunlight. The ground colour of the leaf is a. bright green, fully one-half being occupied by pure white stripes, tinged with pink. I have also planted it out with Ferns and Lycopods on roek- work, where it succeeds remarkably well, and is very effective. | I also grow it as a pyramid plant, and as such it is a gem. The soil I use is fibrous peat, silver sand, and a little loam, well mixed ; for drainage I employ broken crocks or charcoal. 320 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 5, 1870. 1 well drain a 5-inch pot, fill it with oompost, insert about twelve young planta round the outside of the pot, and when well established I form my pyramids of hazel rods about 20 inches high ; I then fill up the space with green moss. I thus obtain beautiful neat pyramids. The plants require to be pegged to the moss, which they very quickly cover. They are always admired when placed here and there about the stove. It is also most useful for the decoration of the dinner-table. I invariably form my pyramids about 20 inches high, but they could just as easily be grown to the height of 0 feet. They require to be shaded from the midday sun, aud to be kept constantly moist with the syringe. — F. P. L. ALTERED LEAF-COLORATION of PELARGONIUM L'ELEGANTE. I have a large conical specimen of Pelargonium L'Elfigaute, the character of which has been gradually changing for the past few weeks, and its foliage has now assumed a deep pink hue, giviDg the plant a charming appearance. I am anxious to learn the cause of a change so desirable, in order to be able to afford the plant every assistance in developing foliage of a similar character. A variety of reasons and modes of culture have been ad- vanced from time to time as likely causes of this singular change, and among them I may name dryness at the roots, long rambling unchecked growth, and the cool temperature of autumn. But although in some cases these may have been the true reasons of the peculiarity, it is quite certain they are not so in the present instance ; for the plant, though covering a trellis of considerable size, has not been permitted to ramble unchecked, but has been constantly pinched and tied in, and its roots have not been kept at all dry, having been watered .freely throughout the winter, while for the past two months an occasional dose of tolerably rich liquid manure has been given. The only cause of the altered colouring I am able to assign is that the plant is an old one, and, having remained undis- turbed upwards of a year, and being very much pot-bound, the soil has become impoverished and the system of the plant weakened. Whether I am right or not in coming to this con- clusion time will show ; but if evidence were needed to prove that a plant must be subjected to some such conditions before its foliage becomes so splendidly suffused with colour, a number of younger plants of the same variety, wintered iu the same house, and treated in precisely the same way, with the exception of not having had liquid manure, may be pointed to as failing to exhibit the slightest change whatever from their normal state. — Edwakd Luckhuest, Egerton House Gardens, Kent. DESTROYING WEEDS ON WALKS. The following receipt for the destruction of moss and weeds on garden walks I have tried for some years, and I can recom- mend it as inexpensive, effectual, and os.sily applied. I first took it from one of Messrs. E. G. Henderson's catalogues, and although in my way of applying it I have not attended strictly to the instructions there given, yet I have never known the remedy fail, and I have proved that it effects a great saving of lime and labour as compared with the old and tedious opera- tion of hand-weeding. It is simply arsenic and common soda boiled in water ; the proper strength is 1 lb. of the former and 2 lbs. of the latter to twelve gallons of water. This quantity is sufficient for a walk 6 feet wide and nearly 30 yards long. The liquid is recommended to be applied as hot as possible; in this way its effect is most rapid, and perhaps it is necessary to so apply it in showery weather, but doing so increases 'the expenditure of time and labour, besides involving a larger con- sumption of fuel. I usually apply the liquid in the following way, and then, though not so rapid, it is no less sure in its effects : — I have a twelve-gallon galvanised iron copper with a broad rim. This is set in a circular iron stand on legs high enough to allow of a fire being made under it ; the fire iB made on the ground, and kept within bounds by a few bricks piled round it. I boil 4 lbs. of arsenic and 8 lbs. of soda in twelve gallons of water, and when the mixture is diluted to the proper strength there will be forty-eight gallons of it. To do this, and to carry the liquid conveniently to any part of the grounds, I use a large barrel with a wooden tap ; it is fixed on wheels, and to every three gallons of the boiling liquid measured from the copper I add nine gallons of cold water ; even then the mixture is not cold. Between March and May is the best time to put it on the walks ; if the weather is fine and the walks dry all the better, for should heavy showers soon follow, much of the poison will be washed away, the little remaining will be much weakened in its effects, and a few weeds may spring up in places before the summer is out, otherwise one dose is enough in the year. I generally apply the liquid through a moderately coarse- rosed watering pot ; it is better that the rose should not be a spreading one, otherwise there is danger of some of the liquid falling on the grass or Box edges, which it will be sure to discolour if not kill ; there is no danger or difficulty if the watering pot is held close to the ground, and enough put on to just flow regularly over the surface of the walk. It will then soak in enough to destroy the germinating power of all seeds, and will within twenty-four hours kill all weeds that have made their appearance above the ground. Where the walks are bounded by Box edges it is advisable to lay a narrow ridge of dry earth or sand by the side to prevent the liquid from soaking down to the roots ; but with turf edges, if they are above an inch in height, no other precaution is necessary than the careful application of the liquid. It generally takes one man a little over a fortnight to go over the walks here, but by hand-weeding it would require two for double that time, and most likely one more weeding would be required during the summer. I buy the arsenic by the hundred- weight at 'Ad. per lb., and the soda by the hundredweight at the rate of 2 lb.?, for lid. Perhaps I ought to mention that the watering pot and anything used in connection with the job must not come in contact with the turf ; if so, they will leave traces where they have lain. — Thomas Record, Lillesden. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. May 4th. 0:t this occasion there was again a very beantifnl show, the most striking, the most lovely feature of which was the Roses ; bnt the mis- cellaneous collections pave the same diversity of form, of height, and of colour, that have distinguished the shows at Kensington this year from those that have gone before. Added to all this, the interest is vastly increased. It would seem that the changes which the Society have made this year in their arrangements, are destined to lift np horticultural exhibitions — theirs at least — from that monotony, that sameness, which has characterised them of late years. Class 1 was for nine Roses in pots, and two 'collections were shown. Messrs. Paul & Son were first with large plants of Charles Lawson, Anna Alexieff, Madame Willermoz, and C< line Forestier in fine bloom ; the others — viz., Marechal Vaillant, President, Camille Bernardin, Vicomte Vigier, and Madame Margottin were also very good. Mr. Turner, of Slough, who was second, had in his collection beautifully bloomed specimens of Vicomte Vigier, Souvenir d'au Ami, Madame Eugene Appert, Alba mntabilis, and Madame de St. Joseph. Class 2 was for three Roses in pots, and for amateurs only. In this Mr. P. Perry, gardener to F. G. Debenham, Esq., Cheshunt Park, was first, and Mr. James, gardener to W. F. Watson, Esq., Isleworth, second, with plant3 which would bear no comparison with those in the other classes. Class 3 was for twelve Roses of 1307, &S, and fi9. In this Mr. Tarner was first and Messrs. Veitch second, both having finely grown plants in excellent bloom. Prominent in both collections was the splendid rich scarlet Duke of Edinburgh. The others from Mr. Turner were Henri Ledechaux, beautiful bright rose, Madame la Baronne de Rothschild, very fine pale rose ; Mario Ducher, fine ; Madame Creyton, Madame Alice Dureau, Clotilde Rolland, very fine : Reine du Midi, Adrienne Christophle, Madame Clert, pale rose with a deep rose centre, fine; Dupuy Jamin, fine, rosy purple; and Miss Ingram, beautiful pale rose. Messrs. Veitch, besides Duke of Edin burgh, Miss Ingram, Madame la Baronne de Rothschild, and Reine du Midi, all of which were remarkably fine, had La France, Enfant d'Amengny, Vicomtesse de Vezms, Madame Grondier ; Elie Morel, fine; Monsieur Woolfield, lively rose : and Madame Adi-le Huzard. In the miscellaneous class Messrs. Veitch exhibited one of the most splendid collections of ;*ot Roses ever seen — so excellently grown, and with blooms so numerous, so large, so exquisitely beautiful in colour, and with that great point in a Rose, freshness, they constituted the most striking feature of the Show. Alfred Coloinb, Dr. Andry, Sena- teur Vaisse, General Jacqueminot, Beauty of Waltham, Madame Wil- lermoz, Madame la Baronne de Rothschild, Centifolia rosea, Marie Banmann, and Paul Verdier were a few of the most noticeable. Of cut blooms of Roses shown in Class 10, Messrs. Paul sent sis stands, taking the first prize, the second going to Mr. Earley, gardener to F. Pryor, Esq., Digswell. and the third to Mr. Osman, gardener to R. Holland, Esq., Stanmore Hall. In Mr. Earley's stand there were remarkably fine blooms of Mar.'chal Niel, President, and Madame Fnrtado. May 5, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTCJBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 321 Of Herbaceous Calceolarias, Mr. James and Messrs. Dobson and Son, each sent finely bloomed lota of six, taking equal first prizes, and Messrs. Dobson & Son had in addition about a score net for compe- tition. Of hardy Primroses two sets of six were shown, and these came from Mr. Ware, of Tottenham, and Mr. Turner. A second prize was awarded to the former. Among the collections exhibited in the miscellaneous class, Mr. Den- ning, gardener to Lord Londesborough, Grimston Park, Tadcaster, had one in which were three magnificent specimens of Vanda teres, to which a special certificate was given ; and a like award was made fc r the yellow- flowered Oncidium sessile. There were also in this collection nice specimens of the white and yellow Dendrobium infundibulum, Chysis Iiimminghii, and the pretty rose and white Acrides japonieum. Messrs. Rollisson sent a collection, including most of the plants they exhibited last week at the Regent's Park, and the purplish rose Saccolabium ampullaceum monlmeinense, which received a special certificate. Messrs. Standish sent a fine basket of Athyrium Goringiannm pictnm, one of the most beautiful of the coloured-fronded Ferns ; Rhododen- drons in fine bloom, among which Huntsman, purplish-rose, had excel- lent trusses and very pretty in colour ; Primula cortusoides major, a very fine variety, Genista precox, a pretty hardy kind with lemon-coloured flowers, and Acanthopanax variegata, a Japanese plant with the leaves much variegated with cream colour. Mr. Wilkie, Oak Lodge, Kens- ington, had a collection of Heaths, fine specimens of Tetratheca hir- suta and the beautiful Ptcris scaberula, besides Tree and other Ferns, an Eriostemon, and other plants. Mr. W. Paul again exhibited the same kinds of Primulas as noticed last week at the Regent's Park, Tricolor Pelargoniums, and Princess Christian Rose. From Mr. R. Parker, of Tooting, came a number of baskets of bedding Pansies, of which Cliveden Purple, Cliveden Blue, and Cliveden Yellow were most effective. Messrs. E. G. Henderson sent a number of seedling Mimuluses and Tricolor Pelargoniums ; Spiraea japonica variegata, a very ornamental form with the leaves Teined with cream colour ; Ageratum Tom Thumb, a dwarf form ; Blandfordia Cunninghnmi. and Pansy Golden Beddec. a very showy variety for bedding. From Messrs. "Veitch came nine bushy-headed Azaleas, grown to a single stem and forming masses of bloom. For these a special certificate was given. Roi Leopold, Reine des Roses, Comtesse de Flandre, and Belle Gantoise were especially fine. Mr. Williams, of Holloway, sent a miscellaneous collection, in which was Arpophyllum giganteum in fine bloom, Gyprip-eliums, Pha- lxnopsis, and other Orchids ; Sarracenia fiava, Heaths, Azaleas, a fine specimen of Gleichenia spelunca?, Magnolia Lenne, and Dra- caena lineata. Messrs. Veitch, in addition to their other contributions, had a charm- ing collection of Orchids, backed up with Palms and Dracaenas. Of Oncidium sarcodes there was a spike G feet long ; and Oncidium Mar- shallianuni, bright yellow and brown, with a fine branching raceme, received a special certificate. A like award was made for a specimen of Odontoglossum Phalamopsis, with a dozen flowers lesides buds. In the same collection was the white-flowered Dendrobium Heyneanum, the glowing Masdevallia Veitchii, Dendrobium infundibulum and D. lasioglossnm, Brassia Gireondiana, Airides rubrnni, with an erect spike of lilac flowers, and a fine basket of Anthurium Scharzerianum. From Mr. Bragge, of Slough, came two stands of Fancy Pansies, and from Mr. Ware, of Halo Farm Nurseries, a large collection of hardy plants in flower, and of others ornamental by their foliage. A special certificate was given to Mr. Woodward, gardener to Mrs. Torr, Garbrand Hall, Ewell, for four standard plants of Deutzia gracilis, with heads '1 feet in diameter, on 5-leet stems, forming fine masses of bloom. Florists' Flowers. — Amongst the Roses in pots we must charac- terise as pre-eminently good Duke of Edinburgh, than which any- thing more brilliant cannot possibly be imagined, fully confirming my opinion that Mr. G. Paul may be warmly congratulated on having sent out one of the best dark-coloured Roses in growth. It appeared in both collections. The others were Adrienne Christophle, beautiful copper-coloured Tea; Henri Ledechaux, a flower that has not been as much grown as it ought to be ; Miss Ingram, very good ; Baronne de Rothschild, beautiful light pink, the best in its class ; Monsieur Wool- field, bright pink, very good; La France, very bright, but the petab thrown about in rather too angular a manner ; Madame Creytou, a good purplish Rose ; Clotilde Rolland, a very light pink flower. Among cut blooms from Messrs. Paul & Son there were Princess Marie, an old Tea-sceuted, but good for pots ; Mar-chat Niel, Marie Rady, purplish red, good ; Leopold II., good ; Paul Verdier, fine. Of Auriculas there was but a very small display, partially owing to the extreme lateness and coldness of the season. The same exhibitors who contended, if contention it could be called, were present on this occasion — Mr. Turner, of Slough, and Mr. -James. In t'.ie class for twelve, Mr. Turner was first with Omega, a lovely white-edged flower of great refinement and g}od properties, its only fault being a little too light eye, 6till it is a first-rate variety. Exhibitor, Colonel Champneys, Miss Geddings, very like Lovely Anne ; Chapman's Sophia, good in colour ; Stapleford Hero, General Neill, good green edge ; Richard Headly, fine grey : Galatea, Lancashire Hero, and Earl of Shaftes- bury. Mr. James was second in this class with Emily, Beauty, John Bright (coarse), Superb, Mrs. Smith, General Bolivar, Alma, Bright Phaebus, too much colour ; Meteor Flag, washy ; Lancashire Hero, good. In six, Mr. James was the only exhibitor, his plants were Superb. True Briton, Conqueror of Europe, Duke of Cambridge, very small ; Lovely Anne, too little body colour; and Alma. On the whole the Auriculas clearly showed the effects of the long protracted winter we have had. Alpines made a fine show, Mr. Turner being the chief exhibitor, who, besides his collection of twelve, exhibited a lame number of fine varieties. Amy, The Clipper, Monarch, a beautiful soft, smooth flower; Selina, Brunette, Etna, very dark, and Topaz, were con- spicuous.— D., Deal. Fruit Committee— G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S. in the chair. Mr. Carmichael, gardener to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, sent a box of fine fruit of President Strawberry, large and beautifully coloured, and a special certificate was awarded to it. Mr. Bray, gardener to E. A. Sanford, Esq., Nvnehead Court, Wellington, sent two baskets of Keens' Seedling Strawberry, also very well grown. Mr. Hallett, Cossington, Bridgewater, sent a dish of Uvedale's St. Germain Pears, a brace of Cucumbers called Hallett's Perfection, and a large fruit o£ Citron ; to the last a special certificate was awarded. Messrs. Rollis- son & Sons, of Tooting, sent a good specimen of the true Telegraph Cucumber. Mr. Cadger, gardener to J. S. Leigh, Esq., Luton Hoo, sent a brace of enormous seedling Cucumbers. The longest was 2 feet 8 inches, with a circumferen;e of 9 inches. A special certi- ficate was awarded to them for size and symmetry. Mr. Osman, gar- dener to R. Holland, Esq., Stanmore Hall, Middlesex, sent two baskets of large Mushrooms. Mr. Hallett sent two varieties of self-protect- in» Broccoli, neither of which was considered worthy of a certificate. Messrs. Carter & Co., Holborn, sent three pots of Ash Champion Kidney Bean. The Chairman submitted specimens of Neal's pyro- silver knives for fruit knives, for use by the Committee to test their merits. These are steel knives coated with silver through the agency of fire, and are said to be less costly than plated, and very little more so than steel knives. Major R. Trevor Clarke exhibited a seedling Cucumber, raised from Sion House crossed by Telegraph. Floral Committee.— Rev. J. Dix in the chair. From Mr. Williams, of Holloway, came Tillandsia Lindeni, with beautiful blue flowers having a white eye, and measuring at least 2J inches in dia- meter—one of the finest introductions we have had for several years, and all the more valuable because the colour of its flowers is so scarce amon» stove plants. Moreover, it is said to be of easy culture. It received, of course, a first-class certificate. A like award was made to Mr. Williams for Cochliostema Jacobianum. with large manve and deep violet flowers, and noble foliage. Mr. Williams also sent Lycaste citrina, with pale yellow flowers ; Agave Verschaffelti and its variety glauea recently noticed ; Amaryllis carminata, with flowers of a very fine scarlet, and several other plants. Mr. R. Veitch, of Exeter, sent Adiantum Veitclm, a beautiful * em, with the pinna? semi-circular, and of a coppery hue in the young state ; Anthurium Scherzerianum giganteum, with the scarlet spathes much larger than in the ordinary form, but. rather coarse-looking ; Geonoma, pumila, a handsome Palm, which had a first-class certificate. Messrs. Veitch, of Chelsea, had first-class certificates for Areca monostachya, a dark green-leaved Palm, for Euterpe sylvestris and Carludojica rotundifolia, with light green foliage, that of the latter very beautiful ; also for Dickeria nobilis. Mr. Parsons, of Brighton, sent his new variety of Mignonette— Re- seda odorata eximia, which has been before noticed, and received for it a first-class certificate. From Mr. Parker, of Tooting, came \ lola lute;, major, a very showy yellow bedding Pansy, for which a first-class certificate was given. A similar award was made to Clematis Lord Londesborough. which, though not so large as some other varieties, was very beautiful in colour, being purplish violet with a rosy purple, band up each of the segments. A Violet mottled with white, called Viola obliqua striata, also came from the same exhibitor. Messrs. E G Henderson, Wellington Road, St. John's Wood, received a first- class certificate for Caladium Princess Alexandra, with leaves rose, veined with green, and much marbled. The same firm exhibited Azalea Bijou de Ledeberg, with white-edged leaves. Mr. R. H Bard, St John's Wood Terrace, sent Trifolium repens anreum, with very pleasing golden foliage, and which will probably be seen again in better condition. Mr William Panl had a first-class certificate for Zonal Pelargo- nium Avalanche, with white flowers and white-edged leaves, very pretty. Several Bronze Pelargoniums were shown by Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing, as Black Douglas and Reine Victoria, and which well maintained the credit of the firm for the fine varieties of this section they have already sent out; also Imperial Blue Bedding Pansy, often shown before. Mr. Turner, of Slough, sent several fine baskets of Tricolor Pelargoniums, including Mrs. Turner. Mr. Green, gardener to W. Wilson Saunders, Esq., had a first-class certificate for Pothos ventricosa, a very interesting plant with noble dark green leaves, peculiar also in their fleshy petioles, and the in- florescence consisting of a white spad.x and spathe, the latter enmson at the base. A very remarkable Iris from Mr. W" also received a first-class certificate. To what sp of Tottenha B it belonged no one could say. Messrs. Carter & Co. sent nice specimens of Ivy-leaved Pelargo- niums Elegans and Dr. Schomburgk ; Messrs. Rollisson Araucanas JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Hay 5, 1870. caledouiensia and Cunningbami glauca; and Mr. Cos, Redleaf, cat blooms of Rhododendron Aacklandi. First-class certificates were also awarded to Mr. Turner, for Anricnla Omega, and for Alpine Auriculas, Monarch, Selina, and Black Prince ; and second-class for Clipper and Etna. Special certificates were given to Mr. W. Paul, and to Messrs. E. G. Henderson, for groups of plants, and to Messrs. Veitch for a group of Azaleas. General Meeting. — W. Wilson Saunders, Esq., F.R.S., in the chair. After the election of seventeen new Fellows and the announce- ment of the awards, the Rev. M. J. Berkeley said he had learnt that Triteleia unitiora was going through the country under the name of Tri- teleia alliacea, on his authority ; the fact being, that at one of the meet- ings a plant of it had been sent under the wrong name of Leucocoryne alLiacea. The Peaches in the glass wall at Chiswiek, noticed at the last meeting, were nest referred to as having set a fine crop of fruit, and then attention was directed to a specimen illustrating the result obtained in the fifth generation from the seed of the wild Cabbage collected at Abergele, and it was remarked that hens would not touch it. The Anriculas and several of the plants exhibited were then briefly noticed, especially A. Toxicophlaea (speciosa), which was said to be poisonous. Occasion was taken to remark that the Oleander was also poisonous, and that several French soldiers had been poisoned by using the wood for skewers. A little sprig of a Spurge from Major Trevor Clarke was next noticed as producing seed, though there was not a Bingle male plant in the country. This was ascribed to the terminal flowers being imperfect, and these alone. Major Trevor Clarke said that he had placed in a house what were commonly called female Hautbois Strawberries along with Keens' Seedling, gathered seed, and found the whole of the crop from the plants raised were the Hautbois ; and he inferred that the imperfect anthers, apparently inert, were sufficient to effect fertilisation. The Chairman, after pointing out the great advantages of Palms for decorative purposes till two or three years old, noticed an Aloe, which Mr. Berkeley had pointed out, as being probably a variety of acumi- nata, and said no Lacbenalia would produce a finer effect than it. He then urged the claims of succulents on the attention of cultivators, and instanced some of them as the most beautiful of plants. The ravages of birds, especially skylarks, on the Kales, and more parti- cnlarly Broccoli, were next noticed, and the Chairman said the mis- chief seemed to him to be often done more for amusement than any- thing else. Mr. Berkeley having pointed out leaves of Peaches which had been perforated, owiDg, he believed, to cold drops of water falling upon them, the Chairman said the same result was often caused — indeed, most frequently — by the punctures of iusects, and the punctured parts afterwards falling out. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING. The April meeting was held on the 4th of that month, the Presi- dent, A. R. Wallace, Esq., being in the chair. Letters from Professors Schiodte, of Copenhagen, and Von Siebold, of Munich, returning thanks for their election as honorary members, were read. The Se- cretary exhibited a specimen of a Mole Cricket, taken by Mr. A. P. Falconer in Nubia on his return from Phila? to Alexandria. It had been identified as Gryllotalpa Copkta of De Haan and Scudder. It scarcely, however, differed in appearance from the English species. Mr. J. Jenner Weir exhibited, on behalf of a wharfinger at whose wharf on the banks of the river below London Bridge grain was stored, a quantity of Wheat and American Maize infested to a very large degTee with weevils and other grain-feeding insects. Of a cargo of 74 tons of Spanish Wheat not less than 10 cwt. of weevils and their debris had been screened out ; and from 145 tons of American Maize warehoused in August, 1868, as much as 35 cwt. of weevils had been screened out. The beetles which had chiefly inflicted this injury were Calandra Oryzffi (which differs from the common C. granaria in having red spots on the wing-covers), with which were also associated numbers of Stene ferruginea, a small beetle nearly allied to the mealworm so often found in ships' biscuits (Tenebrio molitor), as well as a small Cucujns, which is probably a parasite on the Calandra. Independent of the great loss thus caused to the grain, an important legal question ■was likely to arise as to the party on whom the loss would ultimately fall, as the importer claimed damages of the wharfinger for the loss, whilst the latter claimed damages from the former for sending him grain already infested with the weevil, and thus introducing so ob- noxious an insect into his stores. A long discussion took place on the lab ts of the insect and on the remedies which had hitherto been pro- pose 1, in the course of which the wharfinger, who was present, stated that some years ago a rotatory machine, which had been strongly recommeodt-d in France, had been erected by his firm, bnt it had completely failed ; and Professor Westwood described the larva of the common Calandra granaria, hitherto undescribed. Mr. A. Miiller read a note from an American correspondent cor- roborating his statement as to the scent emitted by certain species of Gall Flies. Mr. H. Vaughan exhibited a number of specimens of Dianthcecia carpophaga bred near Croydon, varying considerably in their colours and markings. Mr. F. Smith exhibited some interesting species of Vespidse recently received from Mr. Cryson, captnred on the Rocky Mountains of America ; and Mr. J. J. Weir some specimens of Fritillarias from Russia, with reference to the specific distinction of Argynnia Adippe and Niobe. Mr. Crotch communicated a note on the British species of Dasytes, and a notice was read of the spectrum analysis of the light of the Firefly in New England. BEDDING PELARGONIUMS. I think no one can judge of a bedding Pelargonium till it has been planted out. The Rev. C. P. Peach's opinion of my Bayard Pelargonium has been formed from plants growing in pota only, and which have only been in his possession a few weeks ; and I think those who proved it last year will certainly not concur with the opinion expressed by him (see page 301 of last week's Journal). It received a first-class certificate from the Royal Horticultural Society, and several letters which ap- peared in " our Journal " spoke last season in the highest terms of it. It has now been sent out two seasons, is known to many, and though the pecuniary interest is lost, still a raiser is jealous of the honour of his pets. I know by ex- perience to raise thousands of seedlings is not very profitable, but there is a fascination about it which few can give up ; the honour in prospect allures, if the chance of profit be small. Surely our pets ought to be fairly tried beforo being described. I shall be much surprised if Mr. Peach do not put Bayard at the top of his list when he has proved it. Let those say who have done so. — J. R. Pearson. [Since the above was in type we have received the following from Mr. Peach.] Iu reading over my remarks on Bedding Pelargoniums in the number of April 28th, I find I have omitted to name Rebecca, which is one of the very best both as a pot plant and a bedder, and is worth a place in every garden. I have also omitted to state that I have not yet tried Bayard as a bedder, and have only given my opinion of it as I have seen it while propagating it. I have heard it spoken of so highly by those whose opinions I can readily follow, that I advise all who can to give it a trial, as of course, though one can form a sort of general estimate of a Pelargonium when growing it on for bsdding-out, yet it is impossible to give a decided opinion till it has been tried for bedding purposes for two or three seasons. — C. P. Peach. A VISIT to the LYTTLETON AND PORT VICTORIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S SHOW. January 27th, 1870. This Show was a great success as respects the articles exhibited, although the attendance was not what the Committee had a right to expect. The Colonists' Hall, where the Show was held, was tastefully decorated with flags, evergreens, and Toi-toi Grass (Calamagrostis conspicua). I will first give you a brief description of Lyttleton or Port Victoria. Lyttleton is built on the crater of an extinct volcano, on a series of spurs and gullies, the streets stretching up the steep hillsides to the height of 200 feet above the sea, to which there is an ample fall from every part of th6 town. Some of the houses are built on stone arches expanding over the gullies. Altogether it is a very romantic-looking place, sloping down quite to the margin of the sea. Chriatchurch, on the other hand, is an example of a totally different combination of circumstances ; it lies on a plain of very. large extent. We, in Christ- church, have plenty of water from Artesian wells ; but Lyttleton, un- fortunately, has no water supply except out of a few deep wells near the beach. Many — very many plants — from tropical countries left behind by shipping, have become acclimatised in Lyttleton and flourish. I will generalise my task about the Exhibition as much as possible. Exhibitors' names will be of no nse for " our Journal." The display of fruit3 and vegetables was admirable. The competition in Potatoes was very keen, but the season was too early for Btone fruit. White Muscadine and other Grapes were very tine and of excellent flavour. Several collections of small fruits were especially deserving of com- mendation, both for their variety and excellence of condition. The Cabbages shown were very fine. A splendid basket of vegetables, ten sorts, attracted general attention, and gained a first prize. At the upper end of the Hall was exhibited a monster chignon, with the " waterfall " of the period, constructed of Flax, our Pbormium, dressed at oneof our newly-established Flax-worka. This caused much merri- ment. I was glad to notice that we are progressing in the manufactory of pottery, as shown by some creditably made flower-pots exhibited. We have usually depended on Sydney for a supply until very lately. Ripe Figg were very well represented. Pot plants were not very numerous, only one collection being shown, and these were from a Christchurch nurseryman, but they were good and well-grown for a colony, though not rare. Probably some English judges might laugh at. them, though window t lants come in for a small share of patronage. JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 323 Oat flowers were in great abundance. A Gloxinia in full flower was especially remarkable from the fact that it bad not been grown in soil in tbe usual way, but in a bunch of damp moss in a suspended position. A small collection of Zonal Pelargoniums, seedlings, I think, attracted much notice. Tbe display of four collections of cut blooms of Gladioli, choice sorts, would not have disgraced the Crystal Palace Show. They added very much to the attractiveness of the Exhibition. There was also a good collection of Fancy Dahlias well grown. The Queen's Lily likewise adde4 to tbe display very much. There were two col- lections of handsome cut Roses — very handsome, I say, considering the difficulty in blooming them here at midsummer, when tbe sun is so hot as to scorch the petals ; tbe varieties were chiefly Noisettes and Hybrid Perpetuals. This is all I can recollect about the subjects exhibited. The officers of the Society were most energetic throughout the day. We gardeners, of course, had to take a little refreshment, being from home on this occasion ; and I have to inform the author of " Greater Britain " that wo usually say to each other very politely in company in a tavern, when we are obliged to meet there occasionally, " What are you going to have?" and not " What'll you shout?" Gardeners here do not tolerate such language as " shout " and 4i stand." I submit this to show you that there are exceptions amongst us, and probably the young baronet may become aware of the fact now. A very severe hailstorm, which was preceded and followed by thun- der and lightning, broke over Christchurch at about one o'clock in the afternoon of January 20th. The storm lasted for five minutes. The hailstones were unusually large, many of them being larger than rifle ballets. The barometer fell the day before nearly 1^- inch, the fall continuing up to nine o'clock in the evening, when the mercury began to rise slowly but steadily. In some places a drift of hail 20 inches deep could be seen. The storm was succeeded by heavy rain. I will relate the damage done by it in my own garden and just round where I live. Verbenas and other bedding-out plants all spoiled of their beauty and destroyed ; petals of Pelargoniums and flowers of Ligustrum japonicum all pelted off; the same with the Tritoma flowers and Phlox paniculata ; and the petals of Dahlias all destroyed. The hailstones made holes through Cabbage leaves and the leaves of Scarlet Runners, threshed ripe Peas as cleanly as if with a flail, and braised my Apples. My garden looked quite desolate, everything being so knocked about. This was the most destructive hailstorm ever known here, and all the damage was done in five minutes. — William Swale, Avonside Botanic Garden, Christchurch, Cantetbury, New Zealand. THE CHEMISTRY OF MANURES. I am much obliged to Mr. Pearson for the way in which he has again called the attention of your readers to the subject of the chemical value of nitrogen in manures. He has stated my view of the subject very concisely, and I am glad he thoroughly understands that it is not my wish to prove myself right and other persons wrong, but that I think the whole subject requires fresh ventilation, and that I do not think sufficient evidence has been yet adduced to prove, that though nitrogen in the atmosphere is the most inert and passive of all ele- ments, yet when in combination with other substances it should be- come the most active and important ingredient, so that the value of manures should be made to depend upon it. I will briefly reply to the various objections raised by Mr. Pearson. First, I quite agree with him that the value of an ingredient as a manure is not always in direct proportion to the quantity of that ingre- dient found in the growing plant. There are certain elements and substances necessary to a plant which are found in so small quantities in some soils, and then very often in so insoluble a form, that the plant has great difficulty to obtaiu what it requires ; and a knowledge of the chemical nature of a soil is very valuable to enable a gardener or agriculturist to supply to the soil as a manure any element that is deficient. Mr. Pearson quotes a case in point. Phosphoric acid is generally a very important ingredient in manures, because it is found in very small quantities in most soils, and yet is necessary to the growth of all the more highly organised plants, though only in Bmall quantities. For instance, it bears a very small relative proportion to the carbon or oxygen in growing crops. Where, then, as in Mr. Pearson's case, the land is rich in phosphates, there is no necessity to add more phosphorus to the soil, and phosphatic manures would be of little advantage. Clearly in the same way, as nitrogen is found in only very small quantities in plants, and yet is very abundant in the air they breathe, it would be of no use to add more nitrogen if they can assimilate what they require from the atmosphere. The whole question at issue, therefore, hinges upon this point, and it is upon this point we require more sufficient evidence. At present the line of argument is this : Nitrogenous manures are found of great value and efficacy, and therefore it must necessarily arise from plants not being able to obtain their nitrogen from the air. This is arguing in a circle. Liebig begins by asserting, "We have not the slightest reason for supposing that plants are capable of assimilating nitrogen from the air," and then upon this broad assertion lays down a further general rule — that the value of a manure is in proportion to, and on account of, the nitrogen it contains. The point I wish to have cleared up is this : Granting that a manure is valuable in proportion to tbe nitrogen it contains, does it necessarily follow that it is valuable only, or chiefly, on account of this nitrogen ? Mr. Pearson, in summing up for me what I endeavoured to bring forward in my former paper on the subject, did not include the state- ment that out of five substances present in the air — oxygen, nitrogen, carbonic acid, aqueous vapour, and ammonia — it is universally ad- mitted that plants are capable of assimilating four; and the only argument as yet adduced against their being able to assimilate the fifth — nitrogen, is, that as it is present in such large proportions (four- fifths of the whole atmosphere), it would be found in larger quantities in plants if they were capable of absorbing it, and also because it is so inert and has such weak affinities for other elements ; consequently, it cannot be taken up by plants except it has firBt entered into com- bination with other elements. No doubt nitrogen when combined with hydrogen to form ammonia is more soluble than it was before, and when it is still found in the form of ammonia in plants it will be more eaBy for those plants to assimilate it in a combined than an uncombiued form ; but then we must bear in mind one law of chemistry — that an element will not leave one for which it has affinity for another element for which it has less affinity. If, therefore nitrogen cannot be assimilated by a plant because it has only weak or no affinity for the elements contained in the growing plant, it will not any more leave the hydrogen in ammonia, or oxygen in nitric acid (elements for which it has affinities), and enter into combination with the growing plant, than it would in its previous uneombined state. This is one great reason why I think that nitrogenous manures are valuable on account of their solubility, and because they act as solvents for other elements necessary to the welfare of the plant and are easily decomposed, rather than on account of their supplying nitrogen. It is not as if nitrogen were in a solid or insoluble form in the air, but as it is in a gaseous form it is capable of entering into the pores of the leaves of plants, and, like other gases, iscipable of expansion, contraction, and absorption. Neither have we as yet any proof, as I stated in my last, that nitrogen is capable, like oxygen, of assuming two forms, or that it is in any way different when leaving its combination with another element from what it was on its entering into combination with it. As to Mr. Pearson's second objection — that nitrogen is necessary to the formation of muscle, I daresay he will not be surprised that I equally doubt the value of nitrogen in animal food. Lewes, in his tk Physiology of Common Life," adduces, I think, a great deal of evi- dence which helps to prove that the value of animal food does not depend upon the quantity of nitrogen it contains. I have not his book by me, and it is a long time since I read it ; I cannot, consequently, quote the arguments he uses. In reading, however, Wallace's " Malay Archipelago," I was struck with the fact that although the inhabitants of the islands of Java, Sumatra, Borneo, &c, lived almost entirely on rice, or else on sago, both of which are very deficient in nitrogen, that still as a race, though indolent, they were not deficient in muscular power. But with regard to animal food as food for man, the truth is, that the value of a food is in almost exact proportion to its digesti- bility. Meat, and all food that is rich in nitrogen, is more easily digested than fat or carbonaceous food. Moreover, the saline ingre- dients of animal food are necessary to the support of human life in health ; and though those saline ingredients can be obtained from other sources, yet they are more easily obtained from animal food. It would seem that in the economy of nature the office of ruminant animals is to prepare food for man, the higher order of the creation. Sheep and oxen, for instance, have to prepare food for man from the vegetable world. The flesh and blood of these animals are closely allied to those of man, and tbe more nearly the food we eat approaches in its chemical composition the flesh, muscle, &c, of which our body is built up. the more easily is that food digested and assimilated. The muscles of a man in constant exercise require to be con=tantly renewed. There is no muscular exertion or force used without the waste of muscular tissue. Just as there can be no motion without heat, and no heat without motion, so there can be no muscular force used without waste. This waste has to be supplied from food ; and nitrogenouB food, which is most easily digestible, as it is most easily decomposed, is the readiest means by which this waste of tissue can be made up. It is only the more highly organised forms of animal and vegetable life that contain this nitrogen ; and as it is the peculiar property of all highly organised food that contains nitrogen to be easily decomposed, it is only fair to argue that it is this property which makes thiB kind of food so valuable, and not merely the nitrogen. I purposely avoided, however, in my former paper on this subject touching on the question of the value of nitrogen as food for man, because it opened up so wide a question. All manures that help to stimulate the growth of a plant will darken the green of their foliage, but those manures which are rich in am- monia and carbon will do so more than nitrate of soda or nitrate of potash. Sulphate of soda will, I believe, produce the same effect as nitrate of Boda, but is not so soluble, and consequently does not pro- duce its effects so rapidly. All manures containing soda are valuable, not only as supplying soda to the plant, but because they act as solvents to the silicon which forms so important an ingredient in the ash fo all grain- producing crops, but which is the least soluble of all the ele- ments contained in the growing crops. Mr. Pearson thinks that all well-cultivated soils contain sufficient carbon, but as carbon con- stitutes half the weight of a plant, and many forms of carbon are very insoluble, charcoal and peat for instance, any manure that helps a plant to assimilate the carbon more rapidly, will hasten the [ May 5, 1870. rich in nitrogen, and the mou j. l vmi . n .iirectly from the air. accurately.— C. P. Peach. ^ I TEraK thatM, Peach is exhibiting much misplaced ^-it^ JOn are allowing much space to be o«»rf - » ^ ^ analytlcal no logical doubt exists. All cultivators f,.rtili,erB in proportion chemfsts, agree that manures are V^™^™UJJS faet. to the nitrogen they contain. ^ masoning c» ' of an ordinary Bample of Pernvian gnano. .Ti— n^lt^nTand ^y ^^n S^Sf agricultnral chemists, have come to ^^"^ of nitrogen different manures varies nenrlv in propor t.on Wl & they contain There may *£»£*£ an increase of nitrogen applicable; but m ^J »*™a ^ phosphate of lime, and every is accompanied by an inciease m ™P V b, , instance, guano is equal to ooi tons of pig dung, and ^SlSS^Sir6- 1^ ofLsed5 human ex- 38J tons of cow dung. crements Ho'one ever argued that nitrogen is the » ^^ — ^ Mr.sSKi:»s jess sts *•-*• H- B. St-vere Feost.— The thermometer yesterday morning at ChiBwTck reentered 20° Fahr., or 12° of frost. Some, damage U done to "he Apple blossom, many of the stigmas being quite destroyed, although there is still the appearance of a crop being preserved Gooseberries and Currants have sufiered more Lverely and, doubtless, had the frost been accompanied with wet andstong wind, the damage would have been much more serious. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Let those who would have first-rate Asparagus see that plenty of manure or half-rotten vegetable matter htaobto alleys forthwith. Ground from which Broccoli and other Winter Greens have been cleared should be manured, and trenched or dug as may be requisite for the succeeding crop. If it is in- tended for ' Celery, the trenches should be cleared out at once so as to be able to plant a crop of Lettuce or Spinach between the trenches ; or trenches 3 feet apart and 18 inches deep by the same width may be thrown out, and into the bottom dig some well-decomposed manure ; this will bring the bottom of the trench to within G or 8 inches of the surface The dung and soil should be well mixed before putting out the plants. To grow Celery of an extra size, a wider space between the rows is requisite, but the above will be sufficient for moderate- "zed heads. Well harden-ofi the plants before transferring them to the trenches. Prepare Ridge C ucambers and 1 egetable Marrows for planting out, also .Tomato*. Weed all Carrot*** Onion beds as soon as the weeds can be taken hold of. Those who are short of bands will find this the most economical mode. Stir the ground between the rows of early Potatoes. Keep down WnRsom-BhootB from both Iihubarb and Sea-hale ; these ex- l nfuJi much Sea-kale should now have the super- KtttZ4.w?! about four or five to each stool are quite sufficient. FRUIT GARDEN. The disbudding of Apricots, Peaches, &c, should be followed to at intervals, that no unnecessary check may be given to the Trees by the removal of a large number of buds and shoots at on time .With young and vigorous trees, ^ °r four weeta may elapse before the final thinning-out, which m that case may he done at five or six times, and will prevent the mischief minted out above, as well as better equalise the growth of the vZ's wood This is greatly preferable to the old practice of a lowing the shoots to remain upon tho trees till midsummer and then catting them back to two or three eyes. In cold expo ed situations, instead of entirely removing each useless shoot Pinch them back to one or two eyes ; these will form short sours during the summer, and prove useful in eon- Hbuting toward next season's crop, as the flowers produced In the spurs generally set better than on the young wood I usuaiTy eft Various linds of aphides will now make their abearance and should be kept in check by syringing the m- fe" d trees' *Hh weak tobacco water ; it is advisable to mix the above with common soapsuds, and to add flower" °i ulphur The suds caupe the mixture to adhere to the young foliage i ana shoots, and the sulphur, being added, will be found a great preventive of the attacks of red spider. FLOWER GARDEN. whole of the plants healthy and grcwin g slowly in »«fj°£ It is a common and very bad practice to '"o^™8^0"* remain in small pots exposed to the sun and wind and very and such plants are considered to be hardened. i«»l be exposed to the weather as freely as ^e'Eearf admit; but never to such an extent as to brown he fohag ana properly care" for the plants in the way of watering P^chng Bub off the stock-buds from time to time, and let all Boses, whether standards or dwarfs, have '^^^VpZence t.p-dressed if not previously done. The »» '^ Hoses intended for forcing next winter ^should ^ have a nch mulching, fairly covering the pots A\ C/f 1 ienrjitto ^Licb bulbs will now be on the wane, patches « b»?nnia«wn icu surface soil as firm as possible. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.. Where any considerable number of plants is grown, there canSh^like a set time for '*£»£-£& Cta mm0Wm The New Holland twinerB, when aone flowering, shon a nave n1P1r shoots well trimmed before growth commences, binning will oe mo.t conveniently cleaned, and where necessary the May 6, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 325 paint washed, immediately after pruning, so as to have all clean before the plants start into growth. Centradenias now exhausted with flowering should be shaken out of their pots and repotted. Fibrous loam and fibrous heath soil, with char- coal and coarse sand, make an excellent compost for them. Make cuttings of them as soon as suitable young wood can be obtained. See that all tender annuals have timely attention in regard to shifting, pricking out, liquid manure, &c. STOVE. It is most likely that many stove and softwooded plants will now require a shift to grow them on. Plants intended for blooming next autumn and winter, and which have been mostly propagated this spring, should now be potted off; or pinch back any straggling shoots to form them into compact plants, and after keeping them close for a week or two to encourage them to make fresh roots, gradually allow them more air and light until they will bear a free exposure to both. As Btove plants advance, allow them plenty of room, particularly plants of which the foliage constitutes an important feature. The syringe must be in constant use to keep down insects, assisted by fumigation where thrips are likely to establish themselves. The white and brown scale are best kept under by carefully hand- washing the infected plants with a strong lather of brown soap and water. Soft brushes or pieces of sponge should only be used for this purpose that no injury may be done to the leaves. Achimenes should now be placed where more air can be given ; stake them out neatly a3 the shoots advance. Gloxinias, like the above, require a partially shaded situation and moist heat. Gesneras may be treated in the same way, with the addition of more light. Amaryllis, &c, should be re- moved to the conservatory or show-house for blooming. Mark any very striking varieties for seeding. After blooming, plunge them in a little bottom heat in a frame near the glass, to per- fect their growth. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. On the evening of the 29th we had a refreshing rain, not enough to make an impression on ponds or tanks, but quite sufficient to moisten the surface, and, with the accompanying duluess, to enable all plants in the open air to absorb moisture, and thus distend their tissues. The parching sun and cold nights affected many plants, where the roots, from being in a cold medium, could not meet the rapid evaporation from the foliage caused by the sun. This was less observable under glass, but oven there sprinkling the floors, paths, and stages, relieved the plants very much, and acted only less effectually than a slight shade would have done. Out of doors a slight sprinkling overhead, or a little shade, would do wonders. The worst of shading in, on the whole, our shady-enough climate is, that though it is no difficult matter to put on, and very likely at the right time, it is so apt to remain on too long, and then it is sure to weaken the plants which are shaded. Many would be better if never shaded at all, if placed far enough from the glass, so that the rays of the sun should be diffused before reaching them. We have thus treated Melons and Cucumbers, and even tender cuttings that were never shaded, but then if the weather was very dull, we thought they suffered slightly from the diffusion of the direct light. Under ordinary circum- stances, shading is most needed under glass when a very bright day succeeds several dull cloudy days. The roots cannot then meet the sudden demand on them, and a slight shading for an hour or two, where a sprinkling from the syringe over walls and other surfaces would not do, would be a great relief, but then the shading should be removed as soon as the sun has lost its power. In many cases the shading is left on for hours after the sun has sent none but oblique rays which the plants would have enjoyed. It is well to remember that every hour of needless shading tends to weaken, not to strengthen, a plant. One of our best gardeners lately told us he nearly lost his Cucumbers in a house, because in a scorching day there was such a meeting of fire heat and sun heat, such a free ad- mission of air, instead of damping the floor and paths, and giving a little shading for a few hours. The abuse of the shading would be putting it on— say by 11 a.m., and allowing it to remain far on in the afternoon, even if the sun continued to shine. It would be still more injurious if clouds began to appear by one or two o'clock, as leaving shading on then would render the plants unable to withstand any bright direct sun- light afterwards. Celery. — We took np that in our last beds with balls, and placed it thickly in a shady place, watering it, and earthing-up to the top with fine dry Boil ; this will come in a little longer for table, and longer for soups, &c, and sets the ground at liberty for Onions and I'eas. The rain has given a good start to the Cabbages, which are hearting well, but would have done all the better could we have given them saoaking of sewage before the rain. That is the time to apply all such watering with the greatest effect. ThuB, it is even better to water out of doors in a dull cloudy day, than in a bright one. We have watered very little out of doors as yet, partly from scarcity of water, but chiefly from the coldness of the ground. Onions have come up well, but, as alluded to above, we shall sow a few more of James's Keeping, which we find keeps all the longer when not sown too early. But for the rain these would have been sown on the 29th and 30th, but we hope to do so in the first days of May. Onions for Pickling. — We have always some trouble with these, as our ground is rather strong to have them small and well formed. We have pitched on a poor bit of ground which was used as a seed bed for the Cabbage and Broccoli tribe laBt season, and had a good crop left all winter and spring. After clearing all off we shall merely point it over slightly, sow, pat down, and give a sprinkling of rich compost on the surface. By such means we often produce well-shaped little bulbs of the Silver-skinned Onion, but we do not always suc- ceed to our own satisfaction, as even in such an exhausted spot, they are apt to grow too large before they are fully ripe. There is plenty of light poor land where pickling Onions cost no trouble, and where there are too many small Onions, but in Btrong rich soil it is sometimes difficult to produce them, and the above is the most successful mode we have met with. Salting Asparagus and Sea-kale. — We gave these a sprinkling about the 10th of April when the shoots began to appear, keepiDg it between the rows, so as not to injure the heads or shoots, and now after the rain we shall give another sprinkling, as it helps the plants and kills the little weeds, if any make their appearance. Herb Beds. — We shall have to make up these and to sow such annuals as Chervil, Sweet Basil, Sweet Marjoram, &c, under glass. In the open air such a common herb as Mint wants looking to. With us, if it remain in the same place two years, we generally lose sight of it altogether. The hardy roots disappear with us, and therefore, to be safe, we have to plant some of it every year. Perhaps the best time to do so is when the shoots are a couple of inches in height with a bit of root attached. These, planted 6 inches apart, will make a dense bed of nice green Mint before it is needed every day for Peas. Is the necessity for Mint as an adjunct to Peas a natural or an acquired taste ? With the earlier common Peas, Mint certainly improves them. In the case of some of the best, as Laxton's, McLean's, Veitch's Perfection, Ne Plus Ultra, Sea., we sometimes think that the Mint is no improver, but rather the reverse. For the gardener to be without it, however, would be almost as bad asj being without Parsley. In some places it i3 becoming the fasLion to use mint sauce freely in winter long before lamb comes generally into season. On the 22nd of April sowed the main supply of Kales, Broc- coli, and Brussels Sprouts for next winter. We were in little hurry, as we knew the ground was bo cool. We have a few a little more forward. We pricked-out lots of Cauliflowers, which will come in as our fourth succession— the third after those under hand-lights, which are now looking all right. Where ground is scarco a regular supply must mainly consist in not having too much at one time. We have several times alluded to the seeming inconsistency of setting such value on an acre or two of ground appropriated to kitchen garden purposes, whilst the land in the immediate neighbourhood will bring in no more than from 25s. to 30s. per acre to the proprietor. Not only a more abundant supply could easily be obtained from more ground, but the vegetables would be finer and better flavoured from having more room than it is possible for them to be in little space, and when so many things must be grown among other crops. Cucumbers.— Thinned-out the plants and top-dressed them, as they have borne rather too much, but the top-dressing will renew them again. Banked up with litter thoBe in frames, as hitherto they have not wanted such attention. Finding that some fruit and a few leaves were nibbled by woodlice, we placed some dry hay close to the frame, and gently moving it, scalded the intruders with water near the boiling point. A small pot, with a piece of boiled Potato, and dry hay or moss above it, 326 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 5, 1870. laid on its side, is also a good trap for them. In all old gardens these intruders are sure to abound. A young gardener was boasting he never saw such a thing about his place. Was it because be did not look for them ? There was no lack of the traces they had left behind them. A toad with his biLht eyes will help to keep them down until he become fat and lazy. When a toad is kept in a frame, he will be thankful, and work all the better, if a small saucer of water is placed for his use in a corner. FRUIT GARDEN. Hoed the ground amongst the Strawberries once more ; it is such a nuisance to have weeds at fruit-gatheriDg time, and the necessity of pulling up weeds and taking them away is always a waste of time and labour. With the free and early use of the Dutch hoe, the rake, with its horrid teeth, need scarcely appear in a garden. Strawberries in Pots. — We kept up successions of these. Plenty of water was needed in the bright weather. It is hardly possible to keep away all traces of red spider when the plants are fully exposed to the sun, and to have fine-flavoured fruit that was essential. Hence, though the Strawberries in forcing houses would often more than pay the forcing, still it is un- desirable that they should be there at all if it "can be avoided, and then, when the plants are shaded by Vines, &a., the flavour will be inferior, let the gardener be as careful as he may in watering and air-giving. To have a Strawberry in perfection, plant and fruit should be fully exposed to light. Of course, there may be some trifling exceptions, such as have been alluded to, in sudden changes of weather, but in general every- thing like shade is to be avoided. Though not one in tweDty of us can command a regular Strawberry house, that is no rea- son why we should not insist on its importance. Such a house would never be without its use. When not wanted for Straw- berries it would be just as useful for other dwarf stubby plants. Besides, when there was nothing to shade, there would not be the necessity of having the Strawberry plants so near the glass. With heat and air at command, and all the light possible, the plants would set their bloom as well at 18 and 24 inches from the glass, as they would at 9 and 12 inches, whilst they would be subjected to fewer sudden changes. Just now, many with their one little house will have a row or two of Strawberry pots in their greenhouse. Some succeed very well in producing good fruit some weeks before tbey can gather in the open air, and we know the zest and pleasure it gives them to be able to take a few fruit to a sick friend before such can be obtained out of doors. Many, however, succeed very indiffeiently. They have good plants well-ripened early in autumn, they plunge and protect them from severe frost in winter, they top-dress in spring, they water so judiciously that we could not improve upon it, they have excellent bloom', but, after all, it mostly becomes blind— that is, refuses to set, and they have to take out the most of their plants as failures, even though they have kept more heat in the bouse and shut it up early in the afternoon to help them. Now, the extra kiDdness is the chief cause of the failure. The Strawberry, to succeed, must have room, must have free access to light, and whilst in bloom must have air. even if there should be no great openings in cold weather, yet freBh air there must he from openings however small. A close moist atmosphere, the very thing to encourage rapid extension and growth, will, if long continued, be the best means for saturating and cloggiog-np the pollen- bags in the blooms, and preventing the desirable action of the parts of fructification. Extremes meet, and the same result wiH often be the conspquence of the action of a free dry air on the parts of fructification. In such cases— in fact, in the parching weather we lately bad, we have frequently found a gentle dewing of the Strawberry blossom of much benefit; then, when the sun had dried them, the parts of fructification were refreshed and enabled to perform their natural functions. We were first led to adopt this plan many vears ago, from observing that Apricots, Peaches, Pears, and Plums that ap- peared a loDg time in bloom without setting in very dry weather and coldish nights, set very quickly after being refreshed with a gentle, genial shower. It must, however, be remembered, that on the whole we consider dryness better for settirjg than moisture, and continued rains have often ruined the crops of Apricots and other fruit, but there are exceptions to most if not all rules. The close moist atmosphere is the cause of failure with many amateurs. A keen enthusiast has several times wished us to Btate his case. In his little house, he has a platform at back that held two rows of Strawberry pots, and a shelf with one row in front. He syriDged and shut up in April and May from three to four o'clock in the afternoon, wetting the floor, and generally gave air from 8 to 9 a.m. ; he liked to see his general plants fresh and healthy-looking. The Strawberries bloomed beautifully, but always set most indifferently. He could not give up the damping and the syringiDg, but the Strawberries when in bloom were not touched by the syringe, as the moist atmosphere would be quite enough for them. Instead of shutting up closely at that time, from a quarter to half an opening was left all night, except in very cold nights, and then air was given the first thing in the morning. A little air was also left in front, and if the night was rather cold a lump of coal was set alight in the flue. With no alteration except the above, the Strawberries for some seasons have set beautifully. We are so far wrong, for in watering, a long feather or a dry hand was passed and repassed among the trusses of bloom to help to disperse the pollen. Afier being fairly set and commencing to swell, the Strawberry is not par- ticular as to its position, but to acquire good colour and flavour it must have air and light. As we have used no protection for Apricots and Peaches out of doors, we have not yet disbudded any, as the young shoots will be a good protection, and they wilt do no harm as yet. Unless a severe frost come on we shall be safe, and then if it come we must try and neutralise its influence. We have had signs of late of a blackthorn winter, and must, therefore, be on the watch. Disbudded, or rather stopped and removed young shoots freely in the orchard houses, and dressed Vines there by rubbing off extra shoots, these being more forward than we would have wished, thanks to the large squares of glass. Such glass will be an advantage under any circumstances, greatest, perhaps, when air can be given or taken away, but also, no doubt, of value when the air is left on night and day. Such a plan would avoid many dangers. Many of the failures in orchard houses are owing to the want of early air-giving. We knew of a case last May where the attendant in a bright May morning forgot all about the orchard house until between nine and ten o'clock, and then he was pretty well forced to run out again. Every small fruit tumbled from the trees, and dire were the denunciations against orchard houses. Some air ought to have been given by 7 a.m., and a late riser should have left air at the top all night. We had hard work thinning Grrfpes, and we must look for- ward to more of it in other houses. To beginners we would say, Thin as soon as you can discern the berries that are fully set ; keep the scissors dry and clean ; leave the outside berries of the bunch at the requisite distance from each other, cut- ting off the inside berries more freely ; touch the bunch with the hand as little as possible, but use a neat forked stick instead to keep it in position, and especially avoid touohmg it with the clothes and the hair cf the head. We cannot use our water to syringe Vines, but in hot weather we can use water on the floor and stage. A great safeguard against red spider is a little air at the top of the house all night. Were we near a coal mine, we would hardly ever shut up a house closely now. Until the weather is warmer we open, however little, early in the morn- ing. We shall give a little air all night before long. Ij3ss than half an inch will keep the apex airy, and prevent accumulations of vapour. ORNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT. Sowed lots of annuals in the open ground, as we like the ground to be getting warm. Sowed half-hardy annuals under glass, as we find they do better when not too loDg in hand before they go into the ground. Potted many things, and yet we are behindhand, and as we wanted hundreds of small pots, turned out into trenches and earth pits a great number of Scarlet Pelargoniums that had been potted, as in such weather they may stay there for several weeks. These have nice fresh roots in balls, and will begin to throw out more roots all round by lifting time. A little labour is required in thus turning them out, but then we set thousands of small pots at liberty to be used for plants that do not fibre and transplant well, and what we lose in labour we gain in pots and watering, as most likely tbey will receive no more watering until immediately before planting. It is true, we might plant out in the flower beds without so much preparation in previous moving, but then the floral display would be late, and more water vojld be required than when well-rooted strong plants are used. We lately mentioned putting a great many Pelargoniums siDgly in small pieces of turf. These have done too well. The turf is now so full of roots, the spongioles hanging out all round, that we fear we must move them into an earth pit, to May 5, 1870. ] JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. prevent the roots mrming too far. The pots Fet at liberty come in for Colens, Iresine, and other plant?, which need to be well established.— R. F. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS Iu the Suburbs of London for the week ending May 3rd. ' THERMOMETEE. Wind. Date. BABOMZTER. Air. Earth. Rain. Max. | Min. Max. | Min. 1 ft. '2 ft. Wed. .. 27 30."47 ] 80.007 65 SO 49 46 N.W. .00 Thurs. . 28 30 083 29.' 55 5Q 28 49 48 N. Fri. ... '.•} 29 980 29 710 52 39 48 • 47 N.W. Sat. ... 30 29.772 29.583 G'l 39 49 46 San. . . 1 29B94 29 560 59 33 50 47 N.W. Mon. . . 2 29 9H9 29 749 51 2-1 49 47 N. Toes. . 3 30.034 29.917 53 20 47 46 Mean.. 29.939 29.784 54.28 30.43 48.71 47.00 - 0.23 27.— Cloudy, cold wind; stormy; clear and cold. 28.— Slight rain; cloudy ; overcast, cold wind. 29.— Overcast, cold ; heavy clouds; densely overcast. 80.— Densely overcast ; cold and overcast; cloudy. 1.— Clondy and cold; densely clouded ; stormy. 2.— Overcast, cloudy, stormy and cold ; stormy, sharp frost. 3. — Densely overcast ; cloudy ; clear and cold. TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Dick Rauclyffe & Co., 129, High Holborn, London, W.C.— Cata- logue of Bedding, Alpine, and Decorative rlants, &c. Child ct Larimer, Bradford Nurseries, Shipley, and 49, Darley Street, Bradford. — Catalogue of New and Rare Plants, Bedding Plants, and Florists' Flowers. You nd free- TO CORRESPONDENTS. to VrBGlNlA (W. J1.). — We cannot give an opinion had better write to the Emigration Society, Ludgate Hill, London. Lawn Mowers (A. B ).— With the ordinary lawn mowers, the cut grass being projected in front of the machine on to the grass to be cut, in a very short time, if not gathered-np into the bos, entirely clogs-up the action of tho knives and prevents cutting. The Archimedean, contrary, scatters the cut grass, and by the greater simplicity a dom of action of the knives, it never is liab'e to clogging. The grass cut by one would not be a whit more untidy than that cut by the others, only that the Archimedean will cut the cut grass two and three times over, if necessary into particles like chaff. — B. Large Strawberries. — Several correspondents wish Mr. J. Reid (page 308), to state the name of the Strawberry which produced berries weigh- ing 4 ozs. each. CtrRCOLlo lineatus (F. J!.).— None of the remedies you propose would be effectual unleBS they were applied in quantities inadmissible. As you are willing to sacrifice'the crop to exterminate the marauders, pare and burn the soil they hannt. Leather for Manure— Sugar Beet (E. fi. P.). — Leather scraps, the smaller the better, must be scattered over the surface, and ploughed or dug in. The market gardeners about Fulham employ such scraps as a fertiliser. We know no mode of dissolving them. The seeds of the White Sugar Beet are to be purchased of any of the wholesale seedsmen who advertise in this Journal. There are several French works on the culture and manufacture of sugar from it. Dividing Perennials (A Subscriber).— The best time for dividing the majority of tbese plant3 is spring, when they are beginning to grow ; but Primulas, and indeed all early spring-flowering plants, are best divided when tho flowering is past, putting in the divisions on an east or north- west border, in sandy soil enriched with a little leaf soil or very old hot- bed manure. Water freely in d the Fir- JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. joints, keeping them closely pinched to one throughout the summer. The leader must not, of course, he interfered with, but Bhould be trained erect to a stake until it is of the height required; then if it be cnt back in spring, you will have Bhoots from the upper part that we would reduce to three, and Btop them at the' sixth joint; the shoots on the stem being by degrees removed during the summer, and in the followiug March altogether cut off close to the stem. The shootB will need to be tied down, stopped, and regulated bo as to form a compact close head. Why have standards? Surely bushes and pyramids are far more beautiful. SEEDLmo CrNERARIAS AND CALCEOLARIAS AFTER FLOWERING (T. C). —After they have flowered cut off the stems, place the plants in a cold frame on an east border, and shade them from very powerful sun, keeping them moist but not very wet. After June the lights may remain off at night, and in dull showery weather, but in hot dry weather keep the plants cool and moist hy shading and sprinkling with water. At the end of August place the offsets singly in small pots, and return them to the cold frame, keeping them cool, but close and shaded for a few days, then harden them off and treat them as before. Shift into larger pots as those in which the plant3 are become filled with roots, and before frost remove them to a shelf in the greenhouse. Cinerarias do well in that way, but Calceolarias do not eucceed so well ; indeed, they are not worth keeping for the second year's bloom. Liquid Manure for Vines and Zonal Pelargoniums (A Novice) — Guano at the rate of 1 lb. to twenty gallons of water, is sufficiently strong for Vines in borders, and Zonal Pelargoniums in pots. To the latter it may be given two or three times a-week. The Vines will not need any until the berries are well set, and then it may be given every fortnight or three weeks up to their changing colour, when it should be discontinued. If the border be outside, the watering will only be needed in dry weather. Cut Flowers of Pelargoniums (Idem).— It is hard to tell which is the proper way ; but we think the stem and leaves that accompany the truss on the plant should he those exhibited, and yet thev are shown with the truss and leaves around; indeed, as a bouquet. Consult the secretary of the show at which yon intend exhibiting. Grafting Vines (John Anderson).— You may graft your Vines now as described at page SIS. They will dn well grafted, and be far in advance of any Vines you might plant out. Although the grafts may succeed, they will do better, and you will obtain far finer rods for next season by not allowing them to bear fruit beyond the gratt this season. The stock should he headed down to where you intend putting in the graft, leaving only one shoot and a few leave* to draw up the superabundant sap, which, after the graft has taken, should also be removed. By all means graft. Dttng of Large Plum Trees (W. J. S.).— We are quite unable to assign the cause of your Flam trees dying in the way you mention. We have observed the same peculiarity ourselves, and ha've in vain attempted to understand the reasons. At page 897, vol. sv., there was some allusion to this in noticing the Plum trees of Mr. Dancer, of Chiswick, who loses many trees in the same way. Can any of our correspondents assist ns 1 Various (One that intends to do his duty).— I. With respect to keeping the horse droppings by themselves, we think there is no necessity for it except for very early forcing. Mixing them with leaves and pig's dung, and throwing them into a heap along with the horse dung, is no doubt the best plan for general purposes. 2. Liquid manure is a very good fertiliser; yon do right to use it, but remember "Discretion is often the better part of effort." Take care that it is not too strong. 3. Cutting the edges of grass with the edging iron ought only to be done to keep the proper line ; when the edges becomes crooked, irregular, or jagged the edging iron may he employed to straighten them, but inches should not be taken off. If so much must be cut off there has been great neglect. 4. You are quite right with respect to the thrips ; we cannot, however, see tho propriety of fumigating where there are no insects, nor do we think Pelargoniums are better of it ; if you fumigate when the first insect is seen you will be in time. It is when the insects are allowed to obtain a hold of the plants that the great mischief is done. We concur in most of your conclusions, and in those we do not we have pointed out the fact. Do your duty, but you will not advance your own interests by finding fault with your predecessor. Be charitable, especially to members of your own profession. Camellias Infested with Black Aphis (Mac).— It may be destroyed by fumigation with tobacco, the house being shut up close, and a calm evening being chosen, lhe house should be so filled with smoke that a plant cannot be seen from the outside. The foliage should be dry, but the floors, &c, may bo wet. It will not injure the Camellias if care be taken to deliver the smoke cool, and the material used be of good quality. It may be necessary to repeat the fumigation ; you must persevere until the plants are free from the insects. Sulphuring Pipes to Keep off Red Spider (Hem).— The pipes may be sulphured as soon as the flowering is over and the berries are swelling freely. The sulphur will not adhere to the pipes unless you mix it with a solution of 2 ozs. of soft soap to the gallon. For Melons it is well to apply the sulphur to the pipes at an earlier stage-before tho flowers expand, or earlier, as the red spider often attacks the Melons in a young Red Spider on Peach Trees out of Doors (Idem).— Syringe the trees, as soon as the blooming is over and the fruit fairly set, with a solution of 1 07.. of soft soap to a gallon of water, and this you mav repeat every fortnight until the fruit is full-sized. It would also be well if the trees were syringed by a garden engine every evening durin" hot weather, and had in addition a good waterirg at the roots every week in dry weather; every alternate watering maybe of liquid manure. Good soakings of water only are of use ; merely wetting the surface does more harm than good. u.:i Thunbebgia Harrisi (M.-ml.-The colour of the flowers is deep bl or violet, with a yellowish white throat. It is one of the best It w not injure Fuchsias to fumigate them with tobacco. Diamant Traube Vine (O. F.).—ll is the old Scotch White Cluster a very good second early White Grape. The berries are large very pure in colour, and very pleasant. It is sometimes a little shy in setting- therefore, when in flower draw the hand gently over the bunch to assist the setting. It will force well. We shonld advise vou certainly to un- cover your Vine borders now, and mulch them slightlv with a coating of manure instead. ^aiuig or Camellias Unhealthy (D. D.).— Ton do not say whether or no the stove heating your conservatory has a funnel or chimney communicating with the external air, or if you keep a vessel of water upon it so as to prevent the atmosphere from becoming too dry. If it has not, that alone is sufficient to account for the Camellia leaves being yellow, brown, and curled, and the buds dropping when of the size of nuts. We advise you to have a chimney to take off the fumes, and a vessel of water on the top of the stove before another winter. Pot the plants in turf taken from a pasture where the soil is a sandy or light loam cutting it off an inch thick, tearing it rather finely to pieces with the hand, and in turning out the plants remove as much of the old soil as yon can without injury to the roots. Drain the pots well, and as the compost will be rough pot rather firmly, and do not use too large pot3 ; if they hold the roots with- out cramping, and admit of about an inch of anil all round they are large enough. Do not water too much for a time, but keep the plants moist bv sprinklings overhead, also rather clu3e and shaded from bright Bun. When the plants are growing freely water copiously, and admit ail moderately. Insects (F. Manning).— Not an insect was in the box. It was crushed and " the flying insects " had flown. Names of Plants (F. Fowler).— Erica herbacea. (IF. B.).— Cydonia japouica, Japan Quince. It may be propagated now by layers or cuttings. (Ignoramus), — Probably Iris pumila ; but the specimen was smashed. (Seedling).— We never name plants from their leaves only. The Cineraria pip is large, but not superior as a florists' flower. (W. B.) — 1, Polypodium Dryopteris; 2. Davallia solid* ; 3, Dicksonia antarctica; 4, Blechnam boreale ; 5, Microlepia novre-zelandiaj ; 6, Selaginella robusta. (South Devon). — 1, Tetratheca ericiefolia ; 2, Correa a-mula ; 3, Acacia pulchella ; 4, Templetonia retusa ; 5, Grevillea ovata ; 6, Gnidia imberbis ; 7, Fnchsia microphylla. (West Cornwall Reader).— Thymus Serpyllum, var. lanu- ginosum. POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON CHRONICLE. RATIONAL POULTRY-KEEPING.— No. 1. GARDENING FOR CHICKENS. " We have been frightened from our propriety — sensational articles in poultry matters ; gentlemen hitherto respectable suspected of trimming their fowls ; others equally correct, openly charged with borrowing fowls for the sake of winning prizes. Dear! dear! our old twaddle will amount to nothing. We have not spice enough. We walk about with our eyes shut — we do not seek for tricks. We are very Gorry when we see a ' disqualified ' ticket stuck up ; and we have known many disqualification cards put up that have been great injustices. On one point we will go any length, and that is, to discourage anything like betting or gambling on poultry events." Such were our cogitations as we wandered among our chickens, but our conclusion was — " We do not care, they may do as they like. Poultry were made to breed and to eat ; and after all, showing is not all pleasure or profit, and — we repeat — we do not care." Therefore, we still walked on among onr chickens, and noted them. There were many good ones. We looked at them with pride, and gradually settled down to "pure and simple poultry," such as it was before Bhowing was a fashion. We will describe our walk, and our experiences. We began by visiting our favourite walk for chickens. It is a Bmall en- closure used for putting up a haystack or two, and having always some stumps of hay, also the faggots and rubbish that formed the bottom of the rick left. It is sheltered by trees, and surrounded by a dry ditch. There are nettles, sow-thistles, docks, and wild parsley, growing in profusion, and now just high enough to afford covert. Being surrounded by a dry ditch it will easily be understood there is a high bank, and banks are always dry. We were on bad terms with ourselves when we reached there, but as we leaned on the rail and watched the whole scene, we fancy the wrinkles disappeared from our brow, and we think we imbibed some of the spirit of enjoyment we were witnessing. They were stout-growing rogues, and as they lay in the sun, they seemed to help Nature by blowing them- selves out. They were playing at " king of the castle" — every part of the bank was occupied by chickens, holding it against all comers from below ; others were squatted under a waving dock leaf, the monotonous motion of which seemed to mes- merise them; others were buried in dust; some lay on their sides, and put up their apologies for wings, that the heat of the sun might thoroughly warm them. All were growing, and in the height of enjoyment. At this walk no chickens ever die — none cease to grow. For these reasons we have given a full description of the place, hoping some will learn from it. We some time since walked over a very small garden in semi- darkness. It seemed to us we were going over a large space, but when we saw it by daylight we found it was very small, but that it was admirably arranged. On making the remark to our host, he laughed and said it was surface-gardening, and May 5, 1S70. 1 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. that he doubled his surface by making it as uneven as possible. Ever since then we have been beset with an idea of poultry landscape, an accidented surface. We are sure that fowls get as tired of the flat, dreary uniformity of an ordinary pen as we do of looking at it. For young and old now, except in wet weather, we have the surface of the pens constantly dug up, and left as roughly as possible ; once or twice in the week we have it all piled in a hill. We constantly add to the surface of the pens by the addition of road grit, but we always pile it in a heap. Whether with young or old, it is soon scratched out and levelled. The employment is not half the advantage ; while they are searching and scratching they find food constantly, as they never leave off picking. At all ages we notice the avidity with which they pick out and swallow every morsel of green stuff. That reminds us of a promise we made ourselves many years ago — that we would warn poultry fanciers against over-feeding, especially with corn food. Abroad every refuse leaf from the garden is carefully saved for the poultry, and they like it, and do well upon it. Cabbage3 in a Belgian garden always remind us of Middlesex elm trees — a long b*re stem with a bunch of boughs at the top. The heart of a Belgian cabbage sooner or Caps will be given for the best pen of certain varieties, including my friends the Light Brahmas, in whose behalf a well-known exhibitor has undertaken a canvas. As my favourites are thns provided for, I am endeavouring to pet up a cup for the best pen of Game fowl, to be given in lieu of. first prize. In this breed there will be two classes, one for Black-breasted and other Reds, the other for Duckwings or any other variety. As I am not so well acquainted with those gentlemen who are in- terested in Game as with the Light Brahma breeders, I shall feel grateful if any of your readers who are Game fanciers will help with a subscription on reading these lines. — John* Paces, Postford, near Guildford. CROSSING SITTERS AND NON-SITTERS. Having noticed in your "Letter Box" a communication on the above subject, I venture to offer my own experience in the matter. Owing to two of my sitting hens stealing their nests in a wood, I became the owner of about twenty chiokens from a Crtre-Coeur cock and mongrel Game hens. Most of the chickens were pullets, and during my absence from home they began to lay, so that being short of hens I did not kill them, but kept them until the following autumn. I found that the half-breds later must find its way into the pnt-au-feu, but every sprout is ^ remarkablv wel] a£d with J^ or tw0 exceptions showed equally certain to go to the poultry. It is far better for them nQ . , fc -. b'roody a Juna and Jul£ when T t than all corn. The latter becomes too heating, and when much Indian corn is given it is also too fattening. It prevents the formation of healthy eggs, and when they are formed it makes it almost impossible they should be laid. Fat and internal fever s'ay their thousands in the laying season. The feather- picking, of which so many complain, is, we believe, caused by internal fat and fever — a condition of body that is destructive to natural appetite, and yet causes an unhealthy craving which fowls seek to satisfy by any expedient. In this state they — like over-fed and pampered lap-dcgs — wilt turn away from food that would be delicious even to a human being, to feed on any garbage, especially that which is decayed and offensive. This makes them cannibals. Let us imagine for a moment the con- dition of penned fowls in places where they are kept scrupu- lously clean, fit to be shown to friends at any time ; the level run in front of the roosting house, smooth, as the owner boast- Ducks' eggs under several of them, and found they sat very closely and with great success ; but I think little of that, as it i3 easy to make any hen that is tame sit well and where you wish her. I do not advocate cross-breds for sitting, but I am sure that for laying eggs they are as good as, or better than, most of the purebred sorts. — Cbeve-Coztjb. FLYING TUMBLERS— BIRMINGHAM ROLLERS. No. 2. My last article concluded with a description of what I con- sider to be the best and safest mode of procedure in commenc- ing to raise a flight of Tcmblers. If the fancier does not care for a little expense, he can, of course, dispense with the commoner birds, and commence at ingly observes, as a billiard-table, carefully swept every morning ' once to fly the more expensive ones. It does not follow that with a hard broom till it forms a surface on which a grain of j because they are more expensive he will be sure to lose them, corn or maize will roll and run, almost bound along — it is the I The chances are, however, greatly against his keeping them all small garden, laid down in lawn, with here and there a flower. J where an entirely new start is made. By not flying them or We would breik up the surface, pile the broken earth in two ; knocking them about, he gives them a better chance of breed- er three mounds, bury ia them somo sods of growing grass, j ing, and, of course, raising a flight of young birds quicker, and, and throw in some grit or ashes. The listless, spiritless fowls ' if they are of a good strain, he has always the nucleus of another will become busy active workmen, like ants in and on their j good flight, should any misfortune befall his flying birds at hill, and health will return. I any time. In Birmingham and the neighbourhood a beginner This has been a long digression, but we have complaints of i has every advantage. He can purchase two or three gx>d pairs chickens dying, with lamentations over the east wind ; and of birds from a neighbouring fancier on the condition that he when the east wind goes, then the drought ; and when the I has them " broken to him." The meaning of this phrase is, drought is gone, then the wet. We have gardened for our I that every time they go back to their old home they shall be adults and chickens, and they have never done better. We I returned to him, until they get a sufficient knowledge of their give them lots of green food. Neither adults nor chickens are ever without growing grass. We place the lanes under con- tribution ; under the hedges, where it is damp, and the grass grows, we dig up turfs with lots of earth. The fowls eat the grass the first day, and when it i3 turned over the next day, they eat the earth. MANGOLD WURZEL FOR POULTRY. A few years ago I fed my fowls on barleymeal mixed into a paste with boiled mangold wurzel instead of with water. They kept in capital condition and laid well. This year my hens have eaten a great quantity of pulped Swedes and mangolds, and have been very healthy. I took the idea of boiling the m ing"'! Is from my father, who found that they kept his fox- hounds in a cool healthy state during the summer, and who used them largely for that purpose. — Cbeve-Cosub. GUILDFORD POULTRY SHOW. Will yon permit me to inform your readers that a poultry show, open to all England, will be held at Guildford next July ? The situ- ation of Guildford, in an agricultural and poultrv-breeding neigh- bourhood, with railways converging from six different directions, and within thirty miles of the metropolis, is eminently favourable to a successful show. An influential committee has been formed, to which we shall be happy to add the names of any who may desire it. A guarantee fund and subscription list have been opened. Three prizes of £2, £1, and 10.?. will be offered in each of the usual poultry classes. There will also be classes for Pigeons and Rabbits. new abode. When they have acquired that, instead of letting them into their old loft when they return, their former pro- prietor drives them up again, and after a time or two they settle quietly down to their new residence. The advantage of this plan is the very little risk there is of losing them in getting them stout— this is, well acquainted with their homes. Then, again, the plan I recommend of purchasing cheaper birds has an advantage in another way, and especially in this neighbourhood, and it is this : In almost all the numerous " cages " or Pigeon shops that there are in this town and neighbourhood, there is what is called a "caught hole" — that is, a pen into which all birds that are caught are put. Hundreds of Tumblers are lost and caught in Birmingham every week, most of which find their way into the cages. Unless the persons who catch them happen by chance to see them good before they are caught, they can be purchased at Is., Is. 3d., or Is. 6d. each according to their looks, so that a beginner has only to get a judge to pick him out a few of these birds, and the chances are that most of them will, when he gets them home and flies them, turn out to be good Rollers or mad Tumblers. Thi3 is well understood by all experienced fanciers, as they know by sad experience that in a " fly-away," or from any other cause, if any of their birds are missing, it invariably happens that they are the best. Take, for instance, the loss of the two fanciers I alluded to in my first communication to this Journal, where in all forty-nine birds were lost, and every one of them first-class. It is a well-known fact that an old hand at Pigeon- flying can give a pretty good guess whether a bird is a good one or not by the feel of it" in the hand and its general appearance. 330 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 5, 1870 Of course it would be out of place here to give a list of the dealers of whom good birds are to be had. they can be easily ascertained ; bnt as " Reader " recommends Mr. H. Yardley, of the Market Hall, who, it seems, has given him satisfaction,*! may, perhaps, endorse his recommendation, the more so as I believe he either has or is about buyiug several good flights of these birds. Dealers will always guarantee the birds they send out, as it is an invariable rule with them to see the birds flown before they purchase them. Tho prices, as I stated in my first communication, vary according to quality. I am afraid I have dwelt too long on this subject, so will at once get to the practical details as to breeding, &c. As regards matching thing Tumblers, no general rule can be laid down. I wonld only caution against pairiDg birds too closely related, or extra good in rolling, or the chances are that some time or ether the progeny '1 roll down. A long Roller and a good mad Tumbler are a go , ... match, or two mad Tumblers and short Rollers. Two very long Rollers onglt not to be paired together. If the fancier is particular about colour, flights, muff legs, foe., these matters must be taken into con- sideration together with the above. It needs no words of mine to show the advantage of always letting the birds sit in nest- pans. The ordinary earthenware ones, sold by any dealer, are the best ; but where these are not to be had, a common good- sized tree saucer may be used. Every care should be taken to give the birds a comfortable nest, any little extia trouble in this respect will be amply repaid. The plan I adopt is to put a handful or so of deal sawdust at the bottom of the pan. I then get the straw (oat or barley is the best), and rub it well to make it soft, and pad it well into the nest-pan to make the nest as firm and solid as possible. The sawdust keeps the straw firm in its place, half the usual amount of straw suffices, and a solid bottom is formed, the eggs are kept warmer than if tbey were in a loose nest, and the natural consequence is greater success in hatching. I would also recommend a diary being kept of the dates when the birds should hatch, as by that means the fancier is enabled to save many a young bird, which he would otherwise lose, by helping it in hatching, should it bo As soon as the old birds leave off sitting on the young ones, another nest should be placed at the opposite end of the breed- ing place to be ready for the hen when she lays again. The cleaner the young birds are kept the better they will thrive. Above all, keep them free from vermin, and do not let the dung accumulate round the nest-pan. If once the vermin get ahead no end of trouble and loss will be the result. As soon as any are seen give the young birds a clean nest-pan and nest at once, and thoroughly cleanse them from the insects by turning up the feathers and blowing them out. They will be found mostly Tinder the wing?, round the neck, and about the head. Follow out the above plan thoroughly without fear of any of the tales about scouring, &c. In the course of a very long and successful experience in Pigeon-breeding I have served hundreds of young birds in this way, and never had a single bird scoured through it. Do not let it be supposed, however, that I advocate un- necessary handling. I consider it a good plan to put a good sprinkling of slacked lime under and around the nest-pan. Let the nest-pans be well scalded, cleaDsed, and dried every time they are used, dissolving plenty of soda in the water. These suggestions are, of course, applicable not merely to flying Tum- blers, but to Pigeon-breeding in general. Before leaving the question of breeding, I must refer to a very important point which I have been specially requested to mention. The subject in question is the recommendation made by "Reader," in the Journal of March 10th, to rob alternate nests, to prevent sterility and weakness. I wish dis- tinctly to caution any young fancier against putting this sug- gestion in practice. In the case of experienced fanciers my caution, I know, is needless, as there is no fear of any one of them being induced to adopt it. Such a practice would, before any other caute, produce just the very thing it is intended to obviate. If the eggs of the second nest were taken away the hen would only lay again in seven or eight days at most, and very likely thin-shelled eggs, which would be broken in sitting. If the eggs were sound a week would merely be gained, and the hen greatly weakened by laying again so soon ; in fact, during the season she would lay just a third more eggs than she would have done if left to follow the course of nature, and the fancier would lose one or two pairs of young ones. It is a well-known fact to all experienced breeders, that if there is any time when the old birds neglect the young ones more than another, it is while the cock is driving his hen to nest, so that in addition to the young ones being neglected three or four days before the eggs that would be taken away are laid, they would be again subjected to like treatment during the following week. I do- not think this would tend to rear strong young ones. I always find the young birds fed better when the old birds have laid again. As to robbing the nests persistently through the winter there is not the slightest necessity for it. When it is time to stop breeding the nests should all be taken away, as well as any materials wherewith the birds could make one, and the fronts of the breeding places taken down. The birds will then Btop lading without any further trouble, and will not commence again till the nests are put in at the beginning of March. I think I stated in my firBt communication that the end of July or beginning of August was the time to leave off breeding, as the young ones after that time are very little use as flyers. (To be continued.) Since forwarding the above remarks I have been desired to send out a few pairs of young birds from first-class stock, as a means of rendering an additional assistance to persons de- sirous of entering into the flying fancy. I shall be happy to comply with the request, as by so doing I shall bring my remarks to a practical conclusion, and I do so the more readily because the proprietors of one or two of the first flights in Birmingham have placed their young birds at my disposal should anyone require them. I will, however, advertise par- ticulars in the Journal. — T. Hallam, Burbury Street, llirininn- ham. GREAT MEETING OF GERMAN BEE-KEEPERS, Held at Nuremberg, Sept. 14th, 15th, and 16th, 1869. Ok the 11th of September, 1869, the assembled company was greeted and welcomed in the usual manner by representatives of the Govern- ment of Bavaria, the Burgomaster of Nureuberg, and other nota- bilities ; and Mr. Schmid* was decorated, in the name of the King of Bavaria, with the cross of a Knight of the First Class of the Order of St. Michael, and received besides the gold medal of the Agricultural Society of Bavaria. No less than twenty other offerings, from a purse of nearly £100, a valuable microscope and apistic preparations, down to poems and photographic albums, were tben presented to Mr. Schmid on the part of smaller societies, or individuals. The meeting also resolved to address the King of Bavaria to remove Mr. Schmid from his present laborious post to one where he might devote his time more fully to apiarian matters, and pay more attention to his somewhat im- paired health. These proceedings were followed by a historical sketch of bee-keep- ing in and about Nurenherg. formerly the bee-garden of the German Empire. Some interesting documents were referred to, showing the privileges accorded to bee-keeping by the Emperors in the middle ages, and showing, too, how suddenly in the middle of the sixteenth century bee-keeping collapsed until it was, in point of fact, revived by Dzierzon. After this tho real business Of the meeting began, the first question being — Ia. What Advantages are Gained by Crossing the Black Bee with the Italian, Egyptun, Carniolan,+ and Heather Bee ? — Mr. Vogel, of Lehmannshdfel, near Zechin, commenced the discussion. The question really is, whether it be possible to form a superior breed of bees, and if so, what principles must be followed ? Distinguishing between "variety" and "breed," he remarked that " variety " would comprise many natural qualities, such, as good or bad temper, disposition to swarm freely, to breed drones, &e. — in fact, such qualities as might, perhaps, be expressed by the word character, and what, the speaker meant by " variety " was founded upon this only, and not on any external markings, or the like ; so that if the bees of any district were distinguished for special tendency to swarm- ing, he wonld call them a variety. And the heather bee, the Austrian bee, &c, are simply so many varieties of the common black bee. The various characters depend mostly upon such conditions as locality, pasture, or climate, in each district, and are, therefore, likely to dis- appear in time if the bees be removed and exposed to other influences. Consequently, Mr. Vogel thinks that the question of "variety " is of very inferior importance in seeking to establish a superior " breed " of beeB ; and further, that it would be simply impossible to secure one breed which should be equally suitable for all tho various climates and districts of a country bo large as Germany ; hence, that each special division of Germany would require a race of bee suitable for itself, and in consequence of this, the varieties of the honey bee become of considerable importance. Some people imagine that time and trouble have been thrown away in the attempt to preserve foreign varieties of bees perfectly pare ; but this is a mistake, for, first of all, it was necessary to have l consider- able quantity of purely-bred bees from foreign varieties ; and, secondly, JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUriE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. it was necessary to study carefully the character of each race before we could tell their respective values in forming the highly improved breed at which we are aiming. Mr. Vogel then proceeded to give the results of his experiments and observations. 1. Cross between the Black and Italian (Ligurian) Bee. — It was ob- served that the working bees from eggs laid by an Italian queen im- pregnated by a black drone did not show the mingled outward appear- ance which was expected. In the second stage, the progeny as it were divided, part being like the Italian, part like the black bee. By going on breeding with these bees carefully, after four or five generations the one came back to the type of the Italian bee, the other to that of the black bee ; but this is of inferior consequence, as it relates merely to the outward marks of colour, &c. The nioro important question is, whether the character seems to be transplanted into the mixed race ? Some bee-keepers assert that the offspring of the black and Italian bee is more gentle than the original black bee, others maintain the exact opposite, and the same as regards their industry in honey-gathering ; but the natural differences of character between these two bees are too slight and subtle for certainty. The next point to be considered may perhaps throw a little light upon the subject. '2. Gross between the Black and Egyptian Bee.— When first the Egyptian bee was introduced by the Berlin Acclimatisation Society, and placed under Mr. Vogel's care, he did not rate its value for scien- tific purposes very highly, for he believed that all that was to be learnt was already made clear by means of the Italian bee. But now he thinks that the future, as regards discoveries to be made in the theory of apiculture, belongs to the Egyptian bee. The first worker offspring of an Egyptian queen and black drone were scarcely larger than pure Egyptian bees, and were in other respects quite of the Egvptian type; the drones, of course, were pure Egyptian. The next step was to breed queens of the mixed race, and by Mr. Kohler's process to take care that they should be impreg- nated by black drones. According to the rule observed in similar crossings with the Italian bee, the worker offspring in this generation should have been of two types, half of the bees black and half Egyp- tian, but such was not the case. There were two types in the offspring, but the distinctive marks of the parent's varieties were completely mingled in part of the mixed progeny. One part of the young bees was so like the Italian bee in colour, size, and character, that no one could distinguish them from Italians. The other part was black with white hairs like the Egyptian bee, and of exactly the Egyptian size. The idea naturally presented itself, What if the Italian bee he the result of a cross, perhaps thousands of year3 ago, between the Egyp- tian and the black bee ? Mr. Yogel mentioned this idea to some friends who would not hear of it, and to Dr. Gerstacker, of Berlin, who said that he could discover no difference whatever between the bees sent to him and genuine Italians, but that tbe hypothesis had no solid founda- tion, inasmuch as the geographical distribution of the honey bee spoke against it. But upon reading through Dr. Gerstucker's work on the distribution of the honey bee, Mr. Vogel conld find no argument on either side, and determined to try one step farther, which would make his hypothesis still more probable, if it ended as he expected. The point was. What kind of drones would a queen three degrees removed from pure Egyptian blood produce? The drones appeared, and were of two kinds ; one not to be distinguished from Italian drones, the other the size of Egyptian drones, with black bodies and white hairs. Again Mr. Vogel bred, from a queen two degrees removed, young queens which were impregnated by a drone of the Italian type from the same mother. The worker bee3 produced were all like the Italian bee. but the drones naturally were of the double type. Further breeding, into the third and fourth generation, produced the result that all the drones also assumed the Italian type alone. In answer to the objection that such a mixed race would show a tendency, according to rule, to separate into its original factors, Mr. Vogel remarked that he has now the nineteenth generation of the black Egyptian mixture, which remains constant, and, ii anything, grows more and more decided, so that he is thoroughlv convinced on one point — namely, that from a cross between the Egyptian and black bees a breed is produced which no one can possibly distinguish from the Italian bee. Mr. Vogel sums up his observations on these singular results, by stating that he believes the black bee and the Egvptian bee to be original types, and that all other varieties, Italian, Grecian, Syrian, Chinese, &c, except perhaps the black bee of Madagascar, are the results of various crossings. 3. Cross between the Italian and Egyptian Bee. — The previous re- marks have mostly hai reference to the more or less unimportant subject of colour and outward appearance. In this case we come to consider somewhat of the character and disposition of the bees : no two varieties are more opposed in tLis than the Egyptian and Italian, the former are most irascible, the latter most gentle. And now we shall be able to make out, perhaps, whether in what regards the disposition of the bee. the queen or the drone has the greater influence, whether the young colony will inherit the temperament of its father or its mother. Tbe result of pairing Egyptian queens with Italian drones was found to show that the character of the latter prevailed without any trace of the usual Egyptian ferocity. Conversely Italian queens and Egyptian drones produced an offspring as truculent as any genuine Egyptian ; it appears, then, that the drone determines the character of the progeny, and that, therefore, in any attempt at improving a breed of bees more attention must be paid to drones than has hitherto been done. Mr. Vogel then concluded, in order if necessary once more to join in any debate which might arise upon this question during the meeting. Then followed the second division of the first question — In. What are the Chief Disadvantages of the Puke Italian Bee which we cannot hope to eemove? — Mr. Kaden, formerly Commissioner of Police at Mayence, opened this part of the subject. He commenced by stating that having heard nothing but praises of the Italian bee, and feeling convinced that nothing in this world was absolutely perfect, he determined to watch for their short- comings ; but at the same time he is a great admirer of this bee, and since the year 1859, when he received his first Italian queen from Dzierzon, up to this time, he has had them sent from no less than seventy different sources. Mr. Kaden has convinced himself that Italian bees have three principal faults, or weak points. The first he noticed was the frequent change of queens. In one hive, without swarming, this change was observed three times in one summer. The second fault was, that in every kind of swarm, even in artificial ones with young queens, drone comb is constantly built in the first season, which does not occur with the black bee ; and further, the Italians sometimes commence at once with drone brood. A third disadvantage is, that Italian stocks are generally weaker in spring than others, this has been also noticed by many leading apiarians. One might then be asked, " Why do you keep on sending tot Italian queens if you find such faults in them?" And Mr. Kaden replies: (1), For their beauty and gentle disposition; (2), In order to raise a mixed offspring, which he considers of very great value. He then read passages out of letters from two distinguished apiarians, the first declaring absolutely that it was a fatal mistake to try to keep to pure Italians ; and the second stating that he had almost made np his mind to discontinue his labours in this direction. He then con- cluded with an anecdote regarding the purchase of an Italian stock, which showed that as a matter of business the selling of Italians might be very profitable, even if they have no further advantage. Mr. Dzierzon, who was received with a storm of applause, next addressed the meeting. Whilst he was quite willing to allow that the Italian bee has its defects, like everything else under the snn, he still thought it the best bee we have. He did not think that the rapid change of queens was a rule, except so far as the Italian queens are certainly shorter-lived than their black sisters, but then they are much more fruitful. In a short life they produce as numerous an offspring as the others in a long one. With respect to the alleged weakness of Italian stocks in spring, which would unfit them for localities with early honey harvests, Mr. Dzierzon thinks that this is connected with one of their chief advantages ; for it arises from the fact that they cease breeding earlier than the black bee, and thus, aided by their extraordinary diligence, they often furnish plentiful supplies of honey in only moderately good years. This excessive diligence has of course its shady side in the fact that an Italian hive often becomes dangerously weakened by the continual self-sacrifice of its denizens in had weather ; but if they only reach the beginning of the fine season, their extra- ordinary fruit fulness soon makes np for the loss. The next disadvan- tage is the tendency to breed drones ; now Mr. Dzierzon himself has found the reverse to be the truth with perfectly pure Italians, and has at times been obliged to insert drone combs into Italian stocks, when for purposes of propagation he wished to be sure of a plentiful supply of drones, the Italian bees of themselves not furnishing a sufficient quantity. Mr. Dzierzon must therefore oppose Mr. Vogel, and main- tain that the Italian bee is the best of all known varieties, and in itself already the sought-for breed. Mr. Vogel in reply denied that the Italian could be esteemed the breed in question, as what was wanted was a bee possessing the com- bined advantages of every known race. Mr. Kichter, a Wurtembura apiarian, could not join in the praises usually awarded to the Italian bee. He had found it neither gentle, industrious, nor averse to swarming, &c, beyond the black bee. He touched upon the great advantages science had derived from observa- tions made, especially by Dzierzon, with the Italian bee, and he men- tioned his own experience as tending to show that the bee of Canuola is on the whole better than the Italian. Mr. Fiitterer, of Stein, Grand Duchy of Baden, doubted whether it was true that the Italian bees change their queens so often as some persons had maintained. Probably when some apiaiim happens to possess a very fine specimen of an Italian queen he is always opening his hive and exhibiting her, and no wonder if in such a case her life be not a very long one. This speaker agreed on the whole with Mr. Dzierzon as against Mr. Vogel. Mr. Eothe next excited much merriment by remarking, that as a large bee was the great point aimed at, and Mr. Vogel had undertaken to produce any known variety of bee by breeding from the Egyptian and black bee, he would confer a great kindness on apiarians if he would save them the trouble and expense of going all the way to India by breeding Apis dorsata for them at home. Mr. Vogel explained that he had spoken of varieties of Apis mellifica, whereas A. dorsata was another species. Mr. Kneipp, of Worishofen, spoke in favour of the Italian bee, bnt remarked that it required somewhat different treatment from the black bee, especially in spring and autumn. Major Von Hruschka living in the country of the Italian bee, stated 332 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. [ May 5, 1870. tun experience to be that the qneen is not changed more often than with the black bee. By experiment with six stocks he found that four queens reached the age of five, and two that of six years. As regards the charge of building drone comb even in the first year, he considered that it merely proved that the Italian bee reaches in its first year the stage of development, which the black bee only attains to in the next spring. The other disparaging statements of Mr. Vogel were disputed by this Bpeaker, who also, in reply to a question asked by Mr. Kohler, stated that having received two colonies of black bees from Germany, he had observed that they were much less laborious, and much more fond of stinging than their Italian sisters. (To be continued.) OUR LETTER BOX. Wattle Around Spanish Cock's Eye (Spanish atid Iberia).— In both your cases the white of the face is overgrowing the eye. It is an excess of beauty. The only remedy, and it is not a certain one, is to cut narrow strips of plaister and strap the face back so that it cannot hide the eye. It is also well to wash it freqnentlv with a strong solution of alum. Fleas tn a Fowl House (E. it. P.).— Sweep all the walls and the ceilings thoroughly with a stiff birch broom or any other as stubborn. Seek and clean out all cracks, crevices, and corners. When yon have done this, lime-white the whole, being careful that the mixture shall penetrate everywhere. Game Bantam Chickens (,V. E.).— No doubt it is either confirmed or incipient roup. If in the latter stage it will not give you much trouble. Wash the faces with cold water and vinegar. Feed on bread and ale, and give pills of camphor once per day, each pill the size of a pea. If it is cold or incipient roup, this will cure them ; if it does not, try Baily's pills. Remove the sickly from the healthy birds. White Cochin-China Pullet (J. JO.).— It is not uncommon for very early eggs to be unfertile, especially when they are laid by pullets. In cold weather cocks are very capricious in their attentions to hens, and cannot always be depended upon. Sometimes they neglect all, some- times they confine their attentions to one. In nineteen cases out of twenty the cock that is condemned as useless in January, is found an excellent stock bird in March and April. It is evidentlv so in your case. Wooden Floors for Coops [C. B. Lynton).— You will do no good in rearing chickens if you have wooden flooring to your coops. Let them stand on the ground, and let the ground he covered with 2 inches thick of dry road-grit. The hen should be shut in at night, and all day till the chickens are two months old, she will make a good fight with any weasel trying to get in through the bars in front. The chickens have no business in the hen-house We should be half disposed to think the ben eats her eggs, and should watch her narrowly. Give her a good dose of castor oil, a tablespoonful and a half. It will cure some of her eccentricities, and likely induce her to become more useful. Chickens Long Alive in the Shell (H. C. J.)-— Some other hens have access to the Bitting birds, and lay in the nests. We do not think the vitality conld be supported as long as you say. The activity of the eggs in the water is not so much an indication of their being near to hatching, as it is that the chick or poult is sufficiently advanced to feel the influence of the warm water. It is nothing uncommon to have a difference of three days in the hatching of eggs all put under the hen at the same time. If to'these three days we add five more that had elapsed before the egg was laid into the nest, it will give a difference of eight days between the first off, and this lively one. Without deviating from the plain rule, or having the appearance of going beyond nature, you defer wetting your eggs too long. If the operation is performed everv day while the hen is sitting so much the better. It is the lack of this moisture that causes the tough skin. It is the inner membrane of the eggs that has become hard and dry, so much so that it successfully resists the action of the water. It has passed into the state of leather. You may soak leather and it becomes soft and almost pulpy, but you cannot hite it, and it is hard to make a hole in it. How, then, can a poor little chicken with its weak beak make its escape ? The only assistance you can give the chicken is to moisten the eggs every day. If you will confine your sitting hens, so that none others have access, you will have no more of these startling irregularities. Ducks Lame (F. C. S.).— The Duck is cramped, or she has great diffi- culty in laying. Examination will prove it. If there is anything like being egg-bound, the egg will be easily and distinctly felt. The remedy will be to dip a large wing feather in oil. and pass it up the passage till it reach the egg, as soon as this is lubricated it will be laid. As a rule the drake should be the largest, but at this time of year the Duck is often much heavier than the drake. If the Duck be cramped, let her be put in some sheltered place, and littered well with hay or soft straw. Her food should be put in a shallow vessel. It should be a sod of grass, a few oats, some meal, and some gravel, the whole covered with water. It is quite likely there may be a natural cause for it all. Hens with Spasmodic Actions (H. T.).— The twitchingsof the necks and legs indicate pressure on the brain. They are over-fat; give them a dessert-spoonful of castor oil, feed sparingly on barlev-meal and mashed potatoes; give no hard corn, but plenty of lettuce leaves. Spanish Irregularities (R. A.).— The laying two shell-less eggs united, and at another time a double egg with very rough shell, indicate that the egg-system is inflamed, and probably from over-fatness. Give only Boft food, barleymeal and mashed potatoes, with plenty of lettuce leaves. Spanish hens will git occasionallv, but it is unusual. Packing Eggs for Travelling and Sitting (C. Drake).— We know of thirteen eggs which, after journeving three hundred miles (from Win- chester to Kendal), produced nine chickens. Thev were in a strong box, liincbesof bran at the bottom, then an inch layer of oats, on this the eggs weie laid on their sides, covered an inch deep with oats, and then 2 inches deep of bran. A gentleman of much experience wrote as follows to us on this subject : — " As an experiment to test my mode of packing eggs, I sent five eggs more than 17U miles by railway ; they were absent three days, and twice travelled through London in the railway van. On their return they were placed with some other eggs under a hen. and four out of the five eggs were duly hatched. These eggs were carefully packed, and the lid of the box screwed down. The only objection to oats as a packing material w, that sometimes, but very rarely, an egg may be pierced with the sharp end of an oat ; I have only known, however, one or two instances of such an accident. The plan I now adopt in packing eggs is to wrap each egg in several folds of newspaper, and then place a thick layer of cotton wool, and straw cat to the length of the box, both under and ovor the eggs, filling up every interstice with pledgets of cotton wool. This plan prevents any chance of the eggs being broken, and preserves their vitality as well as is done by the oats. There is one thing I invariably do, and I think it ought to be done by every one who sells eggs for sittings, and that is to write on each egg, legibly with a pencil, the date on which it was laid. Egg-boxes should invariably have their lids screwed down. I have con- stantly reoeived boxes of valuable eggs, of which not one has hatched, and, I believe, solely in consequence of the lids being nailed down, the jar of tke hammer destroying the vitality of the egg. No eggs should be packed in sawdust, nor should eggs more than ten days old be sent to any distance." Mice is a Pigeon Loft (Weekly Subscriber).— We went through the same trouble a year since, but succeeded in getting rid of the mice in the following way :— The vermin come after food; stop, therefore, the food supply, and they come no more. First we fed our Pigeons, weather permitting, out of the loft, but this cannot always be done. We found the mice especially liked Indian corn, and would be eating it all day long, so we ceased to give it ; then they preferred barley, so we ceased to give that. Peas they cared not much for, preferring food elsewhere ; and as to vetches, these they would not touch, they declined them without thanks. We alBo adopted Mr. Blakston's suggestion ; we closed all the holes but one, that one being near the entranca into the loft, and putting a brick before that, like a door half open. We put in a strong box just an inch from the wall on one side of the loft. Thus being all prepared we quietly ascended the loft at nine at night, closed the brick over the one hole, then struck a light, and away ran the mice behind the box, which we pressed to the wall; there was a Blight crunching sound as of broken bones ; then removing the box we found a row of dead mice. This plan we followed every night, killing many at first, then fewer, until all were gone. The mice that ran into the nests or other places we forced out towards the box, and not one escaped, or lived to tell the tale. Wo now always cover up the food closely before night, and have no mouse troubles. Boys enjoy the meuse hunt as much as men enjoy fox-hunting. Fowls not Laying ( Idem).— You fed them too well as the post-mortem examination showed ; more than half the number of domestic fowls are over-fed and lay less, or cease to lay, for that reason. Cutting the Wing of a Cockatoo (G. C.).— We do not recommend it, better chain the bird, it is their nature to be destructive. We never like to see a bird with a cut wing, it has falls and gets bruised. Moisture in Glass Supers (D. E. F.).— The oresence of much in- ternal moisture shows that the glasses are insufficiently protected, and in thiB Btate they are so cold that the bees are not likely to take posses- sion of them. They should be well covered and wrapped up in several thicknesses of flannel, or other nonconducting material. The holes in the top had better be tied over with cap-net to prevent egress in that quarter, or. better still, an upright stick may be inserted through each, to the lower end of which a piece of clean worker comb should bo attached in its natural position as regardB the dip of the cells. Neigh- bour's hives may be obtained either at 149, Regent Street, or 127, Ilolborn, and Stewarton hives from Mr. R. Eaglesham, Stewarton, Ayrshire. If, however, yon mean to go in for moveable-comb hives and scientific bee- keeping, you had better write to Mr. Woodbury, Mount Radford, Exeter. Ants in Store-room (E. T.).— Guano sprinkled round the walls and over their haunts would prevent their inroads. It does not smell pleasantly. Scotch snuff might do as well perhaps. Sparkling Rhubarb Wine (Amateur). — To every pound of rhubarb stalks, when bruised, put one quart of cold spring water, let it stand threo days, stirring it twice a-diy ; then press and strain it through a sieve, and to every gallon of the liquor, put 3j lbs. of good loaf sugar ; barrel it, and to every five gallons add a bottle of white brandy. Hang a piece of isinglass in the cask, suspended by a string, and stop it up close. In six months, if the sweetness is off sufficiently, bottle it for use, otherwise let it stand in the cask a little longer. No yeast is added. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— May 4. New Potatoes are coming In large quantities, but have no influence on the price of good sound samples of old, which have made a considerable advance in price during the last ten days. Cherries lb. 6 0 0 0 Chestnuts bushel 14 0 0 0 Currants ft sieve 9 0 0 0 Black do. 0 0 0 0 Figs doz. 0 0 0 0 Filberts lb. 0 0 0 0 Cobs lb. 0 9 10 Gooseberries quart 0 9 16 Grapes, Hothouse., Mulberries quart 0 0 to 0 0 Nectarines doz. 0 0 0 0 I Oranges ^100 4 0 10 0 i Peaches doz. 0 0 0 0 1 Pears, kitchen doz. 4 0 6 0 dessert doz. 4 0 10 0 Pine Apples lb. 7 0 10 0 1 Plums iBieve 0 0 0 0 doz. 0 0 0 0 lb. 0 0 0 0 Strawberries lb. 0 Walnuts bushel 10 u do V100 1 0 Beans, Kidney do. J Broad bushel 0 Beet, Red doz. 2 Broccoli bundle 1 Brussels Sprouts.. J sieve 0 Cabbage doz. 1 Capsicums ^100 0 Carrots bunch 0 Cauliflower doz. 8 Celery bundle 1 Coleworts. .doz. bunches 3 Cucumbers each 0 pickling doz. 0 Endave doz. 2 Fennel bunch 0 Garlic lb. 0 Herbs bunch 0 Horseradish .... bundle 3 VEGETABLES. s. d. a. Leeks bunch 0 4 to 0 Lettuce doz. 10 1 Mushrooms pottle 10 2 Mustard X Cress . .punnet 0 2 0 Onions bnahel 4 0 7 pickling quart 0 4 0 Parsley sieve 3 Parsnips doz. 0 0 Pea 3 0 Radishes .. doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle Savoys doz. Sea-kale basket Shallots lb. Spinach bushel Tomatoes doz. Turnips bunch Vegetable Marrows.. doz. May 12, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Month Day Rain in last 43 yeaifl. Sun Clock Day Week. MAY 12—18, 1870. ture near London. Rises. Sets. Rises. Sets. Age. Sun. Year. Day. Night. Mean. Days. mi. k. m. h.lm. h. m. h. Days. m. s. 12 Th Meeting of Royal and Zoological Societies, 62.9 40.5 1 51.7 29 38 af 7 , 51 af 3 21 af 3 12 3 52 132 F [8.30 p.m. 63.5 88 8 , 51.1 20 89 7 i 15 5 45 3 13 3 63 193 14 S 632 40.8 1 51.7 16 12 4 41 7 | 42 6 11 4 14 8 63 134 15 4 Sunday after Eabter. 64.8 48.7 52.7 15 11 4 42 7 8 8 39 4 O 8 53 135 16 M 66.0 43.8 ' 54.1 )5 10 4 44 7 I 28 9 15 5 16 3 53 136 17 To 65.7 41.0 1 53.4 16 8 4 45 7 i 40 10 57 5 17 3 62 137 18 W Royal Horticultural Society, Fruit, Floral, 66.2 [and General Meeting. 42.2 54.2 17 6 4 47 7 1 89 11 48 6 18 8 50 133 From observations taken near London during the last forty-three years the average day temperature of the week s 64.6" ; and its night temperature 41.0-\ The greatest heat was 8o», on the 15th, 1833; and the lowest cold 25", on the loth, 1850. The greatest fall of rain was 1.14 inch. CULTURE OF THE JAPANESE YAM (DIOSCOREA BATATAS). HE great expectations which were entertained when the Japanese Yam was introduced into this country have never been realised. It was said to possess such fine qualities as to make it a desirable substitute for the Potato, which was at that time (1852; threatened with annihilation from the disease ; but I have never heard that even under the best system of cultivation its flavour approached that of a good Potato, nor has it been found sufficiently productive to make it a profitable vegetable for general cultivation. Another obstacle to its progress may be, that when compared to the Potato, its cultivation is much more difficult, from its tubers striking so deeply into the soil. It is, however, grown in many gardens, and is useful to serve up as an extra dish, or when other vege- tables are scarce. I know of some places where its culti- vation has increased owing to the family being fond of it. Those who like it may cultivate it in the following manner. Select a warm border under a wall, where there is a deep, rich, and not very light soil, and in order to obtain a sufficient depth of earth for the tubers, throw up beds of soil 4 feet wide, 3 feet apart, and about 18 inches above the ground level ; draw two drills, as for Peas, down the centre of each bed, and plant the sets, which are cut from the small end of the tubers, at 1 foot apart. Before covering over, a dus'.ing of lime and soot should be given to prevent the attacks of grubs on the wounded parts. When the shoots make their appearance above the ground, which will not be for some time after planting, give a plentiful supply of water, also at all times during growth if the weather is dry. The finest tubers I ever grew were from sets planted in May ; they were not taken up for use until November in the following year. Fair- sized tubers may, however, be grown in one season if early plantiug has been adopted, but I should consider these as suitable plants for the production of large tubers under the first named plan of culture, rather than for affording tubers for eating. At the time of digging up, which is November, the soil must be carefully thrown down, and the tubers extracted, if possible without a bruise, and stored in finely- sifted dry soil, and upon the ground- floor, which will be damp enough to keep them from shrivelling. In preparing the tubers for table, they should be pared and boiled in salt and water in the same way as, but about five minutes longer than, Potatoes ; to make them whiter half milk may be added, but it is not absolutely necessary. They may then be finished off by steaming, and served up as hot as possible. — Thomas Record, LUlesden. NEW CHRYSANTHEMUMS. As this is the proper time for buying in, I will jot down a few notes on the Chrysanthemums of the past year which I have myself grown, and of which, therefore, I speak, not as one who has merely taken cursory notes of them, but No. 476.— Vol. XVIIL, New Series. as one who has had them under his eye daily for the whole time of their blooming. Again I have to notice the decline in the taste for Pom- pons ; it is one of those matters " which no fellow can understand ;" for a time they seemed to carry all before them, but then a sudden stop came to this, and the introduction of the Japanese varieties, opening up an entirely different field, has tended to make this more com- plete. No new seedlings have been raised, the novelties being confined to the large-flowering, or Chinese, and Japanese Chrysanthemums. JAPANESE. Dr. Musters. — A very showy variety, with large flowers, the outside florets being of a bright red, and the centre changing to the same colour. Very double, and altogether one of the most desirable varieties of last year. Hero of Magdala. — Red, the reverse of florets buff ; they turn about in a very curious manner. The two colours give a very remarkable appearance to this flower, and when it first opens it would be impossible to recognise it from the description. James Salter. — Without doubt one of the most remark- able flowers in this section ; clear lilac, very large and double. It blooms early, and is of good dwarf habit, con- tinuing in flower for a long time. Meteor.— A curious flower, with long narrow florets of a bright golden hue, changing to orange, and curiously twisted. Morgiana. — Bright red, with the reverse yellow. The appearance of the flower is that of a long tassel. Megalia. — Orange, striped with bright red, the florets very broad and incurved. Very showy. Star. — Large orange florets, very long and broad. A very curious flower. Purpiireum album. — Rich purple, mottled with white ; flowers of medium size, having the appearance of a loose tassel of purple and white. Amongst those highly spoken of for this season are Sol, clear yellow ; Sultan, very large, purple ; Viceroy of Egypt, rosy crimson and white ; Emperor of China, rosy white ; and Colonel Hemery, large, semi-globular yellow. Opinions will still be divided as to the merits of these flowers ; but while they are inferior in form and contour to the Chinese varieties, they are, from their singularity of appearance and late period of blooming, very good for decorative purposes. CHINESE. Beethoven.— Ovange red, with slight golden tips, the florets very broad, and the flowers finely incurved ; very double, and the plant of good dwarf habit. (J-olden John Salter. — A sport from that fine old flower John Salter. Golden yellow, changing to light orange. Pink Perfection. — A beautiful shade of colour ; soft pink, a most delicate colour. The flowers are large, composed of broad incurved florets ; we have had no flower in this colour before. Rived Little Ilarr y. —Dark yellow. A seedling from that fine flower Little Harry, and of the same beautiful dwarf habit. No. 1128. -Vol. XLIIL, Old Series. 334 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 12, 1870. StcUaris. — Amber, with a distinct yellow tip. The flowers are cone-shaped, and new in colour. riinipo. — Rosy purple ; very double, close, and large. White Eye. — Pure white; exquisite form, and wax-like ap- pearance. Of the new flowers in this section, the following have been well spoken of : — Beauty of Stoke, yellow, shaded with amber ; Dnke of Edinburgh, rosy lilac, with light centre ; Globosum, dark Indian red ; Miss Hope, delicate lilac ; Mrs. Wreford Mnjor, deep rose, very close and compact ; Prinoess Louise, delicate rosy lilac ; and Virginale, a dwarf late-flowering va- riety.— D., Deal. EEPORTING PROGRESS IN NORTH DORSET. My horticultural and floricultural knowledge is so limited that I must ask leave to report progress generally, as the par- liamentarians do when they are brought to a " fix." My flori- cultural knowledge is entirely limited to Roses; with them I will begin and end. The Rose plants have suffered much here from orange fungus and violent winds last summer injuring the foliage, and, there- fore, sickening the plants. I have cut out a forest of injured wood, but enough is left, and on the whole the plants look well, and many are in forward bud, wanting only warm nights and genial days. None here look better than the plants of Jules Margottin and Charles Le/ebvre, the two leaders of the Hybrid Perpetnals. Of new Roses I can say but little. I have them forward in hud in pots in my little vinery. The first I name, I think will be a first-class Rose— Marquise de Mortemart. As soon as it is unfolded I shall be able to speak more confidently. The following also appear to promise well — Charles Lee, Souvenir de M. Poiteau, and Edouard Morren. Souvenir de M. Poiteau is of first-rate growth and habit. Marie Sisley and Mon- plaisir, two Tea Ro3es, are not forward enough to enable me to form an opinion. I expect to find Marie Sialey an improved Homer, and very superior. I have ordered Princess Christian and Prince Leopold, the climber. The picture of the former is tempting. Look over your south wall trees, and kill all the aphides you can now, and you will save yourselves from much summer annoyance. They commence in hot situations. Now for horticulture. Apples will be a grand crop, as the blooms are very late. Pears are wonderfully bloomed, and I hope may Bucceed. Cherries are set, and most abundant, and I hope they may not be injured. On Monday night (May 2nd) we had a Eevere frost and ice, but as yet I see no damage. Plums are well set ; but, as I can only give them a west aspect, they may fail. Currants and Gooseberries are plentiful. Strawberry plants are well crowned, and look like clumps of Firs. They will bloom late, and be safe from frost. Rivers' Eliza, and Dr. Hogg, which is the finest of the Queen race, have wintered best. These also have wintered well — Mr. Rad- clyffe, Lucas, Cockscomb, and Wonderful. Royalty, Duke of Edinburgh, and Early Prolific, have wintered well, considering they were planted so late in the autumn. I shall have enough fruit to test them. I now come to what interest me much — namely, Peach and Nectarine trees. Of these I have about 108. Their blooming was grand, and thfy have set well on the whole. Some of the trees are wonderfully set. I am a short, alternate, irregular pruner, and I think I could please M. Grin, as some of my trees are main branches, and "bouquets de Mai." Long- pruning out of doors in exposed places in our variable climate, will ultimately bring a tree to grief. It is easier to ripen three shoots each 4 inches long, than a shoot of 12 or 14 inches. More- over, it is better to have three shoots of 4 inches in length, with one Peach on each, than a 12-inoh shoot with three Peaches on it. When the shoots are short, the Peach is nearer the main flow of sap, and sun, air, and light have a better chance of ripening the wood, upon which the success of the next year's crop much depends. For two years I have cut all the leaves in half in September, which caused the leaves to drop earlier, and gave me hardened blood red wood, instead of 3oft, sickly, pale green shoots. I have not on 108 trees a single blistered leaf. I attribute this to my using Bheets, and to giving water at the roots even when the nights were cold, to 3apply sap equal to the evaporation occasioned by the drying easterly wind and sun. Frost on the young leaves, accompanied by extreme evaporation, is, in my opinion, the main cause of blister. There cannot be a more severe situation than that of my garden. It is as open to the east Rnd south-west winds as the Eddystone lighthouse, with only a 7-feet brick wall to keep back fourteen miles of north wind blowing over the fine vale of Blackmoor. — W. F. Raeclyffe. P.S.— The Marquise de Mortemart has since unfolded two most beautiful blooms. It i3 a silvery white with a delicate blush centre. It is in the line of Baroness de Rothschild, but fuller in the centre. It is of fine outline, with petals well dis- posed, and completely full. It is a great success, and I thank the raiser— Liabaud. — W. F. R. NOTES ON PELARGONIUMS, ROSES, AND POTATOES. You invite amateurs to give from time to time the results of their experiments in the garden ; I therefore send two or three notes which may be interesting. Last summer I bedded out a great variety of Pelargoniums, with the view of finding out what would best suit my soil — a deep strong loam. Mr. Peach, in your number of April 28th, cries down Dr. Lindley. I had such a magnificent bed of this last year, that I have worked up a large stock for the coming season. With me it was the first out, and the last to give up. I had nothing to equal it for show in any class. Stella and Cybister gave me the next best show. Orange Nosegay came on better towards the end of the season. Wiltshire Lass did much better as a pink than Christine. I had single plants of Seraph, Sambo, Christine Nosegay, Rose Stella, aud Hon. G. Hardy, which promised well. I shall try them in greater numbers this year. Among the Tricolors, Lady Cullum beat everything. So much for Pelargoniums. Roses were a great success with me. Miruchal Niel, as a standard, astonished all who saw it. David Pradel, Souvenir d'un Ami, Monplaisir, and Madame Charles, among Tea Roses, were my best. Alfred Colomb and Victor Verdier were un- commonly good last year. Out of fifty Tea Roses I have lost but three plants — namely, two of Madame Fa'.cot, and one (my only one) of Bouton d'Or. I have been having a Potato " Derby." I planted one pound of each of the following sorts — Early Rose, Climax, Bresee's Prolific, Bresee's King of the Earlies, Royal Ashleaf, Suttons' Racehorse, England's Glory, and Kelway's Nonpareil. They were set side by side in rows in new rich ground. Early Rose and Kelway's Nonpareil were " neck and neck," and easily first ; yesterday they were strong and healthy, but last night's frost (May 2nd) has laid them low ; they are as black as a coal. I was anxious to weigh the result of the trial, but now the first will, I fear, be lost. Early Rose was first-rate with me last year, an immense crop. I think, however, that people make a mistake about it, and dig it up too soon. It is soon up, but ripens slowly. I have twenty-five different kinds of Po- tatoes planted this year, and shall, if you will permit me, let you know the result. — Stiff Soil. [Your reports, and all like them, are very acceptable. — Eds.] ALPINE AURICULAS— ROCKERIES. I am glad to see a few remarks about the Auricula in " our Journal." I was beginning to think in these " bedding-out " times that it was a plant almost forgotten, and yet so beautiful — so very beautiful ! I shall never forget the first frameful of the show varieties that I saw ; it was more than thirty-five years ago, and in my mind's eye I can see them now as plainly as I could then. But what I was about to observe is, that though the Alpine Auricula is so hardy, so lovely, and of such variety of colour, one scarcely ever sees it made use of for the decoration of rockeries. In fact, I have been shown many which abound with Sedums, Saxifrages, and other plants of that de- scription, but never any Alpine Auricula. This to me is extra- ordinary, as it is one of the few flowers in which one can have nearly a blue and also a bright yellow ; then there are the varieties of lake, brown, carmine, and purple, almost black — I never saw a white — and the foliage, too, when off the blooming season is of so varied a character as to render the plaftt even then very ornamental. At this moment I have about a hundred in bloom on my rocks, and no two alike in colour or habit. I am delighted with them, and so are my visitors, who generally say, " Dear me ! I had no idea they were half so varied or so beautiful." I suppose if they " bedded-out well " we should hear and see more of them. Many of my Alpine Auriculas I have raised from seed, and May 12, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 335 I am now crossing the colours with the view of raising some fresh kinds, as I have an idea I should like to grow a thousand about my rocks ; and then, what with the Primroses, the Poly- anthuses, the Sedums, Saxifrages, dwarf Phloxes, &o., I think my neighbours will have a treat in the floral way when they eome to see me early in the spring. I trust that my brother amateurs will excuse my drawing their attention to the Alpine Auricula as a rockwork decorative plant, and one far superior, to my thinking, to most of those now employed for the purpose. I hope I have not written too much in its favour, but it is such a pleasing subject to me that I wish to make converts, not only to grow it, but to show their friends what lovely flowers may be produced with scarcely any trouble to themselves. While writing about rockeries I think I may mention as one of the things not generally known, that Echeveria secunda is hardy ; it stood well here on my rocks 20° of frost, becom- ing a beautiful scarlet colour, and is now growing vigorously. I notice this, as I generally see it put away into cold pits for the winter. Opuntia Rafinesquiana has not stood well, though alive, but I shall turn out some more plants and try it, as it is so distinct from any other hardy plant, and perhaps the soil did not quite suit it. By the way, will anyone tell me where to get the old double clear yellow Auricula ? I have been searching for it for years. I remember the flowers were large and bright, and the foliage was nearly white farina-like. Now-a-days the catalogues would describe it, I suppose, as " Auricula flore- pleno aureo, folio farinoso," splendid for rookwork. — Harrison Weir, Wetoieigh, Kent. DETERMINING THE SIZE OF FLOWER POTS. I have some thoughts of being an exhibitor at a provincial flower show, in certain classes, in which the schedule states that the size of the pots must not exceed 10 and 14 inohes re- spectively. I have lately had an opportunity of discussing with several regular exhibitors what was the proper way of measur- ing, but we could come to no definite conclusion on the subjeot, gome asserting that the proper way was to measure from out- side to inside at the top of the rim, and others that it was to measure inside only, at the top of the rim. I am told by no less an authority than Mr. W. Paul, that the rule observed at the London shows, is to measure inside, 1 inch below the top of the rim. Now, this appears to me to be the most correct method, as it gives nearer than any other the dimensions of the soil the plant has to grow in. As this is a subject of very great im- portance both to exhibitors and judges, and as all, I am sure, are desirous to avoid contention in the matter, will the Editors give us their views, and lay down a rule for our guidance ? Of course, none would be so narrow-minded as to dispute in a matter of half an inch, as it is impossible in any given cast (or dozen, as the potters in this neighbourhood call it), to get the pots of exactly one measurement. — Robt. Featherstone, The Garden, St. Ann's Villa, Barley, Leeds. [We quite coincide with Mr. W. Paul. The intention of limiting the sizes of the pots for plants exhibited, is to insure as nearly as may be, that they shall not be grown in soil above a certain quantity, and this can only be done by measuring at an assigned poiat inside, or iu the clear, as it is technically termed. No better point of measurement could be fixed upon than at one inch below the extreme edge. — Eds.] FRUIT PROSPECTS. Although the weather has for some time been very cold, the atmosphere has been tolerably free from moisture, and most kinds of stone fruit have set abundantly. Apples and Pears are flowering profusely, especially the latter, and setting their fruit very thickly ; but in the case of root-pruned trees some good showers are wanted, otherwise the principal portion of the fruit will drop off, and the same with Cherries. We have lately had several hoar frosts, especially on Wed- nesday morning (May 4th), when the thermometer registered 25° Fahr. or 7° of frost, which I see by the Journal was not so severe by 5° as at Chiswick ; nevertheless, much of the fruit blossom is injured, also some of the small fruit is discoloured. The foliage of Peach, Nectarine, Apricot, and other trees has turned brown, and is curling in consequence. Mildew is also making its appearance on the injured foliage, but the weather is so favourable for the application of powdered sulphur that I hope to check its progress. As regards Filberts, early in the season I think I never saw the trees more promising for a crop, there being such an abundance of both male and female blooms ; but the sharp frosts and cutting north-east winds that prevailed from the 10th to the 15th of February destroyed most of the former before the latter were fertilised. On looking over my trees to-day (May 6th), I find there is a good crop Bet on some of the trees, and most of them have set some fruit, but the maggot, so destructive to this crop, is already on the trees in quantities. I find as many as three and four in different stages of development at the extremities of many of the shoots ; and I conclude that now is the time to go over the trees and kill the insects before they can secure a lodging in the embryo nut. Potatoes in many gardens are killed to the ground.— Thomas Record, Lillesden. Everything in this district (Redruth, Cornwall), is very back- ward owing to the absence of rain, but there is every probability of a fine crop of wall frnit, especially Plums and Peaches. The Gooseberries and Strawberries are looking very well, and I have some of the former fit to pick. — Alpha. FLOWERS AND FLOWER SHOWS. Absence from home has prevented my Beeing Mr. W. Panl'a remarks (page 220) on " Flowers and Flower Shows " until this week. Alter reading the article in question, and seeing " W. Paul, H'altham Cross," attached to it, I oould scarcely believe that the author of the " Rose Garden " (which work I was an original subscriber to, and at that Itime a great admirer of), could by any possibility so have changed his views as to have penned such notions. I consider the article is an insult to all honest exhibitors, and calls forth an indiguaut reply from all. I am pleased that some leading members of the trade have freely spoken, and trust other amateurs besides myself will not ba backward. Mr. W. Paul says, " The Dahlia is made up of two or more flowers, and dressed with all the skill of an accomplished milliner." Now, having been a successful grower and exhibitor of this flower for the last twenty-five years, and having of late years occupied the highest post at the Crystal Palace and other great shows, I positively deny that any bloom exhibited by me has either been made up or dressed, for the flowers have been shown just as they were cut from the plants. In my experience I never saw one Dahlia made up of two or three, nor do I think it possible to be done. Again, Mr. William Paul says, "Dressing is now carried further than ever." This I do not believe, and my experience as judge at nearly all the principal shows in the kingdom during the last ten years confirms me in this belief. Florists' flowers are so much more perfect now than formerly, and the culture of them so much better understood, that there is no need of artificial treatment. Who could desire a flower more perfect than a well-grown Dahlia or Rose ? yet Mr. W. Paul talks of dressing the Rose. Last year four silver cups and thirteen first prizes for cut Ro3es fell to my lot, but no bloom among them was ever touched by dresser ; nor in any of the collections that came under my notice as judge at all the great shows of the year did I discover one made-up or dressed flower. I am in no way surprised that Mr. W. Paul finds out that exhibiting does not bring the trade that it formerly did. Any nurseryman who falls from his usual position as an exhibitor, I fancy, will not be long to discover that fact. I have known Mr. W. Paul show Hollyhocks well. Were the plants from which they were cut ever disbudded or thinned to cause them to produce fine blooms? Are Peach, Pear, and Plum trees deprived of a portion of their fruit to increase the size of those remaining? Are Grapes left unthinned, and small bunches with puny berries ^referred to large bunches with luscious berries the size of Plums ? If Mr. W. Paul's reasoning is cor- rect, such will soon be the case. Does Mr. W. Paul suppose that country gentlemen are so devoid of common sense as to think that a Rose, Pelargonium, or any other plant placed in a garden and neglected, will produce flowers equal to those brought to flower shows, which have been produced by the highest culti- vation ? or does he imagine, or wish others to do so, that horse3, sheep, or cattle, turned out to take care of themselves, would be as handsome and sleek as those prepared for exhibition ? Visitors go to agricultural and horticultural meetings to see the perfection certain flowers, fruits, See., can be brought to ; not to see everyday market stuff, but to learn what cultivation will do. Mr. W. Paul may depend upon it "ouitivation" is the grand 336 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 12, 1870. secret, not "dressing," "millinery," "handling," and so forth. When Mr. W. Paul next contributes to your columns perhaps he will give facts, and when ho accuses honest men as a body of misdeeds, let him hold up to public odium by name those he knows to be guilty. By such means he will do a lasting service to the cause he wishes to enhance. — Chas. Jas. Perry, The Cedars, Castle liromwich. SHRUBS FOR THE SEACOAST. I live near the North Foreland Lighthouse and at about the same elevation, on one of the most exposed spots in the Isle of Thanet. Having planted this place in 1862 and had charge of it ever since, I will name some shrubs that do well with me. These are — Evergreen Oak, Laurnstinus, Euonymus, Bays, Phillyrea obliqua, Berbei is dulcis, B. Darwinii, and B. purpurea, Buddlea globusa, and Portugal Laurels. Of the Coniferaa— Cupressus macrocarpa, Pinus aastriaca, Biota aurea (this plant assumes a golden huo for about three months in summer), the common Yew, and Wellingtonia gigantea. There are others that would do well with shelter from the sea. Of deciduous trees and shrubs almost anything will do. Sycamore and Poplar, and the Naples Alder, are good forest trees. I do not mean to imply that all these do as well as a little farther inland, but considering the fine sea view we have my employers are well satisfied with their growth. Last winter being almost unprecedented, we are very much scorched. — R. S. DECORATIONS OF GRAVES. In your number for April 7th you mention an instance of the grave of an officer of the 48th regiment having a Laurel planted over it, because the Duke of Wellington ordered him to place a sprig of Laurel in his cap for distinguished conduct at the passage of the Douro. Now, all the root-pruning in the world cannot keep the common Laurel in bounds ; and even if it could, the grave would periodically have to be disturbed for this process ; hard winters would kill it to the ground, as were my Laurels in Essex in 1860, some of them at least 20 feet high ; and at other times tbey are almost destroyed by mice (and there are " church mice ") eating the bark. May I venture to suggest an improvement, and enclose a sprig of what I have always known under the name (and no other) of " Victory Laurel, "as perfectly appropriate for the occasion ? I cannot find out its proper Latin name, but have understood that it is the same plant with which the ancient Romans were crowned. It is perfectly hardy, always rather dwarf — in fact I never saw it over 3 feet in height, and its elegant foliage is generally as bright and shining as would be the " memories " of the happy yiotors whose graves it might adorn. The enclosed piece has just been cut out of a bouquet, and has been in water for more than a month. — Centurion. [The plant of which you enclosed a branch is Ruscus race- mosus, commonly called the Alexandrian Laurel. It would be very suitable for the purpose of grave decoration. — Eds.] MESSRS. VEITCH'S, ROYAL EXOTIC NURSERY, CHELSEA. If ever there was a time when this great establishment was better worthy of a vitit than at another it is now, for there a most superb collection of Roses is in the height of its beauty, and there magnificent specimens of Azaleas — such Azaleas as in bygone years only the foremost growers ventured to try their strength against, Buch Azaleas as we have looked for in vain this season, and are not likely to see elsewhere — produce one of the most Bplendid floral displays we have ever witnessed. These are the most striking features at present ; but the un- rivalled collection of Orchids, the Palms, the Ferns, and other fine-foliaged and floweriDg plants, though for the time being outshone by their more brilliant rivals, are as well represented as at other times. To do full justice to them all, however, would require several reports, and they must therefore receive less particular notice than the two flowers which for the pre- sent constitute the most important of many attractions. And first the Roses, for the Queen of Flowers should have the first place here, as she does at Chelsea, occupying there the house usually filled with Ofchids in flower, and forming in it an exhibition of herself. That this is one of the most Bplendid character may be inferred from the remarks in page 320 on the collection shown by Messrs. Veitch last week at Kensington, and such as it was then such is that shown now. Duke of Edinburgh, Sfinateur Vaisse, Madame Furtado, Madame la Baronne de Rothschild, Paul Verdier, Victor Yerdier, General Jacqueminot, Dr. Andry, and Madame Willermoz are but a few of the many to be seen in great perfection, besides which, in addition to Madame la Baronne de Rothschild, a really fine acquisition, there are several other new varieties in excellent bloom. In a continuation of the house in which are the Roses, and forming a cross piece to it, is another house filled with Palms, Azaleas, Heaths, Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, and various other plants in flower. Proceeding now to the Fulham Road Bide of the nursery we come to the show Azalea house, which is filled with specimens about 6 feet high, from 4 to 5 feet in diameter, and forming gorgeous masses of colour — white, rose, deeping into crimson and purple — on each side of the walk. Stella, a variety sent out by Messrs. Veitch, scarlet, with a rich violet blotch, occu- pies a position facing the entrance, and is well worthy of its place, being a splendid specimen 4 feet in diameter. Then along each side are Petunia'flora ; Cotnte d'Hainault, semi- double rose ; Queen Victoria, white, flaked with rosy purple ; Concinna; Belle Gantoise ; Carnea superba, very fine speci- men ; Iveryana ; Duo de Nassau ; Criterion ; Magnificent, white, about 5 feet in diameter; Roi Leopold, salmon, very soft in colour, and a mass of blossom ; Juliana, Cedo Nulli, and Madame Ambroise Verschaffelt. Ab an edging to these on each side were smaller plants of Azaleas alternating with Spireea japonica. The Camellia house, which forms the Fulham Road entrance, a fine house 100 feet by 30, of an architectural character, only built last year by the late Mr. James Veitch, and opposite the entrance to the Cemetery where he now rests, also contains a number of fine specimens of the varieties just named, Sir C. Napier, Reine des Roses, Prinz Franz Joseph, salmon rose with crimson spotB, very fine, and others. The Camellias, of course now out of flower, are, however, the main object here, and large and most flourishing specimens they are, some being planted out in the borders, others trained against the walls. The soil in which they are growing is 2i feet deep of peat, loam, and sand, in the proportion of two parts of the first to one of each of the latter two. Of the Double White there are several fine plants, and among the other kinds Mathotiana, Leopold 1st, Fimbriata, Florida, Triomphe de Lodi, Imbricata, Bonominana alba, one of the finest of the whites, Madame Lebois, Lavinia Maggi, and Marchioness of Exeter. On one of the rafters of this house was the beautiful double Cle- matis John Gould Veitch, and the other rafters will in course of time be likewise covered with climbers. Just outside of the Camellia house are placed two of the largest and finest- formed standard Bays anywhere to be seen, one on each side of the entrance from the nursery side. These are 15 feet high, 8 feet in diameter, and perfectly furnished throughout. Returning now to the King's Road entrance, and passing to the left of the show conservatory, the first house entered is principally devoted to Aloes, Agaves, and Yuccas. Among them are a splendid pair of Agave filifera, a pair of the Varie- gated New Zealand Flax, upwards of 5 feet high, Yucca quadri- color, Agave Verschaflelti, A. Oasselghemiana, and other dis- tinct and rare kinds. The next house is the greenhouse fernery, which contains some of the finest specimens in the whole nursery, and par- ticularly beautiful are those of the Filmy Ferns, of which Leptopteris Wilkinsonii is one of the most remarkable. Lep- topteris superba growing in beds of peat, sphagnum, and crocks i6 most flourishing, even though too large to be covered by hand or bell glasses ; and among others may be noted Hymeno- phyllumdemissum, and Trichomanes reniforme, of which there is a fine pair. A number of other Ferns are growing on the stumps of old tree Ferns scooped out to receive them, in which way they have a very good effect. The stove fernery is the next house entered, and contains some specimens even more remarkable than those just noticed. Among them, conspicuous by their great size and beauty, are two magnificent plants of the lovely light green Adiantum farleyense, between 4 and 5 feet in diameter, and fine specimens of Adian- tum concinnnm latnm and Adiantum tenerum, two beautiful Maiden-hair Ferns ; also Leptopteris superba, even larger than in the greenhouse fernery. Other remarkable Ferns are the rare Trichomanes anceps, an nnnamed golden Gymno- gramma with the under sides of the fronds densely covered Mar 12, mo. ] JOUBNAIj of hobtigulture and cottage gaedeneb. 337 with a powder of the richest yellow, and a noble plant of Cibo- tium princeps. On quitting the stove fernery we pass into the hardy fernery, a moat charming piece of rockwork, delightful by its coolness and the beautiful tints of green which prevail ; relieved, how- ever, by the variegation of Farfagium grande, Selaginella Mar- tensii variegata, and other plants giving diversity of hue, and farther, from one end a glimpse is gained of the bright-coloured Cattleyas and other Orchids in the next house. In this house there is a fine bank of Cattleyas and other Orchids in flower, snch as Oncidium sarcodes and Marshall- ianum, Yanda cristata, Dendrobium Dalhousianum, &e. In a continuation of the same house were Cypripedinm caudatum, with two fine flowers, and the beautiful Cattleya Dowiana, besides a large stock of plants not in flower. The next house is filled with Dendrobiums, Ac rides, Cattleyas, and Vandas; the Foxbrush Aerides, Vunda gigantea, and some others being in flower ; and in the Vanda house adjoining, Veitch's variety of Vanda snavis was in fiue bloom. The East Indian house con- tained fine specimens of various Dendrobiums, notably D. McCarthiae and crassinjde, the latter of which has recently been exhibited by Messrs. Veitch in such beautiful bloom, attracting much attention, not only on that account, bnt by its singular knotted stems. Cypripedinm lrevigatum, Oncidium Krameri, and the well-known 0. Papilio, were also fine. The Cypripedium house comes next ; in this we noticed C. Harrisianum, one of Mr. Domlny's hybrids, raised by him between C. barbatum and C villosum, and a very beautiful variety. Trichopilia cri3pa will also be shortly in fine bloom, having fifteen flowering spikes on it now. Iu the next three houses, Odontoglossum niveum, 0. cordatum, 0. hystrix, the old bnt pretty Epidendrum Stam- fordianum, the beautiful Masdevallia Veitchii, one of the most brilliant Orchids ever introduced, Odontoglossum Cervantesii, and several Lycastes are in bloom. But there are yet other houses containing Orchids even more beautiful tban those already named, and which, with numerous other subjects, must be left to a second notice. (To be continued.) ILLUSTRATIONS OF BOTANY. Johiis'on's Illustrations of Botany. Sheet 1. Organs of Plantst Tissues, Root, Stem. "Edinburgh and London: W. & A. K- Johnston. These are original drawings selected by Professor Balfour, of Edinburgh, and executed in chromo-lithography by Messrs. W. and A. K. Johnston, on a large sheet, roller-mounted. The sheet is accompanied by a handbook explanatory of the various figures, also by Professor Balfour. At this time, when strenuous efforts are being made to introduce to primary schools instruc- tion in Natural Seience, the publication of this sheet is most opportune, and we welcome it as being produced under the direction of one who is eminently qualified for such a work by a long period of class tuition in one of the largest-attended botanical classes of perhaps any existing university. Those who have had the privilege of attending Dr. Balfour's lectures, and listened to them with the earnestness of students imbued with a love of the science, cannot but have been impressed with the clearness and minuteness with which he unfolded his subject, leading up from the simple cell to the perfect plant develop- ment. The same clearness and minuteness has Dr. Balfour transferred to this sheet of illustrations, so that the most ignorant of learners can, if he is so minded, acquire a knowledge of elementary botany with an ease which older botanists in their youth would have greatly coveted. The leading figure on the sheet is that of an ideal plant, representing all the external organs from the root and its fibres to the matured seed. Then there are no less than thirty-five other figures of large dimen- sions, chiefly of the internal organs, so drawn as to leave no doubt as to the structure of these organs, and enabling the student to.comprehend at a glance the various parts of which a plant is built up. We commend this sheet as a valuable acquisition to the attainment of a sound knowledge of elementary botany. GARDENERS' ASSISTANTS.— No. 3. POOLEY'S TOBACCO POWDER. This is an article which has only recently come into general notice, but having proved so exceedingly useful, it already seems as if it would be impossible to get on without it or some similar article. Tobacco powder or tobacco snuff has long been known as very efficacious for the destruction of all sorts of aphis ; the price, however, precluded its general use. In some places, also, it was customary to grow a few plants of the common tobacco, and to dry the leaves and grind them into powder. This, however, necessitated a good deal of labour, and was very often forgotten until the Tobacco was actually wanted. For many years I have been in the habit of growing and using the dry powdered leaves of the Tobacco in this way. Now, however, as the powder is supplied so plentifully and so cheaply, I have given over the cultivation of the plant. For the destruction of green fly, &c, on Peach trees on the open wall the tobacco powder is all that is necessary ; and in every case where tobacco smoke cannot be used the powder is the next be3t remedy, and its effects are equally certain if it is applied properly. After syringing the trees is the time to use it, and the best mode of doing so is simply with a common penny pepper-box to dust the powder all over the insects, and indeed every part of the tree. The leaves, See., being wet, the powder adheres, its bitter acrid taste is brought out, and the insects effectually destroyed. By dusting the powder over every part the insects find no food suitable for their taste ; but if this is not done many of them leave the powdered part and proceed to fresh fields. In the orchard house, if a tree happens to become infested with aphis five minutes will suffice to duBt it all over. It is thns exceedingly handy for cleansing any little plant which may be infested, without going to the expense of fumigating the entire house. On the open wall, if the powder is applied while the dew is yet on the trees the powder will adhere, and require no further attention until it and the dead insects are washed off with the syringe. With trees under glass, however, the leaves, &c, have to be gently dewed over onoe or twice to make it have the proper effect, and then about the end of the second day the trees should be freely syringed and made again clean. It is the cheapest and be?t article that can be used for the destruction of all sorts of aphis, the green and the black fly, on Peach and other trees. — Akchambaud. WELLINGTONIAS IN CALIFORNIA. ArrER riding about five miles, our guide inquired if we noticed anything strange in the appearance of the forest, when suddenly our attention was attracted to the tall spires of the Sequoia, extending far above the surrounding vegetation, and soon we were riding amidst immense specimens of this lordly tree. This collection of Wellingtonias, or Washingtonias, is known as the "Mariposa Group," and embraced in former times 612 trees, but owing to occasional accidents the number has been reduced to about six hundred. The collection is divided into two well- defined groups, with a few scattering trees of this species between, and are entitled the Lower Grove and the Upper Grove, respec- tively. Among the very many erroneous statements published in regard to these trees, is that there are no young plants coming on to perpetuate the species. I may say in refuting this absurd theory, that I saw large quantities of seedlings, of every con- ceivable size, and that they appeared in as flourishing a condition as any Conifer in the whole range of the Sierra Nevada. After passing several immense specimens, we stop at the Fallen Mon- arch, a trunk lying on the ground, and possibly uprooted many years ago. We clamber up on the top, and standing on what was its base, measure with our tape line to the ground, 22 feet. We then step along its length 150 feet, and at this point the first branch was placed. Beyond this the many fires ignited by Indians have burned the entire top, but evidence is shown by numerous remains that it was over 300 feet high. At the smaller end of the trunk the diameter was 10 feet, and the wood throughout solid and undecayed. To give an idea of its immense size, I may say that the sur- face is worn level, and a carriage can readily be driven its entire length, turned at the base and return with ease. One of the smallest trees in this Lower Grove, measured 17 feet in diameter, 5 feet from the ground. A large one close by was 50 feet round ; and numbers of others in the near vicinity quite as large. I ride my mule inside a hollow tree, turn round with ease, and out again to wonder at its immensity. Leaving this Lower Grove with its enormous specimens in every direction unmeasured, we pass on and take the mountain trail towards the Upper Grove. Midway we stop at the greatest wonder to be seen — the Grizzly Giant. It is truly marvellous in size. We step carefully round the base, and count just 31 paces. Measured as high as we could possibly reach by standing on the projecting base, 12 feet above the ground, it was 66J- feet in circumference ; 60 feet high the JOUBNAL OF HOETIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 12, 1870. first limb branches out, and is 10 feet in diameter. This tree is supposed to be entirely solid, with the exception of two or three spots burned out of its sides by camp nres. There are others here as large as the above, but none with such a majestic appear- ance as this grand old veteran presents. Passing by another large specimen measuring 77 feet around, with a few smaller ones near at hand, we soon arrived at the Upper Grove. This embraces about 365 trees, in the midst of which is built a cozy little cabiu called Galen's Hospice, where the weary traveller can sit down and rest while viewing these astonishing vegetable growths. On the outer edge of this Grove we notice the Dia- mond Group, consisting of four large and very handsomely shaped trees. We now step round the base of a number of trunks with the following results:— 84 feet, G9 feet, 73 feet, &c. Two im- mense trees stand close together, one of which is entirely hollow, in fact a mere shell, in which sixteen horses with their mounted riders have stood at one time. We next come to the Tunnel, a prostrate trunk hollowed out by fire, and which is 42 feet in length; through it wc walk erect from end to end. Ten thrifty and very handsome trees stand in a cluster, and are named the Commissioners. They are from -1 to S feet in diameter, respec- tively. The Chimney is a hollow stump 50 feet high, burned out through the centre to the top, and is 32 paces round. An old charred stump lying on the ground, was without the bark 27 feet in diameter. A curious tree of immense size forks into two distinct growths about 60 feet above the ground, and is called the Faithful Couple. We measured the thickness of the bark taken from this grove, 20 inches, and which was soft and pliable as cork. Not having time to visit the Calaveras Grove, located in Cala- veras County, I am indebted to the kindness of a friend for a detailed list of trees composing this collection. Although fewer in number (93 I think) than the Mariposa Grove, it is neverthe- less noted for a few gigantic growths. One of the largest of these, which was cut down for an exhibition, was 93 feet in cir- cumference, and over 300 feet high. It was felled by augurs, and required five men working steadily for twenty-five days to accomplish it. The Sentinels are over 300 feet high, and the larger one 23 feet in diameter. The Miner's Cabin is a prostrate tree, 211 feet in diameter and 319 feet in length. The Mother is a grand old tree, with its bark stripped off, but yet measures 7S feet in circumference and 327 feet high. A wonderful sight is the decaying ruin of the Father of the Forest, which, although centuries may have passed since he succumbed to the elements, measures to-day 112 feet in circumference at the base, and 312 in length, notwithstanding a large portion of the top was evidently broken off in its fall ; it is hollow, and a horse and rider can enter for some distance. Her- cules, a grand old tree, was blown down in 1S62 ; it measured 97 feet in circumference and 325 feet long. There were numerous other trees to be seen here of immense size, but the foregoing com- prise the largest specimens in the place. — (American Gardeners Monthly.) SOCIETY FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF FLORISTS' FLOWERS. Will you permit me to refer to the notices which have appeared on this subject, and to explaiu what is intended ? At a meeting of the Horticultural Club on the 20th April, the after-diuner discussion turned on the neglect of florists' flowers. The question was asked, Could nothing be done ? and I then broached a subject which had been in my mind for some time — the formation of a society to encourage the revival of an interest in them. The proposition was warmly re- ceived, and it subsequently was moulded into this form — that I should, of course entirely unconnected with the Club, endeavour to carry out the plan, and that the first object should he to revive an autumn show at the Crystal Palace of Dahlias, Gladiolus, Hollyhocks, and Verbenas. I then communicated with my excellent friend Mr. "Wilkinson, and he has assnred me that the Palace authorities will act with their accus- tomed generosity. I have since seen several of our leading horticul- turists, and have receive! the promise of assistance from all whom I have consulted ; and when I say that Messrs. Veitch & Sous, Mr. Charles Turner, Mr. George Paul, Mr. James Cutbush, Messrs. Carter and Co., Messrs. Earr Sc Sugden, Mr. J. Fraser, and Mr. Holmes are amongst our earliest contributors, I do not despair ; there are difficul- ties, but "Amor omnia vintit" The flowers we propose to encourage are, in addition to those named, the Auricula, Pink, Carnation and Picotee, Pansy, Tulip, and Ranun- culus. How this is to be done I must leave at present. We have one object before us, and let ns try for that first. I wish it to be distinctly understood that this society is not devised in any antagonism to other Bocieties, but to supplement them. I must only add that the name of the society, the form it shall take, and all such matters must be subjects for arrangement by a committee, when we have formed one. In the meantime I shall be happy to receive names and subscriptions, as well as any suggestions. Com- munications to be addressed to me, Westwell Vicarage, Ashford, Kent. — D., Deal NITROGEN IN MANURES. I am sorry "F. H. S." thinks I am wasting valuable space in calling attention to the relative value of nitrogen in manures ; but if I can persuade persons who are practical chemists and agriculturists to reconsider the question I 6hall not regret it. " F. H. S.'s " own letter fully proves to me the necessity for so doing, aud I cannot see that he has brought any fresh argument to bear against me. He says, "All cultivators of the soil, and all analytical chemists, agree that manures are powerful in proportion to the nitrogen they contain. No reasoning can surmount this fact." What fact ? I may ask. Not that they really are valuable in direct proportion, but that it is gene- rally considered so. He then says, " That it is a fact is thus tersely shown by Mr. Nesbit ;" but all the argument brought to bear on this subject is a table, made by Boussingault and otheis, of different manures, showing their relative proportion of nitrogen. How this can prove the fact of their value is what I do not see ; it is only arguing in a circle. Allow me to remind ''F. H. S." that Liebig. Payen, Boussingault, and other chemists laid down the same law about the value of nitrogen as food for man, and divided all food into nitrogenous or plastic, and non-nitrogenous or heat-giving ; hut later researches have proved that tables of food calculated on the basis of the quantity of nitrogen are utterly fallacious. I would refer your readers to Dr. Letheby's work on food, from which I will make one quotation (page 4). After giving a table calculated according to the amount of nitrogen in the dry substances, he adds, " I hardly need say that comparisons of this description are of little practical value, for they furnish no indi- cation of the digestive labour required to utilise the products ; besides which, we are far from being assured, at the present time, that the nitrogenous elements of our foods are the most important." tlF. H. S." accuses me of raising a ghost for the sake of laying it. I do not assert that persons think nitrogen the only valuable part of a manure, but I say that the comparative values of manures are based upou tables calculated only on the amount of nitrogen they contain. " F. H. S." furnishes us with one of these tables, and as a case in point he draws the deduction that one ton of guano is equal to 33.1 tons farmyard dung, 21 tons of horse dung, &c. I consider the deductions drawn from these tables utterly fallacious. One ton of guano might produce in its immediate effect as much as 33 \ tons of farmyard manure; but, if a second crop were taken without further manuring, then the true value of the farmyard manure would b^ shown. Guano, through the soluble properties it possesses, enables a plant to draw upon the manures already contained in well-farmed land, as well as giving additional valuable manure of its own. But if nitrogen is to be the basis on which the value of a manure is to be judged, how is superphosphate of lime, phosphate of soda, chloride of sodium, sul- phate of lime, carbonate of lime, and other artificial manures to be compared to farmyard manure, ccc. ? Ammonia is so valuable that it may very fairly be used as the basis to calculate the value of one Bample of farmyard manure with another, or one sample of horse dung with another ; but it is also found that the droppings of animals are valuable in proportion as the animals are fed with fat-producing foods. Highly-fed oxen produce much more valuable manure than cows, &c. But I need not add more on this point. In the same way the value of the carbonaceous elements in food is not in exact proportion to the carbon they contain, as fat is found by experiment to be 2 J times as valuable as starch containing the same amount of carbon. I venture, therefore, again to assert, that just as Liebig has been found to lead a great many chemists astray in the laws he laid down as to the value of nitrogen as food for man, so he has in the same way in manures as food for the plant, aud that it is time further experi- mental research be made. — C. P. Peach. THE ARCHIMEDEAN LAWN MOWER. It is no part of my duty to be the champion of this new mower, as I have no interest whatever in being so, further than having tried it, aud found it having all the good qualities its promoters claim for it, I ventured to recommend it to the notice of your readers. It is exceed- ingly kind of Mr. Featherstone (page 308), to so gently caution your readers against placiug any reliance on my statements and opinion, or " being led to purchase any novelty without its first having had a fair and proper trial." I believe, however, that in general the ad- vantiges of competing trials tend more to the fortunate prize-winners than to the general public. A mowing machine may, for instance, he got up to such a high state of precision as to cut beautifully a cer- tain spot of grass, and for a time while carefully handled ; but how about its lasting capabilities when subjected to ordinary treatment by ordinary and inexperienced hands ? I wonld sooner pin my faith to the opinion of the ordinary workmen, those who use it, than to that of the best set of judges that may be found, who can be button- lookers. If the Archimedean lawn mower has been awarded no prizes in this country, it may be because it has had no opportunity of com- petition. At the great International Exhibition held at Hamburg last September it was, however, awarded a medal. In this country it has May 12, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. been tried and approved of by many practical men ; it is used in the gardens of the Horticnltnral Society at Chiswick, and is reported from thence as " being the quietest, most simple, and most efficient mower ever nsed." In Battersea Park, also, it is nBed and spoken well of, in many of the London squares, and in the Royal Gardens at Buckingham Palace, &c. My own experience of the Archimedean mower is a practical one. It is very evident that Mr. Featherstone, although he appears generally well posted up about mowers, is entirely without experience with re- spect to the Archimedean. For his information I beg to say that the " principle " he tells about, " of low speed of cylinder," is wrong, and the Archimedean is then of course right. I do not know how many times it may revolve in a yard, but the cut of the grass is perfect. And next to answer his " whole question," Which of the different machines cuts the grass with the least labour ? I say the Archimedean. With far less exertion a man will cut double the extent in the same time that he can with any other, and if the operator likes to exert himself he will cut more than four times as much. The reasons are obvious : there are no stoppages to empty the grass box or for any other pur- pose, which take up a great portion of the time with our ordinary mowers. It is not so much the difference of actual speed of the mail train that makes it reach its destination so much sooner than the parliamentary, which stops at every station, as the stoppages. If the lawn is cut regularly once a-week or so, as it should be, no sweeping- np is at all necessary, but if it is allowed to get long and rough the Archimedean will cut it down, which none of our English mowers can. "But what about the grass collecting?" says Mr. Feather- stone. Well, the machine never clogs, and it will pick up the fallen grass and cut it up like chaff ; and, as I said, if it does not suit to let it lie, it is easy to sweep it up, and there is time to do it and to spare. I do not recommend anyone to have his lawns so untidy as to require this manipulation. I alluded to it simply as a feature. Bad policy it no doubt is to allow the grass to grow so long before cutting ; it is, however, frequently the case. A mower, then, which will cut grass in every condition, fine or coarse, short or long, is surely superior to that which will only cut it in certain conditions, like our common English lawn mowers ; and these conditions are sufficiently well known, so that I commit no mistake in stating that our lawns must be good and kept well if they are kept at all by an English lawn mower. I prefer Green's or Shanks's for verges, but for general work I prefer the Archimedean. It will do more work than any other, and cut the grass equally well ; it will cut over very uneven ground and very rough grass ; it will cut the grass when wet as well as when it is dry ; it is remarkably easy to work ; and, lastly, the simplicity of its construc- tion renders it but little liable to get out of repair. All that is re- quired is to keep it clean and oiled. — Akchahbaud. POTATO DIBBLE. I have enclosed a sketch of an improved Potato dibble, which I have had in use for the last four years, by the aid of which I can plant Potatoes at more than doable the rate I can by using an ordinary dibble. It may be useful to some of our gardening friends. The manner of using it is as follows :— The foot is placed between the uprights to force the dibble into the ground, at the same time laying hold of the two cross handles at the top extension gives the distance from one hole to the next.- Cooke (English Mechanic and Mirror of Science.) INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE PEAR TREE. No. 1. Recently turning over the pages of a French work relative to fruit trees and their enemies, I was startled by reading a list of fifty-seven insects that are found upon the Pear tree. However, upon examining the list of these visitants it was in some degree consolatory to find that many of the fifty-seven are not known to injure the tree's produce, and the visits of some are so rare as to need no consideration. Yet when all these deductions are made, there remain about twenty-six ma- rauders whose visits are sufficiently frequent and injurious to deserve special recognition. I will commence with the lepidoptera. Tinea Clerckella — HeribeTa Clebckella — Pear-tree Blister Moth. — Every gardener must have observed the leaves of his Pear trees, especially those of the Chaumontel, blotched with dark brown spots in the autumn. I had a standard tree of this variety in Essex that annually was thus injured, whilst a Swan's Egg and an Easter Bergamot close by were compa- ratively untouched. These brown blotches are caused by the caterpillars, or grubs, of a very Bniall Moth called the Pear-tree Blister Moth. The caterpillars of this Moth belong to a family called " miners," on account of their working beneath the skin of the leaves they attack, feeding only on their pulp. The red spots often seen on the leaves of the Vine and Turnip are caused by grubs of this habit. On opening one of the brown blisters on the Pear-tree leaf, a small, active, shining grub will be found, fleshy, yellowish white, hairy, and with sixteen black feet ; the head and a line down the back are brown. When thus disturbed, the grub lets itself down towards the ground by a silken thread. It forms its co- coon in the earth, or be- neath some withered leaf upon its surface. From this cocoon the Moth comes forth chiefly dur- ing May, though it has been observed at the beginning of April. In the drawing the grub and Moth are represented of their natural size, and the Moth magnified. The upper wings are orange, with a silvery spot on its outer edge, and a mingling of black, lilac, and pink on the inner angle ; an orange feathery mark and four black lines mark their upper surface, and they have a white fringe around them. The hind wings are narrow, lead-coloured, and fringed. Mr. Knight's Pear trees were so injured by their grubs that he at one time resolved to remove them. The best mode of prevention seems to be to collect the leaves, and to pare off about an inch of the surface round each tree in the autumn, and to burn them. — G. THE MELBOURNE BOTANICAL GARDENS. The amphitheatre -like aspect of the gardens, as they are approached from the river front, at once arrests the eye, and they appear lovely in the extreme — towering Eucalypti, spiral Cypresses, and sturdy Oaks with their light green foliage, as well as the Callitris, or native Pines, with their long pendent shoots, and Weeping Willows, together with the English Elm trees, blending harmoniously with the dark green cf the indigenous Melaleuca and sombre hue of the Aleppo Pine, all intermingling with the many intermediate shades of foliage, and the flowers of trees and shrubs, with, in addition, the varied gradations of forest scenery all strewn by Nature's own bounteous hand ; although man has sadly marred much of what otherwise could have been rendered, by a little artistic skill, a public garden alike worthy of the name and fame of the metropolis of the southern hemisphere. The lagoon is in fiDe keeping with the surrounding view — in fact, without such a desideratum the landscape would be shorn of one of its most interesting and picturesque features. That Bheet of water appears to the eye to be about twelve acres in extent, and is fringed in many parts with the beautiful Lily of the Nile (Calla rethiopiea). The few islands dotted about could have been rendered much more effective if clothed with appropriate vegetation. Pursuing our course along the base of the Pine grove on the right, where basaltic boulders line the winding path, economic plants of to guide it. They also serve to pull it up again. The lateral •> many species pleasingly adora the sloping embankment towards the 340 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 12, 1870. lake. Prominently amongat the group we noticed the Tea Plant of commerce, but of rather stunted growth — the experimental area set apart for this and similar vegetable productions is far too limited in extent whereon to base any practical data as regards the much-disputed theory of acclimatisation. There were also the Olive and Arrowroot, as well as a collection of Castor Oil Plants, Tobacco, and several varieties of Mulberry, the Guava, a group of UBefnl Grasses, different kinds of Hops, the Chinese Tallow Tree, Loquats, the Sugar Beet, the Opium Poppy, the Turpentine Tree, as well as the Ceratonia ailiqua, or St. John's Bread, together with several other representative plants of botanical value. Slowly ascending the rising hill clothed with its many Pine and Araucaria specimens, we reached a small span-roofed conservatory, •where a miscellaneous collection of tropical and sub-tropical rarities adorn its circular shelves. Ferns of many species, and Cactuses in great variety, can there be seen, as well as the usual display of greenhouse and stove plants. In the oblong loamy bed we noticed the Coffee from Arabia (Coffea arabica), which requires artificial pro- tection in this colony, and the celebrated Banyan tree (Ficnsreligiosa) — one single specimen in that sunny clime is said to extend over an area of five acres or more, and beneath its leafy shade ten thousand persons may find adequate shelter. The Hindoos are particularly fond of such a tree, and well they may be; the Brahmins pass much of their religious solitude under its outstretched armB, which droop, take root, and form a series of columns after the manner of a miniature forest. Festooned along the rafters, and hanging in graceful bundles, were the racemes of the Passion-Flower, whose glossy foliage considerably enhances its suitability for conservatory decoration. There were also the Sugar-cane of commerce and Indian Shot, many-tinted Begonias of beautiful foliage, as well as the zebra-striped Calathea, and other variegated plantB. To those who delight in out-of-the-way vegetable curiosities, the Elephant's Foot will afford food for thought. It occupies a prominent place at one of the doors, and is known to botanists by its high-sounding title of Testu- dinaria elephantipes, being a native of the Cape of Good Hope. Immediately adjoining the conservatory is the class ground, where all the natural orders, genera, and species, with the exception of some representatives, are grouped together in a series of geometrical beds, forming link after link in the ascending scale of regular progression. To the scientific student, as well as the mere pleasure -seeker, this portion of the gardens is not the least interesting and attractive. Separated from the class ground by an oblong Pittosporum hedge of the species eugenioides from New Zealand, is the pomological or fruit- tree department, all the trees in bearing condition and looking well, whilst ranged along a considerable portion of the boundary fence are a series of Tea-tree shelter-sheds filled with a varied assortment of Pines, shrubs, and other useful decorative plants, all grown in small pots to facilitate their distribution at the planting season, along with other out-door nursery stock, which latter covers a very considerable extent of the rising ground on the opposite hill adjoining the Victoria regia or Water Lily house. Adjacent to the Director's mansion is to be seen a small collection of medicinal plants, whilst further on we noticed some Hollies and a plantation of Oaks planted amongst fruit trees, all doing as well as might be expected of them, surrounded as they are with native Wattles and robust Gum trees. Here various avenues radiate. In a picturesque ravine leading down towards the aviary, and close to one of the propagating pits, is a splendid collection of Tree Ferns, interspersed among which we observed the beautiful Bird's-nest species from Queensland f.Vsplenium nidus-avis), as well as the romantic Stag's-horn, together with Orchids in full bloom, and climbing plants hanging in graceful festoons from drooping boughs of trees and shrubs, making np in all a very delightful and charming view, worthy of more public attention. In passing the aviary, with its arched trelliswork and romantic recess, including many of the more acclimatised choristers of varied plumage, we were reminded of the rocky glens, as well as open fields, with far-stretching hedgerows, and the patriarchal avenues of the old country, where the carol of the lark at early morn mingled •with the notes of the song thrush and blackbird, which there and then heralded the dawn of day. It is indeed gratifying to know that these choristers are now at large, and reported to be doing well in different parts of the colony. Amongst some of the more noticeable plants adjoining the aviary we noticed the Camphor Tree from Japan (Lauras Camphora), the fragrant North American Magnolia grandinora, the Indiarubber Tree, the sweet Viburnum odoratissimum from China, the Date-Palm of commerce, as well as the Cape Strelitzia regime. A fine Chilian Pine (Araucaria imbricata) may be seen growing at one end of the rustic bridge, whilst further on the well-known Flame Tree from New South Wales occupies a prominent place. Some of the Pinus family are there beginning to assume quite an aged look. I understand that they, together with the more attractive trees and shrub3, were planted by the former curator, prior to Dr. Von Mueller's *' advent to autocratic power." Ascending by winding walks and avenue plantations of Grevillea robusta, Cypress, and Moreton Bay Fig, we reached the highest sum- mit of the gardens, where, during the summer months, eweet music is weekly discoursed from a neat octagonal orchestra to barge and fashionable audiences. The large Palm house close by will well repay a careful inspection of its miscellaneous contents. Large Plantains grow in the circular bed ; the famous Abyssinian Musa reaches np quite to the roof, which would require a dome something similar to that at Kew to give full scopo for ita beautiful leaves. We noted also the Chinese Rice Paper plant, the Traveller's Tree from Madagascar, and unique Screw Pine. Collections of Palms, Cactuses, fine-foliaged plants, and no end of Ferns, adorn the oblong, crescent, and circular shelves A small assortment of Roses are grouped in the vicinity of the Palm house, together with a varied collection of Conifers of rather stunted growth, which in no way can be looked upon as good representative specimens of the Pine family. Near the centre of the gardens, at the entrance to one of the pro- pagating houses, which latter is anything but a credit to the establish- ment, there is a fine specimen of the Norfolk Island Pine, and a little further on one of still greater merit rears its shaggy head on the rising terrace — Araucaria Bidwilli, or Moreton Bay Bunya-Bnnya, whose cones are roasted and eaten there with great zest by the aborigines. Continuing our progress towards the eastern boundary fence, we were much struck by the peculiar way in which the borders were managed. The lack of florists' flowers iB much to be regretted, for what could enliven the flowerless borders more than the acclimatisa- tion of such popular favourites, grouped and harmonised together, as carried out in Bimilar establishments throughout Great Britain, and which also would finely contrast with the sombre and picturesque effect of the many Pines, forest trees, and shrubs which at present hold undisputed sway along the undulating borders. Having thus cursorily run over the principal features of the gardens, we are landed once more on the banks of the Yarra, at the foot of the long Pine-shaded walk, many of which trees are bearing cones, such as P. halepensis, Pinaster, and Pinea. Here, also, the lake is taken advantage of, and rendered very ornamental, with its numerous water- channels and pretty island scenery ; whilst winding walks, raised embankments, and Melaleuca plantations, together with groups of Weeping Willows gently drooping their pendent branches in the stream, all go to make this portion of the gardens a very favourite resort of visitors. A nice iron bridge also spans the river, and must indeed be of considerable service to the inhabitants of Rich- mond and Collingwood, when visiting the gardens, as well as resi- dents in South Yarra. Here, also, along the margin of the river, are double rows of Eucalyptus globulus, planted on either side of that pleasant walk which, for a considerable space, adjoins another on the summit of the recently-formed embankment, finally merging in the latter where the landing stage is placed, as noticed at the com- mencement of the present sketch. The garden museum, which is in the immediate neighbourhood of the observatory, is now rich in botanical treasures, and there Dr. Mueller, as a descriptive botanist, has made for himself a European reputation, by the publication of the "Frag- menta Phytographice Australia," written, like the learned " Prodromus " of Robert Brown, in Latin, and beyond the reach of the public to understand. — (Melbourne Times.) THE TULIP TREE EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. The Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is probably the largest tree of the older States. It extends from New England westward to the Mississippi, beyond which it is rarely found. It grows in Arkansas as far west as Crawley's Hidge, thirty or forty miles west of Memphis. It was not found west of this by those engaged in the geological survey of Arkansas. Accord- ing to Dr. Engleman it is found in Southern Missouri, but Pro- fessor Swallow, in his report on the geology of that State, states that he and his assistants did not recos-nise it. It is not indi- genous in Texas, and is rare in the Gulf cotton States east of the Mississippi. It is rare in the western part of Massachusetts, and in New England does not extend farther eastward. Michaux says that its northern limit is the southern extremity of Lake Champlain, in latitude 45°. It occurs in Canada in the vicinity of Niagara Falls, from whence it extends westward into Michigan, where it is as far north as Ann Arbor. It is a stately, mag- nificent tree, as seen in southern Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and the western part of North Carolina, where it is upwards of 100 feet in height, with a diameter of 6 or more feet, all of sound wood. I have measured some Sycamores or Buttonwoods, with a circumference greater than the Tulip Tree, but they were hollow and mere shells, and only 60 or 70 feet high. The Tulip Tree has, I think, ampler dimensions and more wood than any of its associates in the forest. The following measurements of Tulip Trees were made by me at the height of 3 feet from the ground, unless when otherwise stated. One near "Waynesville, among the mountains of North Carolina, 26 feet 10 inches in circumference. One 33 feet in circumference, at Cold Spring, on the waters of the Pigeon River, in Haywood County, in North Carolina. Another 29 feet 3 inches in circumference, on the head waters of the Little Pigeon; and several of 20 feet and upwards in circumference, near the same May 13, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. place. One 24 feet in circumference, on Jonathan's Creefc. AU of the preceding were in Haywood and its adjacent counties, in the mountains in the western part of North Carolina. They grow in the rich coves and valleys, at the base of the mountains, where are also large Oats and big Chestnuts. All of these Tulip trees have a height of upwards of 100 feet. Near Rising Sun, in the southern part of Indiana, are many large Tulip Trees, such as 18 feet 6 inches in circumference, 16 feet 6 inches in circumference, and 17 feet 9 inches in circumference. The elder Michaux measured one, three and a half miles from Louisville, Kentucky, which was 22 feet 6 inches in circumference at 5 feet from the ground, and whose elevation he judged to be from 120 to 140 feet. A few years ago I visited Dr. Short, the botanist, who dwelt near the locality of this tree. He in- formed me that he had seen it, but that it was blown down many years ago during a thunderstorm. He assisted me in measuring some large Tulip Trees in that vicinity, but we found none up- wards of 6 feet in diameter. Dr. A. Flournoy, who lives near Shreveport, in Louisiana, told me that he saw a Tulip Tree in Middle Tennessee, which squared 50 inches at the butt, and measured 105 feet to the first limb. From this tree a dug-out boat or canoe was made, which was 105 feet long. A young gentleman informed me that one was cut down near his father's, in East Tennessee, on a small creek emptying into the Pigeon River, in Sevier County, which was 14 feet in diameter. The Tulip Tree is a moderate grower, and difficult to transplant from the woods, as I know very well from experience, having tried several and. failed. I counted 215 annuals rings in one at Camp Stoneman, near Washington, in the district of Columbia, which was 2 feet 6 inches in diameter, and another which had nine annual rings, and was 5 inches in diameter. They grow on upland, in a soil of moderate fertility. Professor Meek, the well- known geologist and paleontologist, informed me that there wa3 a Tulip Tree standing on the farm of G. C. Schank, near Middle- town Point, in New Jersey, which was 10 feet in diameter. Professor "Wood in his " Class Book of Botany,' ' states that he measured a Tulip Tree which had been recently felled, which had a circumference of 23 feet at 4 feet from the ground, at 30 feet from the ground it was 5 feet in diameter, the whole height 1 25 feet. Where the large Tulip Trees grow and grew, Pines suitable for lumber are rare. The timber of the Tulip Tree is used as a substitute for the Pine : hence, the large Tulip Trees of the country are fast disappearing. The Tulip Tree is decidedly ornamental and deserving of general cultivation. Its smooth curious leaves afford a fine con- trast with those of other tree3. In autumn its leaves turn yellow, or yellow with green spots. Occasionally some of its leaves are very beautiful, being yellow with green along the rims, or tinged with brown ; I saw such on the Indian Reservation, on Cataraugus Creek, near Buffalo, New York, in the fall of 1865. — S. B. Buckley — {American Gardener's Monthly.) NOTES AND GLEANINGS. A meeting on the subject of the Horticultural Division op the forthcoming International Exhibitions, will take place on Friday, May 13th, in the Council Room of the Royal Hor- ticultural Society, at South Kensington, when the attendance of the exhibitors is especially requested. The Bishop of Win- chester, Vice-President of the Sooiety, will take the chair at noon precisely. The Council of the Royal Horticultural Society have elected Lord Henry Gordon Lennox, M.P., to serve on the Council, in place of the late Gen. Hon. C. Grey, and his Grace the President has nominated his lordship one of the Vice- Presidents of the Society for the current year. We are informed that Mb. William Paul, of Waltham Cross, will hold an exhibition of Roses in Pots, at the Crystal Palace, from May 28th to June 4th. — — We are very pleased and not surprised to see a second edition already of the Rev. S. Reynolds Hole's " Book about Roses." We said on its first appearance that it is " a very captivating book, containing much valuable information in a style which cannot fail to please," and the public have agreed with us. In this second edition the few corrections needed have been made, and we again recommend it as one of the most readable of instructive books. Of the new Roses the author recommends Abbe Giraudier, Charles Turner, Ferdinand ! de Lesseps, Jules Chretien, Lord Napier, Louis Van Houtte, Mademoiselle Eugenie Verdier, Perle Blanche, and Thoma3 Methven. WORK FOR THE WEEK. kitchen garden. A good sprinkling of the Cape Broccoli may now be sown, likewise Grange's Impregnated Cauliflower and Walcheren Broccoli. These will succeed the Cauliflowers sown in Fe- bruary. A small first-sowing of Endive may be made. With regard to Peas, Beans, Horn Carrots, Cresses, Lettuces, Radishes, Spinach, &o., I may repeat my advice offered in one of my former calendars — viz., to sow a little more when the preceding sowing is fairly above ground. Sow a row of Gherkins if not done. Those raised in heat in boxe3 should be hardened forth- with, preparatory to planting out. The bed may be made by digging a trench 1 foot deep by 3 feet wide in a sunny spot well sheltered from the wind, such shelter being of the utmost im- portance. A collection of all the weeds in the garden, the trimmings of ditch sides, old Ferns, and hedges, blended with a little hot manure, will do well. Keep the manure low, and fill up the trench as a mound nearly 2 feet above the ground level. Soil it over slightly, and raise deeper hillocks where the plants are to be set. Those who cannot obtain hand-glasses may stretch some sticks or hoops across, and cover-up at night with old mats. Such, however, should not trust their plants out until another week. fruit garden. The spring disbudding of fruit trees is a matter of consider- able importance at this period, for on the thinning properly and in due time, success in ripening both wood and fruit is mainly dependent. This process should not be completed at one dress- ing, the operation is too severe. The trees should be looked over about thrice — viz., first, when the young shoots are about 2 inches long, a second time in about a week afterwards, and finally in about another fortnight. The first dressing should consist chiefly in rubbing-off foreright or ill-placed shoots, at the second thinning a selection of the necessary quantity of wood, and in the proper position, may be made, and at the last all the gross shoots or robbers should be stopped in order to equalise the sap. Gradually thin Apricots, remembering that as the spring has been rather capricious, many may drop in the stoning process. Use the engine where the red spider is feared ; those, however, who have followed the directions given as to the use of sulphur, will save themselves endless trouble, and the trees much starvation, which these cold even- ing ablutions are sure to produce. No wonder Peach trees gum; a rich and deep soil beneath, and such sudden de- pressions of temperature in the shoots, are quite sufficient of themselves to produce the evil, FLOWER GARDEN. In this department the next few weeks will be devoted to filling-np the flower-garden beds and clumps intended for the summer and autumn display, and when a change has taken place in the weather, every exertion should be made to have the planting-out completed with all possible dispatch ; and pre- mising the plants intended for each bed have been previously determined and hardened off, no great difficulty will be met with in filling-np the beds. Some allowance must, however, be made in regard to the time when it is desired to have the principal display of flowers ; if early, the plant3 will require planting more thickly, and need not be stopped ; if not before a later period in the summer, somewhat thinner, and the flower buds should be pinched off as they appear, till the plants have filled the beds. There are two objects mainly to be held in view in arranging the planting of parterres and flower gardens ; one is to produce a striking effect by employing plants only of a decided colour — principally red, blue, and yellow, using white for separating the different divisions. When the colours are well contrasted this plan is very effective, particularly when viewed from a distance, and it is well adapted for situations where the beds are not numerous, and where there is a con- siderable breadth of either grass or gravel to overpower. Xet a repetition of the same flower, however brilliant, is seldom so pleasing on a close examination as where variety both in form and colour has been called into play, and where the gradations into which the primary colours run have been arranged in ac- cordance with the rules governing their distribution. There is now no lack of colours to effect this, as nearly every class of bedding-out plants presents sufficient variety for the purpose. In single beds or in the mixed flower garden much may be ac- 342 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 12, 1870. complished in this way by nBing a decided colour for the centre, and surrounding it with plants of the same kind bnt of less intense colour, which should gradually diminish from the centre to the sides. This, with well- contrasted edgings, particularly for the larger beds, will be found more generally pleasing than when masses of one colour are only employed. Select a shady border, and give it a good dressing of rotten dung or leaf soil slightly forked in, for planting with the runners of the different kinds of Violets for forcing ; the Neapolitan is the best for frames or pots, and the runners will now be found in a proper state for removing. Plant them 8 or 10 inches apart, water them abundantly in dry weather, and pinch off the runners as they appear. If the soil is rich and open they will be stout bushy plants by the autumn, and may then be either potted or planted in pits for forcing. Auriculas must not now be forgotten, because the amateur has many demands on his time. Shade them in very hot sunny weather, though they cannot at this season of the year be easily too much exposed, provided the regular attendance is given to water, &c. Polyanthuses cannot bear the midday sun except on very cool subsoils. A shady situation under a hedge with a north aspect will be suit- able for them during the next three months — that is to say, if grown in pots. Dj not forget to fertilise some of the best breeder Tulips in order to obtain good seed. It would be time and trouble thrown away to cross yellow grounds with white ones, or the contrary. In choosing sorts to save seed from, let them be thick in the petal, round at the top, clean in the stamens (for foul stamens, though, perhaps, not yet acknow- ledged, are a very great defect), as much like the old Catafalque in the cup as possible, and then the raiser of seed will not be far wrong. Apply the farina with a small camel-hair brush to the stigma of the variety intended to be operated upon, cover- ing the flower with a hand-glass. Should the present dry weather continue. Carnations and Picotees will want occasional waterings, which when done should be done well. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Camellias making their wood should have constant shading ; the house should be kept very moist day and night, and the plants frequently syringed. Pay every attention at this period to plants of climbing habit, whether festooning from the roof, up pillars, or on trellises in pots. Let stopping, thinniDg, training, &c, proceed in a methodical way. Many of the con- servatory plants are unproductive of blossom from the gross Bhoots not being stopped. Those who grow that delightfully sweet winter flower, the Cyclamen persicurn, will find it the best plan to plant it out at this period in a highly raised bed in the kitchen garden. This bed shonld be composed chiefly of peat soil and coarse sand, to which a little sandy loam and a little leaf soil may be added. It is truly astonishing what superior plants they make in this way. I would recommend the common Mandarin and Otaheite Oranges as valuable plants for forcing into bloom in the winter months ; for that purpose they should be kept rather under-potted, and the young wood pinched back to form bushy compact specimens. The Daphne indica and indica rubra are valuable as winter-flowering plants, as well as for their fragrance. The Chinese Azaleas, which have been some time growing, should be kept in heat until they have set their buds, when they may he removed to the open air, as may the Orange trees when the shoots become strong and firm ; exposure afterwards, if they are protected from heavy rains, will assist them to ripen their wood. STOVE. Centradenias, Eranthemums, Poinsettias, Justicias, Gies- somerias, Clerodendrons, Euphorbias, BrngmanEias, Gesneras, Vincas, with other ornamental stove plants, more especially those intended to relieve the dull winter months, should at this period have the highest of cultivation. They should be allowed plenty of room and clear manure water, and should, if requisite, have their rambling shoots stopped occasionally. The latter should be done forthwith, as young wood made late in the season will not produce winter flowers. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. Sunny days, cold nights, and a dry parching atmosphere have been the characteristics of the week. Almost every night has been frosty. On the 3rd and 4th inst. the frost was sharp for the season — how cold on the ground we do not know, but on the north side of a wall, at 5 feet from the ground, the thermometer indicated at 4 a.m. 5° or 6° below the freezing point, but the temperature rose rapidly after the sun was above the horizon. In pastures, fields, and gardens we never knew growth proceed more slowly, owing, especially in heavy land, to the coldness of the ground, as the heat that is absorbed during the day seems to be pretty well radiated back again at night. Peas and Beans grow, it is true, but very slowly. Watering has been out of the question, except to a few early Peas, and a piece of Cabbages, which rather delight in a moist cool bottom. The latter, refreshed with sewage, did improve vastly afterwards. Asparagus has been little affected by the weather, yielding profusely, and neither it nor anything else in the vegetable way was at all in- fluenced by the frosty nights, partly because the shoots were thawed before the sun reached them, as the sun was kept off by some fine Elm trees. The dryness of the air and its still- ness helped also to secure us from danger. Ws have seen Asparagus shoots hopelessly blackened with half the amount of frost we lately had. Expecting it to come we gathered pretty closely every night, but still a few shoots would be missed or come] up during the night, and none of these was injured. The air was dry, but the surface of the ground, owing to the scattering of salt, was moist. A little salt is a good moistener for dry soils ; its free use on walkB is Bure to make them moist ; therefore, when salt is employed to clear walks of weeds, it should be used early in the year. If used in autumn, there is nothing to prevent the walks being damp in winter. All plants that thrive within reach of the sea spray, as Aspara- gus and Sea-kale, are greatly benefited by salt sprinklings. Asparagus Cutting. — For some time we have grown our Asparagus chiefly in rows 2 feet apart, planted on ridges at first, which get levelled in the course of time. This does away to a great extent with bed-making, and permits of a more free rotation of cropping. Could we manage it, we would give our chief surface-manuring to our beds when we had finished cutting, so as to encourage free growth in summer. As to the cutting all or leaving some, we have resolved to cut no more from a piece we shall be likely to force, but to let all grow so that the growth may be more quickly perfected, and the buds ripened in the autumn. After trying many modes we have been tolerably well convinced for some time, that it is best in the main gathering to gather all — that is, to cut the small shoots as well as the large ones, until we give up cutting altogether. The smallest shoots when short and young are just as useful for soups, &c, as the larger shoots are for the vegetable dish. We have carefully gone over the Asparagus ground, taking all the best and leaving the small to keep on the growth. Growth was thus, no doubt, maintained, but we believe the result of these weak shootB being left was to keep a great many buds dormant that otherwise would have burst into shoots if all the first shoots, Bay towards the end of May, had been cut ; and then these later shoots, coming away simul- taneously, would ripen good buds at their base to grow freely next season. We came to the conclusion that when we cut all at first, we had thicker beds in the summer, and a better supply of shoots next spring, than when we more carefully left the weaker shoots as if to keep on a languid growth. No doubt circumstances will greatly alter cases, and there are few rules without exceptions, but the subject is worthy of the attention of our readers, and we Bhould be glad to learn the experience, practice, and opinions of others on this matter. The prudent man will not be too tightly tied to any rules, but will be chiefly guided by circumstances. As an illustration, in all good loamy Strawberry soils, we would consider it next to barbarous to mow down the beds and rows of Strawberries after the fruit was gathered ; but we have seen many beds of Straw- berries on rich light land that made such an abundance of long- stalked leaves, and these so spotted and browned by the sun as to be unfit to return much to the roots, and thus mature the buds, that we would have little reluctance in cutting all such browned foliage away at once, and thus encouraging freEh green foliage that would be near the ground, which would be accom- panied by plump ripened buds, that would bear plentifully the following year. The exceptional circumstance would not at all render the cutting off Strawberry leaves in summer generally advisable. Sowed Onions for succession, as stated last week, more CarrotB for succession, the main crop of Beet, Salsafy and Scorzonera, Turnips, and Radishes ; also we earthed up the earliest Canliflowers, and protected seeds and seedlings from birdt. Earthing-up CauUflou-ers under Glasses. — We generally leave five plantB to a hand-light, and if we can spare the light we keep it longer over the plants than is generally done, as an May 12, 1670. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 343 early Cauliflower is one of the finest vegetables of the season. As long as we can we keep the top lights on at night. Onr plants were becoming too large for this confinement ; we could easily have raised the lights, by placing a brick or something of that kind at each corner, but that would have let in the air all round, and the bricks would have had to be brought, and to be taken away when done with. We prefer lifting off the hand- light, top-dressing the plants well inside with rotten dung, &c, and earthing-up outside, so as to raise the ground 5 or G inches higher for the glass to stand upon. A little trench is thus made on each side of the Cauliflower ridge, and in very dry weather litter or short grass is placed along the Bides of the ridge. Sometimes we use these little trenches for early Celery, the leaves of the Cauliflower being of much service by shading it at first. By this earthing-up we can keep the hand-lights on at night for several weeks longer than we could do without elevating the glasses, and we gather Cauliflowers proportionably early, if all goes on well. When the plants reach the top again the glasses are removed, the inside fresh mulched, and the outer plants bent a little towards the outside, so as to give more room to the foliage. We have tried many modes, as potting in autumn, repotting early in spring, and turning out good plants, so as to have early Cauliflowers, but on the whole we have found no plan better than turning out small plants under hand-lights in October, and if vermin let us alone we have generally had very satis- factory results. The only time the hand-lights were beaten, was by plants potted in small pots in October, kept in a frame, shifted into 4-inch pots in January, into 6-inch pots in the middle of February, and turned out with good balls in an earth pit protected with old sashes, mats, &c, at the end of March. These furnished compact heads in May. The coldness of the season will make our first hand-light Cauliflowers later than nsual, but they will be as early as we want them, for Broccoli is little valued when the crisp Cauliflower comes in. Many of our readers who must dispense with hand-lights or boxes, may yet have rather early Cauliflowers if they keep their plants as much as possible from checks. Thus, if the plants must be procured with little or no earth about the roots, let the roots be well soaked in puddle before planting them. In mo6t cases it would hasten cutting-time if such plants were pricked out in a little bed 4 inches apart, the bed having some rough rotten dung in it, where the plants could be easily watered and shaded from bright sun, and then, when all right, lifted with balls, and turned out carefully in finely pulverised mellow soil. Even then, in such dry parching weather as we have had, an evergreen twig or two stuck round them would break the force of the sun's rays, and a sprinkling on the leaves would do more good than watering at the roots where there was moisture enough. This little matter of avoiding checks is yet most imperfectly acted upon even by some of our keen enthusiasts. We observed a case in point not long ago, though we should have gone out of our way to notice it then. A man was anxious to have a score of Cauliflower plants, and as he had a conveyance, they were carefully lifted, and placed each with a little ball firmly in a box. " Oh, never mind the box," said the obliged person ; and seizing the Cauliflower plants by their tops, he roughly shook all the earth from them, and a good portion of the fibres with it, and wrapped them in piece of newspaper, looking as if he had done something very clever. It is not very easy to kill such plants. We presume they grew after a time, but one thing we are sure about, and that is that the crop would be cut three weeks later than it might have been if the plants had gone home in the box, and received fair attention afterwards. .Then as regards seeds and seedlings. No seeds with us have been touched in the ground that were crusted with powdered red lead, but the young Greens as they appeared above ground were caught by the young leaves and pulled out. We have run strings with pieces of newspaper attached to flap about, and thus kept them off for a time. Netting is, perhaps, the moBt effectual, but we never yet could so net the ground that green linnets and other birds would not find their way in. We have found clanking pieces of tin, looking-glasses, and guys of all sorts useful for a time, but all fail to keep the birds away when they become used to them. Variety of expedients is therefore useful. For Peas, toe., the tops of which were picked before we were out of bed, chiefly by wood pigeons and partridges, we have tried the pepper remedy, and though we dusted the pepper very slightly, we as yet see no signs that the dusted part ha3 been touched. We may here mention in reference to grass mice, that made such havoc among our Strawberry plants and young Cauliflowers, that a man has caught a good many very large ones with the figure-4 trap by simply putting a piece of tender Lettuce from a frame on the point of the stick, instead of, or along with, a Bean or piece of cheese. FRUIT GARDEN. Run the hoe again through the Strawberry ground, and all places where it could go, and watered the most forward Straw- berries on a south bank, as they were becoming rather dry. We should like the ground to be a little warmer before we water generally. A fine crop in the open air, however, depends greatly on moisture at the roots. We UBed house sewage rather strong, undiluted, but keeping it between the rows of plants, not close to them, and then in case any Bhould have gone too near, we followed with a sprinkling of clear water over the foliage. The season is so late, that we most likely will take up some plants pricked out late last autumn, but many of them showing strongly, so as to keep up a succession, for we think what we have will scarcely give us a supply to the middle of June, and we question if we shall gather many out of doors until after that time. But for mice, toe., eating out the buds of our plants, we should have had enough in pots to keep us to the end of June. There are two modes we often use to prevent a blank being felt between forced, assisted, and natural-grown Strawberries, and if we have mentioned them before, old readers will excuse reading an old tale. Of course, as a sort of precaution, we like to prick out a few rows of runners rather thickly in the previous season. A great many of these will Bhow well, and thus we can select our plants. The first mode is to pot these plants firmly, one or two plants in a pot, raising them with a ball, after having watered them a day previously. These pots are plunged to the rim in a mild hotbed, formed of litter, a little grass, and from G to 9 inches of half-rotten leaves, or rotten dung. We do not care for a frame over these ; if one is handy we use it, with a briok under each sash back and front. We like the bed in the open air as well, with a few twigs round it and in it just to break the force of the sun's rays. The object of the heat beneath is to fill the pots with roots before the trusses extend or expand much. As the pots are thus filled with roots they are gradually raised out of the bed, and taken to any place de- sirable under glass, and in general produce fine crops. The second plan is to make a Blight hotbed in a pit, or fir frame, place over it some G inches of good soil, raise the young plants showing trusses as above with balls, plant in rows some 15 inches apart, water well, leaving the dryish soil on the sur- face, give air early, and shut up early, and a critical fortnight's time may thus be bridged over, as even in dull weather the little heat below is of great advantage. A third mode we ought to mention, as in bright sunny weather we can by it gain eight or twelve days, and that is merely covering a border, better a south sloping bank, with sashes. This is quickly done by placing a row of 8-inch pots at the back, and another in front, at from G to 8 feet apart, layiDg a rail on these pots, setting the sashes on the rails, and putting a board against the pots and rail in front, and at the back. Air may thus be given to any extent. The earliness of gathering depends on shutting up rather early in the afternoon. As stated, in sunny weather much time will thus be gained ; in dull weather hardly any- thing. We are generally content with having the ground in its natural state, or with the customary straw or litter covering. We have used tiles, slates, &c, for covering the ground, but the advantage was scarcely equal to the labour. Bed, or light brown tiles were, perhaps, the best. Slate absorbed heat, it is true, but in bright sun the berries resting on it were apt to be scorched. We have coated slates with sulphur and lime, and then the fruit near the slate were burned by the reflected heat. We never found anything of the sort from the brownish- coloured tile. We have had such coverings in the open border, and with similar results, and we mention these matters that many with small means may strive to have Strawberries before these come in without help. There is one warning we feel constrained to give. Young plants may be raised and treated successfully as above, after March and April. Such plants would be of no use for early forcing. To succeed early — that is, to have fruit in March, the pots must be full of roots early in the previous autumn. The frost has done little damage to fruit trees. The foliage, as yet undiminished, saved Peaches and Apricots. We noticed lots of Cherry blossom looking as if scalded at the ends of the bloom, but the pistil and young Cherry seemed quite safe. The foliage of Currants and Gooseberries though stiff in the ' morning, acted as a defence to the fruit, and the Apple 344 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. bloSBOm that we aro told suffered in warm places, and farther south, was here not far enough advanced to show the parts of fructification. We hope such frosts will soon be over. We do not notice that Pears or Plums have suffered to any material extent as jut. OBNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT. Very busy, but chiefly a repetition of the work of previous weeks, the sun and parching weather keeping us behind in much necessary potting, &c. Sowed a good many annual seeds in the open ground and under a little protection, to be raised in patches if wanted. Many failures in annuals take place from want of moisture after germination, potching the surface with waterings then, and leaving the plants too thickly when they come up. In such a season as this, hardy annuals sown now will often beat those sown a month or more ago. When the ground is dryish it is well to draw little drills with a pointed stick, run the spout of a small wateriDg-pot along the drill, shortly afterwards sow the seeds, and then eover with a little light soil. We generally add a little soot, which marks the place and keeps the birds away. Sufficient moisture is thus secured, and the dry covering keeps the seeds warm. — R. F. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS la the Sabarbs of London for the week ending May 10th. THEttMOMETEB Date. Wind. Rain. Max. Min. Max. Mln. 1 ft. 2 ft Wed... 4 30.135 80.119 59 25 47 46 N. .00 Thnrs. . 5 30.279 80.161 63 28 49 46 N.W. .00 Fri. ... 6 80.287 80.207 62 26 51 47 N. .00 Sat. ... 7 30.299 30.221 59 23 61 47 N.E. .00 Sun. . . 8 80272 80.215 56 29 49 47 N.E. .00 Mon. . . 9 80.127 29 973 62 30 47 46 S.E. .00 Tues. . 10 29.978 29.721 61 25 49 46 E. .00 Mean.. 30.197 30.083 60.28 as.28 49.00 46.43 0.00 4. — Cloudy and cold ; fine ; overcast at night. 5. — Fine but cloudy; very fine ; clear and fine. 6. — Cloudy ; fine ; clear and fine, cold wind. 7.— Very fine ; overcast, fine ; clear and very frosty. 8. — Densely overcast, cold wind ; overcast ; clear and frosty. 9.— Foggy and overcast ; fine, slight fog ; densely overcast. 10.— Overcast j very fine; clear and fine. TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. B. S. 'Williams, Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Upper Holloway, London, N. — Catalogue of Orchids, Ferns, Palms, and General Stove and Greenhouse Plants, &c. J. Carter, Donnett, & Beale, 237, and 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. — Carter's List of Bedding and of her Plants for 1870. Thomas Sampson, Preston Road Nursery, and Houndstone, Yeovil. — Catalogue of Bedding Plants. Joseph Westley, Floral Nurseries, Blisworth.— Descriptive Catalogue of Bedding Plants. Thomas Bunyard & Sons, Maidstone and Ashford, Kent. — Catalogue of Bedding -out Plants, Greenhouse Plants, &c. TO CORRESPONDENTS. «5* Being "published in time, for transmission by the Thursday morning mails, The Journal of Hobtictjlttjbe should, vyith but few ex- ceptions, be delivered on tlie same day in all parts of tlie country. If there is any delay, let our readers apply to the nearest railway bookstall, and by paying their subscriptions in advance their copies unit be regularly supplied. If country booTcsellers cannot obtain the Journal in time, we shall be obliged by tlicir communicating the fact to our Publislier. *** We request that no one will write privately to any of the correspondents of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By bo doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be addressed solely to ■ The Editors of the Journal of Horticulture, o0c.t 171, Fleet Street, London, E.C. N.B. — Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. Horticultural Directory.— In answer to manv subscribers to the " Horticultural Directory," we have to state that the publication has been delayed in consequence of the vast number of changes and ad- ditions which were necessary to be made. The work is now so far ad- vanced that it will be in the hands of the booksellers in the course of next week. Garden Plan (A Subscriber, Warwick).— We never undertake the planting of flower beds, we only criticise the planting proposed. Ha must be a rash gardener who ventures to arrange beds in a place he Pansieb (X. Y. Z.). — We cannot recommend dealers. If you refer to onr advertising columns you will see those who make special mention of them. Any well-known florist could supply named varieties. Seedling Cinebariab {J. T., Mwsgwynne). — Your seedlings are very pretty. No. 4 is the best in form, indeed the only good-formed flower. The others are deficient in the outline. There are hundreds of seedlings as good, and many better. Syringing Robe Trees (Amateur).— It is not too early to syringe Rosea out of doors. Do it early in the day, and then the leaves will be dry before night. When the wind i3 north or north-oast, it is safeBt not to syringe late in the day. A little water over the leaves of all kinds of plants this dry weather would do good, if put on early enough in the day for the plants to dry before night.— W. F. Radclyffe. Seedling Pelargoniums (Leonemus). — The truss is good, the deep scarlet of the pips very bright, and the leaf large ; but we can give no opinion about the plant, for the habit of that is most important. (M. C). — There is^no special merit in the leaves you sent ; many like them, and better. Seedling Panstes (Brambridge).— They are good border flowers, bnt not equal to the florists' flowers exhibited. If you enclose five postage stamps with your direction, and order " Florists' Flowers," it will be sent from our office post free. It contains what you ask for, and more which you ought to know. Robe Leaves Scolloped by a Bee (S. C. O.). — It is done by the leaf- cntter bee, Apis centuncnlaris. You will find a drawing and description of the insect in our volume i., page 83. The insect lines its nest with the pieces of the leaves. Maltese-cross Flower-bed (Centurion).— Yon could not do better than send yoor plan and statement of wishes to the nurseryman you name, and state what price you would like to give. Peach Tree in Greenhouse not Fruiting (F. W.).— We think the Peach tree has not a due amount of light, so that the wood does not ripen thoroughly. We advise you to syringe the tree well so as to keep down insects, to give plenty of air, and next spring to thin the blossoms. Allow no climbers on the roof, nor other plants, to shade the tree. Planting Potatoes (Idem).— We prefer the manure put on in the previous autumn, and dug in. If that is not done we would spread it on the ground, and dig in evenly. The distance you name is not too much for good-sized sets of President Lincoln. Grafts Failing (.4 Reader of the Journal).— We do not think yoa will succeed in grafting Apricots and Peaches. It is rarely that they succeed when grafted, and if they do there is a serious amount of gumming, the junction or union being effected very tardily. Bndding is the beBt for those subjects, and indeed the only successful mode of propagation. The Rose grafts failed through the scions being taken off tuo long before they were worked. Grafting Rose stocks out-of-doors is not a successful practice. The stocks ought to be established in pots, or potted when grafted, and the pots placed in a house with a gentle heat, bottom heat being necessary. The grafting is best performed early in February, the cuttings or scions being taken off the plants as required. A bottom heat of 65 J to 703 is required, with a top heat of 50" to 80, and a ri3e from sun. — G.A. DENDROBIXXir FORMOSUM GIGANTETTM NOT FLOWERING (Ducfanng).— It ought to do well in an intermediate house ; but yours is perhaps too cool. Could you not give it additional heat when making its growths, and ripen them well off in a dry atmosphere, but with plenty of air ? It certainly requires more heat than many of the Dendrobiums ; but as it grows freely, all we think you require is a little additional heat to secure thorough ripening, and then we have no doubt it would flower freely. Covering a Confined Space with Glass (A. 8.),— We have no doubt that the space would be best covered with glass, and as it receives no sun the most suitable plants are Ferns ; indeed, it would make a first-rate cool fernery, in which you could grow most of the greenhouse kinds, and the better of the hardy exotic and British Ferns, both of which require in con- fined smoky places a glass roof to do well. It would also be suitable for Borne of the variegated greenhouse plants, but we should use it entirely as a fernery, which we think would give the greatest satisfaction. It would not be suitable for flowering plants. Pomegranate not Flowering ( ).— The cause of the plant not flowering we should think is its not having sufficient warmth. We advise yon to train the shoots as near the glass as you can, and to give it the lightest and warmest position in the orchard house. Keep the shoots moderately thin to expose them fully to light and air. Water freely but not excessively up to August, and then only give water enough to keep the leaves from flagging. In winter keep it dry. The main point is to have the wood well ripened, and when that is effected the plants flower and fruit freely. We think a heated house necessary for their flowering and fruiting in Yorkshire. Pear Tree Leaves Blistered (Somerset).— The blistering is occasioned! by the rupturing of the sap vessels owing to cold. The only remedy is to protect the trees with canvas, but doing so will not bring to health the leaves at present affected. Your best plan will be to pick off the worst leaves, and syringe the trees with a solution of Boft soap, 1 oz. to the gallon, in the evening, but not when there is likelihood of frost, and every other evening with rain water. The trees will give perfect leaves when the weather becomes wanner. Blistered leaves on Pears are very common this year — occasioned by the recent warm weather causing rapid vegeta- tion, and cold weather and easterly winds afterwards setting in. Auricula Culture (T. H. S.).— The best kind of soil is three parts loam, neither heavy nor light, from turf six to twelve months old, chopped up and made fine, one part cow dung a year old, and one part silver sand. Repottiug is beat done after the plants have flowered. Water should be given so as to keep the soil moist, but none to be given nntil it is required, and then without wetting the foliage. We do not know of any mode of quickening the growth except by keeping them close, and that is attended with weak growth and numerous other evils. Slow progressive growth is best. Handsome Gourds (A Constant Header).— Custard Striped (small fruit), Grand Mogul, and Turk's Cap are three fine ornamental Gourds ; and other May 12, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. three are Lurline Glace Melon, Marmorata superba, and Zebrina Buperba, all large. Epacbis Leafless— Cinerabia9 Uxhealthy— Deutzia gracilis not Flowering ( We t herby ).— The Epacrises must be leafless from want of water or the attacks of insects, but which we could not say without a specimen. Why were they not cut down after flowering, so as to encourage new growth ? Ours were cnt back about a month ago, some of them earlier, and they are now making new shoots, and are quite green. Cut them down now to within an inch of the old growths, or the wood of the previous year. Shift them into larger pots when they are beginning to grow. The Cineraria leaves are curled and shrivelled from the attacks of insects, probably green aphis or thrips, or both. Fumigation with tobacco is the remedy, keeping the plants in a well-aired house, cool, near the glass, and moist. We hardly know how Deutzia gracilis could have been grown two years without flowering. It should have a moderate-sized pot and a com- post of two parts light loam and one part leaf soil, with a free admixture of sharp Band. Grow it in an open situation out of doors, and keep it well supplied with water in dry weather. In autumn place it in a sheltered position or cold pit, after the leaves have fallen ; repot the plants when they are taken into tho house, and give them a temperature of 45- to 50° lor a fortnight, and then raise it to 50°, and in that they ought to bloom well. Every gardener ought to understand such plants, they are of the most easy culture. Alyssum variegatum (Alpha).— If you mean A. maritimum variegatum, it is an annual. If A. orieutale variegatum, it is a perennial. Fumigating Vines (Despair). — Patting sulphur on the burning tobacco caused sulphurous acid to be formed, which is fatal to all leaves and flowers. You had better syringe the leaves, and then allow them to re- main. If they fall, others may be produced. Vine Leaves Wahted (C. Roberts).— We do not think you will have any difficulty in exterminating what you suppose to be an insect or con- tagious fungus on the Vine leaves, as we have failed to discover a trace of either. The small warta here and. there on the back of the leaf are the result of a too close and moist atmosphere ; and the shrivelling at the edges of the leaf is owing to scalding from air being given rather late. It is just possible the scalding may be partly owing to spots on the glass, but we should judge the above was the chief reason. Early air-giving and an atmosphere a little drier, we presume, will make all right. Flower-bed Arrangement (An Irish Subscriber). — We like your pro- posed arrangement ; only, but for the dark centre of 4, 4, the prevailing colour in these and 3. 3, close together, would be yellow. Alyssum varie- gatum is not an effective edging to yellow. Purple or blue would be better. Variegated Alyssum would make a good edging to 7, 7, Trentham Rose Pelargonium. Pyrethxuni would make a good, edging to No. 6. Cayenne Pepper for Fumigating (A. B. P. P.).— Much obliged. Tho pastils used for fumigating had a fair portion of Cayenne pepper, but that is anything but cheap. We know how pungent it is, but iu one or two cases we found it was too powerful for some plants. A little along Kith tobacco is very well. Funkxas not Flowering (Centurion).— The plants iu the open ground ought to flower if planted in well-drained light soil, and, when growing, liberally supplied with water during r.ry weather. They ought to have a sheltered situation. Mulch with leaf soil in autumn, about 2 inches deep, letting it remain all winter, and point it in with a fork lightly in spring. Wood Ashes Mingled with Coee (Idem).— The ashes will be useful for RoseB, and as a dressing to almost all kinds of flowers in the garden, but we should not think them valuable for plants in pots. The ashea are also excellent for Onions and Cabbages, and may be applied to all kitchen- garden crops advantageously. They ought to be sifted so as to free them of the clinkers resulting from the combustion of the coke. Pear Trees not Showing Bloom (Idem).— The cause of the Pear trees not having more blossom this year than last, may be there being few spurs left after the prolific blossoming of last year, therefore few bloom buds were formed for this year ; or it may be a result of inattention to summer pruning, and of want of watering in dry hot weather. Onr trees on the Quince stock against walls are not very full of bloom, but those in the open ground are perfect bouquets. You may, although you have a less show of bloom, have more fruit this year than you had last. Roses for Planting in Beds [Idem).— We should order those we in- tended to plant in a bed to be strong, well-established, and not of the cur- rent year's propagation. What you have had were, no doubt, those grafted in the previous January or February ; they were grown on in heat, and you had them hardened-off in May. We know that many such fail. The junction of the stock and graft is hardly complete, and the grafts go off from over-excitability or other causes. Why not obtain plants iu autumn budded on the Manetti stock ? We usually find them do well. If you plant in May let the ground be well dug, indeed trenched, working in a liberal quantity of manure. Water freely in dry weather, give a sprink- ling overhead every evening in dry hot weather, and the plants should produce flowers in autumn, and bloom well in the second year. We cannot recommend dealers. Twelve good Hybrid Perpetual Rosea are: Lord Macaulay, Mart-chal Vaillant, Victor Verdier, Smateur VaiSBe, Caroline de Sansal, Charles Lefebvre, Comte de Nanteuil, Baronne Prevost, Due de Rohan, Jules Margottin, John Hopper, and William Jesse. Orchard-house Management (C. C. E.).— The temperature of 120° is too much for orchard-house trees, better have it in the hottest days under 100c, by giving more air, or even shading the glass a little with whitened water outside the glass. The excessively dry atmosphere you can guard against by sprinkling the border, floor, and path. The black fly yon may destroy by brushing with water containing 4 ozs. of soft soap, and 4 ozs. of quassia to the gallon, after boiling in six pints and allowing it to Bettie. This should be used only for the part3 affected The whole house, when the crop is fully set and swelling, may be washed with such water as the above, but the quantity Btated would be 6trong enough for sixteen or eighteen gallons, and should be mixed clear with the other water. It is impossible to tell you how often to water. Lately we have watered trees in pots every day. Frequently we gave water two or three times a-week, sometimes not once a-fortnight. It depends entirely on sunshine and warmth. The soil should never be dry, neither should it remain wet like a quagmire. The medium mu't be observed. With a close house the fly alluded to is easily destroyed by tobacco, bat the plants must be dry and the smoke cool. Orchard houses are generally too open for smoking. Boiler (Boiler).— It is of very little use to show a drawing, yon can have no reliable opinion passed on it until it has been tried, for its merit will depend upon its heating more feet of pipe with less fuel and with less liability to leakage than other boilers. Mushrooms (J. L. H. W.).— Mushrooms are attacked in the gills by another fungus, which has been remarked upon by the Rev. M. J. Berkeley at some of tho meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society. Though the Mushrooms are the true garden sort, and in themselves quite wholesome, still this disease may render those bo attacked bus- piciouB. Salvia Soucheti Losing Leaves (H. IF. F.).— We think the foregoing is the name of the plant of which you enclosed specimens to us. It requires a compost of two parts sandy flbroua loam, and one part leaf soil, with a free admixture of sharp sand. It is nsual for the leaves to turn yellow if the plant has not enough light. Keep it near the light and in an airy position, not watering oftener than the soil becomes dry, and then give enough water to run through the bottom of the pot. After flowering cut the plant down, making cuttings of the shoots, which strike freely in sandy soil with a little shade. The plant may be placed out of doors in summer, where it will do better than in the conservatory. The house will answer well for Camellias, Azaleas, Epacrises, and you may have Chrysanthemums for autumn, producing flowers up to Christmas, ^nd a few plants of Deutzia gracilis, Dielytra spectablis, Lily of the Valley, and Spiraea japonica. Hardy plants do well introduced about Christmas. Cyclamens are also good ; you may raise them from seed, likewise Cinerarias. Violets are also desirable. There are few plants that you can raise from seed that flower at the time you name, the dullest five mouths of the year. Primulas you have, and we would add the Intermediate Stock. Eradicating Bishopweed (J. T. S.).— It is a very noxious weed, quite as difficult as Couch Grass to eradicate. We fear we cannot help you to a more speedy plan of getting rid of it than by taking up the top 4 inches of the soil, as you propose, beating all the soil out of the tufts that you can, and then burning them. If left a few days to dry, the soil will come from the roots freely. It is .Egopodium Podagrarla, sometimes called Gout-weed. Cucumbers Diseased (J. F. C.).—We are unable to help you with this plague ; but we think your soil, from the fruit ulcering, is very rich, and causes excessive vigour, and that it is full of decaying fibre. We have escaped the disease, so far, in houses, pits, and frames, but out of doors it shows itself every autumn. Grow the plants in loam from turf without other admixture, and keep the soil moderately dry, but sufficiently moist for growth, giving an abundance of air, especially during the early part of the day, and a moderate amount at night. Pansy Seed not Germinating (An Old Gardener).— The seeds being good, the plants ought to appear in about three weeks. Perhaps you cover the seeds too deeply with soil. They ought not to be covered more deeply than one-eighth of an inch with fine soil. The seeds will germinate more surely if the pans bo placed in a gentle hotbed, remov- ing them, as soon as the plants appear, to a light, airy position in a cool house or frame. Shortening Pear-tree Spurs (Idem).— You may now cut back the very long spurs, and such as are weak, leaving, however, some of the Bhortest to appropriate the sap; and the general cutting-back we would leave until early in winter — whan the leaves fall is the proper time. We fear, however, that the trees are old. and if so, you will do little good by cutting-back the spurs ; leave as much young wood as you can, keeping it well pinched back, so as to induce the production of spurs. You will find full instructions for pinching or summer pruning in Mr. Rivers's " Minia- ture Fruit Garden." Peaches may be summer-pruned or pinched with advantage, but not to the same extent as Pears. Dividing Dahlia Tubers (Centurion),— In potting-off the shoots it is not necessary to preserve a complete tuber to each. It will be enough if each eye have a small portion of old root or tuber attached; indeed, it is not necessary for the shoots taken off to have even that. They may be taken off close to whence they proceed, and the cuttings inserted in S-inch pots, placing them in a hotbed until they become well rooted and are growing freely, then harden thgm off. Yon may even with a small portion of tuber pot them, as we nave done by the hundred, in 3 or 4-inch pots. Plant Producing Bast (Idem).— Bast in the Russian language means the inner bark of a tree ; the inner bark of the Linden or Lime is used for making the mats. Cuba bast is the inner bark of a Malvaceous tree I L'. tritium elatum). Broad Bean for Exhibition (Idem).— Monarch or Johnson's Wonder- ful is good, but some prefer the Green Windsor. Marrow Peas (Idem). —Marrow Peas are different from the Marrowfats of old. The Wrinkled Marrows of the present time are identical in character with the Marrowfats, but now we have some improved varieties. We think the change desirable ; Marrowfat is not a nice term. The flies you sent were not the Pear fly. Mtosotis for Spring Bedding (B. S.). — The best blue for bedding is Myosotis sylvatica, the Cliveden variety preferred ; the best white, M. alpestris alba. They should be sown from now to the end of June, in light sandy soil in a slightly shaded situation, and be watered in dry weather. When large enough to handle, prick them out in beds in a sheltered sunny situation, and in light soil enriched with leaf soil. Place them about 3 inches apart. Plant out in autumn or early in spring with balls. Honestt Sowing (Idem).— Sow it from now to the end of June in good light soil in an open situation, watering in dry weather. Prick it off when large enough, and plant it out in autumn where it is to flower. It usually flowers from May to July. The names oi the plants are— L, Ribbon Grass, Phalaris arundinacea ; 2, Kerria japonica. Selecting Flowers— Salads in Winter and Spring (E. HI. HI.).— We must leave you to your own taste in selecting the bedding Pelargoniums and Verbenas needed for the supply of twelve beds. With a greenhouse heated by hot water the cuttings inserted in autumn ought not to have been all dead, thus forcing yon to goto the market— that is to say, if you could find loom for them in the greenhouse. For particular reasons, 346 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. such as not interfering with the outline of flower beds, we seldom take cuttings earlier than the end of September, but as yon are rather inex- perienced and your helper needs to be told, we would advise you to take off your cuttings early — say in the end of August, so as to hare khem struck and established in small pots before winter. Then, if kept from frost, air given in suitable weather, and water when required, they can scarcely go wrong. A temperature of from 401 to 45' at night will suit them, with a rise of from 5^ to 10° from sunshine, but in severe |frost we would rather have the house at from 353 to 38° than above 45 ". The want of salads in winter and spring, when you have two large frames and hand- lights, must be owing to want of definiteness of directions, or to the places being otherwise occupied. Mustard and Cress could he had constantly in such a house if sown every eight days. Some portable boxes might be filled with Lettuces, and set in the greenhouse to hasten them on. En- dive would stand with a little protection out of doors until Christmas. One frame might be filled* in November, partly with nearly full-grown, and the other part with half-grown Lettuces ; the* other frame with ounger ones to grow slowlv all tbe'wintor to come in early in spring. Tbe hand- lights might be filled with young Lettuces to be thinned out in spring; those left, to come in before those planted out. Of course the frames must be devoted to this purpose, and protection in addition must be given to them in frosty nights. The very protection of the frame makes the plants more tender, and therefore more sensitive to frost ; hence we have known Lettuces in a frame destroyed by frost, when plants at the front of a wall or fence, or even exposed in the open ground, passed uninjured. Re- collect that with early snlading, as Lettuces, one night's inattention in severe weather may render all previous attention nugatory. When we know more definitely what you want, we will do our best to serve you. Flower Beds (Lilian).— There were no flowers enclosed in the letter. Then as to the questions— the finest flower for a white bed, seed to be sown now, is the White Candytuft, but it will not last long. The next best is Alyssum maritimum or Sweet Alyssum, which with a little cutting will last the season if the plants are not too close together. Nemophila insignis alba, and Nemophila atomaria, would be dwarf and pretty, but they would not bloom so long as the Alyssum. Silene pendula alha would also do. For a month or six weeks the White Candytuft would be best, and you could have a succession by sowing in pots a month hence, and turning out potfuls after the first began to wane. We do not knowLinum candidissirnum and, therefore, cannot say if plants from seed sown now will bloom this summer. Linum grandiflorum rubrum or coccineam would do bo, but to have it early from seeds sown now, it would be best to sow in pots under protection, and turn out the potsful of plants when pretty strong. Linum flavum makes a pretty dwarf yellow bed ; the seed sown now will not produce plants that will bloom this year, unless they are assisted at first with a mild hotbed. It blooms best from plants raised the previous season and kept over the winter. The fourth question, " Is the enclosed plan effectively filled ?" is more difficult to answer, aB we do not quite understand the arrangement. As we have nothing placed be- fore 3 and 9. and 5 and 11, we do not know what you have, and, therefore, muBt leave it. Your main group consists of a circle in the centre, rather massive for the other figures, six ovals, and six circles— that is, twelve clumps round the central one. Your mode of pairing these is correct; the central circle would be better if it had scarlet for the centre, and a broad white margin. Then, as you have a pair of ovals of pink Saponaria, another pair of yellow Tagetes", we would make the other pair of crimson or scarlet ; and we would have three pairs of circles — one pair with blue Lobelia, one pair with purple, as Verbena, and one pair with Viola coinnta, which you have. These beds are rather too small for edgings, but they would all be improved with a line of contrasting colour along the centre. These are the landmarks to plant simply and well, by keeping bright colours to the ovals, and subdued colours to the circles. We have no doubt your own proposed arrangement would look well. Since you depend mostly on seeds, you would have done bettor to have sown earlier and protected with pots or other means, as frequently referred to. Diseased Pear Leaves (F. E. M. and A Suffrrer).— The rusty affection on the leaves and shoots of yonr Pears is not at all an uncommon occur- rence. Many of the shoots of our trees are affected in the same manner. We have ascribed the canse to cold, cold winds, and a little unhealthy fiction of the flow of the sap. It is of much the same character as the blister or curl of the leaves of Peach trees. In a short time, should the weather prove mild, the trees will outgrow it. Trees growing in cold damp soil aro also, we have observed, somewhat subject to it. Wood Ants (Miss H.).—To destroy or dislodge the huge colony of wood ants that have taken possession of the fissures of a limestone rock, we know of nothing better than pouring naptha into and round the fissures. Tar would also, we presume, be effectual. If you cannot do this in your neighbour's ground, painting the bottom of your wall, say 3 inches wide, with tar and oil, will prevent them climbing up the wall. The oil keeps the tar moist and sticky. Insect in Orchard House (Oak Bank\—lt is one of the Weevils, Curculio picipes. It feeds at night, and your only remedy is then to place a white cloth beneath each tree, shake it, and destroy the fallen enemies. If this be repeated for a few successive nights you may subdue the marauders. Insects (Centurion).— The flies seen hovering in the air and darting about with a jerky kind of flight, are the common Bombylius major, which is parasitic in the larva state on other underground living insects. They are quite harmless as flies. We think you have accused two at least, if not all three of the other flies sent us, without good gTounds, of eating the young blooms of the Pear. The largest is a saw-fly, Dolerus opacus, wbich may possibly eat the pollen of different flowers; the two smaller are Bibio "hortulana, male, and one of the many species of two- winged fiies belonging to the genus Anthomyia ; both feed in the larva •ctate on vegetable matter underground, and we believe they are quite harmless in the fly state:— W. (F. Manning).— The insect eating your Pea leaves in scollops is the Curculio lineatus, Striped Pea Weevil. We know of no remedy but paring and burning the soil and the crop on which it grows. Names of Plants CB. G. 3/.).— The Edible Morel, Morchella esculents. (IF. H. Costinqton).— -It is the Pyrus spectabilis, Chinese Apple Tree. It is a native of China, and was first cultivated in thi3 country by Dr. Fothergill, in 1780. (M. H. {?.).— Amelanchier Botryapium. (3. D.).— I, Erica campannlata ; 2. E. ventricosa ; 3, E.perspicua nana. The semi- Uouble Polyanthus we regard as good. The tendency to become semi- double is by no means new, several varieties being already in cultivation. (C. Bark). — Polystichum aculeatum. (H. W.).—l, Hovea Celsii; 2, Da- viesia ulicina ; 3 and 4, Send again when in bloom, not recognised by us in present condition. (Stafford).— Calceolaria Fothergillii. (James Reid). —Apparently an upper shoot of Cupressua Lawsomana, or if not, of a closely-allied species. POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON CHRONICLE. FOWLS FOR LIMITED SPACES.— No. 2. To keep birds in good health and condition they must ba regularly fed, not crammed one day and neglected the next ; for remember, they are entirely dependant on you for their food, as they have no chance of picking up a living like those which have their liberty. Too much food should not be given at one meal, to cause it to be left and trodden under foot. Food may be seen lying about, still it is possible for the fowls to be hungry — perhaps they are tired of that particular kind of food, and require a change. You should try them with some dainty morsel, as a little fresh bread and milk, some crushed bones, cooked meat, a little hempseed, a handful of good wheat, or even a broken oyster shell or egg shell, if neither of the last two are easy for them to get at, and I venture to say tbe fowls will seldom refuse any of these if they are healthy. People often say, " Oh, my fowls are too fat to lay." I beg to differ from them ; at least, when they allude to Spanish, for I have never, in the whole of my eight years' experience, found a hen of this variety become too fat to prevent her laying, and I think it is hardly possible to over-feed, or to give them too nourishing food. If they will not eat one thing you must endeavour to tempt them with another, just as much as they will eat at ence. Above all, let their runs and the straw amongst which their corn is thrown be quite clean ; if otherwise, they must eat some of the dirt. Disagreeable smells will be sure to hang about the straw ; these will very quickly be followed by all kinds of dis- eases, and your stock will soon be destroyed. I aiways let the first meal consist of either barley alone or mixed with Indian corn, occasionally wheat. I prefer giving them corn first, as I fancy it affords more warmth than soft food, especially during the winter months. They should have their first food as early as possible, for they are up and about almost as soon as it is day. This is the time when they commence plucking one another's feathers, if there is no food for them. They are hungry and fresh after their night's rest, and natu- rally anxious to satisfy their hunger, and so begin eating each other. I have had them almost entirely stripped of their feathers in one morning when it has been late before they have had their breakfast, more particularly in the case of chickens, when they get about three months old, and their feathers are young and soft, and full of blood. At the second meal, given about the middle of the day, they have soft food, as barleymeal mixed with milk or boiled water — I do not like to mix it with water, as it has a tendency to relax them — or bread soaked in milk or water. When able I always give them milk, for they then seem to thrive much better, and it keeps them in splendid condition. The barleymeal should not be too soft, but so that it will crumble easily in the hand, or when thrown on the ground break into small pieces. If the floor is at all dirty, put the food into a saucer, plate, or on a piece of board, so as to keep it free fiom all injurious matter. At night the hour depends upon the season of the year) they have wheat, barley, Indian corn, or if you wish to give them an extra treat, a little hempseed mixed with any of these. Some fancy that in giving corn the last thing before the fowls go to roost, it causes their crops to become bound. I have never found it so, but believe it is very beneficial, as it takes longer to digest, and so keeps up the warmth, and nourishes the body a much longer time. These foods should be supplemented with a plentiful supply of all kinds of green stuff, and vegetables either cooked or raw, any refuse or leavingB from the table, occasionally a little cooked meat, or a bone with a little meat on it, as they are very fond of picking a bone, and it will amuse them a long time — a thing you must endeavour to do as much as possible where poultry are kept in confinement. The bones should then be crushed, and they will very quickly be eaten with evident relish. There should always be plenty of clean fresh water easy of access. Use no artificial foods, as they are quite unnecessary. Have nothing to do with bread soaked in old ale ; it may stimulate for a time, but ultimately it injures them, and to say the least, it is a most unnatural food for fowls, but do May 12, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 317 not be afraid of using too much milk — if yon have plenty, let them have it to drink. Information as to the effects of mangold wurzel on fowls was asked in a recent number. I have often given them a mangold to peck at, for they are very fond of it, and I have never found it hart them in any way. In the winter, when all kind3 of green staff are scarce, I find this an excellent substitute, also a Swede turnip thrown in whole. I have never noticed the combs of fowls turn black after eating it, but I certainly think both the mangold and turnip greatly assist in preventing feather- eating. It requires a considerable amount of exertion before they can peck much off either, it gives them something to do, and wo must try and keep them occupied when we have them in confinement with little exercise and good living. I intended to have said something about diseases, breeding chickens, and preparing birds for exhibition, but mu3t leave that for some future time. — N. BROWN-BREASTED RED GAME BANTAMS. Amongst all the articles and correspondence which have been published iu this Journal respecting useful and ornamental poultry, there is ono remarkably pretty little variety which has never yet attracted attention — I refer to the beautiful Brown- breasted Red Game Bantam. As in large Game the Brown Red is the most stylish, and take3 the lead at many of our principal shows, I think the model of the breed would, if culti- vated, in a short time surpass the Black Red Game Bantam. It cannot be denied that hitherto my favourite has been sadly neglected. One lady only has exhibited birds which have endangered the position now held by the exhibitors of Black Reds. But I have rejoiced to see at the shows held within the last few months a pen here and there of first-rate Brown Reds. Tue breed is evidently improving, but sadly need3 encouragement from the class of men who hold the fate of nearly every kind of domestic poultry in their hands — com- mitteemen. It is a manifest injustice to class the Brown Red, a breed yet in its infancy, with the Black Red. At any large show there are to be seen from a dozen to a score of really good Black Reds, whilst until very lately it has been quite the exception to see one pen of first-class Brown Reds. The classes for Game Bantams at the present day usually are — 1, " Black and other Reds;" and 2, " Aay ether variety." Let these be altered to — 1, " Game Bantams, Black Reds ;" and 2, '• Game Bantams, Any other variety," and I venture to predict that nearly twice as many Game Bantams would be shown as there are at present. Tnere being so few Brown Reds exhibited under the present arrangements, the change suggested could scarcely prove a loss to the committees, who, by the way, are gentlemen who look very sharply after the main chance, and in order to obtain any alteration in the classes it is necessary to couvince them they would be gainers by it. If the Brown Reds were to cjrnpet?, as I propose, in the Game Ban'am " Any other variety " class, they would have to fight their way against Dackwings and Piles. Now, the three last-named varieties would li;rve pretty nearly equal chances. Not one of them can be said to be in a much more advanced stage than the others : therefore it would not frighten the exhibitors of Dackwings and Piles to put the Brown Reds in competition with them, and, consequently, there would be no decrease of entries on the part of these gentlemen. It is, of course, entirely unnecessary to do more than say that the Black Reds could not be lessened in number by transferring the Brown Reds to another class. In conclusion, I would say that if the committeemen who read the above remarks would but give the matter a fesr minutes' serious consideration, they would see the advisability and ad- vantage of the proposed changes, and a beautiful breed of Game Bantams now undeveloped would soon muster in such numbers as to require a class for themselves. — Gallus. For my own part, being a Houdan fancier, I feel somewhat aggrieved that Houdans should not be honoured with a separate class, not to say separate classes, at every show of importance throughout the kingdom. Nevertheless, hoping for better times, I intend to subscribe two guineas, in furtherance of the interests of French fowl fanciers generally, towards establishing the two open classes. Is it unreasonable to hope that the re- maining eight guineas will be forthcoming from the pockets of the many well-to-do fanciers of the French breeds who occasion- ally bewail in print the want of attention paid to their pet birds by the executive of poultry exhibitions ? By offering good prizes for competition, and by entering plenty of birds to compete, we shall prove to committeemen that separate classes may be offered for tho French varieties without the risk of pecuniary loss, and alterations and additions will speedily be made in the prize lists of most poultry shows. French fowls are striking in their appearance, full of character, if not absolutely handsome, and their economical merits are undeniable. Their size is large, their bones fine, their flesh laid on in the right places, very white, and delicate; their eggs extra-sized, very sweet, and in the case of Houdans, at any rate, almost always fertile. I appeal to tho poultry-loving public, Do not such birds deserve encouragement ? — H. Seviioub, Fraser, Headley, Hants. FRENCH FOWLS- CLASSES AT SOUTHAMPTON. It is proposed to institute this year at the Soathaoipton Poultry Show two classes open to the French varieties, one for adults, one for chickens. I am authorised to inform those who fancy French fowls, that the Committee of the Southampton Show will supply second and third prizes, provided exhibitors of the breeds in question will raise by subscription tho sum of ten guineas fur the purchase of two silver cups, ono for each class. I shall be happy to receive subscriptions towards the purchase of these caps. ANNALS OF MY POULTRY- YARD.— No. 3. I described in my last notice the rude shed which was con- structed to protect my poultry in stormy weather, but as yet I have given no description of my poultry house proper. It was ia no ornamental little mansion, created for the express purpose, with all the most perfect modern appliances, with chambers for laying, chambers for sitting, chambers for rearing, and an elegantly furnished chamber for my lady to sit and rest from the fatigue of strolling down her garden while chatting to her well-paid poultry- woman, but in a common little " cot6" over two pigstyes, that th3 whole of my laying and sitting took place. In this little chamber, 11 feet by 7, which was only 3 feet 3 inches high in front and sloped down to 1G inches, I have collected several thousand eggs, hatched many hundred chickens, and hope to hatch many more. A snug comer of my carpenter's shop has often kept early chickens warm during long cold nights ia February and March ; and the same fire which warmed my old glue-pot ha3 cooked many a dainty for the first hatch of the season. By April one of the voracious occupants of the pigstye3 had become bacon, and my chickens triumphed in his den till old enough to perch amongst the older fowls. In this my third year my stock was only increased by five, making in all nineteen ; of these sixteen were Hamburgh and Cochin hens, the remaining three were cocks. I very soon reduced my stock by one of the cocks— a long-IsggeJ, weak- jointed, Cochin bird — who looked so like an overgrown appren- tice that I thought it best to put him iu the stock-pot. During this summer I had the assistance of a very knowing coachman, from whom I gained much useful information, but under his advice I must confess an act of cruelty was practised which I will never again sanction. One of the Cochins was entirely unsuccessful in hatching any of her first sitting, so she was set again, as custom'allows, but again she had no better success, and a third time did this faithful creature begin her task of incubation. She was rewarded after h3r patient sitting of nine weeks by eight chickens ; but tho poor thing was much weakened and emaciated, though she very soon recovered. I cannot condemn this practice too strongly, and I have never since allowed it. In all I had seventeen sittings, from which only 114 chickens were hatched ; but the most truthful record of my transactions is in the balance sheet. Dr. £ s. 19— Stock of poultry at be- ginning of year, valued at Is. 6 the lid nailed on the box which is to form their futuie and exhibition.-W. Holmes, Canal Street, Nottingham. h while° a9 a pr00f that they were perfectly wel^'th bo^T °°a Zi a half of finishing his task he saw them bringing home honey ana GREAT MEETING OF GERMAN BEE-KEEPERS, poUen.^nwas_ Held at Norenberg, Sept. 14th, 15th, and 16th, 1869. Wh4T a 'the Best Material "^^^^t^ the former' (Continue* from Pa0e 332 ) markedUiat wood ^^^^^w^JSE The Chairman then stated the next question for discussion— —it to make straw hives with sufficiently flat sides for working con- ic. What Principles should be Kept in View in Breeding? ^^"^h moveable frames ; besides which, the present b.jes cost —Mr. Schonfeld opened the discussion by remarking that all ho had T _ __^ speaker had not had time to work out aU Ins ideas, to say was founded on practical experience, and not on preconceived ^,d „ive u0 lU.finite results. He was foUowed by Mr. nuscne, theories. He then stated that he could not agree with Dzierzon in ™ ■ , saC(Tee(icli in making cheap and satisfactory hives of a mix- looking upon the Italian bee as a breed properly speaking, which would , { ts aawonst, and one part slacked lime presseu in a imply cultivation, whereas it is an independent naturally existing ™ d of tbe requisite size. A natural sequel to this discussion was variety. The same rules must hold good with regard to improving the nnestion— „ race of bees as of sheep or horses, where the best breeds were not pure '" I , ais k Suit idle Hive be most easily Constructed of natural varieties, but mixed, deriving their good qualities from various ,,__.„ ?_The only practical answer to this question was contained in sonrces. As regards the differences noted between the characters of ; ~ee.\i of Mr Fiitterer, who stated that by a powerful press straw the Italian and the black bee, they seemed to diminish in proportion {"j" * maile of the aesired shape, and could be sold cheap, cur to the length of time since the introduction of the former, but this ho ^e °e39 wa9 a costly piece of apparatus. A more practical oiscus- attributed rather to tbe improvement of the latter by the admixture of ioli followea the question- fresh blood, often without the apiarian's knowledge. He also argued -RyonsrrES for Producing Early Swarms ? from the fact that different stocks of either variety often exhibit such \V hat are the L h ili e ^ ^ ,b(, firat condition is haying contradictory dispositions, that we must still aim at producing a breed -Dr. /iwanskj . ot brnmi, remar _aA f_ilfnl n ;9 re. which shall be constant in these respects ; and that by always choosing strong stocks, and tor inM »p B, ~ ^ o[ wholesome food, the best stocks possessing tbe desired character, a breed might be qmsite. The second conOJBon _™ _, h|^Q ))rood earlyi raised in which these advantages would be permanent, exactly as in Hives which fulfil these no ^ u_ Dzierzon the case of all other animals. The first point to be considered in a and therefore as a rule bo soonest „s warm moist good stock is its power of producing honey This, then, is the first observed that «« £^ * ™™, „armi mor° frcely in one year principle to guide us in breeding bees. But breeding ^n-and-in may | w that tne cau «,i'™.tr.«r. 1 cause a stand of bees to deteriorate, in which case fresh blood should be sought. m ■ ' ' a A second means of producing the race we wish is the easier and shorter plan of crossing varieties until the desired breed is attained. It is for this reason still important that the Italian race should bo bred in perfect purity as by Dzierzon, Dathe, &c. ; but we must cease in the difference of the" weather. Bearing this in mtoa"h?tao"^erywoilddol.isbeat to follow this principle. He h f„,l bisbeos in .oriii" with diluted honey, and keep a constant snTplyo^ernLr the hives, so that the boss may be encouraged ♦! Wed and not suffer any interruption through want of water. t0 DTp'reuss was not present, but a paper was read containing some May 12, 1870 ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURES AND COTTAGE GAUDENER. remarks contributed by him on this subject. 1, Early swarming is hereditary, and for this simple reason, that an early swarm is much more forward in its first season, and therefore, under like conditions in other respects, sooner ready to swarm next year. 2, Fully built combs also lead to early swarming. 3 and 4 Are the well known requisites of strong stocks, and a plentiful supply of honey. 5, Protection against the prevailing winds, especially if from the north or east. t», A position open to the southerly sun. 7, Hives of a material easily warmed through by the sun, hence straw is better than wood for this purpose. 8, Plenty of water. Lastly, whosoever has no swarms by midsummer- day should at once make them artificially. The next question discnssed was — How may a Strange Qoeen be most Easily and Safely United TO a Stock '! — Major Von Hmschka recommended sprinkling the bees (by means of the little glass instrument for blowing perfume spray, to be obtained at most chemists') with a mixture of sugared water and essence of peppermint, to half a glass of thin sugar water a small thimbleful of peppermint. The spray shonld be blown in at every opening and over all the combs, so that if possible every bee may he touched by it ; the queen is then sprinkled as well, and allowed to run loose upon the nearest comb. This process had succeeded with him between seventy and eighty times without one failure. In the case of ordinary hives "the bees should be driven into an empty hive, the old queen caught, and tho combs and bees thoroughly sprinkled as well as the new queen, which may be allowed to enter the hive with its former possessors. Mr. Futterer had tried chloroform which had been re- commended for this purpose, and thereby lost several valuable queens. Mr. Leschetitzky having tried it more than fifty times recommended putting the new queen in a cage on a brood comh as soon as the old one is caneht, and then letting her loose the same evening, or if the operation he performed in the evening twenty-four hours later. The bees by this process do not miss the old queen, build no royal cells, and the laving of eggs is only interrupted for one day. Mr. Kneipp found the following process successful in uniting stocks and a new queen at the same time : — Drive or sweep the bees without their queens into a large glazed pot, add the new queen, cover the whole with a cloth and shake them well two or three times, and then immediately put them into their hive. As Mr. Kneipp said, the bees are only too thankful to be allowed to live themselves, and are far too frightened to think of quarrelling. Several other speakers related their experience, mostly of the usual method of nuitiug queens, and at last Mr. Von Klipstein said, that he considered the best plan to be to remove the old queen in the morning, and in the evening to put the new one smeared with a little honey from the same hive upon a brood comb. This plan had long been successfully tried with queens of all ages, and even with virgin queens. At this stage of the proceedings there was a pause, after which the address to the King of Bavaria in favour of Mr. Schmid was agreed to. When the ordinary business recommenced — Mr. Lanibrecht attempted to read a number of his communications to the German " Bee Journal," on the subject of foul brood, but the apiarians present having read them themselves refused to listen, unless Mr. Lanibrecht would make known his professed cure for foul brood, which, however, he declined to do. Mr. Steinbach then commenced an address on the question. Which Portion of a Foux-bkoody Stock is the Primary Vehicle of the Transmission of the Disease ? — To answer this question the speaker first recapitulated various theories upon the sub- ject of foul brood : — 1. Tho theory of Dr. Prenss, that foul brood is owing to a fungus (Micrococcus). 2. That of Dr. Assmnss, who attributes foul brood to a parasitical insect (Phoraincrassata). 3. That of Mr. Lambrecht, who maintains that the cause is to be found in sour or fermenting honey and pollen. 4. Tho hypothesis of Dr. Leuckart, that the eggs are already affected in the body of the queen. He then proceeded to state as results of his own observation : — I. That the bees of a foul-broody stock when moved without either honey or wax, into another bivo always remain healthy. II. The same result follows if two foul-broody stocks are united under the same conditions as to absence of comb, &c. III. Sound colonies transferred into boxes which had contained foul brood, but were subsequently washed over with spirits of wine which was set fire to, remain as healthy as in a new hive. The same process also purifies comh frames. IT. In a compound hive hi which a foul-broody colony was suffered to remain for two years, the remaining colonies were unaffected. V. Colonies in boxes above foul-broody stocks also remained healthy. VI. Colonies on either side of a foul-broody stock remained unhurt, while others at a distance became diseased. VII. In an apiary where there was one foul-broody stock, the others were healthy all the first season, and only showed signs of foul brood the next year. VIIL Stocks which had been untouched for years, and whose honey was sour, so that on opening the hive a smell like beer could be per- ceived, were perfectly healthy, though also containing pollen several years old. IX. Guide combs cut from fool-broody stocks haTe been used by swarms without any evil result. Bnt they had lain by half a year be- fore being so used. From these data Mr. Steinbach concluded : — I. That foul brood is not transplanted by miasma, otherwise adjoin- ing stocks must be affected. II. Nor is it contagion, otherwise the bees moved from a foul- broody to a clean box would take the disease with them. III. Nor does it arise from any internal affection of individual bees, or of the queen and her eggs, or else it would also be transplanted. IV. Nor from the box, for the bees placed in it after burning out remain healthy. V. Nor from the comh, which has-been given as guide comb with no ill result. VI. Nor from sour or fermenting honey or pollen, for colonies have these without becoming foul-broody. The Lambrecht process has not yet been tried on naturally foul-broody stocks, and so nothing is proved by it as yet. VII. Nor is it caused by fungi, for their millions of spores could never fail to affect neighbouring hives. One peculiarity was that Mr. Steinbach had never had a case of foul brood except in boxes with moveable combs, yet the Bpores, if fungi were the cause, could enter straw hives as well as wooden boxes. The speaker then urged that cholera, which Dr. Prenss had com- pared with foul brood, spreads against the wind, and that therefore its producing cause must be forwarded by means of the earth and not of the air, and the spores of fungi can hardly in either case be supposed to move against the wind ; he would therefore cons der the fungi dis- covered by Dr. Preuss rather a result than the cause of the disease. The speaker concluded by appealing to men of science still to persevere in their researches, and amongst other experiments to endeavour to ascertain whether foul brood could be propagated by inoculation. After the conclusion of these remarks Mr. Steinbach produced two phials of honey, one from a healthy, the other from a foul-broody hive, which were both carefully investigated under the microscope by Pro- fessor Rosenhauer of Erlangeu, and also at his request by Professor Kraus of the same University. Neither of these gentlemen, however, could detect the smallest difference between the two specimens, or any signs of fungi or spores in either. In the course of the discussion which followed upon the speech of Mr. Steinbach, Mr. Dzierzon called attention to the important dis- tinction between the two kinds of foul brood— the one which is easily cared, the other where it would be dangerous to use the hive again under two years. Where this kind of foul brood exists, the only thing to do 'is to destroy the stock, though the queen may be made use of for an artificial swarm or otherwise. Nor did he think that Mr. Lambrecht had produced virulent foul brood, or deem his experiments and reasoning conclusive. Another speaker, Mr. Wiegand, had been advised by Mr. Steinbach last year at Darmstadt not to waste boxes in which foul brood had existed, and the consequence of following this advice was, that he lost a swarm which he hived in Buch a box after it had been thoroughly " disinfected " and for two years exposed un- used to the air. The two kinds of ] foul brood should be distinguished inname — the "plague" cannot be cured, nor its infection removed with certainty. Mr. Hnber had tried all the methods recommended for curing foul brood — changing hives, making the bees fast, jfcc, but found his only safety lay in brimstone for the bees, and chloride of lime for the hives. He believed that straw and wood made but little difference. When ha had sixty straw hives and a few boxes his straw hives were decimated ; now he has 140 boxes, and no symptoms of foul brood. As some persons had supposed that the Italian bee had something to do with foul brood, Major Von Hruschka remarked, that living in their country he had never seen or heard of it*, whereas in Germany and France it was a matter of common complaint. He would suggest the consideration of one fact, that it appeared that where hives were not constantly disturbed at all seasons there was no fonl brood. THE OPENING BEE SEASON IN SCOTLAND. The past winter baa been one of a most prejudicial cbaracter for bees. Protracted, severe, and with few intervals of sun- shine and mildness, our apiaries in Scotland, so far as I can gatber, have suffered considerably. The mortality is great in many, the thinly populated hives especially, even such as had ample stores having mostly succumbed. I believe were our hives, during such severe winters, better protected from cold and from the vicissitudes of the weather, fewer fatalities would oocur. The spring, too, has been far from favourable. Cold, dry, and ungenial, vegetation is far back, and our little favour- ite's hitherto have laboured under great disadvantages. Within these few days of balmy mildness, however, renewed vigour and activity are observable, and the air is again resonant with the merry hum of gladness, as on unwearied wing the bees hurry to and fro courting each opening flower, revelling in its prof- fered sweets, and homewards hastening laden either with pellets • Professor Mona has, however, spread this diease more than once.— Translator. 352 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. of pollen varied aa the rainbow's hues, or filled with nectar distilled from hidden cells. Who can stand by the side of an industrious colony of bees, and see its busy inhabitants pro- secute their delightful and daily task with such industry, zeal, and good will, without being moved with feeling3 of admiration, wonder, and love? Let us hope that the summer, so auspi- ciously commenced, will turn ont a favourable one for our little favourites, and more than make up for the backwardness of the spring. — J. Lowe, Edinburgh. OUR LETTER BOX. Whaefedale Poultry Show.— We are obliged to some correspondent for sending us a prize li^t ; it is now too late. If the Recr. tary, as re- quested, had forwarded one at the time, we should have inserted it. Eggs Small (J. Tyrer).— Having only one cock to so many hens, has no influence over either the size of the eggs or their contents. Those circumstances depend upon the kind of fowl. If they are Cochin- chinas, the eggs and their yo]ks are always small. Spanish fowls lay larger egg*: but as your hens lay well, we advise you to be content. Instead of all hard corn we would give the hens once daily a mash of barleymeal and boiled potatoes, otherwise they will become too fat, and then the plague of soft eggs and inflamed ovaries will occur.' Brahma Poothas (C. B.).~- No true Brahma has five toes. If you have such, discard them at once. Chicken Management (Cochin- China).— The weather is so unusually severe, that we do not advise you to put ont chickens only a few days old. We advise yon to keep them in till there are no more frosts. In warm weather and where they are sheltered, we would put them out. You may give bread and milk, chopped egg, chopped cooked meat, bread and beer, curd, meal mixed with milk, and bread and beer. Feed early, late, and often. Bbeeding Black Cochin-chinas (Black Cochin).— We only said we were told that was the way in which they were made. It is just possible the eggs laid by the hen were rendered fertile before you had her. Preserving Eggs (E. C. iT.).— You have been misinformed. We save eggs all the year round in lime. The chief point is to put them in when fresh, because they come out as they are put in. Pinioning Silver Pheasants (A. B. C.). — You may pinioo yonr Silver Pheasants at from twelve to sixteen weeks old. You will find the wing has first the flight joint that holds five feathers, then another joint at the end of sis more feathers, and then a third joint at the spur of the wing. A sharp knife should be taken, put under the spur, and then raised with the edge resting on the wing. It requires two persons to perform the operation cleverly. While one with one hand holds the wing of the bird motionlesp, and with the other keeps the knife in the right position, a second strikes the back of the knife sharply with a thick stick or piece of wood, and the operation is done. The bird feels but little, and although there is often a great show ofblood.it is by no means a serious operation. Care should always be taken not to cut off or through the spur of the wing, as it protects the wound while hardening, and ever afterwards. Number of Fowls for a Small Yard O. E. S.). —Yards differ. The townsman's experience and idea of a yard is a small space covered with flagstones, and surrounded by high walls that exclude all sun. No fowls will do there. If it be light, sometimes visited by the sun, and if it bo nnpaved and uncovered, then a cock and six or eight hens of Brahma PootraB, Cochins, Houdans, or Creve-Cceurs for your yard, 33 feet by«i 20 feet, can be kept healthy on condition of your following the in- structions and warnings we give week after week. Hardiness of Brahmas and Houdans (X. Y. Z.). — We consider Brahmas hardier than Hoodans, and their chickens easier to rear. Houdans, in common with all the French breeds, are late layers. Such as you describe will not lay before December. We can answer your question fbout the white feathers more easily if we know on what part of the body they come. Food for Chickens (Delta).— We cannot answer your questions as raadily as we could if we knew the breed of the fowls. The best food is that which keeps the fowls in the highest condition. They will then grow well, but you ask for an impossibility when you want to secure the greatest growth and the earliest laying. The first stops when the second begins. We consider ground oats the beet food there is for poultry. Autumn-hatched chickens never attain any size. The weather is against them, and the nights are too long. Houdans are easier to rear than Spanish. Mice in Pigeon-cote (W. A.). — We can add nothing to what we pub- lished on this subject in our last number. Pigeons too Old to Breed (Inquirer).— Ton bought a pair of birds too old to breed. All fanciers have at some time or other done the same. Frequently excellent birds are offered cheap, but then they are parted with because barren. One of the old treatises on Pigeons says, " The life of this bird is said to extend to about eight years, but it is useless for the purpose of breeding after it has attained half that age." This we do not believe to be entirely correct, but never buy when a bird is seven Sears old. Old age shows itself in the wrinkling of the nostril covers, le sunken eye, and thickened appearance of the eyelids, and the rough feet. Antwerps (Chester). — These birds were unknown or little known until recent years, so that the best accounts are found in the most modern books. Eaton, whose work bears the date of 1858, confesses he knows little or nothing of them. Brent wrote a little later, and says a little moie. In " Pigeons," there is a long chapter on Antwerps and oiber homing birds, but the best account of the show Antwerps of the present day Whs in the number of this Journal for February 17th of this year. Colour cf eye wattle immaterial. Breeding Goldfinch-Canary Mules (W. Hay. — Your query in- volves two questions — 1st, Whether it is Bafe to take away the male bird as soon as tLe Canary hen has laid her first egg ; and 2nd, Whether it iB better to take away the eggs daily till she has laid her complement, or to allow them to remain. To the first question, whether applied to the Goldfinch or not, but considered iu the abstract as a physiological matter, I should say, Yes. When running one cock to two or three hens, I always make it a practice to remove him from any one of them as soon as she has 1 ii'l her first egg. I will not go so far as to warrant that all of them will be fertilised, for it seldom happens that every egg in a nest of, say five, is impregnated even nnder the most favourable circumstances. When I say seldom, 1 mean that it is more frequently the other way, as the basinful of bad eggs in many a breeder's room at the end of the season can testify. But if the question applies to the Goldfinch specially as a well-known mischievous character, who goes about like an exciseman tappiug and gauging every egg with that long sharp beak of his, I should advise you to remove either him or the eggs, or do as I can assure yon 1 have known done— get op about three o'clock in the morning and sit in your night-shirt till the hen lays her egg. Keep your eye on the Gold- finch, for he will keep his on you ; one of them at any rate. With the other he will wink at the hen, as much as to say. " Look sharp with that egg 1" When she lays, by which time you will be cold, make a rush for the cage, and it is almost any odds that you will run a bad second in the race The ganger will have sampled the egg, and may politely present you with it on the end of his beak. You retire disgusted and with very cold feet, while the ganger chants his morning song:— " Sipit, widdle, widdle, slam, slam, widdle, chay," which means, " This might all have been avoided if you had removed me the night before you expected the hen to lay," which ought always tfl be done till you know from experience that the Goldfinch is one which will not meddle with the eggs. As regards taking away the eggs till the hen has laid her complement, I always do, and return them on the morning when she lays her fourth egg. They will then chip simultaneously on the morning of the thirteenth day, and begin life on equal terms. l"am well aware that many breeders do not follow this plan, but I have yet to learn if a hen lay four, or five, or six eggs, and sit from the first, that it is possible for them to chip together. If she Bhould not show any inclination to sit well, the eggs are as safe in my keeping as in hers, and are out of the way of temptation, bearing in mind that from long-continued domestication and the force of surrounding circumstances, the argument of the habits of wild birds will not apply.— W. A. Elakston. Food for Blackcaps (Randolph).— The best food for Blackcaps is raw beef and hard-boiled egg ; scrapo the beef off with the edge of a knife, and mix yolk of egg and a little water. It ought to be fresh every morning. The objection'to it is that it makes a nasty smell iu the cuge. I find the following receipt of Capt. Hanley, First Life Guards, answer well. " Ger- man paste :— 7 lbs pea meal, 2 lbs. Scotch oatmeal, 1 lb. moiet sugar, ljlb. beef dripping, 1 lb. honey, 2 quarts hemp seed, 1 pint maw seed. Melt the dripping and honey in a saucepan and pour it over the meal and sugar, rubbing it well between the hands so that there may be no lumps. When mixed, place in a flat tin dish in a.slow oven. If the c will be spoiled. When done, spread it on a board, and i (already well crushed and cleaned from husk as far the maw seed with the paste. When cool place in a ja good for months. In feeding, one egg, white and yoLk, will do for a tea- cupful of paste." The above paste, with a mealworm now and then, anda few elder berries, if they can be had, will keep Blackcaps in good health and song. It is a good plan to dry elder berries, and in the winter soakin warm water and give the bird a few daily. — Howarth Ashton. Linnets and other Finches (E. S. P.). —To answer your qnery would fill columns. If you enclose twenty postage stamps with your address, and order Brent's " British Finches, Ac.," you will have it from our office post free. It contains the information you need. __ _ too hot all ix the hemp seed as possible), and , and it will keep COVENT GARDEN MARKET .—May 11. The markets remnin very inactive, and no advance can be obtained on last quotations. Pine Apples, Grapes, and Strawberries are more than sufficient for present consumption ; the last-named have been more abundantly supplied than for several previous years. Old Potatoes of good quality are in fair request, and new ones, both round and kidney, can be had at prices ranging from 20s. to 30s. per cwt. FRUIT. . lb. 6 0 0 0 Filberts lb. Cobs lb. U Gooseberries quart 0 Grapes, Hothouse.,., lb. 8 Lemons %*100 C Melons each 6 Mulberries quart 0 Nectarines doz. 0 Oranges V 100 4 Peaches doz. 0 Pears, kitchen doz. 4 dessert doz. 4 Pine Apples lb. 7 Plums | sieve 0 Quinoes doz. 0 Raspberries lb. 0 Strawberries lb. 0 Walnuts bushel 10 do WOO 10 2 0 VEGETABLES. .Kidney do. 1 0 2 0 Cabbage doz. 1 Capsicums 3+100 0 Carrots bunch 0 Cauliflower IflB. 3 Celery bundle 1 O le wi n-ts . . doz. bunches 3 Cucumbers each 0 pickling doz. 0 Endive doz. 2 Fennel bunch 0 Garlic lb. 0 Herbs bunch 0 Horseradish .... bundle S e. d. e. d Leeks bunch 0 4 to 0 o Lettuce doz. 10 16 Mushrooms pottle 10 2 0 Mustard & Cress., punnet 0 2 0 0 Onions bushel 4 0 7 0 pickling quart 0 4 0 8 Parsley sieve 3 6 6 0 Parsnips doz. 0 9 10 Peas quart 3 0 5 0 Potatoes bushel 3 0 5 0 Kidney do. 3 0 5 0 Radishes .. doz. bunches 10 0 0 Rhubarb bundle 0 4 0 8 Sea-kale basket 1 Shallots lb. 0 Spinach bushel 3 Tomatoes doz. 0 Turnips bunch 0 Vegetable Marrows ..doz. 0 May 19, 1870. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day ot Month Day of Week. ■vnvm o- ii-.n Average Tempera- MAY 19—25, 1870. tare near London. .1 RS»tm| ?'m 1 San ! Mo°n 13 years.' Klsea> Sct3- ' Ri««- Moon Sets. Moon's 1 Clock ,_B after Ae«- San. Day of Year. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Day. Night. Mean. 42.7 54.9 43.4. 55.2 44.7 i 55.5 4J.4 53.9 43.6 i 55.5 48.0 1 55.2 42.9 i 54.2 Days. , m. hj m. b. m. h. m. h. 50 af 7 57 8 5 10 14 11 after. 29 1 86 2 Days. m. s. 189 140 141 142 148 144 145 F 8 Son H Tn W 6.>.9 Crystal Palace Show. i 66.8 5 Sunday after Easter. [Society, B.SOr.M. | 66.4 Anniversary Meeting of Royal Geographical G7.3 Anniversary Meeting of Linnean So., 3 p.m. j 67.4 Royal Botanic Society's .show opens. ' 65.4 20 19 19 15 19 16 4 4 49 7 26 0 3 4 50 7 3 1 2 4 52 7 31 1 0 4 53 7 54 1 59 S 55 7 13 2 58 3 56 7 ' 33 2 20 21 ( 23 24 25 3 45 3 41 3 88 3 38 3 28 S 22 From observations taken near London dnring the last forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 66.5' ; and its night temperature 48.2°. The greitest heat was 89', oa the -Had, 1517; and the lowest cold 23", on tho 23rd and 24th, 1837. The greatest fall of rain was 0.70 inch. TREES AND SHRUBS versus HARES AND RABBITS.— No. 2. TREES AND SHRUBS MOST SUBJECT TO THE ATTACKS OF HARES AND RABBITS. MUST in the first place £tate my firm con- viction that the prevailing opinion that there are no trees or shrubs which hares and rab- bits will not eat or hark, is only a popular error. The Lime is the first that I shall name as being a great favourite of hares and rabbits ; but of all trees there is none they bark so effectually and destructively as the Laburnum. To Apple, Crab, and Pear trees they are partial, and they not only bark the Oak but nibble off all the tops of it they can reach. Larches have their leaders cut off, if not too tall, and the stems come in for a terrible gnawing unless they are protected by long grass. Silver Fir they eat down to the ground, the stump only being left in the earth. Norway Spruce is a favourite, and the youDg leaders suffer much. Scotch Firs, if so small as to be within reach, lose their leaders for ever. Balm of Gilead Fir does not escape, and White- thorns are ringed. Holly is taken freely, and Laurus- tinus has all its tender shoots cut off, along with the leaves. Aucubas are the first to fall, nothing being- left of them above ground. Austrian Pine leaves are eaten, but the growing points mostly escape. The tops of Privet are taken; Poplar and Horse Chestnut are barked; English Elm, so tough, is torn ; and the Plum and Almond are not permitted to flourish. TREES AND SHRUBS INTERFERED WITH ONLY IN VERY SEVERE WINTERS. Sycamore very seldom. Black and White American Spruce, the Weymouth Pine, and the Corsican Pine are not often eaten or barked ; Ash sometimes, likewise Moun- tain Ash ; Beech and Spanish Chestnut generally pass without great harm. Common Laurel is not much cared for, and Thorn Acacia rears its head without much inter- ference from the hares. Roses and Briars must be placed in this list, and Berberis Aquifoliurn, Box, Yew, and Broom. TREES AND SHRUBS NOT INTERFERED WITH. Alder and Birch which on swampy ground it may not have been possible to approach, Hornbeam, and Wych Elm, English and Norway Maple, Turkey Oak, Willow. Weliingtonia gigantea, Cedrus Deodara, C. Libani, and C. atlantica, Cupressus Lawsoniana, Thuja Lobbii, Ame- rican Arbor Vita?, Thujopsis borealis, Portugal Laurel, Juniperus communis, Pinus Cembra, Pinus excelsa, Lilacs, Gorse single and double ; Ribes, none doing better than the Black Currant in strong soil or damp ground ; Rhodo- dendron, Azalea, common Berberry, Guelder Rose, Dog- wood, Snowberry, Hazel, Sweet Briar, Blackthorn, Coton- easter microphylla, Weigela, Spiraeas, Rhus Cotinus, Rhus typhina, Canadian Gooseberry, Ribes album, Bird Cherry, Butcher's Broom, Spurge Laurel, Euonymus, Deutzia sea- bra, St. John's Wort, and Elder. I do not affirm that hares and rabbits will not eat nor No. 477.— Vol xvm. New Series. bark any of the last-named trees and shrubs, but that I have not seen them interfered with. The observations have been made where game abounds, and in what may be called ornamental game coverts, or belts and groups in the park and adjoining the garden. Of the garden part it would be needless (o write, as the game have not free access to it, and from its proximity to the mansion they do not make prolonged visits. A few hints may not prove unacceptable to some who have to form and get up as quickly as possible groups, belts, or screens in parks and parts that are adjuncts to the garden. In the first place, it is desirable to plant only those kinds of trees and shrubs which hares and rabbits are least disposed to attack, and yet they may be unsuit- able to the soil, or some of them, and others which are most liable to injury may be indispensable for affording the desired effect : hence the necessity of employing them, though at the risk of losing many. I think it is useless to plant any of the trees in the first list, and not many of those in the second list, without taking means to keep off the destroyers, either by planting larger trees, or placing round them fencing which will effectually prevent an entry being made. Planting trees and shrubs of larger size than usual may seem a very objectionable mode of attaining the object in view, for there is the greater cost of large trees as com- pared to small ones : besides, all experience proves the smaller the trees and shrubs are the better they grow. I may say that planting Scotch Fir, Austrian Pine, and similar nursling trees 12 to IS inches high has often to be repeated half a dozen times ; or if they escape, as they may do when planted in spring, and the growth of the grass is so rank as to cover them, the progress they make the first half dozen years is very insignificant, in many cases not rendering them equal in size to those I would in the first instance plant. Planting mere switches of " hard woods," though they may be 3 or -1 feet high, is little better than planting the Scotch Fir and Larch a foot and 18 inches high respectively. They are either cut down by the game, or the growth of the grass keeps them small. The planting of small trees is simply planting with a prospect of a great deal of filling up, and waiting half a dozen years for them to show above the grass, and then the plantation can hardly be said to be safe. As regards the objections to planting larger-sized trees than usual, I think the expense is not greater than plant- ing those of small size ; for if the work be done at a proper time with proper plants the failures will be few. The great impediment to planting larger trees than are usually employed, is the difficulty of procuring properly- transplanted plants. By planting trees of a good size at the commencement, we have at the end of twelve months compassed seven years' growth of small trees, and as for then- not doing so well afterwards as young trees it is simply an unproved notion. I advise, therefore (and I practise what I advise), in- stead of employing Oak, Lime. Beech, Elm, Horse Chest- nut, and all kinds of " hard woods " 3 to 4 feet high at the time of planting, to have them from (i to 8 feet in height, No. 1129,-VeL. XLITI., Old Series. 354 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( May 19, 1870. taking care that they have been transplanted within the last three years, and not one in a hundred will fail. But if trees are planted that have stood half a dozen years without removal, which have been struggling all the time for space to unfold the leaves on the leader, which have no side shoots, the roots going as straight down as the leader goes upwards, it would be better to burn than to plant them, for younger trees will be far superior. Oaks which at 4 feet high are difficult to remove, are so only because they have thick strong roots, but get rid of these by transplanting two or three times, causing the produc- tion of fibres, and they lift with fibrous roots, with a ball if wanted, and as safely at 12 feet as at 4 feet high; indeed, some hard wooded trees at 3 or 4 feet high are nothing better than flower sticks. Strong large " hard woods," then, are what I would plant, and immediately after planting stake and securely tie. The staking and tying with many would not be necessary, and a lad with a paint pot, or can, and brush could brush the stems from the ground upwards to the height of 2 or 3 feet with paraffin oil, and neither hares nor rabbits would touch them for a Eeason. The like result would attend placing a hayband round each stem, so as to cover il for about 3 feet high, also painting the stem with a composition of one-fourth lime, one- half soot, and one-fourth cow dung, with sufficient gas liquor to bring (he whole to the consistency of paint. Lime and soot in equal proportions will answer just as well, gas liquor being used for mixing, and so will lime alone, only it is apt to get washed off. The work of staking and tying is often neglected until the trees are blown to one side, twisted about — very often in frosty weather — and injured to a serious extent ; and fre- quently the precautionary measures to keep off hares, &c, are not thought of until the trees are barked. As to the Larch, Spruce, and Scotch Fir, with its allies the Pines, I would have the first two, and the Austrian Pine in particular, not under 2£ or 3 feet high, the Larch beiug no worse if nearer 4 feet than 3 feet. These ought to be trans- planted within two years of the time of planting, and then they will lift with good fibrous roots, and even balls if wanted. Scotch Fir I would have 2 to 2} feet high, or even larger, but not at all unless it had been moved every alternate year, and all the better if only the year previously. Such trees, properly planted, would need no staking, or only a few stakes, and a lad would go over a great many in a day with a brush, anoint- ing the stems of the Larch, and also the others, if bare, with paraffin oil. The shrubs should also be of good size to correspond with the trees, and to hold their own against the grass, and a selection being made of those least likely to suffer from the game, put in stakes about 2 feet high, and run three pieces of tarred twine round at 6 inches apart, beginning at G inches from the ground. I think that in this way good plantations, belts, screens, clumps, or whatever they may he, will be ob- tained in a few years, fit for game and landscape purposes. The precautionary measures will only serve for one year. It will be necessary to repeat them every season until the trees be safe — that is, when the "soft woods'' and "hard woods" have begun to have scaly barks. I may be asked, Could not small trees be treated in the same way as the larger trees ? No doubt the hardwooded trees and Larch could, but not the Scotch Fir and Pines, but even if they could, and hares and rabbits were not to touoh them, the grass so interferes with their growth, that they merely live for a few years, and grow about as much in three years as they would in trenched ground in one. Why not trench the ground, then, and plant young trees ? Of course, if game is not the principal object, then trench by all means ; but where game is wanted, the planting must be on crass, or if grass does not already grow on the spot, it must be furnished by sowing such kinds as are suitable for the herbage, and seeds which the game ] like. — G. Abbey. nite arrangement arrived at a year in advance. Let it be under- stood that I am not wiiiing on behalf of those persons who keep a gardener, but for that numerous class, the owners of small gardens, who do the greater part of the work themselves. Now is. the time to decide how the beds shall be filled for next spring. The best system, in my opinion, is the employment, principally, of that class of plants which can be moved at the end of the present month, comprising Wallflowers, Pansie3, Alyssum saxatile, red and white Daisies, Aubrietia, Early Tulips, Anemones, &e. The autumn-sown annuals, such as Silene, Limnanthes, &c, should be used in moderation, as they seldom make a show before the 20th of May, at least in the midland counties. They are principally valuable in afford- ing a display during the interval between "the removal of the early subjects and the summer bedders. Early Tulips may be planted in the beds with the aunnals. The Tniips will push up through the plants, bloom in April, and be fading about the time the annuals are putting in an appearance. I have come to the conclusion that the German and other varieties of the Wallflower are inferior to the common sort in appearance and early and free-blooming. The blood-red and the yellow are the be3t for bedding or backing up a border. They should when small be transplanted 8 or 10 inches apart — not left to spindle in the seed bed as is so frequently done. The centres should be pinched out when the plants are a few inches high. A little trouble in their cultivation will be amply repaid by an early and vigorous bloom. Cuttings of Alyssum saxatile should be struck at once, and planted out in a good situation, not put away in any corner. If they can be afforded the protection of a cold frame or hand-glass for a little while, the plants will be much finer. Hyacinths are so liable to injury from the weather that I can hardly recommend them. Care should be taken that the Pansies for bedding are of free-blooming and vigorous habit. The Cliveden varieties are very good. — Fair Play. A GAY GARDEN IN SPRING. The appearance of desolation which so many gardens pre- sent at this period of the year in such marked contrast to the daily increasing beauty of the surrounding country, where the river banks and hedgerows are in themselves gardens, has in- duced me to offer a few remarks on the subject of spring gardening. There is no lack of flowers that bloom at this season, and no difficulty in having the garden bright and beautiful daring the spring months if time be but taken by the forelock, and a defi- CASES FOR EXHIBITING FLOWERS. Wno that has ever exhibited a cut flower but ha3 not anxi- ously awaited the opening of his box on the day of exhibition? How charming those Roses looked when you cut them in the glimmering twilight; how beautiful they were when you had placed them in their box ; and as you surveyed them the thought would come across you, Can they be beaten ? Bat then there was an ugly idea that came rushing across your mind, What will those porters do with them? You have maiked them, " Flowers — this side up — great care I" but with a thrill of horror you see that the porters are charmingly indifferent to all your care, and you might as well have left that undone. Then, yon have taken a "four-wheeler" at the station; and as you jolted over the rough pavement each jolt sent a pang through you as you thought of your pets and the sufferings they were enduring ; and when you arrived and eagerly opened your box, ala3 ! your fears were too prophetic, and if not the de- jecta membra poelec, you could no more recognise your beauties of the night before in these jaded-looking flowers than you would see in the jaded and haggard young lady of the morning the brilliant beauty of the previous night. One cannot do as I have known some do (and as, we are told, some owners of horses sleep in their stables for nights before the Derby or Oaks), sit in the guard's van on one's boxes all the night ; and therefore all exhibitors, I should think, would hail with thank- fulness anything that would make them independent of such mischances. Now, I believe that 13 in their power. I have had lately brought under my notice a most ingenious contriv- ance invented by Mr. W. F. Chapman, of Llandudno — namely, his patent exhibition and cut-flower transmission case. I have had the opportunity of trying it, and I do not hesitate to say that it i3 an immense boon to the exhibitor. By the successful application of indianrubber it becomes impossible for the water to be spilled or the flowers to be injured, and the exhibitor may save himself all the worry and anxiety he has heretofore experienced. My friend Mr. Perry has, I believe, ordered a set, and I feel sure that wh6n known they will come into very general use amongst amateurs. I fully expect to see them in many an exhibition-room this season, and congratulate my floral brethren on an important invention to meet a want they must have felt. — D., Deal. Litdospebmum cvERULEo-puBPUREnM. — I send you specimens of this to show what a most beautiful thing it is at this season. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 355 There is a splendid, large, captivating bed of it in the flower garden here at present. — Robert Mackillar, Colworth Gardens, Sltambrook. GRAFTED VINES— RESTRICTED AND NATURAL GROWING. My removal from Mount Pisgah gave me the opportunity to make observations on the roots of a lot of healthy yonng Vines just coming to full vigour. It was astonishing to see the great number and length of the roots made by grafted plants only three years from the eye; several were traced 21 feet — all hard wiry roots ; not one of a soft texture was to be found. I believe this state of things was induced by the soil being of a light porous description, quick perfect drainage, and the omission of such quantities of manure as it is usual to add to a Vine border, relying totally upon the manure being supplied with the water when tha Vine3 were under a crop of Grapes. The border was inside, occupied the whole extent of the house, and was 2 feet deep. All the roots were contained in a depth of 15 inches. No doubt the regular top-feeding induced this, and most likely would hive prevented the roots going down — a thing to be avoided.' This teaches us not to plant Vines so closely as it i3 usual to do at present — that is, from 3J to 4 feet apart, but to preserve a better balance between the roots and the top. I do not think it needful to aim at having Vines of extra- ordinary size like the Hampton Court Vine, but would plant one Vine where now four or five are planted. Thi3, possibly, would only give two sorts of Grapes in one vinery if the Vines were of a fair size ; but the number of sorts can be obtained by planting Vines, as I am doing, grafted with two, three, four, and six sorts of Grapes, half white and half black. The va- rieties must be suitable for growing together, and the stock agreeable to all the sorts worked thereon. This method will produce a fine strong Vine, and provide room for the roots and top, also for as many sorts of Grapes as may be desired, no matter if grown to poles, rafters, or to the back wall of a lean-to. I have pot Vines with black and white Grapes of two and three sorts on one plant, and they have when in fruit a very handsome effect. A Vine border, 100 feet long and 20 feet wide, is being wholly planted with grafted Vines, only a few bones being added to the soil. The use of hardy, strong- rooting stocks enables me to avoid the costly-made Vine border. I send for the Editors' inspection a Bample of the soil and subsoil, as notes of the grafted Vines with various sorts of Grapes worked on the same plant will be communicated from time to time. Mr. Abbey's question (vol. xvii., page 390), I have not had the opportunity to answer till now. The cane3 were all of the current year's wood, Chaouch taking the lead, and Lady Downe'3. and Gros Guillaume being about equal second. — R. M. W., Fir View, Sheffield. [The Boil would be benefited by the addition of crushed bones and lime rubbish, the subsoil to be well drained. — Ens.] AN AMATEUR'S METHOD OF WINTERING BEDDING PLANTS. There are many amateur horticulturists who annually pre- serve most of the bedding plants required for the summer decoration of their little gavden3. To see the choice and varied assortment, and the large quantities of such plants which soma amateurs bed out, the wonder is where and ho.v, with their limited means, they manage to preserve them so successfully throughout tho winter; however, in the following remarks I hope I shall to some extent unfold the mystery. Several times I have had the opportunity of witnessing the doings of an amateur who has very successfully preserved a large stock of plants throughout the past long and dreary winter, without any artificial heat, or any better accommodation thin cold frames and earth pits. His residence is a few miles from here ; the gardens are not more than an acre iu extent, and the kitchen garden is an oblong, slopes slightly towards the south, and is bounded on the north by a thick well-trained common Laurel hedge about 7 feet high, and on all other sides by a quickset hedge high enough to afford considerable shelter, but not too high to prevent a proper circulation of air all over the garden. The south side of the Laurel hedge is the spot chosen for wintering the plants, and for this purpose a border 10 feet wide has been well drained with 2-inch common drain pipes, all leading to a main drain of 4-inch pipes. Over these pipes are placed such rough materials as clinkers, stones, and broken bricks, gradually broken finer towards the top, after which a coating of sifted coal ashes is put on and beaten firm enough to bear trampling upon without Bhowing it. The thickness of the rubbish over the pipes is not more than 9 inches, and the materials are so arranged that when tho border is finished off it shall be about 3 inches higher than the path, which runs along in front or parallel with it. Along this border are ranged one double-light aud three single-li^ht frames of the usual size and depth back and front, besides two turf pits of the same size which have glazed lights over them. The frames are far enough apart to admit of a path to each frame, and room for the protecting materials also. The number of plants wintered in these places is from GOO to 800, consisting of the following sorts — viz., Verbenas Purple King, R Vinson's Defiance, and Palchella : Pelargoniums Tom Thumb, Little David, Cybister, Indian Yellow, Bijou, Golden Cbain, and Mrs. Pollock; Silvia patens and splendens ; Dahlias of sorts ; and several choice Pansies, besides Lobelia speciosa, Koniga maritima, and several sorts of Fuchsias. The littla propagating that is required is done in August and the following spring, but among Pelargoniums only sufficient stock is raised to supply the place of old plants to be thrown away. Before taking-up time comes on, a mixture of common gar- den soil and sand is prepared, and it is kept dry ; this is the soil used for both potting and storing. The Dahlias, Salvias, and some Pelargoniums, such as Tom Thumb, are laid in the soil in the turf pits, while all othor plants are stowed away in either small pots or boxes. The latter are of various sizes, none of them more than 18 inches long by 6 wide, and very many are no more than 6 inches by 4. They are made of rough but straight pieces of board, and the bottom part of the end boards is fully an inch below the bottom of each box, which elevates the body of the box so much above the soil that water can readily escape, and air can circulate freely among the boxes. This plan, I should think, is worthy of more general adoption, as it must to a great extent prevent mildew and damping-oil in cold frames. The pots are only large enough to hold one plant each, and before storing one or two gross or straggling shoots are cut off each plant, and sufficient water is given to settle the soil about the roots. The double-light frame above spoken of is fitted up with a sort of stage— merely a few board3 supported on bricks— coming up very near to the glass. This frame is partly filled with such difficult kinds to keep as Mrs. Pollock, while sufficient room is left for the better treatment of any plant that may require it during the winter. Having now given a general description of the preparation for and the storing of the plants, I will endeavour to describe their after-treatment. For some days after tho plants are put in the frames they are kept a little close, just to encourage root action, but not so closely as to cause the plants to grow after- wards ; and throughout the winter every opportunity is taken advantage of to give them both light and air. Very little if any water is given them, and it is surprising how long some of the Pelargoniums will live without it, but cleanliness is most important to ensure success iu this mode of winter- ing bedding plants. Every dead leaf or rotten stem brings mildew or some other enemy; therefore these, weeds, and any other accumulation should be properly cleared away when the weather will allow. The object in having such small boxes was for the better prevention of mildew and other diseases, for if a plant or two in a box become affected they can bo taken to better quarters, and the disease confined to the few plants con- tained in the box. For protection against fi'OBt, the side3 of the frames are banked up with rough stable litter, which is renewed two or three times during the winter. Decayed manure, which some people use, was found to cause dampness in the frames. The tops are protected by mats, hop-pocketing, sacking, &e., and if the weather is severe a covering of dried grass is put on the top.— Thomas Record, Lillesdcn. COCCUS FLOCCIFERUS. I have just seen the engraving in the " Florist and Porno- logist" of a supposed new insect which attacks the Camellia, and which is described by Professor Westwood as Coccus flocci- ferus. The same inseot I saw two or three years ago ; then I was gardener to J. Elliott, Esq., The Cedars, Ashiord, Kent. 356 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. t May 19, 1870. It was upon the Camellias there, and as the plants had the common brown scale upon them, I thought it was in Bome way connected with the scale. I used to take off the insects when- ever I saw them, and when I had cleared the plants of them the scale disappeared also, and I therefore came to the con- clusion they were either the male or female of the common brown scale. If this should meet the eye of the present gardener at The Cedars, perhaps he would see if there are any of them there now, and send one to you for inspection.— J. F. Dawson, Gardener to W. II. Srnithard, Esq., Sommennll, Guernsey. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Mat ISih. The Show held this day in the Conservatory and the adjoining corridor was as good as its predecessors, and if we missed the lovely Koses which gave such a charm to the exhibition of a fortnight, ago, there were fresh gems of the floral world to take their place, m the Pelargoniums and Heaths, which constituted the principal subjects for the day, supplemented as usual by a large display of other plants. The weather was extremely favourable— very warm with bright sun- shine—and there was nothing to mar the enjoyment of the Show by the numerous company. Class 1 was for nine Show Pelargoniums. In this Mr. W ard, gar- dener to F. G. Wilkins, Esq., Leyton, was first with a magnificent plant of Mdlle. Patti 4 feet in diameter, Lilaciuum, Fairestof the Fair, Patroness, Conqueror, Empress Eugenie, Ariel, Exhibitor, and Eegina formosa, the whole of them beautifully bloomed specimens. Messrs. Dobson & Son, of Isleworth, were second with, among others, very fine specimens of Eose Celestial and Lilaciuum ; the rest, also in excellent bloom, being Desdemona, Constance, Leotard, Belle of the Ball, very showy ; Patroness, Favourite, and Policies. Class 2 was for six plants, and for amateurs only. Mr. Ward was again first with large specimens and very full of bloom. The hinds were Empress Eugenie, Pericles, Fair Rosamond, Mdlle. Patti, ex- tremely beautiful ; Desdemona, and Maid of Honour. The second prize went to Mr. Windsor, gardener to J. E. Eavenhill, Esq.,Leyton- stone, who had rather smaller specimens, but likewise in fine bloom, of Beacon, Desdemona, Caractacns, Patroness, Sir Colin Campbell, and Eose Celestial. The third prize was awarded to Mr. Weir, gar- dener to Mis. Hodgson, The Elms, Hampstead. Classes 3 and 4 were for the Fancy varieties. Those shown in the latter class by Mr. Windsor, gardener to J. E. Eavenhill, Esq., were literally masses of bloom, though measuring each about 4 feet in diameter, and all were equally good. The varieties were Mrs. Ford, Lady Craven, Madame Sainton Dolby, Godfrey Turner. Eoi des Fan- taisies, and Ellen Beck. To these the first prize was awarded, the second going to much smaller plants from Mr. Weir, and the third to Mr. James, gardener to W.F.Watson, Esq., Isleworth. InClass 3 there was one collection ; it name from Messrs. Dobson & Son, and received a second prize. Classes 5 and 6 were for six Zonal Pelargoniums from nurserymen and amateurs respectively. Among nurserymen Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laine, Stanttead'Park Nursery, were first with well-bloomed plants 3 feet in diameter of Sultan, Comet, and Countess of Strath- more, scarlet ; Ladies' Pet and Eose Stella, shades of rose colour ; and Duchess of Sutherland, magenta crimson. Messrs. Bell & Thorpe, Stratford-on-Avon, were second. Among the varieties in thiB collec- tion Sparkler was a very bright scarlet Nosegay. In the amateurs' class the best six came from Mr. Catlin, gardener to Mrs. Lermitte, East End, Finchley. These were trained on flat wire trellises, and measured 4i feet across. The varieties were Commander, Clipper, very brilliant; Tintoret, Leader, Oliver, and M. Eendatler. Mr. Weston, gardener to D. Martinean, Esq., Clapham Park, was second; Mr. Townsend, gardener to J. C. Mappin, Esq., Clapham Park, was third. These and all the other plants shown in this class were flat- trained on wire trellises* Double-flowered Pelargoniums were shown in Class 7. The best three specimens came from Messrs. Bell & Thorpe, and consisted of Gloire de Nancy, fine ; Hector, poor ; and Madame Lemoine, very fine rose. Messrs. Standish & Co. came second with Marie Lemoine, very fine, rose ; Wilhelm Pfitzer, fine scarlet ; and Merveillede Lor- raine. The third prize went to Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing. Class 8 was for Cape Pelargoniums, bnt there were none shown. Heaths were shown in Classes 9, 10, and 11, and shown, too, in ex- cellent bloom. The first prize in the amateurs' class for six went to Mr. Carr, gardener to P. L. Hinds, Esq., Byfleet Lodge. His speci- mens, though in large pots for their size, were in most beautiful bloom, especially ventricosa coccinea minor, which was, in fact, all flower ; mutabilis, and ventricosa grandiflora ; Victoria, elegans, and Cavendishii were also good. Mr. Ward, gardener to F. G. Wilkins, Esq., was second with fine specimens of Lindleyana, elegans, and eximia Buperba. Mr. Wheeler, gardener to Sir F. H. Goldsmid, Bart., M.P., who was third, had Spenceri in fine bloom ; and Mr. A. Wright had a beautiful plant of ventricosa coccinea minor, and tricolor Wil- Boni, not yet at its best. The best eight came from Mr. J. Ward, and included a large and fine plant of Cavendishii, Candolleai s, candidis- Bhna, ventricosa magnifica, tricolor Wilsoni, florida, and Fairrieana, all of which were large and in charming condition. Mr. Wheeler, gardener to J. Phillpotts, Esq., Stamford Hill, was second with beau- tiful plants of Spenceri, Victoria, and coccinea minor, together with other good specimens. Mr. Morse, Epsom, was third. Mr. Ward liki wise carried off the first honours for twelve, the brilliant west- phalingia, profusa, tricolor impressa, tricolor exquisita, and tricolor Wilsoni being conspicuous in an exceedingly well-bloomed collection. Mr. Wheeler, Stamford Hill, was second. Stove Ferns were shown in Classes 12 and 13, the first named class being for nurserymen, the second for amateurs. Among nurserymen Messrs. Bell & Thorpe were the only exhibitors, and took a first prize for a collection in which there were a fine Birds-nest Fern and Davallia pyxidata. In the amateurs' class, Mr. Wright, gardener to H. C. Boberts, Esq., Eegent's Park, was first, Mr. Carr second, and Mr. Wheeler, Regent's Park, third. Among these collections were very excellent specimens of the Adiantum farleyense, Cibotiums, Gleichenias, Lnmaiia gibba, and Platyceriuin alcicome. Numerous miscellaneous subjects were exhibited, and added much to the charm of the show. Messrs. Lee, of Hammersmith, had a croup for which an extra prize was awarded, and which included a splendid plant of Medinilla magnifica, Aphelexis, Cypripediums. ( Utichenia semivestita, very fine ; Cattleya citrina, Vanda tricolor, and numerous other plants. An extra prize was also awarded to Mr. Den- ning, gardener to Lord Londesborbugh, for a splendid collection of Orchids, of which a remarkably fine plant of Triehopilia crispa had a special certificate. Saccolabium gnttatum and prremorsum were re- markably fine, the former having four beautiful spikes. Vanda Box- burghi and Saccolabium ampullaceum were also fine. MessrB. Eollisson had also an extra prize for a fine collection of Palms, Heaths, Orchids, and other flowering and fine-foliaged plants ; likewise Mr. Williams, of Holloway, for a charming collection of a similar character. From Messrs. Veitch came a group in which were several fine Orchids, as Cypripedinm caudatum, and Tnckopiha crispa with about two dozen flowers, which had a special certificate ; Vanda Denisonite, and Epidendrum syringothyrsnm ; besides which there where Rhododendron Brookii, several varieties of Primula cor- tusoides, and other plants. From Messrs. F. & A. Smith, of Dulwichr came a group of Azaleas, and another of Calceolarias; while Messrs. Standish & Co. sent Bhododendrons, Struthioptcris japoniea, a pretty hardy Fern; and a large plant of Encharis amazonica. Mr. C. Noble, Bagshot, received an extra prize for a group of his splendid new C'ematises. Messrs. Carter & Co. sent baskets of Princess of Wales, Mrs. Dunnett, Sir E. Napier, and other tri- color Pelargoniums very neatly set up, also Echevena retusa glauca, edged with L'Elegante Ivy-leaved Pelargonium. Messrs. Bell and Thorpe had an extra prize for six Caladiums, Mr. James for Calceo- larias of a fine strain ; and from Mr. Turner, of Slough, came a fine stand of Tulips, Azaleas, Zonal Pelargoniums, and Auriculas. Bed- ding Pansies were contributed by Mr. E. Parker, of Tooting. Messrs. Bell & Thorpe sent Macbeth Tricolor Pelargonium, and Mr. Watson, Hammersmith, forcing Pink Alba mnltiflora, both of which had before received certificates. . Messrs. Lee contributed Adiantum capillus- Veneris magmbenm, bearing a great resemblance to A. farleyense, but succeeding well in a greenhouse ; also a large and beautiful specimen of Todea superba and several handsome Palms. Messrs. E. G. Henderson sent Bland- fordia nobihs, a box of Narcissus Bulbocodinm, and other plants wlncn were exhibited at the last show. Mr. W. Paul, of Waltham Cross, sent a very interesting collection of cut specimens of trees with orna- mental foliage, and some, such as Pyrus Mains toringo, beautiful when in flower. To have done justice to these would have required a special report, and we can only add they well deserved inspection. He sent, besides, his Eose Princess Christian and Pelargoniums, which have been noticed in previous reports. Several extra prizes were awarded besides those noticed, but the full list of these will bo found in our advertising columns, _ Special certificates were given by the Floral Committee to Mr. Denning, gar- dener to Lord Londesborough, and to Messrs. Veitch, for Trichopuia crispa ; to Mr. Noble for his group of Clematis ; and to Messrs. F. and A. Smith for their group of Azaleas and Calceolarias ; to Messrs. Carter for their group of Pelargoniums, etc. ; and to Mr lurner, ot Slough, for his collection of Tulips, also for the other plants shown ^though prizes were offered for collections of fruit, there was only one exhibitor of these, Mr. Miles, gardener to Lord Carnngton, Wy- combe Abbey, who had a first prize for Enville and Queen Pines, Black Hamburgh and Chaouch Grapes, two dishes of Cherries, two Melons, and Brown Isehia Figs, all excellent for the season. Fecit Committee.— Daniel Nash, Esq., in the chair. Mr. Thomas Eecord, Lillesden, Hawkhurst, sent two boxes of President Straw- berries, large and of good flavour. A special certificate was awarded to them. Mr. Merrett, gardener to Mrs. Whiting, Lavender Hill, sent a box of Keens' Seedling Strawberries also in exceUent CWc dition, tn which a special certificate was awarded. Mr. Wm. Gardiner, of Eatin»ton Park, sent a collection of Apples, consisting of btunner Pippin- French Crab, Beinette dn Canada, MCre de Menage, Royal Russet, Dumelow's Seedling, Rymer, and Hanwell Souring. A spe- cial certificate was awarded. Mr. Sage, gardener to Earl Brownlow, Ashridge, brought shoots and leaves of a Vine infested with the. at- tacks of an insect which forms its nidus in the tissue of the leaves. May 19, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 357 Wherever this is found to exist, the Vines should bo immediately destroyed. Mr. Beale, of Messrs. James Carter & Co., offered to take photographs of any remarkable exhibitions that wero submitted to the Committee, so as to serve as a standard by which to compare subse- quent exhibitions ; and the Committee unanimously passed a vote of thanks to Mr. Beale for his very liberal offer. Messrs. Standish & Co., of Ascot, exhibited three handsome bunches of Royal Ascot Grape. The bunches were very large, and finely coloured. He also exhibited three bunches of Muscat of Alexandria, and one beautiful dish of Sir Charles Napier Strawberries. To these a special certificate was awarded. Floral Committee. — Rev. J. Dix in the chair. There was not such a large array of novelties on this occasion as at some of the earlier meetings, but the certificates given were tolerably numerous. To Messrs. Veitch first-class certificates were awarded for Ficus deal- bata, with ample, stout, dark green foliage, with a greenish white mid- rib ; Khapis humilis, a dwarf Palm ; Oncospermum Van Houttei, a very graceful Palm ; Pritchardia pacifica, a noble-looking Palm with large fan-shaped leaves ; Cyanophyllum spoctandum with bold leaves, longer than those of C. magnificum, and very ornamental; and to Alnus glutinosa rubronerva with coppery olive leaves with a metallic lustre, and having red leafstalks. Alnus glutinosa aurea, a very pretty golden-ltaved variety, was also shown by Messrs. Veitch; like- wise Welfia regia, and several other Palms ; and a finely-bloomed specimen of Azalea Antoinette Thelman, a semi-double salmon-rose variety, with a flush of magenta in the upper petals. Mr. Turner, of Slough, had a first-class certificate for Azalea Roi de Hollande, a very fine salmon scarlet, much spotted with crimson in the upper petals. He likewise sent Miss Poole Rose, and Azalea Reine Mario Henriette, which had been exhibited at a previous meeting. Mr. B. S. Williams took a first-class certificate for a fine variety of Trichopilia crispa, called marginata, with the flowers edged with white. Mr. Williams also exhibited Miltonia festiva, very pale yellow, with a pale lilac lip streaked with brownish purple ; Clerodendron speciosum ; and Aralia peltata, a handsome-leaved plant. From Messrs. Paul & Son came Hydrangea stellata flore-pleno, with small but pretty, very double pink heads, and which was awarded a first-class certificate. Mr. Fairbairn, gardener to the Duke of Northumberland, Sion, sent a box of Pyrethruni Tchihatchewii, which has been recommended as a substitute for grass in dry situations, but it was not looked upon as at all comparable to grass for effect. A special certificate was given to Mr. Martin, gardener to L. P. Kennard, Esq., Harrow Weald, for a beautiful basket of cut flowers of the wax-like Hoya carnosa ; and the like award was also made to Messrs. E. G. Henderson, of the Wellington Nursery, for a group of fine varieties of Mimulus ; and to Mr. Green, gardener to W. Wilson Saunders, Esq., Hillfield, Reigate, for an interesting group of plants, the most remarkable of which was Elisena longipetala, a Peruvian bulbous plant, which will bo referred to hereafter. Mr. George, Putney Heath ; Messrs. Bell & Thorpe ; T. Laxton, Esq., Stamford, and Messrs. Veitch sent a number of seedling Tri- color and other Zonal Pelargoniums, several of which were promising. Messrs. Bell & Thorpe also sent seedling Petunias ; and from Mr. G. MacDougall, Balclutha, Greenock, came My Ain Pet, a white- variegated Pelargonium. To none of the above, however, was any award made. Mr. Rothenheim, Euston Road, London, exhibited patent blinds of a very neat appearance, but no particulars were given respecting them. General Meeting. — G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., in the chair. After the election of fourteen new Fellows, and the announcement of the awards, the Rev. M. J. Berkeley said that the Iris exhibited at the last meeting by Mr. Ware, and of which no one could discover the name, he had found very nearly corresponded with one figured in Kegel's " Gartenflora," and of which the rhizomes had been sent from the Caucasus to St. Petersburgh ; and although Mr. Ware had obtained it from Greece, it was in all probability the same as that figured by Regel. A cut flower of a Cactus Bhown appeared to be that of a seedling of Cactus triangularis ; and as to Mr. Wilson Saunders's collection, nothing could he more interesting than the plant belonging to the genus El9sina of Herbert, and which, Mr. Berkeley said, was very closely allied to Ismene Macleana, figured and described in the " Botanical Magazine," t. 3675. To show the estimation in which the plant was held, Mr. Berkeley read the follow- ing extract from the account of the Ismene in the work referred to : — " This is one of those plants so much celebrated by the Peruvians under the name of Amancaes. And so great a favourite is this flower with the people, that the plain at the foot of the mountains, where it grows, near Lima, bears the same name ; and one of the greatest festivals at Lima, called the 'Festival of the Amancaes,' is thus described :—* The Aman- caise is an annual festival, celebrated at Lima on the 24th of June ; it is Something similar to our May-Day; the occasion of it being the height of bloom at that time of a flower peculiar to Peru, called the Amancaise, to gather which, the citizens of every class, in the afternoon of the day, hasten, as a gala, to a spot in the vicinity of the city, deriving its name, as well as the festival itself, from the flower which grows more abundantly there than in any other place.' " The beautiful Epidendrum syringothyrsum, Vanda Denisonis, the Moulmein variety of Saccolabium ampullaceum, the plants of Tricho- pilia crispa from Messrs. Veitch and Lord Londesborough, and Mp. Williams's variety marginata, were then pointed out as well worthy of attention. With regard to the Pyrethruni with a name he would not attempt to pronounce, he could not think it would ever be so useful as the common Anthemis nobilis, which was delightfully fragrant when crushed under foot. The Golden Alder, the Golden Sycamore, of which there is a magnificent specimen at Chiswick, and the Golden Oak, it was remarked, would form a most beautiful group ; and the Hydrangea from Messrs. Paul was one of the most charming little gems he had seen. What appeared to be the flowers were not so, but part of abortive flowers, the true flowers being in the centre. Attention was next directed to two curious specimens of disease; ia the one the common red Lychnis had been attacked by a rust, which, commencing at the root, ascended the stem and affected the anthers only ; in the other, a plant of the common Goat's Beard had been attacked, but only as regards the receptacle. Various fungi were then instanced aB attacking a single part only of the plant, the bunt on Wheat being one, a curious fact in the economy of such fungi. A very destructive insect attacking the Vine and causing large blisters on the leaves was then referred to as far more formidable than even the Vine mildew, and though gas water had been recommended as a remedy, he thought it probable that what would kill the insect would also kill the plant. Whenever it mado its appearance he considered the best plan would be to stamp it out by burning all the Vines affected. In conclusion, Mr. Berkeley said he would again direct attention to the orchard house at Chiswick, and with the Chairman's permission, he would ask Dr. Hogg to make some remarks on it. Dr. Hogg said he was very glad Mr. Berkeley had called attention to the orchard house at Chiswick, for he (Dr. Hogg), did not know anywhere a better example of the successful management of these structures than the Society possessed in its own garden. The house was one of the largest that had been erected in this country, its dimensions being 120 feet by 30, thus giving ample scope for trees planted out and in pots. Other advantages of houses of that size were the greater amount of moisture raised by evaporation from the soil, whilst owing to the larger body of air enclosed there was not the same risk of frost as in a small house. Mr. Barron, to whom all the credit of its success was due, in order to limit the amount of watering this year, intended to allow the mulching used to protect the roots of the trees during the winter, to remain in summer to protect them from drought. He (Dr. Hogg) could not recollect ever seeing a house in which there was a larger amount of fruit than in that at Chiswick, and, notwithstanding the discussion which had taken place on the question of orchard houses, he did not know a moro valuable structure in a garden than a well-managed orchard house. The Chairman having remarked on the beautiful appearance the trees presented when in flower, closed the proceedings by announcing that the next two meetings would be held on the Sth aud 29th of June respectively. THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY AND PERMANENT INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. In accordance with a notice which appealed in our last issue, a meet- ing was held in the Council Room at South Kensington on the 13th inst., the Duke of Buccleuch, the President of the Royal Horticultural Socitty, being in the chair. The object was to consider the regulations to be adopted at the meetings and exhibitions of the Society in connec- tion with the Annual International Exhibitions of Selected Works of Art and Scientific Inventions, the first of which is to be held in 1871. The Chairman having stated the object of the meeting, Colonel Scott read the scheme, and said the points on which assistance was asked were — 1st, The bi-monthly shows. 2nd, The carrying out of the continuous shows. 3rd, The mode of judging. The question was asked, Whether it was intended to follow the schedule of the present year ? and the answer being in the affirmative, and it having also been sug- gested that the dates of holding the shows should be as nearly as possible those at which the flowers forming the main subject of thena were naturally in perfection, Dr. Hogg submitted that the regulations should be taken as read, a short pause being made between each to allow of suggestions being made. The whole of the rules relating to the shows were then passed almost without discussion, and so were those of the Fruit and Floral Committees, and the schedule of the present year was adopted as the basis of that of 1871. With regard to the permanent exhibitions, the Chairman having asked for remarks and suggestions, Mr. Wilson Saunders said the bi-monthly shows should be supplemented by permanent exhibitions, and the space over the arcades should bo filled by exhibitors who would have the right of selling plants not to be taken away till the next day, when they could be replaced. The awards for such exhi- bitions to be medals. Dr. Hogg asked whether these exhibitions were to be competitive — for instance, if two Rose-growers were to exhibit, was an award to be given to one for the best exhibition, or to both for highly meritorious exhibitions'? Colonel Scott thought that it would be impossible to have competitive exhibitions in conjunction with con- tinuous exhibitions, and after some remarks from the Chairman, the Bishop of Winchester, and Mr. Wilson Saunders, the subject dropped. The Chairman then asked whether it was the opinion of the meeting 358 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 19, 1870. that the permanent horticultural exhibitions should be supported, and it was carried unanimously that they shonld be. "With regard to the selection of the Judges. Mr. Standish thought they ought to bo taken from the Fruit and Floral Committees, and selected for the subjects with which they were best acquainted. Colonel Scott inquired if it was the feeling of the meeting that the Judge should be selected by nomination or by selection ? Mr. Paul said he was aware there was a feeling among exhibitors that they should nominate the Judges, but thonght it fair and sound that the Council should select them. Mr. Wilson Saunders said the subject was of great importance, but the feeling of the Council was, that if the exhi- bitors wiehed to appoint their own Judges they should do so ; if they wished the Council to select, the Council would do so. The Chairman then put the question if the nomination of the Judges should be left to the Council, and it was carried that it should be so. "With regard to the permanent exhibitions it was agreed that Col. Scott Bhould suggest certain rules, that the Council Bhould come to resolutions on the subject, and that these should be placed before a future meeting. Col. Scott remarked he had not had time to enter into details ; but with regard to the foreign department, which was to be kept separate from the English, the French Commissioners had asked for a certain space and undertaken to keep it. The names of these Commissioners are MM. Dronyn de Lhnys (President), Riviere (Secretary), Decaisne, Hardy, Leroy, Tissot, De St. Maria, Tisserant, and Vilmorin. Col. Scott further stated that it was the intention of the Council to appor- tion £1000 to the bi-monthly shows, £250 to the foreign exhibitors, and £250 to the permanent shows. It was then agreed, on the pro- posal of the President, that the further propositions the Council might make should be submitted to a subsequent meeting. THE EGERTON HUBBARD PRIZE ESSAYS. Prizes were lately offered by W. Egerton Hubbard, Esq., for the'best essays on cottage gardening and window gardening. That on the first- named subject to which the prize was given was written by Mr. E. W. Badger, of the Midland Counties Herald Office, Birmingham, and is entitled " Cottage Gardening." The essay on the other subject to which the prize was awarded, was written by Mr. H. Buttery, 1, Park Terrace, Cavendish Road, Clapham Park. It is quite sufficient praise of them to say that they well deserved the prizes, and that they are trustworthy guides. That by Mr. Buttery is very brief, but fuller details may be obtained from Mr. R. Fish's little book on the same subject, and bearing the same title — " Window Gardening." We will give a brief extract from each of the prize essays. The first is from " Cottage Gardening." " Trenching is thus performed : — From one end of the plot to be dug, take out a trench 20 inches wide and two spades deep, wheeling the earth to the other end of the plot. Mark off, with the spade and line, the whole of the ground into widths of 20 inches. Then com- mencing at the one nearest the trench already opened, till into it the surface soil, or ' top spits ' as they are called, of what is to be the second trench ; next, throw the bottom spits of No. 2 trench over the top spits placed in No. 1, in such a way as to form a sharply-pointed ridge, thus A. Fill up No. 2 with the soil from No. 3 in the same manner, and bo on to the end. Manure Bhould he dug in during this process, in greater or less quantities, according to the condition of the soil as to richness or poorness. " The object of trenching is to thoroughly loosen the soil to a depth of 20 inches or more, so that its particles may be well mixed together, to make the texture uniform throughout ; and to give the air free ad- mission to it, which will enrich the soil with a store of oxygen, &o. By mixing the less used subsoil with the exhausted surface soil (ex- hausted by the crops it has borne), trenching replenishes it and fits it for work again." Our next extract is from the essay on window gardening. "Position of plants with reference to light .-—Small, round, compact- headed plants, or any that it is desirable to keep in uniform shape, must be turned partly round daily, so as to expose all parts of the plant equally to the light ; but large permanent window plants, that are intended to form a screen or blind to the window, may be left always in the samo position, so as to form one good face. Plants standing in very sunny windows, especially if on the outer sills, will be much benefited in hot summer weather, by having placed in front of the pots a board to represent the face of a window- box ; this will keep the extreme heat of the sun from scorching the roots, and the plants will require less water, and will last longer in perfection. An actual box for the plants to stand in would be still better, filling in the spaces between the pots with moss, which may be kept moistened." For distribution, copies of the essays stitched together may be had in packets of twenty-five for 5s. Application for them to be made to J. Richards, Esq., Assistant Secretary, Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington. PORTRAITS OF PLANTS, FLOWERS, and FRUITS. Clavija MACROrnYLLA (Large-leaved Clavija). Nat. ord., Myrsinea;. Linn., Pentandria Monogynia. — Native of Brazil, near Rio. Noble cool etove piant. Flowers orange. — (Bot. Mag., t. 5829.) Stylophorcm japoniccsi (Japanese Stylophornm). Nat. ord., Papaveraceaa. Linn., Polyandria Monogynia, — " An elegant hardy perennial, closely allied to our Greater Celandine, but with flowers (yellow) twice as large." — (Ibid., t. 5830.) Narcissus bulbocodium var. honophylixs (Single-leaved Hoop-petticoat Narcissus.) Nat. ord., Amaryllidacen:. Linn,, Hexandria Monogynia. — " A very elegant little plant," native of Algiers. Flowers white, tinged with lemon.— {Ibid., t. 5831.) RnYNCHOTECHUM eixipticcm (Elliptic-leaved Rhynchote- chum). Nat. ord., Cyrtandracere. Linn., Didynamia Angio- spermia. — Native of Sylhet, in Eastern Bengal. Probably biennial. Flowers bright pink.— {Hid., t. £832.) Or.iHOsirnoN stamineus (Long-stamened Orthoeiphon). Nat. ord., Labiatm. Linn., Didynamia Gymnospermia. — Native of Assam, Eastern Archipelago, and North-east Australia, Resembles a Clerodendron in its inflorescence. Flowers bluish- lilac— (Ibid., 5833.) { Yanda c.erulescens (Pale-blue Yanda). Nat. ord., Orchid- aceas. Linn., Gynandria Monandria. — Native of Burmah. Flowers pale blue, lip purple.— {Ibid., t. 583-t.) Acacia Riceana (Mr. Spring-Rice's Acacia). Nat. ord., Le- guminosje. Linn., Polygamia Moncecia. — " By far the most beautiful (greenhouse) Acacia of Tasmania." It has long pen- dent branches clothed with golden flowers. — (Ibid., t. 5835.) Arenaria purpukascens (Purple Alpine Sandwort). Nat, ord., Caryopbyllaceaa. Linn., Decandria Monogynia. — Native of the Pyrenees. Flowers white, ovary and stamens crimson. — (Ibid., t. 5836.) Grevillea Preissii (Preiss's Grevillea). Nat. ord., Proteacere. Linn., Tet.andria Monogynia. — "AmoDg the many beautiful hardwooded plants of Western Australia, none exceeds this in elegance of foliage, or sparkling colour of flowers." Flowers greenish yellow and crimson. — (Ibid., t. 5837.) Cyclonema myricoides (Myriea-like Cyclonema). Nat. ord , Verbenacf.-e. Linn., Didynamia Angiospermia. — Native of tropical and sub-tropical Africa. A shrub ; flowers pink, white, and blue.— (Ibid., t. 5S38.) Hernandia mcerenhoutiana (Tahitian Hernandia). Nat. ord., Hernandiacea?. Linn., Moncecia Triandria. — Native of the Pacific Islands. Flowers buff.— (76 id. , (. 5839.) New Yarieties of Fcchsia. — "It is quite evident that the well-directed efforts of E. Banks, EEq., in the raising of new varieties of Fuohsia have been crowned with the most complete success, and that he is now far ahead of all rivals in this par- ticular field. The improvements which Mr. Banks has been carrying on step by step for nearly thirty years have culmi- nated, so far as the public are permitted to share with him, in Splendour. We use the foregoing qualification, because it is, as we learn, an axiom with this grower never to part with any new variety until he has obtained a better one of the same type. The dark-coloured varieties we now notice are novelties from Mr. Banks's collection, andin the hands of Mr. Cannellfor dis- tribution, while the double white is a portrait of one of Mr. G. Smith's new varieties. " John McElroy is considered to be a grand improvement on such sorts as Lord Derby and Lord Elcho. The sepals are broad, thick, and well reflexed, and the very long barrel-shaped corolla is of large size, and of an intense violet, occasionally striped. Splendour has the largest, intense dark purple corolla of any variety yet sent out. In some blossoms which we measured iu the autumn of last year the diameter of the ex- panded corolla was fully 3 inches. It haB a bright scarlet tube, with sepals of the same colour, reflexing to form a perfect crown, and of great substance, while the plant is a strong bushy grower, and a free bloomer. John Bright is an improvement on Beauty of Sholden ; the reflex of the fine, stout scarlet sepals is perfeot, while the mauve-tinted, cup-shaped corolla is the most regular and perfect of any variety of that colour. Ava- lanche is certainly one of the finest double whites which have yet been produced. It ccmes from Mr. G. Smith's collection, and, as shown by him, was of excellent free-blooming habit, with very large and very full blossoms, the sepals being of a somewhat rosy tint of scarlet, and the corolla large, dense, regularly formed, and of the purest white. No finer Fuchsias than these, in their respective sections, need be desired." — (Florist and Pomoloaist, 3 s., iii., 73.) TILLANDSIA LINDEKIANA. This is one of the most beautiful Bromeliads ever introduced to European gardens, and of which ours, or any woodcut must May 19, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 359 fail to give an adequate idea. It was exhibited before the Floral Committee at the gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society a fortnight since, and deservedly received a first-class certificate. That plant, which is the subject of our illustration, was grown and exhibited by Mr. B. S. Williams, of the Victoria Nursery, Upper Holloway, and is the first of its kind that has flowered in this country. The leaves are from 12 to 18 inches in length, and about 1 inch in breadth, tapering upwards, and ending in a fine point. They are dense, sheathiDg at the base, arranged in a rosulate manner and recurved, channelled above and light green, be- neath tinged with rose, and streaked with fine longitudinal lines of reddish-brown. The scape rises from the centre of the plant, and attains a height of 18 or 20 inches, the upper portion broadly ovate, which is oansed by its being clothed with long distichous imbricating bracts, which are light green, more or less suffused with rosy-pink. The flowers, which are round and of good substance, are produced from between the braots, measuring nearly 3 inches in diameter, the colour is rich blue, the centre being pure white. The flowers of this elegant plant are very attractive, and are specially valuable on account of its colour being so rare amongst stove plants. Tillandsia Lindeniana is a plant easily cultivated, and may be grown either in a pot or basket, But when in pots it can be used for the decoration of the dinner-table, for which it is eminently adapted. The pots must be somewhat small, and well drained. The soil should be composed of two parts of rough peat, one part of loam, and one of sand. This plant, like many other Bromeliads which have broad sheathing leaves, is adapted by nature to retain water, and the water should be poured into these receptacles and not emptied out, as is too frequently done in the cultivation of this class of plants. It is a Dative of Huancabamba, in Pern, where it grows upon the branches of the forest trees. It has been called in some Con- tinental gardens Tillandsia cyanea and Vriesia Lindeniana. In addition to the Tillandsia Lindeniana, there are now at Mr. Williams's nursery the Cochliostema Jacobianum and many other new plants, and a most extensive collection of young Palms. Azaleas are also opening splendidly, and the Orchids are making a fine show. THE ARCHIMEDEAN MOWING MACHINE. Like " Aechambadd," I have nothing to gain by speaking in I kinds of machinery, &c, are being constantly sent out to the favour of the Archimedean lawn mower. Improvements in all | public, but few are so advantageous as this mower ; it is easily 360 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 19, 1870. worked both on croquet ground and sloping banks, some of the latter here are almost perpendicular. A email machine has been in use with us from the commencement of the mowing season. I felt uneasy at first as to the extra labour of sweeping, but my mind was soon at rest, for after doing its work admirably in a heavy dew, the sun had destroyed all trace of the cut grass before midday. As the machine is but a small one, it is only used where the tedious scythe was formerly employed, but the men have an idea that one could do all the mowing'in less time than a man and pony, with a boy to lead, can do it with an- other machine of double its size. After the recent rain we may expect the grass to grow much faster than of late, other work will require attention, and, if at all pushed, I intend try- ing its powers in what I term the double length.— G. R. Bakef, Gardener, Caterham Court, Surrey. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. Messes. Baku & Sugden, of King Street, Covent Garden, have sent us a number of cut flowers of various kinds of Narcissus, many of them very showy, and others delightfully fragrant. There is much doubt as to what constitute species, what mere varieties in this genus, it being, in fact, in a state of confusion. Among the forms most noteworthy of those received from Messrs. Barr & Sugden were the Hoop Petticoat, Sulphur Plitenix, Orange Phoenix, Narcissus biflorus, N. in- comparabilis albus flore-pleno, that called N. Ajax albicans, and there were several well-known kinds, as the Jonquils, Daffodils, and Narcissus poeticus. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. During showery weather, which we are now likely to experi- ence, it is difficult to keep down effectually the seedling weeds; . no sooner does the bright sunshine tempt one to cut them up than frequently down pours a shower, and starts many of the tenacious-living things into renewed activity. To remedy this, it is an excellent plan, after hoeing through such crops as Carrots, Onions, and Parsnips, to choose a fine bright morning a day or two afterwards, and to go over the whole with a long- toothed iron rake. This disturbance will generally kill the weeds, and is, moreover, of great benefit to the crops by throw- ing the surface open to receive the full benefit of atmospheric influences. Recent plantations of Asparagus and Sea-kale must be kept moist. A slight coating of rotten leaves over the bed will be beneficial to them. Prick out Celery, and keep it well watered. Keep the seed-beds of Cauliflowers and Winter Greens free from weeds, and let the youngplauts be thinned and trans- planted if too thick. Kesp the ground loose and open about young plants. Sow Dwarf Kidney Beans and Scarlet Runners for succession, and transplant those which have been forwarded, if not already done. Sow, also, Jerusalem Kale and the old English Colewort, both very useful for planting after Potatoes. Prick out Cape Broccoli and late Cauliflowers. Make another sowing of Miller's Dwarf White Russian Broccoli ; this will come into bearing at the end of April and the beginning of May. Keep all seedling crops well dusted with quicklime. Let ridge Cucumbers be planted without delay, and shade for a few days. At the same time a few lights may be sown with seeds of Vegetable Marrows and Cucumbers for succession, and for Gherkins. For the latter purpose on warm soils seeds sown in the open border will suffice, but on colder soils it is better to forward plants in pots, and have a sloping bank thrown up facing the south ; plant them near the top and train the stems downwards, stopping them occasionally. Keep up successions of Spinach. Saw another good breadth of Turnips, and thin- out those advancing. Endeavour to keep them in a healthy quiok-growing state, which is one of the best preventives against the early-sown ones running to seed. FRUIT GARDEN. Peach and Nectarine trees affected with the green fly and curled or blistered leaves, should he well syringed with strong lime water from a garden engine, or for the same purpose a good wash may be made by boiling in water 2 lbs. of tobacco, 2 lbs. of soft soap, and 2 lbs. of sulphur ; boil for one hour and strain through a fine sieve, then add sufficient water to make in all twenty gallons, and sprinkle the trees with this in the evening after the sun is off them. 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 among superfluous shoots. Give the Strawberry beds a final stirring, and have some material at hand for laying about them to prevent tho fruit from getting dirty. Straight wheat straw is often used. Keep a number of figure- 4 traps constantly set about the beds, as there are no greater destroyers of Straw- berries than mice. FLOWER GARDEN. Examine recently-transplanted trees and shrubs frequently, to see that they are progressing favourably. Give a liberal soaking of water where necessary, and stir and mulch the sur- face afterwards. Half-hardy plants now being consigned to their summer places after many months' shelter under glass, and much attention and care, must be duly attended to with water until they lay hold of the soil, and with the present favourable weather and proper attention, they will speedily cover the bed, and will repay all the trouble that has been be- stowed upon them ; but every effort must be UBed to prevent their sustaining any check, for if allowed to full into an un- healthy state at present, there will be great difficulty in induc- ing free growth without much loss of time. Spare hand-glasses will now be used for the propagation of favourite spring-bloom- ing plants — as Pansies, Phloxes, &e. These do best in a shady border. Let what beds yet remain to be filled be prepared with as much expedition as possible for the reception of their summer occupants. All annuals should be thinned out as soon as they are well above ground, for if left to grow too thickly they will spoil one another, and never make half the display plants do that are allowed plenty of space, and which are grown Btrongly from the first. Let the rising shoots of gross herbaceous plants be thinned cut where crowded. Many of these decay prematurely in dry summers through the ex- haustion caused by the plants being overgrown. Thinning Dahlias should be finished. Masses of American plants under or near large trees should have a top-dressing of some kind to keep them cool, and to compensate for the exhaustion oc- casioned by the roots of the trees. A coating of bog earth or half-rotten leaves will be suitable. Conservative walls, trellises, or ornamental arcades should have close attention at this period. The roller and soythe, or mowing machine, will be in frequent request, and much labour is involved in these operations if properly carried out. See that edgings hitherto neglected are put in order for the summer ; do not, however, cut beyond the original boundary, and keep the walks filled with gravel. Let the roller be passed frequently along the edges in order to level down to the walk ; this takes away the harshness of the outline. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Where circumstances admit of it, plants that have been grown in a warm, moist atmosphere, should be removed to an intermediate house about a fortnight previous to their being taken to the conservatory, and gradually inured to a free cir- culation of air. By attention to this, and placing the plants in the warmest corners, Clerodendrons, AUamandas, Achimenes, &c, will continue growing slowly, and bloom for some three months, whereas if this is neglected their beauty may be very short-lived. Aim at maintaining an even temperature in the conservatory after removing to it plants which have been grown in the stove, and avoid allowing the atmosphere to be- come very dry on bright warm 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. Go over the house every morning, and remove decaying flowers and leaves as they make their appearance. Young Btock in pits and frames will soon be making rapid growth, and must be carefully attended to as to watering, stopping, training, &c. Examine Heaths frequently for mildew, and apply sulphur the moment it is ob- served, some of the soft-leaved varieties being very liable to be attacked by that pest at this season. If the permanent occu- pant? of the beds, and the twiners, however, are such as re- quire a free circulation of air, the house must not be kept so close as to injure them, but when Passion-flowers, Ipomseas, Mandevillas, Tecomas, Bignonias, iSrc, are grown for covering the roof, and Orange trees and other things that enjoy a fair amount of warmth and moisture while making their wood, occupy the beds, the hardier stove plants will form the most suitable decoration for the next three months. Go over twiners frequently, and regulate their growth before the shoots beoome entangled, but avoid keeping them tied too closely, for they are never seen to advantage unless they are allowed to hang in a natural and graceful manner. STOVE. Sustain the humidity of the house, at the same time permit adequate ventilation. Climbers must be attended to frequently, . JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND C0TTAG2 GARDENER. 361 Aehimenes grown in large seed pans produce a fair effect. Shift frequently those plants required for autumn blooming. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GAEDEN. Until the 12!h wo had sharp frost every night, and very changeable days. Owing to the dryness few plants suffered, but growth was at a standstill. Since then we have had some genial showers — on one eight some hours' rain, and most fortunately no frosts with or after it, so that everything looks if freshed. Of course we use the word fortunately in its common ac- ceptation, it being clearly understood all the time that these matters are regulated by an AU-wise Providence. There is much beyond our control — we cannot command the wind or the rain, but still as respects the warmth end the moisture of a district, and the command of water stored up in solitary cases, much is left to man's energy and forethought. Trees not only afford shelter, but they attract moisture, In a clear morning ■we have seen as much c-ndensed moisture from three large ! Beech trees as would soon fill a moderate-sized tank. It has ! been wisely as well as benevolently arranged, that a healthy and a happy existence for man depends on thinking and working. I SFaisture for Seeds. — Where ground is scarce much will | depend on succession cropping, so as to have a regular supply I without a glut now and a scarcity afterwords. We have no faith in tiring people of any one thing, nor in haviDg anything in such abundance as to make it appear to be of no value. We never recollect seeds remaining so long in the ground with- out appearing above it, and this made us a little anxious about regular successions of Peas, Beans, and other vegetables. It is seldom that such crops want artificial watering in the early part of the season, there being generally enough of moiBture in the soil to serve all the purposes of germination and early growth. The coldness of the soil and the dry air were the I chief drawbacks. We thought several times of watering on a dull day, but then to do any good we must have moistened ; deeper than the seeds, and in such frosty nights, and yet sunny days, the soil would be made colder than before. The rain, with a cloudy sky and a rising thermometer, saved us all anxiety ■ in the matter. Lately we have several times alluded to the j failure of seeds in beds, pots, " soi;t»» about half an inch below the rim, but keep the plant well up m the centre of the pot. Cover the surface with charcoal in pieces such *» were °sed for potting, or with pieces of sandstone. Continue the plants n the frame until the weather becomes wet aud frosty in autumn ^i^L °nd them to a shelf in an airy greenhouse. Keep them near the glas», ana water carefully, but not until the soil becomes dry, aud then g.vo enough 3G4 JOUKNAL OF HOETICULTCKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. [ May 19, 1970. 3 will damp t that each the finger watertoshow itself at the drainage. It ought to be given before the foliage flags. Mr. Keane'B " In-door Gardening" contains instructions for plant cultivation ; itinay be bad post free from our utfi.ee for twen.y stamps. Red-leading Peas IQ. We can only say that the same heat that would suit the Melon would not suit tuo Str; berries, unless just when the fruit was swelling and ripening, then, as ripening comes on, extra care must be gi vent the fruit damping and rotting. Three time; had arow of Strav.br rrv plants at the buck of a Cucumber pit heated by hot water, and we thus gained time, as they swelled fast, and, fully ex- posed to light, were firm and well coloured; but evei with the help o» a little air at night we lost twontv or thirty fine fruit in five lights, m each of the three lots, from damping. The pit was boated by hot water. In the moist atmosphere of a Melon bed, heated by dung, we should have ex- pected more to damp as they ripened, unless tho atmosphere was kept dry by hot linings against the wooden frame. Tho berries were set and swelling before the plants were removed to the pit. To have taken plants there at once, or into the heat of a Melon frame, or even when they Showing bloom, or in bloom, would only be labour thrown away, flowers would not set in such a warm, close, moist atmosphc-= only plans to combine the two— Strawberries and Melons, above, to take the plants to the pit after the fruit means of air, a comparatively low temperature s« The The Id be, as to keep, by the frame until the Strawberries were set, and then introduce the Melons. The difficulty of treating the Strawberry in dung-hotbed fashion, except in such cases those referred to at page 343, is, except in a very n the plants so far dislike bottom beat— that is, plant the pots, that even if the root: oderate degree, U-established in suffer, but the reverse, there is a danger of too much strength being thrown into the foliage, and too little into the flower trusses. In dull weather in April it would require care to keep the bloom airy and dry enough to set well. With a frame appro- priated to Strawberries alone, and to bring them in by the 1st of May, the beBt plan would be to have a mild sweet hotbed mside covered with dry asheB, and on these to Bet tiles or boaids for tho plants— say in the first week of March— keeping the hot inside at from 4; t > 50 , and raising it gradually to 55°, and never highor, but rathei lower, at night until the flowers open and set, with a rise of from 10 to 153 in sunshine, with air early given. A lining may be banked up against the frames to keep the atmosphere drier and warmer, and with air it will assist first the sotting and then the swelling. Without some artificial heat, unless in excep- tionally warm seasons, a mere glass frame will not enable you to gather ripe Strawberries on the 1st of May. We have at present in the front of an orchard house a fine-looking row of strawberry pi. nts in pots stand- ing on the ground, the flower-Btalks tall and strong, the blooms large, and just beginning to set, and we hope freely ; but thev will not do so without air in front to pass over them, and if we had kept such plants in an unbeated frame they would not have been much more forward. We may not have bit exactly on what you want, but these remarks will meet the case of several other inquirers. Many aro disappointed because m their unheatcd orchard houses, glass cases, and frames they do not get snch things as Strawberries more forward. All such structures without artificial heat should be looked upon rather as protectors than as for- warders, though there will bo considerable forwarding, too, m a bright spring and summer, and when the plants have arrived at that state that we can safely shut in a good amount of sun heat. With mere glaES it is hardly possible to gain more than two or three weeks by the middle of May. In dull, sunless weather tho gain will bo much less. As the sum- mer goes on the gain in time becomes much greater ; in fact, an orchard house and a frame can be so managed as considerably to accelerate and considerably to retard what is grown underneath them. If we could command a nice Plum house, and Plums were not wanted early, we should like to treat them so as to bring them on when all the stone fruit out of doors were gathered. Pinks and Pkrpetual Carnations in a Melon Frame (Idem).— To have their flowers in winter and spring much the same remarks apply as to the Strawberries. They will not succeed with much bottom heat, and in dull weather they are apt to suffer from damp when in bloom. With plants potted now, and well grown all tho summer, so as to be early ripened and rested, many in a frame without artificial heat would show bloom early, as the white and rose dwarf Pinks, Anne Boleyn Pink, and brown, scarlet, and pink Cloves. We have had perpetual Carnations succeeding tolerably well in a cool house in winter. Most of the tribe may be rendered winter flowering by growing them well in summer and preventing blooming at that season ; they will show bloom late in autumn, when they can be placed under protection for winter gathering. This is a better plan than forcing. Perpetual Carnations bloom well in the same way, and the heat of a common greenhouse will cause the flowers to expand without damping. In a frame with little or no heat inside, the flowers would open all the better with a lining round the outside to keep the wood dry and warm. Very dry ashes inside, and careful watering, would also help ; but for forcing those, after merely starting them :- ■ For the best half dozen perpetusla, to suit your purpose, you could not do better than rely on the judgment of those gentlemen who advertise in our pages. Stone Fruit in Scotland (H. F. C.).-It is quite true tli at the largo crops of Poaches, &c, which vou bad at Tours were promoted by tho ca!- oareoul formation of the soil; and it is also probably true that your young Peach trees in England were benefited by the application of gypsum, hut climate has a still greater influence. Chalk or lime applied to tho soil might influence the success of Peach trees in your Scottish garden, but to have fruit from them without a glazed protection is hopeless. Primrose-coloured Rose (H. .(. B.).— Most probably the Rose yon inquire about is Rosa snlphnrea o lerata, sometimes known by the name of Crystalline, and which is seldom found now. It is one of the original Tea Roes, very sweet-scented, long and full in tho petal, and beautiful in the tud, but rather loose in the petals when fully expanded. It is the parent, we believe, of many Tea Roses, and deserves a more extended cultivation ; though, as it is very tender, it requires the protection of a wall. When planted out in a cool conservatory it is still one of the most beautiful cliaibers we know, and the scent is more decidedly a true tea scent than that of anv other Ruse with which we are acquainted. Ids petals are long and shell-shaped ; colour, primrose fading to light prim- rose ; wood rambling and long-jointed, but it is a very profuse bloomer. Pelargonium Leaves Withering (Unwise),— We think the cause oi the leaves withering is the plants not being in a very healthy state when potted, and that they have been watered too much afterwards; con- sequents tho routs have decayed, or it may he that the plants hive been kept very dry, and then the p ttiing, w to subsequent heavy watering, has caused the roots to decay. We cannot account for it in any other way. The little round pods on the stem of iho Hyacmtn are seed- vessels, which vou can leave en tho plant until ripe, and then sow tucm -that is, if yo'u wish to raise plants. It will not injure the »ulb to let the seed ripen, and we fear that neither the bulb nor the offset will be of much value to you for anvthing but out-door planting. The bulbs are of no use tho second year for pots or glasses. They ought not to be taken up until the leaves turn yellow. Pelargonium fernrrfolia odorata (Peach Bine).— We never before heard oi such a variety, and as it is named in defiance of all Latmny, and tho description coincides with that of some of the old Cape scented- leaved species, we should not purchase it. Rhododendrons not Thriving (Mrs. O'Conor B— .).— We think the CUUBO of the Rhododendrons nut tl riving in the bog is want ..-. drainage, and deficiency of silicious matter. Your only remedy will be to drain the bog and to those in the pleasure ground we would add sand liberally. Allow the plants plenty of room. This may cause them to grow mora stiff and sot bloom buds. Though Rhododendrons delight in moisture, or soil that is retentive of water, they do not thrivo well with water resting in the subsoil. Aphelexis Propagation (Kent).— Take cuttings of the side shoots- the small are best— when they are firm or ripe, but not hard, smooth below a joint, and insi-rt th-in round tht with creeks, then to within an inch of the rim — — » ™ — *i * -'- ~«" ~* I."'" °'ze, and nil _. Pare them dos of a pot half filled h of the rim with fine sandy peat, and to the rim with silver sand. Place tho pot in one of larger size, and fill the interval between the sides of tho two with crocks to within an the rim, and tho top may be of silver t level. Cover with a bell-glass resting place in a house a few degri about six , gradually harden off, and ._. The rims of both should be >n the sn,nd between the pots, and er than th it whonco the cuttings were empted with choice food, and it is no cruelty when they seem inolined to be dainty to withhold one, or it may be two meals. Bich people's fowls more often suffer from plethora than hunger. Bich people's pets are more to be pitied than the celebrated costermonger's donkey. The poor siuging bird — Goldfinch, Bullfinch, or Canary — that would have all Nature required if it were supplied with a little groundsel, chickweed, and in the autumn plantain, maw, rape, or turnip seed, is tempted with sponge cake, sugar, and biscuit. An unnatural state of body ensues, the bird is burnt up with fever, and the effort to moult is a fatal disorder. The lap-dog, of whatever breed it may be, is pampered till it will not eat chicken without butter, or lamb without gravy. It was sprightly once, but now a fat wheezing object of pity. It lies on itB crimson velvet cushion, and only languidly raises its head when called by name. We will give the history of the cure of such an animal. As our lively friends on the opposite side of the Channel would say, the dog belonged to Madame X. It was pampered till it was a nuisance, and worse than useless. At last the mistress took it to the celebrated M. Y , and after embracing it tenderly suffered her servant to carry it into the shop, and to leave it. " We will not ask Jean Jacques Rousseau If dogs confabulate or no," but we know that the aristocratic animal looked around it with contempt, and then with anger. At last it ventured on the ghost of a bark. This effort called another dog from an inner shop. The new corner took stock of the pet, and laughed, if a dog can laugh. It then stood on its hind legs, with its fore paws extended, and its muzzle on the ground be- tween them. Then it took a run round the shop, and came with the force of a catapult against the pet, rolling it as far as the premises permitted. This was too much, and with a piteous howl our "aristo" took refuge among some lumber. He was removed thence to a small loft, where he was tied up with a common chain and collar, provided with a moderate portion of straw to serve for a bed, and a willow pattern soup plate full of water. This misery overcame him quite, and he howled loud and long, but it brought none of his usual at- tendants. A short man armed with a whip asked what that noise was for, and as pet ventured to repeat a little, he made acquaintance with the whip, and was glad to shelter himself in the straw. Two days without food, he was so hungry, and already so altered, that when the man came with something in his hand he really jumped for joy. He was starved for a fort- night, and then properly fed for a week. At the end of that time Madame X. called for him, he was let loose, and at once bounded into the carriage to his mistress's delight. The secret of the cure was given to her, and she was wise enough to follow it. "Jones," says the owner of some of the finest fowls ever seen, pointing to a number of them that are squatting about, some under a hayrick, others under a granary, and some in the grass, all drowsy — " Jones, these birds do not feed, here lies best part of the food I gave yesterday. What is it ? They want change. What have they had lately?" "Ground oats, barleymeal, whole corn, and Indian corn." " What else can we give them?" "Well, Sir, I was thinking it is a dry time, and there is very little animal food ; I think a little raw meat." And they have it, and then there are complaints they don't lay, and then some die on the nests, and the birds all do badly. To be sure they do, how can it be otherwise ? They are over-fed and over-fat. It is said the cure for gout is to live on £1 per week, and earn it, and we are quite sure the secret of health for fowls is to be hungry enough to seek food. Guildfobd Summer Poultry Show.— The prizes at thia are good, and there are in addition eleven pieces of plate JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Jljy 19. 1S70. given by private subscriptions. Pigeons and Rabbits are in- cluded. BROWN RED GAME BANTAMS. On opening my Journal of the 12th inst., I was glad to see that my old opponent " Gallus," has now become a supporter of Game Bintanu, and I can cordially endorse his remarks, that it is high time a separate class for Brown Reds were formed. I have for years bred them, but have only exhibited them on a few occasions, and although successfully, I have re- frained from exhibiting them regularly, owing to there being no special class for them. I am of opinion, that Game Bantams are now bred so numerously, and of such good quality, that they should have as many classes as Hamburghs and others, and I think their acknowledged position demands it. I cannot, however, agree with " Gallus," in his opinion, that they should be clashed with Duckwings and Piles. I think that where the standing of the show will not allow a separate class for them, the Brown Reds should be classed with the Black Reds, although I am a breeder of all kinds of Game Bantams and Game. No doubt my views, as well as those of " Gallus," will be opposed, but I would remind such opponents that I had to write through this Journal twelve or fourteen years ago, to demonstrate the fact that it waB high time there were separate classes for Game Bantams. My ideas at that time were scouted as impracticable, but of their correctness we have now ample proof, and I am sanguine that if a separate class for Brown Rels be formed it will prove equally successful. I am simply adding my testimony in the favour of the ideas of " Gallus," in the interest of poultry exhibitors and committees generally, as I have just cause to look back on my career as a Black Red Game Bantam breeder and exhibitor with pride and satisfaction. This, I remark, in no egotistical spirit, as a class for Brown Reds will be of no pecuniary ad- vantage to myself. — John Crosland, jun. GAME FOWLS. Game fowls are, for the most part, tolerably well judged, but occasionally we see prizes given to birds whose exterior is at once both ugly and coarse. No doubt some of excessively large size have rather an attractive and imposing appearance so long as they remain stationary in a pen, but when they have an unlimited run you will often find them both inactive and listless, frequently lying down, their great weight and inor- dinate length of leg incapacitating them from displaying that active and restless spirit so natural to a bird of great purity. We do not want a Game fowl to have the proportions of a Brahma or a Cochin, but to be possessed of all the neatness and royal beauty characteristic of this bird when not contaminated by injudicious crosses. It is not a very pleasing eight to Bee the judges in handling Game fowls, have to hug them in their arms, the great weight and unseemly proportions of the birds alto- gether preventing a more scientific and less ridiculous manner of handling. Some bleeders have an inordinate passion to obtain great size, but I think this quite a mistake, as we often find the future progeny full of imperfections, such as crooked and deformed backs aDd breasts, with less spirit and slower movements. The young broods are also more difficult to rear, with feebler con- stitutions and great tendency to cramp and leg weakness. I once heard a judge say, that the first glance was sufficient for him to decide upon the merits of a pen ; but I should doubt this, as we know too well that some birds have a very striking ap- pearance at first sight, but on closer scrutiny their points do not improve; whereas in others it will be found on closer acquaint- ance that the desired excellence improves under inspection. I do not think it possible for any judge, however competent, to form an accurate opinion of a Game cock's merits without handling. Good condition, free from natural defects, soundness of feather and constitution, are important points. Sometimes we see prizes go to birds that are suffering from an impaired constitution owing to being too often exhibited ; this I consider a great defect, indeed, far more objectionable than a few stray red feathers in the breast of a cock or the wing of a hen, or even a slightly defective comb. In the first place it is cruelty to exhibit birds whose pale and sickly faces, drooping tails (dry and open feathered), and spiritless condition are evident signs of failing health. Secondly, they are not fit to use for breed- ing purposes, nor are they fit for a less legitimate use ; indeed, no cocker would admit birds so ailing to his feeding pens. I have heard, but never saw it, of exhibitors giving their birds a slight sponge bath a short time previous to the judges making their awards ; for the purpose, I should suppose, of causing a temporary renovation of their failing energies, and also to re- duce the dry and open appearance of the feathers. I have often thought that the judgment at all poultry shows ought to be fairly and honestly criticised. Judges are, as I may say, public property, and ought not to shrink from seeing their arbitrations justly animadverted upon. We have a few gentle- men of taste who attend the principal part of our Ehows, who are fully competent to do this, and whose comments would be honest and free from the slightest prejudice.— Yolkshibe. PACKING EGGS FOR TRAVELLING. I bad a sitting of eggs this season from the R^v. J. Ellis, Bracknell, Berks, in number thirteen ; each egg was wrapped in paper, single-folded, then packed in moss and hay, in a frail hamper, sent by railway from Bracknell to Milnthorpe, near Kendal, and they were brought from Milnthorpe Station to Old Hall, a matter of three miles, in a heavy cart, jolting en a rough road the whole way, but certainly by mistake. When I received them one egg was broken ; I placed the others under a hen, and eight strong chickens were hatched; other two eggs had chicks in them, but they had apparently been dead about a week. I quite believe freBh eggs can be sent any distance with tolerable good packing, with like success. — Jas. Glessall, Old Hall, Alilnthorpe. WHITE COCHINS AT THE GUILDFORD POULTRY SHOW. As we know from the letter of Mr. Pares, in the number of May 5th, there is to be a poultry show at Guildford, in July next, open to all England. This must be a matter of con- gratulation to us all, and it is to be hoped that all ccunties will muster well. Most of the varieties have cups. Mr. Pares is getting up a cup for the Game classes, as he told us in his letter. I am canvassing for a cup for White Cochins. Will breeders of this variety come to my aid, and assist me ? I shall insert a list of all contributions in the pageB of this paper, and I trust many will support me, and send in their subscriptions to me for this cup, which will be " for the best pen of White Cochins in the show." — Reginald S. S. Woodgaie, Pembury Vicarage, Tonbridge Wells, Kent. THE POULTRY FANCY IN AMERICA. In common, no donbt, witli some other of your reader?, I have re- ceived the first nnmber of the Poultry Bulletin, just started by the New York State Poultry Society, as the organ of the poultry and other kindred " fancies," aud which is to be issued monthly. I have read it with much interest of course, and as it has, besides, yielded me a great deal of pleasure, and some amusement also in noticing how strongly the American national character oomes out therein, I have thought a few remarks on it may not be amiss before resuming more serious business. This new periodical is only one of many signs that the poultry fancy in America bos sprung again into vigorous vitality. Each season, for at least three years past, has brought me fresh personal evidence of this fact, and my impression is that ere long, without one particle of " mania" or any sign of " hen fever," there will be a sustained and serious interest in the subject not inferior to that felt by the readers of " our Journal." For a considerable time scientific breeding has been much neglected in America, and is even now little understood except by a few fanciers, the result being seen in the fact that most of the best stocks are advertised as " imported " from us ; but this will very soon mend itself, and there are signs in this very first number of the new journal that the energetic, practical working of the American mind may speedily turn the tables if our breeders do not look about them. For instance, how often over here have we debated the extent and duration of the cock's influence; but what has ever leen done to determine it ? Our cousins do the thing differently, and this is the way in which Messrs. Frycl" Co., well known as breeders and importers, set about with the matter. " We propose," say they. " to place a laying Black Spanish hen with a rose-combed White Dorking cock ; then to remove her and pen her by herself apart from any cock, and to place her eggs laid while thus apart, either in the incubator or under hens, until we shall have established the fact that she is laying eggs which are not fertile. We shall then put her with a Black Spanish cock, and marking each egg that she shall t'aen lay we shall hatch them. By this means we can establish how many of the eggs are impregnated, and whether the influence of the cock extends beyond thoBe actually fecundated. We shall be glad to furnish the result of this investigation to the Society." I shall myself wait the result of this scientific mode of investigation with much interest, and if no one forestall me will duly announce it in your columns, but I only point is out here as a sign that our trans- May 19, 1ST'). ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 367 atlantic brother fanciers know how to work, anil may teach ns a wrinkle or two yet. The Bulletin proposes amongst other matters to insert a list of poultry importations from this country. 'Pre-eminent amongst all these are the Brahruas, and indeed every page of your new American contemporary shows conclusively that this, my own pet breed, is at present " cock of the walk " in the United States. I think it will re- main so, being not only suited to the climate, but likely to be fostered, from the national feeling, as an American fowl. Of one gentleman it is said that he " has hfteon Dark Brahmas of Boyle's Btrain to arrive,'' and many others announce their importations through the advertising columns. There are also several American breeds. One — the Leghorn, is beginning to be known here, and is in my opinion a White Spanish in the main, but what the Danvers White, the Bay State, or Back's County — all distinct breeds, may be, I cannot tell. An American friend wrote me la^t year they had a fowl they called the " Big Breed,"' and I would like to see it. In the advertising columns I see an announcement which may be worth mentioning of " granulated carbolic acid powder," which is stated to safely and effectually destroy all insect vermin in the poultry yard, while it is likewise a powerful disinfectant and purifier, and of pleasant odonr. It is stated to have been patented in February, 1S68. Can any reader inform me whether any similar article is to be had in this country ? The information would be a boon to myself and many others. But the advertisements are a study in themselves ; intensely amus- ing in their direct and simple address to the reader, they may teach us a lesson in many respects. They come to the point at once, no beating about the bush with brother Jonathan, and generally are in the first person singular, which reads strange to English eyes. " Here goes " for a few specimens. One breeder, after his bare name and address simply adds, " Houdans a specialty. I aim to breed birds as good as can be found. I shall be ready to deliver birds nest fall from imported stock." Another words his announcement thus — " Dorking cocks : I have two young cocks of my prize stock for sale, ten dollars each," followed by name. In brevity and point nothing could be better. Another, well known as one of the best and most honourable breeders in the States, advertises thus — " Buff Cochin eggs tor hatching. I will spare a few clutches, at twelve dollars for thirteen eggs, from sis hens (three of which are imported), weighing 10 lbs. each in ordinary flesh, all perfectly marked, and a young cock recently imported without re- gard to cost, invoiced the best Buff Cochin cockerel in England at the present day." I would like to know what this bird was, and as the price charged is very high, may remark that the regulation price for high-class eggs seems to be half the above, or sis dollars per dozen. Another noted breeder says, " In order to keep up with the times I have secured a breeding stock (cock and four hens each), of Partridge and Buff Cochins, first-prize winners at the last Birmingham Show, England (specimens that could not be bought escept to go out of England). I hope to be able to benefit the stock of this country by having a few choice specimens to spare nest fall." That is not bad in its way either. The announcement, '* No fowls or eggs sent C. O. D." meets the eye continually, and looks odd, but the mysterious initials of course mean simply " cash on delivery," and the hint might be taken here with advantage. Another advertiser announces what I have often thought would be very useful with us, and might be well published by yourselves, ' ' a catalogue of poultry breeders and fanciers." Altogether, to borrow a simile from the present chicken season, it seems to me that our friends across the water, though many of them new to the poultry fancy, are on the whole a decidedly " downy lot," and I trust this brief notice may not only gain many readers for their new journal, but leal to porsonal intercourse between them and some of your readers of a profitable and pleasant^kind. The office of the Bulletin is, Post-office Box 316, New York City, and the subscription one dollar per annum. — L. Wright. SUBSCRIPTION CUPS FOR THE SOUTHAMPTON SHOW. In yonr issue of February 10th, Mr. Maynard, of Holmewood, Ryde, Isle of Wight, asks for contributors to the Light Brahma cups for this year. Without encroaching too much upon your space, I wish to in- form those interested in this subject, that if the required sum of ten guineas be subscribed, and divided into two five-guinea cups, one for adults, and one for chickens, the Committee will add second and third prizes to both classes. Thus the adults and chickens will be placed upon an equal footing this season. I have not the least doubt, from the support accorded in previous years, that the sum asked for will be easily obtained. I trust should anyone feel disposed to assist, he will not tail to communicate as early as convenient to Mr. Maynard, the amount of the intended subscription. I cannot refrain from noticing the spirited esample set by Mr. Seymour Fraser in pro- moting a similar undertaking for the French varieties, and as it is well known these classes of poultry are making great strides in public favour, I have no hesitation in thinking that Mr. Seymour Fraser's eser- tions will be cro vned with complete success. — PrnxipWABREX, Hon . Set. SKY TUMBLERS. Ix the pleasing contribution of Mr. J. G. Levison, at page 23G of the Journal of March 24th, I observe that he "never had a bird with feathers on its legs," as he thus states. No*, Tumbler Pigeons with feathered legs are often met with, and in lofts, too, where their congeners and relatives are clean in the leg, the feathered leg being a sport of nature, but a sport transmissible to offspring, and so multiplying this variety of Tumblers. Mr. Delamer, author of "Pigeons and Rabbits," says, at page 65, that " Tumblers with feathered feet and legs are not at all uncommon," nor are they, though, perhaps, they prevail more in some lofts than in others. The Macclesfield Tumblers, perhaps the purest Eng'hh birds, being all Almond, Tippler, Bald, and Beard blood, show occasionally feather legs amongst their cotes; and Mr. Noye, Secretary to the Birming- ham Columbarian Society, considers the muffed or feathered leg the tendency of all carefully and closely-bred Pigeons, and mentions that he has seen numbers of Owls and Turbits with muffed or feathered legs, kept, too, as a unique and special class of such birds by fanciers who kept them as a peculiarly pure strain, to the exclusion of, or rather in preference to the clear-legged birds of these pretty Pigeons. This fancy of the grouse-muffed leg (not long-feathered) is prevalent in Bir- mingham, and hence we have the Sky Tumblers of that town called " high flyers," so frequently grouse-muffed in the leg, a variation I like myself in a flight of Tumblers. Moreover, if powers of flight are at all indicated by muffed legs in birds generally, we have the Eagle, Falcon, and Hawk, the Grouse, the Owl, Swallow, and Swift, all strong on the wing. I think, therefore, that Mr. Levison's observations as to feather legs will not carry any inference of impurity of blood in our grouse- muffed Tumbler Pigeons, as, if unnoticed, it might otherwise do. Mr. Levison also refers to birds that crack the wings like a whip, as of poor breeding, but evidently confounds cracking with flapping, the habit only of hoatiDg, skating, or sailing birds, called duffers and shutterers ; cracking the wings being quite the opposite feature of flight. If Mr. Levison is a sports- man, and has the knack of bringing his gun to bear on Snipe, just as this bird reaches the summit of its first mount, from gutter, pond, or marsh, he will comprehend what a cracking wing is ; and if he miss his bird, too, he may realise the same idea, in the whirriog. zigzag flight of his lost game. The crack or whirr of the Sky Tumblers' wings is given as the birds wheel and mount, the result of close, rapid stroke.-*, Snipe-fashion, to be heard even when the birds are at a considerable height, or from an odd bird that loses flight by a tumble or roll, and rapidly soars again to join the pack. On a calm day I have often heard such cracking far over head, just as I have heard the whirr of wild fowl flights on a still u'ght in their feeding grounds and migratory humours. So that I conclude there is no poverty of breeding in Tumblers that crack the wings as In reference to the Birmingham Roller, again, I may refer to Mr. Brent's "Pigeon Book," second edition, pages 33 and 36, as corroborating my former assumption, that our Birmingham Sky Tumblers are a cross breed betwixt the continental and old English Tumbler Pigeons. Be that as it may, the Bir- mingham High Flyer or Roller (Sky Tumbler) is in select flights, a splendid flyer and tumbler, in height and duration of flight, and in beautifully executed somersaults, and many of the birds are models of the Tumbler form, too, the grouse- muffed leg and clean leg being common to all alike. Some have odd eyes hazel and pearl, the hazel eye derived from hazel- eyed Bald, or Magpie, in crosses for changes, still all Tumbler blood. The Leicester birds are of Birmingham de- scent ; the Gloucester birds little, if any, different apparently ; and Macclesfield birds, old English, as described — all good birds ; but the Birmingham, Leicester, and Gloucester birds expert acrobats, which the Macclesfield birds, except in odd birds, are not, being bred for flying only, irrespec!i?ely of the tumbling property. My own intention is, to mingle the Macclesfield and Bir- mingham blood, a suggestion my brethen may adopt if worth their attention. — Reader. TWO QUEENS IN ONE HIVE. To the " Devonshire Bee-keeper " belongs, as stated in page 217, the honour of having first announced to the readers of " our Jonrnal " the peaceable occupation by two queens of the same hive, at a period of the year when such a circumstance was not to be looked for. On making the discovery, Mr. Wood- bury at once removed the supernumerary queen— a procedure I rather regretted at the time, thinking that if the two queens had not been parted an end would have been speedily put to 368 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. the joint occupation, either by a royal duel or a general resolu- tion of the bee community. This idea has been shown to be quite unfounded by the unprecedented experience of " Apicola," as related in the Journal of March 17th. I daresay it will be thought incredible by many that two queens could have lived together in harmony throughout a whole winter ; but I happen to be in possession of evidence which completely establishes this singular fact, and a phe- nomenon so extraordinary deserves more than a mere passing notice. Regarding the senior queen, whose wings I cut off nearly two years ago, " Apicola" in a letter to me, dated 15th October, 1869, wrote as follows :— " The mother of tigers, hybridised from Neighbour's, which took off the first swarm again this sea- son, and again beat everything for honey, is gone at last. On opening them up a fortnight ago I found the tigers tamed — the very qnieteat in the placo, and found a fine young winged queen in her place." Now, on finding this young winged queen, it was quite natural for " Apicola " to leap to the conclusion that the old wingless queen had perished, and in consequence make no farther examination. But in a communication dated March 9th, 1870, he makes the astonishing statement. " Yon will be interested in the resuscitation of your old friend the mother of tigers, of which I enclose the account " (the same as appeared in the Journal). Though I knew the witness to be a most accurate observer, and a gentleman whose veracity waB above suspicion, I thought it nevertheless possible for him to have fallen into error, and that he had mistaken a common bee simulating royalty for a true queen, or else that there might be some division or peculiarity in his hive to account for the phenomenon. I had, however, been invited to inspect the case and judge for myself, and though it involved a ride of ten miles, the forenoon of March 14th saw me without notice given at the apiary of " Apicola." Forthwith the wonderful hive was opened — it was a common ten-framed Woodbury — and comb after comb carefully lifted out. The two central ones were well brooded, and on one of these and on the same side the two royal ladies were seen receiving all due attention from their subjects, and both look- ing remarkably well. Whilst the frame was held in the hand, neither queen oviposited, which was to be accounted for by the day being somewhat chilly ; but judging from appearance, both queens were pronounced fertile. The frames were again re- placed, both queens being allowed to hold conjunct rule. On the 21st, being exactly a week afterwards, I repeated my visit, and was favoured with another examination of the hive. This time the queens were found on adjoining combs, but perfect harmony still prevailed. "Apicola" kindly offered me the old wingless queen to supply the place of one which had perished in my apiary a few days before. I of course accepted her, and carried her off in a common match box, placed in the outer pocket of my great coat. I need not relate the hardships she endured on her journey, but on reaching home I caged her over the central hole of a stock that had become queenless on the 17th, exactly four days before. On the 24th the wingless queen, alias " mother of tigers " received her liberty, the weather at the time being intensely cold. On the 28th she was found laying eggs in a comb with a royal cell on it, containing a living inmate about ten days old. On April 1st and yesterday (April 20tb), I repeated my examinations, and had the satisfac- tion of finding several combs brooded, and the wingless matron as active as any other queen. Now, can anyone throw light on the mystery of two perfect queens having lived amicably together a whole winter, and why the one that was removed was accepted in a strange hive whilst a royal lady was being reared, and why, after acceptance, no attempt was made to destroy the royal nymph fast reaching maturity? To save my wingless two-year-old from danger, I destroyed the maturing queen. Accounts from " Apicola," rsceived yesterday, mention that the junior queen retained by him is doing duty excellently as a mother, having brooded three combs. — R. S. OUR LETTER BOX. Poultry and Pigeons (C. E. E.).— It has been tried more than once, fniled, and we helped them ont of their troubles. If you require informa- tion relative to all kinds of Pigeons, enclose to our office twenty postage Btamps with your address, and order Brent's " Pigeon Book." You would receive it post paid. Egg-eating Hens (B. 2?.)— It ere is no mode of curing but having arti- ficial nest eggs, and watching the hens and taking the eggs from the nests as soon as laid. To prevent them having an opportunity for eating their eggs, have nests made as represented and described in our No. 453, page 427. Lime Water for Egg-preserving {W. Simons).— Thirty gallons of water and one peck of freshly slaked lime are good proportions. Water dissolves very little lime. Eighteen Eggs all Bad {It. S.).— Either the eggs had been tampered with, or the pr.ckage much shaken, or the hens were without an efficient male companion. You have no remedy against the vendor ; hut under similar circumstances we have given half the number of the eggs bought to the unfortunate purchaser. Drake Hatched under a Hen (Woeiee).— It is not true that a Drake so hatched is useless, or even partially so. Starling and Jackdaw (Nettle).— The principal food is insects, wormsj snails, caterpillars, and raw flesh cut up small, chopped hard-boiled egg mixed with bread, or bread soaked in water, and bruised hempseed; al60 any kind of fruit, particularly cherries, and grain, seeds, and berTies. There is no way of teaching either bird to talk, except by repeating a word or a fow words frequently within its hearing. Pigeons' Wise Feathers Damaged (J. Z.).— Perhaps the mischie' arose from the flight feathers becoming dirty and the birds not washing, or from their fighting. Runts are idle birds," so we incline to the former cause. There are Pigeons which clap and beat their wings to the injury of the feathers, but Runts are not likely tc do that, rather lively young Pouter cocks, which at times clap their wings, reminding us of the Pigeon called the Smiter in the old books. Wild Mule Goldfinch (E. P.). — It may be, as alleged, a cross between a Goldfinch and Greenfinch, but it is not probable. No book teaches how to tame birds : taming can only be effected by long confinement and kind treatment, as happened in the case of the Chaffinch you mention. Woodbury Frame Hive (Apis).— We much prefer the original dimen- sion 14£ inches square by 9 inches deep. Using the super in the first place as a nadir is rather a new plan, and we should like to know the result. Of course the idea is that bees will commence comb-building more readily underneath than if the super were put at once on the top: The possible drawbacks are, that the combs thus begun may turn out to be drone combs, and they are also not unlikely to be discoloured by being bred in. In transporting a newly-hived swarm the hive should be tied up in a cloth of open texture but without its floor hoard. Bees do not fasten down their hives so firmly as to render them immoveable. Bees in Old Straw Hive (Yew).— We should advise you to leave things as they are. The young queen may not yet be fertilised, and any further interference might provoke the colony to desert en masse. Get "Bee-keeping fur the Many," which may be had post free from this office for five stamps. Hives in which Dysentery Prevailed (C. C. E.).— The hives will be best purified bv scraping and washing. Fumigation with brimstone is unnecessary, as dysentery is not infectious. Packing Bees for Travelling (H. B.).— Canvas of open texture will effectually confine bees for a few days. It is safer to invert the hives during their transit by Tail. Bee Slaughter (J. Leonard). — We cannot account for the wholesale slaughter which you describe as going on. Bees of the came hive seldom quarrel, and a strong stock is not likely to be attacked by robbers at this season. Perhaps after all it may only be the expnlsion of some " black" bees, an abnormal class whose occasional appearance has puzzled apiarians from Huber downwards. It is, however, satisfactory to know that in this case their elimination is not likely to interfere with the pro- sperity of the colony. Your neighbour's bees probably cither died of cold, or dwindled away from the loss of queens. It is not likely that they would desert their hives before the stores of honey were exhausted. Black Bees in Ligurian Stock [A Constant Reader).— If all the bees which accompanied your letter were really bred in the hive, then is your Ligurian colony most assuredly not pure. If, on the other hand, tbey are intruders from a black stock, there is nothing remarkable in their being killed by the Italians. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— May 18. There is scarcely any alteration to report. TLe supplies of home- grown produce have considerably increased doringthe week, and imports are heavy. Peaches, Apricots, and Melons are offered in moderate quantities. FBTJIT. a. d. b. A Mulberries quart 0 0 to 0 0 NectarineB doz. 0 0 0 0 Oranges ^* 100 4 0 10 0 Peaches doz. 42 0 50 0 Pears, kitehen doz. 4 0 6 0 dessert doz. 4 0 10 0 Pine Apples lb. 7 0 10 0 PlumB jBieve 0 0 0 0 Quinces doz. 0 0 0 0 Raspberries lb. 0 0 0 0 Strawberries lb. 5 0 32 0 Walnuts bushel 10 0 16 0 do t*100 10 2 0 Cherries lb. 6 Chestnuts bushel 14 Currants Je Filberts lb. Cobs lb. Gooseberries quart Grapes, Hothouse.... lb. Lemons fc*100 Melons,. each Artichokes .. Asparagus .. Beans, Kidney do. Broad bushel 0 Eeet, Bed doz. 2 Broccoli bundle 1 Brussels Sprouts. .isieve 0 Cabbago doz. 1 Capsicums f> 100 0 Carrots bunch 0 Cauliflower doz. 8 Celery bundle 1 Coleworts..doz. bunches 8 Cucumbers each 0 pickling doz. 0 Endive doz. 2 Fennel bunch 0 Garlic lb. 0 Herbs bunch 0 Horseradish ....bundle 3 VEGETABLES 8. d. B. 0to6 100 2 0 7 0 Leeks bunch 0 4 to 0 Lettuce doz. 10 1 Mushrooms pottle 10 2 Mustard & Cress., punnet 0 2 0 Parsley. Parsnips doz. Peas quart Potatoes bushel Kidney do. 0 4 0B 3 6 6 0 Sea-kale baf-ktt 1 Shallots b. 0 Spinaoh bushel S Tomatoes doz. 0 Turnips bunch 0 Vegetable Marrows . .doz. 0 0 0 0 0 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. MAY 36— JUNE J, 1870. WEEKLY CALENDAR, Royal Botanic Society's Show closes. 1 Sunday afteb Ascension. Anniversary Meeting of Koyal AHintic (Society. Average Tempera- Rain in last 13 yeais. Snn Monn'a Clook after Sun. Day of Year. ture) near I, Hint. in. RjE.ee. Soto. Rises. Seta. Ago. Day. Night | Mean. Dava. m. h. m. h.[ m. h. m h Dava. m. a. 67.4 42.8 | 65.1 19 67 af 3 5^ af 7 . 4!) at 2 ' 41 ai S 20 3 16 146 6-1.5 44.7 55.0 22 56 8 59 7 18 3 44 4 27 3 10 147 6H.I 44.4 50.2 15 65 3 0 8 29 S 50 5 28 8 8 148 B7.5 41.1 55.8 15 54 3 1 8 , 50 8 67 6 29 2 55 149 68.4 447 60.0 17 53 3 2 8 16 4 2 8 • 2 47 150 604 44 8 57.1 10 52 3 3 8 47 4 3 9 1 2 89 161 68 4 45.9 57.2 15 61 3 4 8 | 29 5 0 10 2 2 80 152 From observations taken near London during the last forty-three years, tho average day temperature of the week is 67 .9° ; and Its night temperature 44.9*. The greatest heat was 91% on the 33th, 1847 ; ami tho lowest oold 25", on the 33rd and 24th, 1857. The greatest fall of rain was 0.97 inch. THE NARCISSI OR DAFFODILS. AYEST and hardiest of those spring flowers which from early in March till late in May decorate our gardens in defiance of the frosty nights, ungenial sleety showers, and nipping blasts which then too generally prevail, and by which the hopes of horticulturists are often more or less blasted, notwithstanding the ut- most skill which they can bring to bear in protecting the out-of-door objects of their care — how is it that the Narcissi are not much more extensively cultivated than they now are? To this question the reply of modern " bedding-out " enthusiasts is likely to be, that they must have all their ground un- occupied, and in a state of preparedness for the planting- out, when danger from frost is past, of those summer and autumn-flowering and ornamental-foliaged plants, by the arrangement and profusion of which they are disposed to estimate all, or at least nearly all, " skill in flower garden- ing." Some of these modern proficients may even affect to despise what they designate as " those vnlgar Daffodils that can be seen in every cottage garden." Let them do so if they please, and enjoy the fallow-like prospect that the bare earth of their tenantlcss flower beds presents before their favourites can be trusted from under their glazed protections ; but let them not call this desert-like waste a display of taste. Doubtless the Narcissi have no claim to the possession of those rich reds, blues, or purples which belong to many other races of florists' flowers : but they are at least unsur- passed in the richness of their yellows, the purity of their whites, and the delicate loveliness of their intermediate shades. Many of them are delightfully fragrant, and few other floral tribes equal them in the diversity yet unex- ceptionable elegance of their forms. To many, indeed, these combined perfections are so attractive that they resolve to "go in" for the collecting and cultivating of Narcissi ; but, as in many other well-intended resolutions, the proverb " Out of sight ont of mind" generally becomes too true, and when both flowers and foliage have faded they are forgotten, and give place to new objects of attraction. This may be partly induced by a somewhat prevalent no- tion that the bulbs can only be successfully transplanted when in an inert and fully-matured state, but with due care this may be done when they are flowering ; and when once established, the best treatment is to let them alone, for if the roots are allowed to remain undisturbed, and if the leaves have full soope during the period of their growth, permanency of duration in the plants may be depended upon, as is shown by the annual re- appearance of plants about ancient and ruined mansions, where in past ages they had place among the other floral surroundings. There is abundant evidence that the genus Narcissus held a much more prominent position among florists' flowers two or three centuries ago than in more recent times : and John Parkinson, " Apothecary of London, and the King's Herbarist," who published his " Garden of Pleasant Flowers " in lf>2-;), seems to have been the first No. 478.— Vol. XV1H, New Bekuw. of onr British authors " to reduce the Daffodils into such a methodical order that every one may know to what class or form any one doth appertain." His two grand divisions were Narcissus, or true Daffodils, and Pseudo-Narcissus, or bastard Daffodils. In the former ho included all in which the crown, middle cup, or chalice was shorter, and in the latter, all those in which it was longer, or about as long, as the segments or divisions of the perianth, those " outer leaves which do encompass it." The following is Parkinson's arrangement, after rejecting the " Sea Daffo- dils," or Pancratiums, and some others which are now referred to separate genera: and the figures appended represent the numbers of species and varieties belonging to the modern genus Narcissus, which are described under each subdivision in his second edition, 1656 : — I. Narcissus, or true Daffodils, 62. 1. Lati/olius. Broad-lcared Daffodils, 40. a. monanthos, generally with one tut sometimes two flowers on a stalk, 18. 6. polyanthos, with many flowers on a stalk, 16. c. flore pleno, doable-flowered, 6. 2 Angustifolius. Narrow-leaved Daffodils, 7. a. monanthos, with one flower on a stalk, 4. b. polyanthos, with more than one flower on a stalk, 2. C. flore pleno, double-flowered, 1. 3. Juntifolius. Junquillaor Jimh-lilxdcaeed Daffodils, Vo. II. Pseudo-Narcissus, or bastard Daffodils (all of which have only one flower on the stalk), 21. 1. Latifolius. Bread-leaned Bastard Daffodils, 13. a. Bimplici flore, with single flowers, 8. b. flore pleno, with double flowers, 5. 2. Angustifolius. Narrow-leaved Bastard Daffodils, i. a. Bimplici flore, with single flowers, 3. b. flore pleno, with donble flowers, 1. 3. JimciJoUus. Juntjuilla or Bush-lihe-leamxl Dajodds, * (all with single flowers). In the commencement of the present century Mr. A. H. Haworth, of Queen's Elms, Chelsea, published several papers on the Narcissi, which, in 1819, were embodied in his " Narcissorum Revision." Had he contented himself with merely dividing the genus into sections, his arrange- ment might have been adopted by some, but having split it up into no less than eight genera, succeeding authors have generally discarded it. These were — I. Ajax. Represented by IS species, among which were included the pretty little Narcissus minor ; the native Lent Lily, N. P|«a«0- Narcissns ; and the large yellow Daffodils, " Daffodillies," or " DaiTo- downdillies'' of rural cottage gardens. _ II. Cordularia. Containing S species of diminutive growth, of which tho Hoop-Petticoat Narcissus, N. Bulbocodium, is tha bent known. , , . . III. Queltia. Having SI species, of which the well-known single, and the double Orange Phcenix, and " Butter and Eggs," varieties ot N. incomparibilis are typical. IV. SumsANTnES. Consisting of only which has from six to ten showy white flowers on cup in each of which is deeply gashed or lacerated. V. Gaiiymedes. With 6 species all of elegant slender g""™> having from two to seven gracefully drooping flowers on each stalk, exemplified by N. nutans, N. cernuus, &c. - -• VI. Pfiylogy>;e. Five species of slender habit, with from 5 to o yellow flowers on each stalk, some of which, as the N. triloba, ate occasionally catalogued as Jonquils. . - VII. Hermiong. A seemingly ill-assorted race, containing /i species, and embracing most of the true Jonquils, as well as tne No. 1190. -Vsl. XL11I., Old Semes. N. orientalis, ugls stalk, the 370 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 28, 1870. most important Polyanthus Narcissi ; and that in defiance of the characteristic Rush-like leaves of the former, which long since acquired for them the names of Jonquilla, Jonquils, aud Juncus, or Rush-like-leaved Daffodils. Till. Narcissus. Which the author restricted to 5 species, in- cluding the well-known fragrant white N. poeticus, the curious ray- like flowered N. radiiflorus, and the two-flowered N, biflorus, or " Primrose Peerless," a name applied to it in England from very early times. Besides sixty-seven species thus arranged and described by Haworth, he had twenty-six varieties, or ninety-three in all; to which number was added fully a third by the year 1831, when his monograph of the Narcissi was published as a supple- ment to Sweet's "Flower Garden." But Mr. J. G.Baker, F.L.S., whose review of the genus Narcissus appeared in the first two numbers of the "Journal of Botany" for the present year, reduced the whole to twenty-one specie3 and thirty-five varie- ties, rejecting from the latter all the double-flowered sorts and such others as were deemed devoid of what is arbitrarily termed botanical distinctic n. Mr. Biker very properly includes the whole under the generic name of Narcissus ; and it is somewhat remarkable that Parkiflson and he should come so near to one another in grouping or classifying the whole ; Mr. Baker's arrangement being — Group 1. Magniroronatv — in which the crown or enp is as long as, or rather longer than the divisions of the perianth. Group 2. Medioconmatce. — Crown half as long as the divisions of the perianth ; in one or two exceptional cases three-qnarters as long. Group 3. Parvicoronatce. — Crown less than half as loDg as the divisions of the perianth. Haworth, no doubt, treated many as species that had no claim to rank above mere varieties; and moat cultivators will be inclined to look upon Mr. Baker's treatment of the genus as almost equally objectionable in the opposite direction. And even if he should be nearer the truth, botanically speaking, yet his rejection of minor or subvarieties must render his review of comparatively little service as a guide to the naming and arranging of florists' collections. Parkinson, as was cus- tomary in liis day, discarded all distinctions between species and varieties, Rnd of the eighty-three kinds described by him, he figured in the aforementioned work no fewer than forty-eight. He farther appears to have been not only an extensive importer and grower of the tribe himself, but was also a raiser of new sorts, and nnder the name of " Parkinson's Pseudo-Narcissus or Bastard Daffodil," he described a double seedling, which first flowered with him in 1618, " the outer leaves (perianth) whereof being a greenish colour at the firBt, and afterwards more yellow, on a little turn themselves back again to the stalk." This greenish Daffodil seems to have been accounted a great acquisition by its raiser as well as by the florists of his time, and his description of it is very applicable to a variety which was found thirty or forty years since growing along with the N. biflorus on the site of the old garden upon the famous Bass Rock in the Frith of Forth, and then erroneously named N. Pseudo-Narcissus by northern botanists. This, the last stronghold which was held for King James in Scotland, was surrendered in 1694, when an order was given to demolieri all its fortifications and buildings." Can Charles Maitland, its doughty defeuder, and custoider of " The Bass Martyrs," have relieved his more irksome and stern duties by tending the popular florists' flowers of that period in his highland garden, where, according to Fraser of Brea, one of his prisoners, " herbs grew, with some Cherry trees ? " The Narcissi are not only the mo3t important tribe of spring flowers for garden decoration, but they surpass all others in their adapta'ion for beautifying woodlands and other " un- kept " pleasure grounds, before deciduous trees and shrubs become clothed with their young foliage ; and when onee intro- duced they will there endure for ages without farther eare. Modern flower lovers would, therefore, do well to imitate their ancestors by cultivating them far more extensively, as well as in the rearing of improved new varieties, in which they have the advantage of the comparatively modern knowledge of hybrida- tion by which crosses may be effected between widely different species ; and as three at least of these flower in autumn, might not an amalgamation with them and some of the spring kinds result in a race of summer-flowering sorts by which the bloom- ing of Narcissi would be continued from early spring to ending autumn ? In forming collections of sneh a widely-diversified race of flowers as the Narcissi, growers find that some mode of classifi- cation is essentially necessary. Either of the three preceding systems may be adopted or altered as taste may direct ; while some may prefer the less scientific modes of arranging their plants according to height, colour, time of flowering, &c. And parties who intend setting about Narcissus cultivation should lose no time in securing catalogues from the best growers both at home and abroad, so that they may be ready to furnish themselves with the kinds wanted as soon as the autumn supplies can be procured ; for not only do the first selectors secure the best roots, but most of the kinds suffer more than Hyacinths, Tulips, Gladioli, &c, when kept long out of the earth. — William Goekie. VARIEGATED BEDDING PELARGONIUMS. Some of your readers may not think my notes on bedding Pelargoniums complete without some mention of the variegated section, although I have not much to add. First of all, I think Mrs. Pollock still holds her own among the Tricolors, the great secret of success being, in my opinion, to establish the plants well before bedding out, and to give them liberal treatment with manure. This holds good for all the Tricolors. I quite agree with your correspondent " Stiff Soil " in thinking Lady f'nllnm one of the very best, but still, owing to its very dark zone, it produces a different effect to Mrs. Pollock;- it is a strong and vigorous grower, and especially valuable in beds that are seen near the eye, or for a border near a house, where it can be seen from the windows. Sophia Dumaresqoe is quite as good in its way as either of. the above, and of a more spreading habit for bedding pnrposes. Sunset has proved utterly useless with me out of doors, and is only good for pot culture. Amongst the Tricolor section, which I have only in pots, but which I have seen tried e'sewhfre, are Lucy Grieve, Sophia Cusack, Louisa Smith, and Spanish Beauty. 01 these I think Louisa Smith likely to prove the lest bedder, and in this view I am confirmed by " D., Deal." Of the Silver Tricolors I have not yet found one that is to.be depended on for bedding purposes, though they are all very pretty for pot culture; and of these the best 1 have tried hitherto are Italia Unita, Beauty of Guestwick, Caroline Longfield, and Picturata. The last was beautiful in pots with me all through the winter. They do not, as a eiass, seem to stand hot summer eun, and wherever they are bedded out of doors they will do better if they can be shaded from midday sun. All the Silver Tricolors, as a rule, do better in autumn, when the days are shorter and the nights more moist and cool. Among the variegated Pelargoniums with white edges, Flower of Spring haB done better than any other with me. Bijou is too upright in habit, and does not branch enough. Alma is still a very good variety. Jane is a strong grower with a very spreading habit, but is too loose in the foliage. Mrs. Lennox has a good pure white edge, but is not of sufficiently strong growth ; it is, however, exceedingly good for pot culture. Of the Gold-edged section I still like the old Golden Chain as much as any, especially for the edges of beds, though for centres Cloth of Gold and Crystal Palace Gem are better, and a sport from Crystal Palace Gem with a pure yellow leaf without any variegation is very effective, but not so good as Pillar of Gold (Turner's), which is by far the most effective gold-leaved Pelargonium I have yet tried. One valuable property is the leaves turn of a lighter colour as they grow older or die, and not green as with most of the Gold-coloured section. I now come to the Bicolor or Gold and Bronze section, which cannot be called variegated any more than an ordinary Zonal like Madame Yaucher or Indian Yellow, although I have seen them exhibited at some provincial shows among the variegated class. Every year sees a higher development of beauty in these. The best which I have is Crown Prince (Downie, Laird, and Laing) ; next, I think, come Kentish Hero, E. G. Henderson, Duke of Edinburgh, Mrs. J. T'dd, and Egyptian Queen. Ebor, a variety raised and sent ont by Messrs. Backhouse, of York, is also very promising. Beauty of Calderdale has too great a tendenoy to turn green, and the same remark applies to Beauty of Oulton, though sometimes making a very effective bed ; but I give the preference to those which have light gold leaves and red zones instead of the darker zones, as Perilla, Imperatrice Eugenie, Her Majesty, and others which are generally inclined to turn greener than the more golden section. There are several of the Bicolors, which I have only hitherto grown in pots, from not having a sufficient number for bedding purposes ; Ma; 36 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 371 but I think a tolerably oorreot estimate can generally be made of the Gold and Bronze sections when grown in pots in light houBea or in the open air, though of course one is occasionally liable to error. Having, since I wrote the above, been to the Kensington Pelargonium show, I think the most promising Tricolors 6hown there were Ealing Rival, by Mr. Stevens, of Ealing ; Princess of Wales and Mrs. Dunnett, by Messrs. Carter, High Holborn ; and Macbeth, by Bell & Thorpe ; also one of very high promise by Messrs. Veitch. Mr. W. Paul's Waltham Bride and A»a- lanche will be effective as bedders if the flowers keep their colour and da not turn pink, as they are free bloomers, but the variegation is not particularly good. Mr. C. Turner, of Slough, showed a very pretty little basket of Zonals, conspicuous among which were Avocat' Gambetta, and M. Rival, the former a very promising flower in tho way of Eclat. The Zonals — large specimeus in large pots, were, as a rule, a failure, if we may except six, shown by Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing. The double Zonals were utterly bad : flowers rough, leaves large ; and a seedling shown by Messrs. Bell & Thorpe ought never to have been exhibited ; it. is a large plant, flower trusses few and far between, and not larger than a small and badly-grown red Clove Carnation. — C. P. Peach. FORCING STRAWBERRIES. In replying to a correspondent at page 3G1, you ask for some one to inform you whether Dr. Hogg and Mr. Rjdcljffe Straw- berries are suitable for early forcing. Of the latter I have had no experience, but the former I have proved to be one of the best sorts for forcing for use at the beginning of April and onwards. It is quite as prolific even earlier than that time, but, being of the B.itish Q leen class, a March sun is not powerful enough to brin* out its proper flavour, neither does it colour so well. For colour and flavour, there is none to beat Keens' Seedling for the earliest crop. After the above time Dr. Hogg Strawberry will be found a desirable variety, and whether for late pot culture or out-door growing, I like it much better than the British Queen. While upon the Bubject of Strawberry forcing, I may remark that in my experience I find that the cockscomb-shaped fruit- ing sorts, such as Dr. Hogg, President, Sir Harry, &c, require more care and skill to get a crop from them than the globular- fruited sorts. I find it better not to put them into their fruit- ing pots so soon as other sorts by three weeks or a month, because if the plants are so much pot-bound at fruiting time, the crop, beyond producing one large fruit, is pretty sure to be deformed and small. Allowing them to want water is sure to produce ill-shaped fruit. I generally foroe large quantities of Strawberries, and I have the plants watered twice a-day. — Tkoius Recoed, Lillcsden. SEA- SIDE PLANTING. I am gardener upon a large estate within tbe influence of saa winds, and eend you tbe result of my observations upon the trees and shrubs most suitable for planting in places near the sea. First of all, as the very worst, and upon this there can be no difference of opinion, is the Larch. On the other hand, as the best, I will place the Austrian Pine and Pinus Pinaster, but the objection to the latter is that in all situations where I have seen it, it is apt to grow with a crooked stem. There is a tree indigenous to this country, which for planting as hedgerows, and as single trees, I should even prefer to the Austrian Pine — that is, the Ulcnus suberosus, Cork-barked Elm. Between this place and the town of Tov/yn, as hedge- rows, exposed to almost every wind that blows, there are speci- mens of these trees as upright as if they were in the centre of England. There is another Elm, the Cornish, Dlmus cornubiensis, of which there are some fine specimens in the noble park of Lord Peurhyn, at Penrhyn Castle, near Bangor, which appear equally suited for sea-side planting. The Quercus Ilex, Evergreen Oak, is also a very good tree for the purpose. Two, supposed to be the finest trees of their Sort in Britain, were blown down here the night of the wreok of the " Royal Charter," off the coast of Anglesea, in 1859. The timber of old specimens of this tree is mo>t beautiful, and at this place it has been made up into bookcases and other articles of household furniture. The Sycamore is a good tree for sea-side planting, but the objection to it is, that on the exposed side^its .leaves before the commencement of autumn become discoloured. The Lombardy and Black Italian Poplars, particularly the former, are also good trees for this purpose, and I certainly should not exclude the Scotch fir, even where there is but little shelter. With regard to shrubs, and small trees, I would place amongst the worst the Rhododendron, among the best the Hydrangea, which I have never seen flourishing well far from the sea. Prives is also very good ; Laburnum is said to be so, but we have none here in an exposed situation. Tamarisk is, of course, first-rate, but it does best in a sandy soil. Here it does not succeed ; but unsheltered, facing the west, at the beautiful little villa of Mrs. Pughe, near Aberdovey, in this neighbour- hood, there are some lovely specimens. These are all which now occur to me, but probably many more will hereafter. After all, I do not hesitate to say that soil has almost as much to do with the success of plants as shelter, and I believe that in a suitable soil, with a few rows outside of trees which will bear exposure, handsome plantations and shrubberies may be grown anywhere. — N. E. Owen, Gar- dener, Peniarth, Towyn, Merioneth. P.S. — I should mention that the largest Evergreen Oak blown down here, was 6 feet in diameter at the ba*e, and 11 feet in circumference at 5 feet from the ground. Thore is a mag- nificent tree of the same sort now growing, at Ynys, the fine old seat of the Corbel family, three miles from this place. FLOWERS AND FLOWER SHOWS. Some of your correspondents have, to say the least, mis- understood my views on this subjeot. Mr. Turner writes under the startling heading, " Thoughts upon Reading Mr. W. Paul's Denunciation of Flower Shows." Now, as I always have been, still am, and intend to be, a supporter of flower shows, I think I am entitled to a6k Mr. Turner either to show where I have denounoed them, or to withdraw so damaging a charge. To denounce certain practices attendant on flower shows is not denouncing flower shows. Mr. Cutbush, who endorses Mr. Turner's attack, says — "Nor does my short experience determine me in saying nurseries are less visited than formerly." This is, to say the least of it, disingenuous. I have never said they are, but exactly the reverse. My words are : — " Purchasers are now forsaking the flower Bhows and returning to the nurseries." (See Joubnal of Hortichltore, page 221 ) Mr. Perry considers my article " an insult to all honest exhibitors," and calls for " an in- dignant reply from all." A reply to what ? I have never said, nor do I hold, that "all" exhibitors dress their flowers, but that some do is a matter beyond controversy. Here is the case. I have expressed my disapproval of tho practice of " dressing " flowers because I judge it dishonest, and, there- fore, inimical to the true interests of horticulture. This Mr. Perry calls " an insult to all houest exhibitors," and calls for "an indiguant reply from all." DoeB Mr. Perry mean to say that all exhibitors dress their flowers, or that the practice is honest ? If not, it is the indignation of the dishonest only that he should have invoked. Honest exhibitors (those who do not dress their flowers), I have no point of controversy with : they are clearly on my side. If anyone doubt this let him read my artides (see Joubnal of Hobticultuke, pages 112, 220, and 275). Messrs. Turner, Cutbush, and Perry take a lower estimate of the intellect of the horticultural community than I do, if they think they can blind it by raising a few clouds of dust. It is strange how men sometimes suffer their paseions, prejudices, or supposed interests to mislead their judgment. But " Magna est Veritas et ; pravalebit." — Wax. Paul, Paul's Nurseries, Waltham Cross. Camellia Leopold Premier. — " One of the most beautiful and useful of modern varieties. The flowers are above medium size, beautifully imbricated, and highly coloured, while the foliage is good, the habit vigorous, and the plant remarkably floriferous — qualities which stamp it as a Camellia of the very first rank. It was raised by M. De Coster about 185G, and passed over to M. Jean YerBchaffelt, by whom it was exhibited before the Soeieifi Royale d'Agriculture et de Botanique de Gaud, in 1861, when it was awarded the medal offered for the most beautiful seedling Camellia. We are indebted to Mr. Bull, of Chelsea, for the opportunity of figuring it. " The habit of the plant is pyramidal, and well branched ; the 372 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. foliago is ample, ovate lanceolate, acuminate, and of a beautiful deep, glo3sy green; the flowers are large, exactly imbrioated, and of a vivid carmine crimson, becoming shaded with rose at the margin. It is a most valuable vaiiety for general culti- vation— 'not yet well enough known, nor widely enough dis- tributed."— (Florist and Pomolngist, 3 £., iii. 97.) RAMBLES IN KENTISH ORCHARDS. CRITTENDEN'S PROLIFIC DASISON. DunisG one of those fine, sunny inorninga. so frequent towards the end of April, I took a Bhort stroll, accompanied by a friend, amongst (lie orchards which abound on the banks of the Medway. Shaping our course from this place, Linton, a few minutes' walk' brought ns into a district where straight, neat hedjes, and square or oblong enclosures, showed that they had had their origin at some not-far" distant period. The great impulse given to agriculture from 1814 to lt!20 led to many wastes being enclosed, and the smiling district we traversed was, previous to that period, a dry, upland moor, in which G-orsc and a wiry kind of grass formed the principal vegetation, broken in places by gravel pits and the like. This elevated region, although still retaining the name it had during the last and preceding centuries, now bears no resemblance to what that name implies, as the last fifty years have effected a wonderful change. Still it is termed Coxheath, the same as of yore, and old People point out to the traveller the spot where such and such a tout stood, occupied by some officer connected with that armv of observa- tion which was encamped there for some months to repel the threatened French invasion in 1806, and I believe also on another occasion, when 18,000 men or more were assembled. Fortunately the time ns well as the site is altered since then, and the Coxheath of the present day, instead of witnessing an array of armed men, vies with any district of similar extent in cultivating the arts of husbandry and horticulture. The once-unpromising waste, which even in its tilled condition has au uninviting appearance to the farmer fresh from the rich plains of Lin- colnshire or Oxfordshire, is, nevertheless, adapted for some crops of much importance, and I question if either of these counties, or those adjoining them, possess better quickset hedges than ere to be fouud on Coxheath. It is no unusual boast of the occupiers of land in this district to affirm that a hare oonld not get out of many of their fields excepting at the gate, the fences being simply quickset, planted in the ■evelground, without either mound or ditch. Trees of certain lands also do well, and some bush fruits ; but, on the whole, the land is not adapted for grass, nor are the Wheat and Baricy so good as we find in many places. There are, however, many thriving orchards of mixed fruits, Hop plantations, now and then plots of Chestnut coppice to furnish poles for the Hops, and I believe there are plenty of iu.tancea where coppices of this description of ten years' growth have sold for 1)40 per acre and upwards, the buyer cutting it and doing everything needful. More has often been given, but the importation of Hop poles from Scotland and other parts of late years has kept prices down. As our journey was to extend further than Coxheath, which at the place we cross it is not a mile wide, it is easy to discover where its former boundaries were, by the crooked fences and lanes, and the hedges, especially those by the sides of the roads, being often composed of many kinds of buBh wood, besides quickset. This mixed kind of hedge is more frequent by the sides of the lanes than in the in- terior. , As the lanes are very narrow (the land on one side often not Iwslonging to the samo proprietor as that on the other), and as the increased value of land induces each proprietor to scrupulously guard ocery inch of his holding, there is an unwillingness to do away with some of these old fences, because the law would compel the landowner to set a new oue a little further back where the road is narrow. How- ever, all is done that can be done to render them as little cumbersome as possible, as they are invariably trimmed and kept low even where they bound a piece of coppice and form part of it. The admirer of landscape scenery prefers these tortuous lanes aud fences ; the former especially, bringing out fresh views at each turning, as in the parish we havo now entered, East Farleigh. FirBt, a piece of serpen- tine road is bounded on one side by a Hop garden, where it will be perceived that however much the direction of the road set squares and straight lines at defiance, the Hops are, at least, adjusted in straight lines, while the hedge that separates them from the adjoining field" is equally faultless in the direction it points to ; and although it may be a formidable fenco in its way, capable of keeping out cattle, and eveu tbe majority of hunters, it does not take up more crround than a brick wall, as a aeatl-y trimmed hedge is eenerallv under a foot in thickness. On the other side of the lane is, perhaps, an orchard planted with as great accuracy as the Hops, and containing standard Apple, Pear, and Plum trees, 20 feet or more apart, with Cobs or Filbert bushes underneath ; the latter pruned with a severity that few truits excepting the Vine have to submit to. But our object is further on, aud as each fresh turn brings us in con- tact with fresh features, wo first pause and have a peep at a peaceful cottage nestling behind soma patriarchal fruit trees', the space between ir- and the road being ocenpied by the cottage garden, every inch of which is cropped, aud if we intrude upon tbe premises we shall find that the space at the back is scrupulously made use of for purposes equally serviceable to the cottager. First, j«rhape, there may be a heap of faggots, and leaning against them may be a few worn-out Hop poles purchased from the dweller's employer; next a piggery, then some small shed of humble pretensions perhaps shelters the cottager's took ; while in an appropriate corner a hole 3 or 4 feet deep and as much in width receives all the refuse of the cottage and garden, aud is fre- quently cleaned out and its contents dug into the garden. This cess- pool proper is one of the most essential things in a cottage garden, aud ought to be as far away from the back door as possible ; but its existence is a necessity, whatever the opinion of those who lecture on sanitary measures may be. A place of some kind for slops must exist, and where these slops can be turned to useful account so much the better ; and there are many cottagers who know as well as a Liebig or a Playfair, how to take advantage of them. Retracing our step3 we simply catch a glimpse of a healthy Morello Cherry, occupying the gable end of the building, which we are told is more profitable than any other tree in the garden, and passing along the front path find the little flower border that margins it contains Borne old favourite plant long discarded from more fashionable quarters, but now auxiously sought for again. Avoiding a salute from the newly-washed clothes that hang on a line by the side of the path, w6 at length reach the outer gate escorted thither by two or three pairs of little feet and as many ruddy faces, and we take another look at the peaceful abode, aud leave the pliilosopher and politician to consider for how much of our country's greatness we are indebted to scenes like this. Our guide suddenly takes us through a gate into a footpath, which for a time proceeds by the side of a Hop garden, then takes a diagonal course through it, and we have a clear insight into the mode of culti- vatiug that important plant. But for the present we only notice the footjiataas being a good oue, although merely composed of the ordinary earth and Btones on the spot, but it is slightly raised, and a neat little ditch or furrow made by hand at each side of it keeps it dry. Not a weed is to be seen, and a remark to that effect evokes a reply from our guide, himself the tenant farmer cf upwards of one hundred acres, that he did not believe the most careful collector could find a peck of weeds on his whole farm. The next garden is one of Hops and fruit mixed, Red Currants being planted alternately with the Hops, and the occupier busily engaged amongst them. Passing on through another similar plantation all frait, we are ltd to remark, What a treat it would be to many schoolboys to have a journey through this orchard when its produce was ripe ! but as such fruits are plentiful in the neighbour-hood but little 103S is experienced. Cobruts and Filberts suffer most. We again join the lane, and the ring of the bricklayer's trowel reaches the ear, and through some trees we see scaffolding and other tokens of alterations going on at a building erected many years anterior to the Hanoverian succession. The structure we see is the almshouses, which some benevolent individual had erected for a certain number of occupanta in decayed circumstances — six, I believe, and by a tablet in the church a certain yearly allowance is charged for ever on lands for the maintenance of the inmates. A wealthy parishioner has under- taken the task of putting these dwellir-gs in thorough repair. Other dwellings meet the eye at very 6hort distances apart — first, perhaps, a small farmhouse, timber-built, with quaintly carved gables, and the upper storey overhanging the lower one, with lead-casemented windows, and but little altered from what it wa3 a century and a half ago ; while in the next house antiquity has given place to the innovations of tbo day. Further on we come to a modern villa built of Kentish rag with dark-coloured mortar, and which would excite the envy of the wealthy resident of many an expensive villa in the suburbs of large manufacturing towns, where there are only such variations 'as brick aud Bath stoue can give. Here a closely 6haven lawn intervenes between the roadway and the dwelling, and is adorned with choice shrubs. Further on is some uneven ground, but even there the steepest portions are made profitable aa coppice — Hazel, Ash, Maple, in fact, everything useful being planted ; while, on looking over the hedge, a like careful mode of turning every inch to account is seen in the arable fields. The hedges, if of recent growth, are kept clear from weeds to tbe collar, so that the seeds do not ripen there and scatter over the land. Distant views are also here ami there obtained of the country beyond, but the great extent of orchard and eorpices with some timber trees, prevents much of the surface of the ground being seen, but the inequalities and the open spaces on the opposite bank of the Medway give the whole a richness not often met with ; and as, at the timo of our visit, the end of April, these orchards were teeming with blossom, their appearance could not but excite unmixed admiration. The masses of Plum, Cherry, and Pear blossom were just in their prime, and the Apple blossom was just coming on ; and as each orchard differed in some degree from that adjoining it either in the age of tho trees or in some other feature, there was a pleasing diversity. There were, however, but few very old fruit-bearing trees, excepting now and then au old favourite which might be seen in some paddock adjoining the homestead. But as we are traversing a country where utility is as much tjie order of the day, and perhaps more so than in the best farming districts of the kingdom, where even hedges are almost denied an existence, I need hardly say that an orchard is retained no longer thnn it is profitable to do so, and the occupier of it is generally a Bufucient judge when that time has expired. My special object in visiting this district was to see au old and esteemed friend, whose residence in East Farleigh dates further back May 26, 1870, ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. than the present century, and whose auceess as a fruit grower, although not on a large scale, may be best understood by the following details of hia practice and its result. The residence of my friend resembles in many respects the others I nave faintly described, a comfortable-looking farm house of the smaller class standing a short way from the road, which bounds the little property on its east and south sides. A. roadway and flower Ixwder connect the house and outbuildings with the main road, while aear by are two cottages with small gardens attached, and a small orchard of Apple and Pear trees on grass, adjoins the house. The rest of the little property formed an orchard in tillage, and with but slight exception the fruits grown were confined to two — Damsons and Red Currants. The former were standard trees, with stems from 5 to 6 feet high, very much alike, and the Currants were low bushes of the ordinary description. The Damson trees might be ten or twelve years old, and were planted in rows about 12 feet apart, and the same distance from each other in the tow, there being two Currant bushes between every two Damson trees in the row, and one whole tine between the rows of Damsons, so that the ground was cropped with trees and bushes, each occupying stations 6 fett by 4. An ordi- nary clipped hedge about i feet high forms the northern boundary to this little plot, and there is no other shelter on this the coldest Bide, as the adjoining field is arable land, so that there is no advantage on this side from the position of the property ; and the bloom on the out- side row of treej was oertainly later, and not so abundant as that on the others, which were a complete sheet of white. The growth of last year was in many cases clothed with blossom up to the tips, and, as might be expected, where this fruit formed the principal 3uurce of in- come, attention had been paid to the variety grown, as well as to the culture. Mr. John Crittenden, the proprietor, originated many yeax3 ago a 2j£6ft0f ^amsou'nof extraordinary bearing qualities as compared J ^S'^to*^ ite naWlo a favourite Apple, and the with the sorts usually grown, so much so, that of late years many i.? 6 , p 5.£ - fancy modes of training fruit trees ; I had tho facts from the owner, who has beon a fruit-grower for a longer period than that assigned to ordinary mortals, as he is fast approaching fourscore years, although hale and hearty, and still taking great interest in fruit and Hop culture. The soil 30 favourable to the growth of the fruits mentioned, as well as to others, is far from being inviting in appearance. A Lincoln- shire farmer would not think much of it for corn and green crops, but it suits trees of most kinds. The subsoil, however, entices the roots of trees downwards, and still a congenial medium is met with. Stones esist in tolerable quantity, yet not so much as in some other grounds, and there w a total absence of stagnant water — in fact, the draw-well fordomeBtij uses is upwards of 100 feet deep, atwhich depth, I believe, the rock is found. Isolated stones, however, of large size are met with at 3 or 4 feet from the surface, and, I believe, they consist of what is termed oolite limestone, hard and well adapted for road- making. At only a Bhort distance from this spot Kentish rag is dug in quantity, aad in the refuse of it added to' the surface soil and in other oehria, grow healthy fruit trees well laden in favourable years. I do not think any deep excavations have ever been made in Mr. Crittenden's orchard, but he has been in the habit of manuring liberally and with such different material': as woollen waste, rags, guano, Rape dust, and road scrapings, as well as with dung when it could be had, and now and then night soil is used. Mr. Crittenden justly observed that a liberal return was entitled to a corresponding outlay, and the trees promised sc well at the time of my visit that I hope to see them again when the crop is ripeniDg. In the interval, however, if any one can record a similar instance in which corresponding frnitfulness has followed any of the numerous modes by which fruit trees are advised to be trained now-a-days, I would be glad to h^ar from them ; and I also hope to be able to say a word or two on the cultivation of other orchard fruits which are extensively grown in the same district. In addition to the Damson, which originated with Mr. Crittenden, East growers have done away with their old kinds, and introduced " Crit tendon's" variety. In other orchards it was pointed out to me that the Prune and Shropshire Damsons had been cut down and grafted with Crittenden's kind, which is the most popular in the district ; and every year a stock of it is raised by Mr. Crittenden from suckers, which can be had in any nomber. I can fully confirm all that has been said about its free-bearing, and its qualities as a fruit. It is now extensively grown in the neighbourhood, and any one having Damson plants for sale is invariably ashed if they are Crittenden's Prolific, or the Prolific, as it is sometimes called, and deservedly so, for whi froit begins to swell the branches have in many Diamond Plum was likewise raised there. — J. Robso:1 CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW. May 21. The Crystal Palace May Show, held on Saturday last, was a com- plete success ; the day was one of the warmest, if not the warmest, we have had this year, and the exhibition on the whole one of the finest ever known at the same season. The collections of Stove and Green- .„ house plants were of the highest merit, the Roses were magnificent, to be propped j the Orchids were Rood, the Heaths and the Azaleas fine, and there ap to prevent their breaking. Tedious as this woik may appear, we \ was an excellent display of other subjects. may be assured that it pays, otherwise it would not be done ; bat an Among tte collections of fifteen Stove and Greenhouse plants, tnat experienced orchard workman can both put up props to prevent the I from Mr. Baines, gardener to H. Micholls, Esq., Southgate .Lodge, branches breaking, and also place his ladder against the tree for fruit I at once attracted attention_by_the largo size and _«^raJ™,J^P^r" gathering, without doing any harm, which an unpractised hand is | fection of the^ specimens sure to inflict. The appearance of the orchard in question must be I aa rich-looking, or more so, when the fruit is ripe, than when the ' trees are in bloom. I will now notice the other features of the place, and the nest important fruit cultivated is the Red Currant. A close examination of the kinds of Red Currant grown, not by Mr. Crittenden alone, but also by other fruit cultivators in the district, lias resulted in two varieties being about equal favourites, and pos- • ,. aibly the names here given them are different from those in nursery- I large spathes; Bongainvillea g.abra ; a magnificent Azalea j™1?™* • men's lists, or they may be kinds not grown by the trade. In East I Erica Cavendishu ; Azalea Coronata, a splendid mis 01 cnmsou Farletgh, however, many thousands of each are grown. One kind is blossom ; Eriostemon neriifoUum ; and Enca veutncosa eoccinea, Mr. W. Chapman, gardener to J. bpoae, In' this admirable collection, the finest, believe. Mr. Baines has ever exhibited in London, there wa3 a plant of Ixora coccinea with somewhere about eighty flower heads, counting them in all stages, the finest measuring 5 inches across. The other plants were equally fine, and consisted of Genetyllis tulipifera, quite I feet in diameter ; Boronia pinnata ; Aphelexis macr3ntha purpurea and humilis rosea ; Epacris KcJipse, magnificent ; Clerodendron ] fourianam; Isoraaurantiaca; Anthurium Scherzeriauui- ith thirteen somewhat later than th nd bears larger fruit; the other, about 1! feet mimewuni later loan me oiuer, ana Dears larger iran, , ua otiior, uuvu. ^ »^^» — * .-— — -■ •-- . - • . , . ,, however, ib an enormous bearer. In common parlance thev are the Esq., Hawkesyard Park, Rugeley, was second witn a nianiy me Cratch and Scotch, and even in the flowering state there was a per- ons collection, containing, among others very fine specimens otli„™. a, Pimelea mirabilis, Isora coccinea, AdenanJra rra- Peed, third with a fine ceptible difference, so much so, that I heard a workman say he could I spectabilis rosea, pick out each sort at that stage of their growth when the two were I grans, Aphelexes, and a very gcod Acropnyllum mixed in a plantation. As far as appearance could convey an idea of gardener to Mrs. Tredwell, i^ower Norwood, v frnitfulness, they seemed to bo all that could be desired, and I was told I Franciscea calycma.jind very good speciinpnajif i some^o^ ^pmnis they bore pretty well when completely shaded by larger trees, although I named abov not, of course, so well a* when thev had air and snnshin tops of the Damson trees only touched each other very slightly in a few places, the Currants had more daylight than they are likely to enjoy a few years hence, and I may add they were rather severely pruned, the Damson, on the contrary, being pruned very little. Only the tips and straggling shoots of the latter were trimmed in. so as to give the head of the tree a sort of uniform, agreeable shape, the heavy bearing checking all undergrowth. Perhaps your readers who have followed me thus far lay Bfty, '• There is nothing particular in all this." If they will follow me into figures they may form their own conclusions. The property, as I have already stated, is very small, only ., - arres, including the site of th" dwelling-house, outbuildings, small yards, two cottages and their gardens, as well as the garden to the farm house, and the orchard in grass, with its Apple and Pear trees, of which I do not intend to take flay account here. It may easily be supposed that these deductions from the snm total must leave very little for the orchard in which the Damsons and Currants are groTm. I was given to understand its extent was rather under two acres, and yet this little orchard has been known to produce upwards of one hundred bushels of Currants, and nearly seven hundred bushels of Damsons, besides 8 or 10 cwt. of Hops, all in one year. The above figures I commend to the attention of those who advocate Wheeler, gardener to 3. Phillpott, Esq., Stamford Hill, was fourth with good specimens. For ten stove and greenhouse pl.-.nts the first prize went to Messrr, T Jarfcon fc Son, of Kingston, who had fine specimens of Pimelea Henderson!, Aphelexis macrantha purpurea, Chorozema cordatnm Eplendens, and good examples of Stephanotis floribuoda, Genetyllis fuchsioides, and some others. The second" prize was awarued to Mr B. S. Williams, of HoUoway, for a collection containing excellent plants of I-ora coccinea, Pimelea elegans, Enca Cavendishu and depressa, Ayhelexis macrantha purpurea, and others. Mr. Morse, ol Epsom, was third. In the corresponding class for amateurs. Mr. A. Wright, garcener to C. H. Coniptcii Roberts, Esq , Regent's Park, was first with a fine Medinilla magnifica, Ixora coccinea superba, Boagain- villea glabra, Boronia pinnata, Erica Cavendishu, Genetyllis tuhpi- fera. Azalea Magnet, and other plnnts. Mr. Ward, gardener to 1- G. Wilkina, Esq., Leyton. who was awarded the second prize, had ft lar«e and beautiful'specinieu of Tetrathecaericefolifl, a fane Genetyllis talfpifera, Erica Cavendishii, a very large specimen of Dalechanipia Roezliana rosea, but from the oreponderance of foliage over tte rose- coloured floral leaves not so effective an exhiMuou plant as the Bou- gainvilleas : also verv good plants of Stephanotis flonbunda, Aphelexis, and Dracoptvllum by particulars of the cooking needed, stating the purposi a 4A-inch wall in the middle. Two 3-inch pipes along the front would be ample to keep out frost in a pit 7 feet wide inside, and the pipes need not be made very hot, which is a great advautago. The lights should be 3 feet wide. They are handier of that width than wider. The pit would be very usef al in summer for hard wooded plants — the small plants that do not do well in lofty houses. Hoya cibnosa Seeding (J. P., jun.).— The seeding of this plant is rather uncommon. The seed, we should think from your description, L3 abortive, but we would, nevertheless, sow it in a pot in light sandy loam and peat, jast covering it, and no more, with fine soil, und place it in a hotbed, covering the top of the pot with a square of glass, and keeping uniformly moist so as to insure speedy vegetation. Sow at once. Teicolor Pelargonium Leaves Spotted (A Subscriber).— We think the state of the leaves is a result of imperfect root action, caused, perhap3, by the soil being too rich, or kept too moist. The food or sap im- pelled into the leaveB is more than they can elaborate. Water sparingly, and admit abnndanoe of air. Nitrate of Soda i or- Vine Boeder (Idem).— For watering a Vina border with this salt, we advise 1 lb to twenty gallon* of water, and the liquid to be applied fT warmer than tne temperatura of the border, as shown by a ground thermometer with the bulb 1 loot from the surface. Iresine Infested with Aphes (L. M.I.— We should place the plants in a pit or frame if they a--e not in a house where they can be con- veniently fumigated with tobacco, and having the foliage dry. It will n^t injure the plants if care be taken to deliver the smoke cool. Fill the frame quite fall of smoke so that you cannot see a plant from the outside through the glass, and then cover with mats so as to keep in the smoke. The lights should, of course, be drawn on closely. Annuals and Perennials for Spring Blooming (Idem).-Ot peren- nials that you may raise from seed there are Alyssum saxulile compactum, Arabis alpina. Au^rietia grreca, A., purpurea, Bellis perennis (Daisy) vars., Campanula carpatica. and its white variety, Wallflowers in variety, IberU sempervirons, Myosotis Bylvatica f Cliveden var ), Pansy (Cliveden Purple, also Yellow) ; and of Annuals without giving au extended list there are Silene pendula, and its white variety, Limnanthes Douglasii, Collinsia bicolor, C. verna, Saponaria calabrica, and its white variety, and Nemo- phila insignis. The perennials should be sown from now to July, the earlier the better, pricking them offwhen large enough to handle, in good rich light soil in an open situation, shading and keeping moist until established, then expose fully, planting-out in October where they are to flower. The annuals should be sown in an open situation early in Sep- tember, and transplanted to the beds or borders in October, or about six weeks after sowing. Compost for Mrs. Pollock Pelargonium [Idem). —We have not found anything answers.) well aaloam from turves cut about H inch thicks and laid up for about six months, then chopped up moderately line, adding a fourth of old cow dung or well-reduced hotbed manure, and a sixth of sharp sand, silver sand being best, though river sand answers very well. Rose Leaves with Black Upper Surfaces (J. L. B. and H. C.).— The leaves have been eaten by the larva of Selandria sethiops, the Rose Saw-fly. It eats the outer akin of the leaf, causing it to look as if burnt by a hot iron. Catch and kill, also syringe with lime water.— W, F. Radcltffe. Cool Vineries {Binder)*— By coM vinery, as we accept the term, we think is meant a house devotod to Vine culture, but with mean3 of apply- ing flre heat in cold periods, as in spring, to assist breaking and the setting of the fruit, and at the end of summer the ripening of the fruit ' to meet this requirement that our nurserymen name it has been used for. The white and yeHow^sorta we should consider most suitable for I and wood. __ culinary purposes. certain kinds as being suitable for such houses, and to distinguish them BtEf^TX E™VA' Kr™- leave9 ™ £*«*<* * "• ' ^eor^^ stagnation of the flap_by cold succeeding to warm weather. It is very , ictendad fop vmeries without fire heat, we agree with you that in all cases the kinds named will not succeed. So far north as York we have known the "cool vinery" kinds ripen perfectly in a house having no - I artificial heat whatever; but in the coM hilly parts of both Lancashire and blistered will recover. Yorkshire, as you say, we have » known them (the cool vinery sorts), fail Protecting* from Ants— Paint for Greenhouse (M. F. IT.).— When ! until heat is applied as a necessity;" indeed, they and orchard houses tho fruit on the standard trees is approaching ripening, d.aw a line | onh?ated are, as regards the Peach, Nectarine, and Vine, failures in all round the stem cf each, clear of the ground, with gas tar. The j places north of the Hnmber, more than 20) feet above the sea-level, and line need not be more than 2 inches broad, and over that the ants will not i we should not trust Vines or Peaches in an unhealed house north of pass. It may be necessary to renew it every ten days or a fortnight, j York, whatever the altitude might be, unless local circumstances were Mix a little fat with it to keep it from drying. In the meantime sprinkle j peculiarly favourable. common this year. The best remedy is to protect the trees from cold ; bat as that is too late now, your only remedy will be to pick off the worst leaves and leave the rest to the warm weather ; but none at present g'jano over their haunts or nests, which will drive them away, or pour ammoniacal liquor from the gasworks into their nests, and they will disappear. The beet paint for the outside woodwork of greenhouses is light 3tone colour. It stands better than white lead, but that ought to form the staple of the paint along with linseed oil. We have used Carson's anticorrosion paint for greenhouses, and it answers very well— quite as well as lead, and is not so costly. PrNE Apples (A Seotehman). — If by "gills" you mean the snail leaves at the base of the fruit, it is not well to remove them until the fruit is ripe; but the euekers, if any, that not unfrequently rise from their axils should be removed, doing it with care, as soon as they can be laid hold of. Indeed, nothing should be tolerated but the crown and small leaves at the base of the fruit; all suckers on the fruit stem, or those calculated to interfere with the swelling of the fruit should be removed. Winter-f lowering Plants for Conservatory (A Beginner).— It may be the back wall is shaded, and in that case no plants would serve you so well 33 Camellias, than which nothing is finer for winter and early spring flowering. Four planU would be sufficient, and as to sorts, Bealii (Leeana Siiperba), crimson; Valtevaredo. rose; Mrs. Cope, white, striped with crimson; Alba plena, or Fimbria;!. If the house is not much shadeJ, the wall having abundance of light, especial'y in winter, then we con- sider Habrothamii'is elegans, H. aurantiaens, and Luculia gratissima would 3uit. They flower late in autumn, in winter, or early spring, and tho latter is sweet, and the others very fine for cutting. We Bhould place the L'iculia in the centre. The three plants will be sufficient for tha length. Cold Pit (Idem).— We consider 7 feet a very good width for a cold pit, access being had to it on both sides ; but if on one side only, we think 5 feet sufficiently wide. A pit 30 feet long, 1 foot deep in* front, and 2 feet at back, would be very useful for growing Cinerarias, Primulas, Calceolarias, Cyclamens, and Pelargoniums in winter, being a better place for them than a conservatory, but it would not answer unless it were heated so as to keep out frost. * You might have it in two parts, with Spur-pruning Vines (Idem).— We could show you two houses full of voung Vme3 that have at every 16 to 13 inches, on each of the rods, a shoot carrying a bunch of fruit, and between each of these a shoot stopped at the fourth leaf with no fruit, end the lateral* from all have the point3 taken out at the first leaf, and are to be kept to one leaf-that is, every au needing growth throughout the season. We require fruit this year, and we want it without detriment to the Vines next, therefore the extra foliage. With older Vines we think this extra foliage useless, as each shoot has a sufficiency of foliage for tho perfecting of the fruit it boar3, and the having unfruitful short shoots at every lb" or 18 inches, in addition to those earning fruit, we think a needless waste of the border and the Vine's energies ; indeed, we think it would crowd the useful leaves, bidder their due development and proper performance of their functions. Except for Vines, or thoso that aro debilitated from want of the foliage needful to secure a good root action, we think the extra foliage an evil. We consider the spurs quite close enough at 16 to 18 inches, for the proper exposure of the leaves to light, so necessary for the elaboration of the sap, and if this be not sufficient leaf development then cut away the fruit from every other shoot. Lamps in a Conservatory (W. B ).— We consider that gas lamps with means to carry off the fumes cannot in any way affect the plants, and we know instances of gas being employed for lighting conservatories on par- ticular occasions, or as you say three or four times a-moutb, and no ev:l result to the plants. It is very likely you have an escape of gas, or that the house is defective in some of the essentials of plant cultivation. Liquid Manure of Fowls' Dung (O. CI.— A peck of tho dung to thirty gallons of water are good proportions. Mixed in the morning, stirred two or three times during the day, it will be fit for use in the evening. Tereaos Flower Bed (H. B.).— As you say that you have abundance of material, then we thiok you might imp ove your proposed plmting.but you must julge. We seldom like to put white flowers or whitish foliage in juxtaposition with yellow. For your terrace bed youpropoGt centering 382 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 26, 1870. with dark Coleas, a row on each Bide of Ceotaarea, then a row on each Side of Mrs. Pollock Pelar.'onium. and then next the grass a row all ro and Of Golden Pyrethrum. Here you have a double yellow so far, and tbe yellow bronze next the white. Wo think it would bo better to have Cen- iaorea in the middle, Coleus round it, and then the Pyrethrum or Mrs. Pollock, with blue or purple ruund it ; or, as you state, Colens for centre, Centaarea next, followed by scarlet, and thf-n Mrs. Pollock, &c. Then as respects the ribbon border, instead of having Reet, brick row, Bijou Pelar- gonium, and Calceolaria, we would, if tbe plants were a fair size, have Bijou, Beet, Calceolaria Aurea floribunda. W« cannot, however, say we fancy Beet, it reminds one so much of the salad We would prefer Coleus, Perilla, Iresine, &c. All such beds wouid be improved by a string of Cerastium, of which you say you have plenty, next the grass ; and a little Olne Lobelia between it and yellow would tell well. Evergreen Climbers For Conservatory (B. B.}.— For the back nothing answers so well as Oranges or Carmd dap, though if the wall is not shaded, or but slightly so, Habr-ithamous elegms, Luculia gra- tissima, and Habrothamnus auraritlaoaa, are Bne winter or early spring- blooming plants, the last two sweet-scented and fine for cut flowers ; so, too, are Oranges and Camellias, which are wbut wo recommend. If you wish for a plant for the b ick part of the roof, Lipageria rosea succeeds well in such a position. For the front Jasminum grandiflorum, Kennedya Marryattte, Mutisia Clematis, Puss flora c^rulea racemosa, P. Comte Nesselrode, Mimosa prostrata, Sollya heterophylla, and Tacsonia Van- Volxemi. Names of Insects (C. C. E.).— The caterpillars sent are part of a quite young brood of the common Lackey moth, Bombyx Neustria, which generally live in large companies in a web on fruit trees. We believe the mischief to the buds was not occasioned by th*se caterpillars, but by one of the destructive bud-feeding weevils (Curculio oblongus, or one of the Otiorhynclius genus), or probably by the larvae of some Tortrix. (A. E. C,).— The Beetles sent are the common R/i?e Beetle, Cetonia aurata. They are not carnivorous, but feed on vegetable matter underground in the grub state, and npou leaves aud flowe-s in the perfect state. They lie underground for some time after assumiug the perfect beetle form, ready to emerge on the firet hot day. This has come in the present year before the Roses are in bloom, and with us in Oxfordshire they are now swarming on the Lilac— W. Names of Plants. — We have received aorae specimens from " Jago," and from Truro, so defective that it i* impossible to name them. Speci- mens should be sent in a box that will resist the post-office stamps, and packed in mosd slightly damped. (Apt, Dublin).— Not one of the speci- mens was numbered. (Julia). — Circrea Intetiana, tbe Enchanter's Nightshade, a de'dly poison. (W. Harker). — Jasminum Maid of Orleans, a very double variety of Jasminum Sambac. (A Novice).— I, Anemone nemorosa flore-pleno; 2, Ranunculus aquatiUN ; 8, Cardamine pratensis. (It. J.). — 1, Y^rbaseuin, the species not yet recognised; 2, Saxifraga granulata flore-pleuo ; 3. The Snowflakf, Lencojum cestivalis. (W. God- bold).— 1, Forsythia viridissimi; 2, Suffered from the stamping in the post office. Kindly send a further specimen. (H. D.).— 1, Not recognised; 2, Persian Lilac, i-yringa peraica. POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON CHRONICLE. BROWN RED GAME BANTAMS. I am glad that "Gallus" has called the attention of com- mitteemen to the subject of classifying Giime Bantams in such a way as would be most likely to commaud both a good entry for their show, and also greatly encourage the improvement of the breed whose interest be advocates — namely, Brown Bed Game Bantams. I think that this variety is at present very little appreciated because its beauties are very little known, for it only requires that anyone should see a perfect bird in order to at once fall in love with the breed, in preference to the Black Beds, Duckwings, aud Piles, attractive as they are in colour. I do not, however, wish to depreciate these varieties, for I myself am an ardent faucier and exhibitor of them ; but am, nevertheless, of opinion, that wero the fanciers of Brown Beds to improve their breed it would have a tendeuoy to spur on the Dackwing and Pile fanciers to do likewise, especially if com- mittees make the schedules with the classification advised by " Gallus." I am certain that if any of us Game B.ntam fanciers were to patiently parsae the process adopted in proouring Black Red Bantams from their big great-grandfathers, and try it with respect to Brown Beds, that we would have something in Game Bantams far surpassing iu style aud beauty even our Black Beds, near as they are to their model. But breeders must have gome encouragement, and for this they must look to commit- teemen, who can give it hy placing in competition in the same class birds of an equj], and not more advanced, stage of development. At Epworth Show, held a fortnight since, there was a very large entry of Game Bantams, notwithstanding the fact that there was only one class for them; but Duckwings stood first, Brown Beds second, Black Reds taking third, thus revers- ing a rale, if rnle it is, that Black R^ds are to take the prefer- ence of all the other varieties in a mixed class when merit is about equal. In fact, so much is this held to by some judges, that I have seen Black Reds of very inferior merit take the prize against splendid Duckwings and Brown Reds of much superior style and points. Of coarse such judgment has the effect of discouraging breeders of Brown Rsds and Duckwings ; and I was glad to find that at Epworth Mr. Hutton was not disposed to keep to the opinions of some judges, who, perhaps, would have left all varieties out of the prize list exoept Black Reds. However, I hope with "Gallus" that committeemen will pay a little attention to this point, and I also hope in a few years to see an exquisite variety of ornamental poultry brought out in all its beauties and perfection. — Alektor, Lancashire. JUDGES REPORTING. Many complaints have been made during the last season as to tbe judging, and although it will be next to impossible to satisfy every exhibitor, I am of opinion there is nothing like publicity for the purpose of procuring a remedy for any abuses which may exist. The cause of complaint I have is "that one of the principal arbitrators is also reporter to a leading and highly respectable journal," and it does appear to me exceedingly unfair that a judge should be in a position to report in a public newspaper on, and to praise, his own awards, which cannot fail in a measure to tend to the exclusion of unbiassed opinions thereon. I do not for a moment assert that partial reports have resulted from such a position, but I do think that one judge should not be more advantageously placed than the remaining gentlemen who accept that onerous post, and who are always open to have their awards criticised by the public generally. This criticism must, to a certain extent, be limited in any journal where the reporter is a judge. To my knowledge several exhibitors have expressed their intention not to exhibit where it is known that any gentleman in the position I have named is to be the arbi- trator ; amongst them is — Columea. [We consider that our correspondent has stated his objection too broadly. There can be no objection to a judge sending a report of the exhibition at which he officiated if he has nothing to do with the editing of the paper to which he sends the re- port. We insert many such reports, but that would not re- strain ns from inserting adverse criticisms if valid grounds of complaint were shown to exist. — Eds.] NEW BOOK The Canary : its Varieties, Management, and Breeding. With Portraits of the Author's own Birds. By Rev. Francis Smith. Groombridge. Fancy poultry, fancy Pigeons, Canaries, and " such small deer," were formerly very badly treated. We recently fell in with a copy of a work published thirty years since, but oh ! the ignorance of the writer ; and as to engravings, the Game cock looked like a Dorking, and some of the birds unlike any fowls that ever lived. Then, also, books on fancy Pigeons were of a similar stamp, and in respect to those that treated of the Canary, all the varieties were jumbled together, or, if the writer were a Londoner, the London Fancy was described only as if it were the Canary of the world in general. The reason of all these blunders was that publishers thought that " such small deer " were too humble to be treated carefully : hence bookmakers, who never kept a bird, were not unfrequently the writers. But of recent years there has come a great change and improvement. Fowls, Pigeons, and cage birds are written of by those who understand them, who huve kept many, and watched and noted their habits carefully. Thus Mr. Lewis Wright and others have written works on poultry fully under- standing their subject ; while the accurate and practical Brent wrote on fancy Pigeons aud Canaries, and Mr. Blakston has followed suit concerning the latter, with a more airy but equally accurate pen. It is now our pleasant task to review the book at the head of this article. It is written in a happy story-telling vein, that would make strangers to the Canary read to the end, and then rush out and get one specimen, at least, of each variety ; and as to Canary fanciers, they will, as we do, rejoice over the book. We read it at a sitting, as many have and will. Mr. Smith was, and perhaps is, a Manchester clergyman, blessed with four young daughters. The father and one of the four got smitten with a love of Canaries, or rather are smitten over and over again, for just as they get possessed of one variety they want another, and so on, until they have in their aviary specimens of every variety of the bird. Hay 86, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 3?3 The descriptions Mr. Smith gives of their visits to the diffe- rent bird shows are oapital. Bat in Chapter I. he puts in " a plea for the Canary." Says he, " Much has been said and written during the past few years to create a taste for the aquarium and the crawling cold-blooded inhabitants of the water, and every one was professing an interest in the gyrations of a goggling, gulping carp, or the antics of a minnow. But give me an aviary of Canaries, whose beautiful colour, elegant form, and charming docility and sweet song, at once please the eye, delight the ear, and enlist my sympathies. Strange — pass- ing strange, that this beautiful bird is not oftener found in the homes of the middle and upper classes." Chapter II. describes the "Origin of our Canaries." How first a present of a common " dickey " was made, and it was not said of him, as a penurious and nngrammatical person once said of a similar gift, "Confound all presents wot eats." Dickey, oommon though he was, started the taste. A home- made aviary was manufactured. The description of its making is so good, one almost sees it mide. Then a joint-stock com- pany was formed between the father and his delighted children. The aviary — anyone with a fow shillings at command could make such a one — is in time filled with Lizards, Yorkshire, Norwioh, and London Fancies, Belgians, &c. The names given are as pretty as the pictures, and the habits of each bird were carefully marked by their owner. Here is an account of the inmates of the aviary, which gives names and character- istics : — " Buttercup was the gayest of the gay, while Dandy would sit and mope on his perch for hours, immoveable as Patience on a monument. Lady Grey " (charming name for a Silver Lizard) " was amiability itself, while Spangle, her lord and master, was irascible and fierce; Dandy was energetic; Sultan was portly and sedate; Marquis was mild and gentle; while Prince Charming was the essence of good breeding and propriety. Little Brilliant was lazy and greedy ; Blanche was quick, while the Princess was distingue in her breeding and manners." Further chapters tell us how Lizards, Norwich birds, London Fancies, &c, were bought, and all told in a pretty, interesting way with apt quotations of prose and poetry. Then the joint-stock company went in for Belgians, to which Mr. Smith has evidently a weakness. Cinnamons (the tale about Sylp is capital) are afterwards bought, then Turncrests, and lastly Germans. Then follow chapters on breeding, nests, and nest-boxes. Others are headed " Our Misfortunes " and " Our Infirmary," and lastly one whole chapter is devoted to cages. Mr. Smith, we have seen, is very happy in his style, and in the names for bis birds, and so is Miss Smith in her coloured illustrations, of which there are about a dozen, and we must also add that Groombridge & Sons have printed the book well, and put outside a pretty cover, with gold enough to please, and to match the most golden Canary. Lastly, we must say that Mr. Smith's book is the prettiest book on the Canary that we have ever seen, and will give an impetus to the iancy. It will lie on the table of many a drawing-room, and, unlike many books there, will be sure to be read. It is a gift suited to a lady little or big, and we are sure will do much, as this Journal has done, to raise the Cannry to its fit and proper place among us. "Has," says Mr. Smith, "our pretty favourite lost anything of its original beauty of plumage by its domestication ? Is it less elegant in form, less docile in temper, or less loving and winsome in its manners than were its progenitors three hundred years ago ? By no means. The beauty of its plumage, the elegance of its figure, the docility of its dispesition, the charming familiarity which induces it to nestle without fear or reserve beside us, to say nothing of its melodious song, which has of late years been well-nigh cultivated to perfection, are more striking than ever. Truly its interesting habits claim and deserve the attention of all classeB, and if bestowed, would nfford a never-ending round of innocent amusement and delight." — Wiltshire Rector. Silkworms.— At Yateley, near Farnborough, Captain Mason has three acreB of ground planted with White Mulberry trees, the leaves of which form the pasturage for a multitudinous stock of silkworms ; and from his successful experience during the three years 1867, 1868, and 1869, he considers that a net profit of £10 per acre, after all expenses are paid, might be realised upon a plantation of 100 acres. The growth of Mul- berry trees, of both White and Black varieties, is attended with very little risk in the mild and moist south-western counties of England, and, indeed, in any situation where the trees are not liable to be cut off by early spring frosts. And where an un- failing supply of Mulberry leaves is forthcoming during the feeding season, there is nothing to preclude the prosperous oondition of any number of worms, for modern invention has succeeded in housing silkworms, so that, by very simple but beautiful arrangements, precisely the right degrees of tempe- rature and humidity, along with the requisite amount of ven- tilation, unaffected by atmospheric influences, are preserved throughout the critical months of May, June, and July. In- vention, again, has introduced not only a new method of reel- ing cocoons by the aid of mechanism, but also a novel system of feeding the worms ; atid thus the cost of manual labour has been greatly diminished. Ii is reckoned that the moths from lib. of cocoons will produce 1 oz. of eggs, and that loz. of eggs will produce worms yielding 80 lbs. of cocoons. — (Chamber of Agriculture Journal ) FURTHER EVIDENCE OF THE SUCCESS OF THE NEW MODE OF CONTROLLING THE FERTILISATION OF THE QUEEN BEE. Tub following letter, published in a recent number of the Toronto Globe, is from a correspondent who appears to have been entirely ignorant of the experiments already made by Mrs. Tupper in the same direction : — Pnt the queen, with the selected drones, and some comb containing honey, in a box having a sliding cover and plenty of small gimlet holes through the top and sides for ventilation ; remove the honey-board and place the box on the frames, so that the queen and her companions may be kept warm ; put on the cap and leave them two or -three days, and at the end of that time your queen will be purely fertilised. The manner in which I made the discovery was as follows : — Last summer, in examining an Italian stock in which the queen had been superseded, I found a young queen just emerg- ing, and being aDxious to secure as many as possible, because the superseded queen was a pure Italian, procured from Mr. Thomas, Brooklin, I rushed into the house, and seized the first thing that came under iny hand, which happened to be my little daughter's empty toy box, placed her (the queen, not my daughter), in it, with a Email piece of honeycomb and a few bees for companions, among which were two drones. Just then a telegram was hai . 1 !o me, requiring my presence some sixty miles away at the earliest possible opportunity. As I could barely have tirufi fo get to the railroad station, and the matter was of much importance, I just placed the box on the frames without ripl^'i''-! the honey-board, but replaced the cap, and prepared for >'.-:■ journey. I was absent rather more than two da s ond a half. When I returned, I im- mediately looked after my i Sned queen, and found her all right, having the marks of feri iiisation. — O. Fitzwilktns. DROPSY— LIGUPT ANS— LONGEVITY OF QUEENS. A hive of bees is now puzzling me. The bees come out in great numbers every day, and fail to the ground in a very help- less and pitiable condition, if I did not know to the contrary I should say they were dying from want of food. The queen is a fine Ligurian, and must be very prolific, as the hive is strong notwithstanding the disease, and pollen gathering and breed- ing go on uninterruptedly. I haveiad one 6trong stock entirely destroyed by mice, and another left in a very dilapidated con- dition. I have kept Italian btes four years, and find them superior in every way to the black bees, and the hybrid are good in proportion. The queen received from Mr. Woodbury in May, 1866, and one (the only one that season) raised the following July, are both alive and respectively at the head of the two most prosperous stocks I have. — S. B., Knowle. [Your bees are doubtless suffering from " dropsy," a disease first noticed by Mr. Woodbury, and described by him in our columns on the 26th December, 1865. The following is the modeiof treatment by which he succeeded in effecting its cure. — " Selecting a fine day, and spreading a cloth on the ground, I looked over the combs until I discovered the queen which I imprisoned in a qusen cage, and then set the hive on the ground, putting an empty one in its place. I next took out the combs one by one, brushing off every bee on to the cloth, placing the combs in the previously empty hive, and completed the opera- tion by putting on the crown heard and introducing the queen at the top. In this way I effected the end I had in view, which 384 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. was, that no adnlt bee should be permitted to enter the new hive that waa unable to rise from the ground and gain the entranoe bv means of its wings. A number of infant bees, as jet unable to fly, were unquestionably lost ; but I spared no pains in rescuing as many of these as possible, and had tbe satisfaction of finding that I had at length effected a radical cure."] Home-made Suoar.— According to Nature, Belgium sent tis during the year 1869, 30(K) tons of meat, poultry, and rabbits j and the birds, at any rate, we might as well have fed and hatched at home, Belgium exported in the same year 34,375 tons of raw beet sugar. What prevents us making sugar for ourselves in tbe United Kingdom? Certainly not climate, for the Hon. Agar Ellis, M.P., has grown Eugar-beets this year in several parts of Kilkenny oounty ; and Dr. Voelcker's analysis of the roots finds a proportion of 8.94 to 10.91 per cent, of crystallisable sugar, while a proportion of only 8 5 per cent, is said to be sufficient to remunerate the sugar manufacturer. The sugar-beets grown near Lavenham, Suffolk, in 1868 contained, according to the same analyst, from 0.62 to 12.84 per cent, of crystallisable sugar. Whitworth and Rochdale Snow fob Poultry, &c, &c— Weputthe et-ceteras because there are prizes offered for Pigeons, Rabbits, and many other things, of which we can only say- See catalogue. The exhibition is to be in the grounds of W. E. Royde, Esq., for whose exertions the Society are under no small obligations. We need do no more than refer exhibitors to the following tempting list :— Forty-one silver oops, valued at from £10 to three guineas, and twenty-eight classes for Pigeons, in which £57 7s. will be given ; fivejor Rabbits, £3 15s. ; and 100 for joultry, £257 7*. OUR LETTER BOX. Wheezing m Fov/i.g (A. Ball).— It is probably the result of the cold variable weather which occurred at the commencement of the month. Aa your bird has no grass ran give him lettuce leaves fresh twice daily. Feeding Poultry— Houpans' Comes and Feathees {Disconsolate Poultry-keeper}.— An amateur who loses nothing bv his hobby has no ground for coinplaint, but it is probahly because of your high feediug there was no profit. Over-feeding cuts both wavs ; it not only costs a great deal, but it prevents lajing. It increases the cost and lessens the produce. In Houdans, as in other hens, the comb is more developed at the laying season than at any other. A well-developed comb should not bo a disqualification, but if, as is sometimes the case, it amounts to deformity, it would be. In looking for perfection a rudimentary comb must be insisted on. Yellow feathers are a disadvantage, but they are bearable; red ones disqualify. Yon cannot profitably judge your chickens till they are from twelve to sixteen weeks old. Uniformity of marking is not essential. Bones for Fowxs— Curing Face-tumours [W. ^.).-We have never nsed bones, and do not find them necessary. They could be bruised very small in a common mortar with a heavy peetle. If covered with a cloth while being used the splinters will not fly about. Such tumours as you mention are often cured by frequent applications of cold water and vinegar. If they will not yield to that, and if there is no discharge when they are opened, use Eome iodine ointment. Keeping Ducks (Ceraitiwi to mtntcsnm). —It would be better if the Ducks were hatched in April instead of June. Of what breed are they ? We would rather have a two-year-old drake with young Ducke. It is established that water is positively necessary for success. The latter quality is impossible where there is ro water. Aylesbury is not f*r frjia you ; take a trip there, yon will find it the head quarters of Duck lore. Before we can advise you, we must know the extent of your land and water with all its conveniences. Hens Moping and Dying (O. I. N.).— We do not understand tho disease. Tf it be caused by any piece of skin, the removal of it would be the cure. Examine them closely and niter your feeding. Give barleymeal and ground oats, mixed with water. Discontinue the oats, wheat, and Indian- corn. Supply them liberally with road grit. Feeding Game Chickens {C. D.).— Bread and milk, chopped egg braised wheat, and curd. Hamburgh Cock's Tail-feathers Falling (P. A.).— Are you sure the feathers fell out ? Did not the bens eat them, or, at least, pick them out ? Ascertain that the opening of the oil glands is open. If it iB not, you must open it, which can be dene by pressure on the glands. It must be gentle. Rub the tail thoroughly with sulphur ointment. The feathers will grow again, and there is no fear of hereditary nakedness. It will be advisable to remove tbe cock from the hens while the young feathers are forming. If they have not already picked, they are sometimes tempted to do so by the Bight of the naked and red skin. Time of Roosting (5. A. £.).— As a rule fowls are the best judges of the proper time to roost, hut there are appiricg souls, especially among tho young cocks, that look above the level, nnd muBt perch. As they often lack judgment in chooBing their resting place, tbe safe6tplan is to give them no means of doing wrong. Let the perches be low and broad. You may take a pole — tir-pole or otherwise— 16 or 18 inches in circumference, raw it in half, and fix it within 2 feet of the ground— round Bide upper- most. Ours do not perch till they are at least six months old. Eggs not Hatching (Unfortunate).— There is no natural solution for such a case as yours. By fault, or vice, or mismanagement, the eggs are spoiled. The "degrees of affinity" have nothing to do with it. Hard frosts may have something to do with the failure. Have you examined the eggs ? If, after sitting, there is no change in the state of the eggr, they are c!ear ; they are not impregnated. If there is a dead chicken, the probability is that from the eggs being left too dry, the chickens have died in the shell. They cannot be all bad. Points of Pile Game Bantams (J. L.).— There is no positive rule for Pile Game. The generality have body ground colour, whit* : hackle, red or nearly so; saddle, the same; sickle feathers made up of the same colours ; and the body stained in places of a buff or nankin colour. Fggs will bear muoh longer travelling without injury. We believe the " monster " was the produce of a double-yolked egg. We differ from yon. We believe it was a good fortune, not a misfortune, that it was killed during or soon after hatching. Keeping Dorking and Game Fowls Together (N. R ).— Yon take up a large position when you say autumn or spring. It extends from tbe middle of August till the 1st of May. You may safely run all your fowls together from this time till November, provided you do not set any eggs till February. If you mean to set in Jannary, you should peparate the fowls in October. If you are not particular, run the risk. No bird will do your Dorkings so little injury as a Game cock. Laburnum Poisonous (Fancy).— We know that both the seeds and flowers of the Laburnum are poisonous, and several cases are recorded in our medical books. The active principle is called cytisine, and small doses of it cause in animals vomiting, convulsions, and death. Yet we should not keep chickens from frequenting plantations where Laburnums are growing, for we do not think that they would eat the fallen flowers, and if they did the small decimal of a grain of cytisine in them would not be injurious. Transferring Beeb (J. W. W.).— Your best plan will be to permit tho stock to swarm naturally in the usual way, then three weeks after the issue of the first swarm expel the remaining bees by driving, and add them to the second swarm. If managed in thiB way no brood will be sacrificed. Examine the half-filled Neighbour's hive, and before putting bees into it remove any drone combs that may have been built therein. Glasses should be put on when a hive first becomes crowded with bees, either in April or May, or even later, according to the season and the condition of the stock. Bees Dwindling (Ben).— The hive being a moveable-comb one, should be examined in order that the cause of the mischief may be ascertained and the proper remedy applied. If the transverse notched-bar remains at the bottom, first turn the hive up and remove it, and then take out the combs from the top in the usual way. The bees cannot posBibly have fixed the frames so tightly as to cause more than a slight difficulty in doing this. If the stock should have dwindled away eimply from the loss of its queen, and is in all other respects healthy, it may be restored by the addition of a swarm as you propose ; if, on tho other hand, it is infected by foul trood, the remaining bees should be at once destroyed, the combe drained and melted down, keeping the whole out of the reach of other bees, and the hive itself, after having been scraped out, should be well washed in a saturated solution of chloride of lime and laid by for a couple of seasons. Alighting- boards are best left unpainted. Herb Pudding {3. Q.) WaBb, scald, and shred small spinach, beet, parsley, and leeks, of each a handful ; have ready a quirt of groats previ- ously soaked in warm water for half an hour; cut 1 lb of hog's lard and three onionB into dice, and mince three sage leaves ; mix all these ingre- dients, add a little salt, and tie them up closely in a cloth. Whilst boiling, the string must be loosened to allow the pudding to swell. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— May -io. Business is somewhat better and prices maiutp-ined, although our supplies have largely increased during the week, hothouse produce be- coming very plentiful, comprising Grapes, Pines, Peaches and Nectarines, Cherries, Figs, and Melons. Large arrivals of new Potatoes from Lisbon, 12s, to 16s. per cwt. FRUIT. P. d. d I 8. d. B. * 0 Mulberries quart 0 0 to 0 0 Chestnuts bushel 14 CurrantB J sieve 0 Black do. 0 Figs doa. 8 Filberts lb. 0 CobB lb. 0 Gooseberries quart 0 Grapes, Hcthcrase.. .. lb. 8 Lemons ^100 6 Melone each i , lb. 1 0 8 0 Poach Pears, kitoh' dessert doz. 0 Pine Apples lb. 7 doz. 21 0 36 0 . doz. 0 0 0 0 Raspberries lb. Strawberries lb. 6 0 Walnuts lu=hel 10 0 do r>100 1 0 VEGETABLES. Beans, Kidney do. 10 2 0 Cabbage doz. Capsicums & 100 Carrots bunch Cauliflower doz. Celery bundle Co]ewort9..doz. bunches Cucumbers each pickling doz. Endive doz. Fennel bunch Garlic Leeks bunch Lettuee doz. Mushrooms pottle Mustard & Cress, .punnet Parsley sieve ParsnipB doz. Peas quart Potatoes lushel Kidney do. , RadiehuB . . doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle I Savoys doz. Sea-kale basket 1 Shallots lb. Spinach bushel TomatoeB doz. 'Turnips bunch VegetabluUarrow9..doz, 8 0 b 0 0 6 0 0 8 0 0 0 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENBB. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day ot Month Day 1 of JDNE 2—8, 1870. Week. Average Tempera- : R?j?tm ture near London. tiye!a^. Sun Rises. Sun Moon Sets. Rises. Moon Sets. Moon's Age. Clock after Sun. Day of Tear. 2 3 4 6 6 7 8 Th F S Sun M Tu W Meeting of Linnean Society, 8 p.m. Manchester Horticultural Show. Whit Sunday. Meeting of Entomological Society, 7 p.m. Royal Horticultural Society, Show, and [ Fruit, Floral, and General Meeting. D&7. 68.9 69.4 69.3 70.5 69.9 69.3 70.6 Night. Mean. 45.1 57.0 44.2 i 56 8 44.4 56.9 47.3 58.9 47.6 58.8 46.5 57.9 46.4 58.5 Days. 19 21 15 24 22 26 15 m. h. 51af3 50 3 50 3 49 3 48 3 47 3 47 3 m. h. 5af8 6 8 7 8 8 8 9 8 10 8 11 8 m. h.! m. h. 18 af 6 , 51afl0 18 7 ! S3 11 23 H , morn. 35 9 8 0 51 10 86 0 after. 2 1 27 1 25 1 Davs. 3 4 5 6 3) 8 9 2 20 2 11 , 51 1 40 1 29 1 18 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 From observations taken near London during the last forty-three years, the average day temperature ol [the i week is 69.7= _; and its night temperature 59.3'. The greatest heat was 90-', on the 5th, 1846; and the lowest cold 33=, on the 5th, 18o6. The greatest fall ot rain was 1.02 inch. QUESTIONS FOR GRAPE-GROWERS. ON'T bother us," you will be ready to say. " What can you say that is new about Grapes and Grape-growing ? " Well, with your hind permission, I was only going to ask a few simple questions, hoping to re- ceive an answer to each that will settle the matter in my mind. In the first place, why do most Grape- growers recommend us to encourage our young Vines to " run " as far up the roof as possible the first season '.' and why do they recommend us to prune them down again in autumn to within 4 or 5 feet of the ground '.' I have seen men in their enthu- siasm not satisfied with the length of the rafter for a leading shoot, but who have actually had the latter trained along the top of the house or down the back wall the second and third seasons. I have likewise seen the same men, with one stroke of the pruning-knife, in autumn remove as much as 8 or 10 feet of those rambling leading shoots. Now. what need is there for this ? The Vine is not grown to supply the wants of the wood-merchant s yard '.' Why, then, allow it to produce so much more wood than is really necessary '.' It is very pleasant, certainly, for any- one to see his Vines growing and covering the whole roof of a house in a summer, and to think of their having fibrous roots as thick as goose quills ; but I am afraid that in nine out of ten such cases these roots will be more difficult to find in April than in November. If this is the case, where is the cultivator's profit in producing such roots ? and if it is not the case, why does he cut his rods so far back ? Has he not roots enough to supply food for double the length of the rod he leaves ? Now, I am but a young man, and what I have said, and what I am about to say, may be all wrong ; but instead of allowing Vines to grow at will the first year, stop them at 3, 5, or 7 feet, according to their strength (the first length for the weak and the last for the very strong), and stop the laterals at the first leaf, continuing to do so during the summer every time they push afresh, and what would be the result ? I imagine so much good, well-ripened cane, with buds like nuts at the base of each lateral. This, however, is only fancy, and I may be wrong. At the autumn pruning only cut them back 18 inches or ■I feet: and in each succeeding summer allow the leading shoot to run no more than 4 or ,"> feet, keep them under the same restraint as before, and only prune a foot or so oft' them in autumn. " What next shall we hear of ? " inquires one. Whether is it preferable to have 8 feet of a "spindle-shank" rod, or 4 feet of thick well-ripened wood '.' Whether is it preferable to have a great quantity of succulent roots, which, ten to one, will perish during the winter, or sound fibrous roots in proportion to the cane, as it is left after the autumn pruning ? I think it is almost universally acknowledged that Vines give the greatest satisfaction during the first five or six years of their existence ; might not this period of success be extended to ten or No,. 479.— VOL.PCVIIL, New Seetes. twelve years by taking the filling of the rafters in shorter I think few will deny the propriety of summer pruning, as practised on fruit trees, as a means of balancing the root and branch-action : why might it not be tried on the Grape Vine to a certain extent ? We have heard much of " extension " and " restriction " in the old age of Vines ; has anyone ever tried to restrict them in then- youth? If so, I shall be much obliged by experiences, and perhaps these may not be unprofitable to the readers of " our Journal."— R. J., P. P. [There is much in what you say, if immediate fruitful - ness is the object contemplated. We once grew Vines- rather largely in pots, and then we adopted the practice you recommend. As soon as the Vines were from S$ t;> . 4 feet long we nipped out the point, which encouraged the free emission of laterals, and these we allowed to grow even more than you speak of, on the principle that the more extended the side branches the stouter would be the trunk, though that trunk might be shorter, as the trunk of an Oak in a park, however far- spreading its branches, may have a sturdy stem, but it is seldom so straight or so long as that of a tree drawn up in a thicket. Our chief object in the stopping referred to was, by means of the free growth of the laterals " near home," to increase first the size of the main stem, and then by the gradual removal of these laterals in the autumn to secure the thorough ripeness of the wood and the buds. When a good crop was taken the following season from such plants, the best place for the Vines to go to after perfecting their crop was the burning or charcoal heap. Such Vines bearing heavily would not be nearly so useful afterwards as voung Vines. The same system might be adopted with Vines intended- to fill a house for a generation or so. but if the Vines ar3 young we should at first be inclined to let them grow more freely — first because the more head growth, the more would- be the root growth ; and as the first season after planting the Vines make wood only, it is advisable that the roots should be considerably in advance of the tops, so that in future these roots shall not support wood only, but also wood and fruit. Our second reason would be because short stopping and encouraging laterals will not make the great difference in the quality of the roots you suppose. Thirdly, because it is good practice to take but little fruit the second season after planting, and therefore concen- trating the powers of the Vine near home is not of so much importance as securing abundant root-action. In our own practice, and as observed in that of many others, we have seen fine well-ripened wood made the first season, and from that we have taken, and seen others take, a good crop the second season after planting, but we never did so without regretting it, as the Vines were paralysed for years afterwards. In fact, fruiting a young planted-out Vine heavily has much the same eft'ect upon it as fruiting heavily a young Vine in a pot. The first heavy crop from a young Vine paralyses it for future effort. It is the best and the most profitable in the long run to take from a Vine but little the second season after planting. The more roots No, IISI.-Vol. XLIIL, Old Semes. 385 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ June 2, 1870. the Vines make before bearing, the better will they stand bearing fruit. However, we agree with yon so far, that Vine shoots rambling in shade can do little to improve root-action. Also, as the young shoot grows, it is important to encourage laterals, and these in a healthy shoot will generally appear without stop- ping the shoot so short as you recommend ; and if theBe laterals appear and are encouraged, the main stem will not lengthen so freely, and the base of that stem will be the thickest and the best. Had we a«voung Vine coming away pretty freely, and yet not makinglJLerals at the joints, we should certainly nip out the point*? you suggest, say 4 feet from the base, and the check to mere extension at the point would cause the laterals to be produced freely ; but whilst we would let the laterals grow two or three joints before stopping, we would also let the lead- ing shoot that was formed after stopping go on again for several feet without stopping, to encourage free root-action, as we never yet found we had too much of that in any case. We consider that your remarks may lead some to think that something else than mere length of stem is required, and we greatly approve of the thought and consideration of the subject that your letter unfolds ; but in our opinion so important is free root-action at first, that after, in the modes stated above, securing the best well-ripened wood near the base of young Vines, we would do as much as we could to promote free root- action. We never found the roots of Vines more fibrous from keeping the tops when young in small compass. Were we plant- ing young Vines now, we would encourage free lateral growth from the base, and be only concerned to remove that growth gradually in autumn when the thorough ripening of the wood became of more consequence than its mere size. Thus, if we had three joints to some laterals, we would first shorten to two, then to one, and ultimately leave nothing but the large leaf at the bud ; but if, as stated above, we nipped out the point of the leader to encourage laterals, we would let a new leader grow again to encourage free root-action. We shall be glad to have the opinions of others on this inter- esting subject. We will not enter on the extension and re- striction system, farther than to say that if we thoroughly believed in the former we would at first act on the restriction system until we filled the house by degrees. In several cases we must own we have been disappointed when removing, per- haps, the half of the top of a Vine, expecting what was left to do better, but it did not do so. As to a few years' bearing, we have Vines now that we wish to give fresh borders to or trans- plant, that have produced heavily, though not so large bunches as we should like, for from thirty-five to forty years, and we might have done what we liked with them if rats had not stripped and gnawed the stems. Encouraging free rooting the first, or even second, season after planting, will not, therefore, cause the bearing powers of the Vine to be so much sooner ex- hausted. Here, as in most cases, the middle path is the safest and most profitable, and our correspondent's remarks may lead many to choose that path of safety and profit. It will at once be seen that the curtailed system of growth that may be best for quick fruiting, may not be equally applicable to Vines that are expected to fruit for a great many years.] CHOROZEMA CORDATUM SPLENDENS CULTURE. Cultivators would derive greater benefit from their labours if they were to pay more attention to the choice of subjects in beginning to grow plants. I have been led to think so from inspecting a fine and vigorous specimen of this plant, and I have thought that service might be rendered by my writing a paper on it. Chorozema cordalum is one of the most beautiful of all the early-flowering New Holland plants, and valuable for either large or small specimens. It is a free grower, developing shoots fully 3 feet long in one season. These should be regulated and tied so as to give the plant the desired shape. I have seen very handsome specimens grown as pyramids by bending and tying the shoots properly — first one to a good central stake, then the rest to each other in turn, as they best suited, till, when fiaished, they formed, without stiffness, a firm whole with only one support. Very good plants can be produced by the second or third year either from seed or cuttings. It makes an excellent conservatory plant. The plant before referred to is folly i feet across, by 5 J feet high. It has been flowering for about two months, since the first week in February, and is nearly a mass of beautiful orange and brown blossom. It grows in a soil consisting of about equal parts of turfy loam and peat, with a small proportion of silver sand and broken crocks mixed well together, and made firm. Its age is a little over three years, and it is trained on a Pear-shaped trellis, which it plentifully covers. I do not think it has been shifted or potted more than three or four times, and the pot it is now growing in measures about 20 inches across. Common treatment as a hardwooded plant is all it has ever been subjected to. It has been kept in a conservatory all the year round, except for a few weeks in summer, when it was placed out of doors in a sheltered part of the garden among other greenhouse plants. Sometimes it may be attacked by red spider, but the insects can be removed easily by a free use of the syringe. Treated as a conservatory plant, with ordinary care, and with a short period out of doors in summer to ripen the wood, it succeeds well, and produoes a most charming effect in spring. — R. M. THE FIG AND ITS CULTURE.- No. 6. Top-dressing. — Trees in pots, especially those which are somewhat potbound and bearing heavy crops of fruit, should, after they are in active growth and the first crop of fruit fairly set, have a liberal top-dressing of some rich compost ; one half horse droppings, and the other half-fresh loam, with a mixture of burnt ashes and charcoal, I have found to answer well. The roets will soon be seen rising and spreading through this like great white threads, and when they have become pretty well established and matted another top-dressing should be ap- plied. By placing thin pieces of turf round the edges of the pot, or putting in all round a few little pins, this top-dressing may be raised several inches above the rim of the pot. The Fig, as already stated, is a gross feeder ; the roots revel in this rich top-dressing, and immense benefit is thus afforded the plant for the well-being of the fruit. Manures. — No manures should be applied to Fig trees unless they are potbound or in a very fruitful condition, as manures tend so much to leaf and shoot production, to keep which in subjection we have continually to take measures. Trees in pots, however, bearing an abundant crop, when swelling off their fruit, I have found benefited by a little guano water or liquid manure given once or twice a-week. Watering. — The Fig while in a growing state requires an abundant supply of water at the roots — indeed, when the pots are well drained it is scarcely possible to give too much in this way. Where the trees are very much potbound they are even benefited by placing the pots in shallow pans of water. When the fruits are ripening greater care in watering has to be exercised, as an excess of moisture at the roots then is apt not only to destroy the flavour of the fruits, but to cause them to split open and spoil. As the fruits ripen somewhat in suc- cession, it is difficult to restrict the supply for those jnBt ripen- ing without in some measure injuriously affecting those suc- ceeding, and the plants themselves, being accustomed to so much water, do not relish the want of it. It must, however, be withheld gradually as soon as the fruits show signs of ripen- ing, and no more should be given than is necessary to keep the leaves and plant in a healthy condition if the highest-flavoured fruit are desired. Trees planted out must be treated in the same manner as far as possible. As soon aB the first crop is gathered the trees should again have their liberal supply of water. The Fio House. — The Fig is most accommodating, and will grow almost anywhere — in any aspect, and in almost any situ- ation. Although it may grow, and that vigorously, it will not freely bear fruit in any but the best situations, where the trees can have the full and direct influence of the sun. The Fig house, therefore, should be of a light and airy description, for just in proportion as this is the case so will the quality of the fruit and the general result be. Low span-roofed houses are the best of all where there is plenty of light on all sides. There should also be ample means of ventilation, which is so much required when the fruits are ripening. The Fig house should also be heated with hot water to maintain the desired tempe- rature at all times. In general, heating may not be much required, excepting in cold weather and to assist in ripening the late varieties. If the Fig trees are cultivated in pots the house in which they are grown may in winter, whilst the plants are at rest, be used for any other purpose, the plants them- selves being removed to some other place where they can be Jane 3, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 387 simply protected from frost. This must be studiously pro- vided against, as the young shoots, if unprotected, are very easily injured by frost. They may be placed in a vinery or orchard house where the frost is just kept ont. A very good place to start the Fig treeB into growth in Bpring is the vinery, where they may remain until the Vines have come into full leaf ; then, however, they must be removed to where they can have more light, and be more directly under the influence of the sun's rays. It is an extremely common yet most fallacious notion, that Figs like a shady situation, and that they will succeed on the back walls of honseB under the shade of Vines, &c, whereas exactly the contrary is the ca6e. The Fig, although it may grow, will in such situations bear but little fruit. It requires in this respect fully a better exposure than the Vine or Peach, and should be treated accordingly. Atmospheric Temperature and Ventilation. — Figs while growing delight in a warm, close, humid atmosphere. A warm dry atmosphere is injurious. To start them into growth a great amount of heat is not required or desirable. A tempe- rature of 50° by night will be amply sufficient, or even less. This may be increased as the season advances. They will, of course, stand a much higher temperature if it is required to have the fruits ripe earlier. During the summer very little fire heat will be required, except in cold wet days and occasionally at night. By day, if by sun heat, the temperature of the Fig house whilst the trees are growing may be allowed to rise to 90° or 100°, or even higher, keeping the atmosphere very moist by syringing all over the plants, also the paths, &c. — indeed, keeping the house perfectly saturated with moisture at all times. The brighter the sunshine the oftener should the plants be syringed. It is wonderful how the plants grow and revel in a warm and close saturated atmosphere like this, and it has further the effect of keeping red spider, the great scourge of Figs in a dry atmosphere, completely in subjection. Little air need be given at this stage, but when admitted shut up early in the afternoon, so as to avoid the necessity of fire heat during the night. It is exceedingly important to husband, or " bottle up," as much sun heat as possible, as one degree of this is almost worth ten gained by fire heat. When the fruits begin to ripen, more air should be admitted, and a drier and more bracing atmosphere secured, aB by so doing only can highly flavoured fruit be obtained. Air should then be given night and day, keeping up the required tempe- rature, if necessary, by the aid of fire heat. — A. B. C. often renewed, the old Boil taken off, and rich fresh soil added. Manure water may be applied when the trees are in flower and fruit. "When the plants are used for the dinner table, they must never be taken out of the pots. — Thomas Record, LUlesden. THE ORANGE TREE AS A DINNER- TABLE PLANT. The gardener from whom I received my first lessons in the profession was a hardworking intelligent Scotchman, and par- ticularly partial to the Orange tree. He used to grow a number of dwarf handsome plants, and fruit them uncommonly well in small pots. He often said they were the most useful plants he could grow, and, to my knowledge, they proved to be so, for besides being often required for the decoration of the entrance hall and for placing in small vases under the verandah, they were also among the best and safest plants to pack up and send by railway for similar purposes. A healthy Orange tree, also, was ever a welcome addition to any collection of plants. The Otaheite and the Myrtle-leaved were the varieties grown ; and dinner-table plants being now so much in request, I think as the above varieties are so very suitable and distinct, they should be more gTown for the purpose. I have sometimes met with a batch of the former variety, but I do not remember ever seeing the latter since that time, except as large plants. Al- though both sorts aie charming on the dinner-table, with their healthy foliage and golden fruit, I like the Myrtle-leaved Orange the better of the two ; it can be made a more compact plant, and can be grown in smaller pots. The culture of both is very simple, and can be stated in a few words. The best way is to purchase small plants, which are not very dear, or they may be raised from cuttings of last year's wood in heat ; when rooted pinch off the top of every plant, give them slight shifts as required, and use rich turfy loam, sand, and cow dang. They will grow without bottom heat, but succeed much better with it, especially with dung heat. Cleanliness is another important part of their treatment, and should be par- ticularly attended to in respect to frequently washing the stems and leaves with soft soap and water used warm. To keep the plants dwarf and in suitable-sized pots the drainage mast be CALCOT. " Go with me to Calcot to-morrow," waB the imperativo-in- vitation uttered on the 19th ult. " Where's that ?" "Never mind, there's something worth seeing there." Now, there are some persons and some times in whom and in which yon feel confiding, and the inviter and the season were congruous on this occasion, so I assented; and the next morning I was at Reading, and thence, staff in hand, strode forth debonairly for Calcot. " How far is it ?" " Two miles ;" but my friend is a Scotchman, and like his countrymen, whose " mile and a wee bit" has its "bit" as long as its "mile," so on the present occasion the distance was full three miles, and the sun was very hot ; but the Hawthorn was in masses of bloom, and the westerly breeze was in our faces, and we kept the step lightly, chanting — " Marching along, marching along, Gardening gentlemen singing this song." And the road was that noble " Bath Road," which many and many a time, some forty years now gone, I glided over behind those gallant fours, the driver of one of which observed, when the road to Reading was improved, " It is Reading made easy." At length the time " Right shoulders forward " came, and that turning us to the left, we passed through gates left, as I like them to be left, wide open — it seems a welcome ; yet there were two big mastiffs, and we were glad to see illustrated, though a little modified, the line, " Chained at the gate two canine demons dwell ;" but then in the Ivy by the gate was a nest of blackbirds, though Cherries were in prospect. Soon after we were introduced to ten more dogs, and then to sixteen cats, fathers and mothers of fourteen kittens, all alive and not doomed to a brick-and-water death. " Their master must be a kindly man," and so we found him — a lover of animal and vegetable life too — a man who does firmly what he thinks has to be done rightly, and the evidence was before us. There was a stone monument bearing this inscription — " Beneath this stone lies buried Onr race's deadliest foe ; Myriads he has hurried Down to the realms of woe. " More mischief he produces Than filled Pandora's box, And more disease induces Than plagu'd th' Egyptian flocks. " Evils attend his reign, Yet thousands owu his sway, And madly hag the chain That drags their souls away. " Reader ! beware his wiles, He lurk? within the bowl, And stabs you while he smiles. Then oh! shan Alcohol." The burial took place more than forty years since, and there were on the occasion committed to their grave three hogsheads of strong beer, two casks of homemade wine, and some dozens of foreign wines and spiritB. After the ceremony a harvest- home supper was provided on the lawn under a tent, when nearly 150 persons sat down to a good substantial meal con- sisting of a roast sheep, two rounds of beef, barley puddings, and a copper of coffee, after which they listened to a good tem- perance lecture, and then returned home free from any intoxi- cation. There has not been a drop of alcoholic drink allowed in the house or on the premises since, not even for medicinal purposes, nor has the deed ever been repented of, but, on the contrary, rejoiced over. The high-priest of this hecatomb is Mr. R. Webb, a private gentleman, F.R.H.S., and proprietor of Calcot, his birthplace, and so genial and hearty is he, that I think, after drinking a few more pipes of 1847 port wine, that I shall think whether it would not be well to bury the bottles — but they shall be empty. Calcot includes ten acres, entirely enclosed with a brick wall about 8 feet high, hollow, and with mock chimneys at uniform intervals, justifying a popular comment, " He may well have good crops of fruit, for he warms the walls ! " I can only note a few general features within the enclosure. It is especially devoted to fruit-growing, and trees— Pears, Apples, and Plums — all most healthy, and free from disease and moss, are there mostly at judicious distances ; but the underwood, for the term 388 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Jane 2, 1870. is jnstified by the abundance, ia composed of Nat bashes. These are not bearers of common kinds, but of more than thirteen varieties raised by Mr. Webb and shown by him at the Great Exhibition of 1862. We tasted speoimens of their fruit, Cobs as well as Filberts, and, late as the season is, they were all good, but we especially liked those called Eugenie and Garibaldi. The walla are elothed with Peaches, Apricots, and Plums, all well cropped. But let it not be supposed that Mr. Webb likes to please no other organ than the palate. He loves and culti- vates flowers, at least his pets, largely. Marechal Niel Rose tills every vacant space upon the walls ; but the Primulacea; are his especial favourites, and Polyanthus seed is sown broad- cast annually all over the orchard. Thousands of plants are encountered as you ramble along, all varying in colour, form, and profusion of bloom; but whenever one of special excellence is born, that, as it deserves, is specially increased. Primroses, double yellow, crimson, and hundreds of others were there ; a whole qaarterof seedling Crocuses, and borders a mile in length of Violet borders. Now a few more jottings about the fruit trees. An espalier Fomeroy Apple tree is there, 42 feet long, with thirteen branches from the two lateral arms, and each of those thirteen thick as a stem and arching over the walk. A few years Bince it seemed declining, and Mr. Webb engrafted two of its branches with the Alexander Apple, which seems to have reinvigorated the tree. This is another feature of the influence of the scion over the stock ; yet it seems not entirely novel, for Dr. Hogg tells me that he knew a similar instance in Sussex, where a Winter Pearmain was engrafted with a scion of the Golden Noble. Here, too, was an instance of the rare establishing of a Pear scion on an Apple stock. Mr. Webb has grafted the Croft Castle Pear on the Norfolk Beefing Apple. It cannot be con- sidered a success, for, though fruit is borne, the scion far exceeds the stock in rapid growth and is unsightly, nor can the union survive many years— canker is apparent at the junction. The Nut busheB are never pruned, but they are of a uniform height of about 10 feet. Last year they produced nearly eight tons of Nuts. Lastly I will note an extraordinary Black Hamburgh Vine. Its stem is 2 feet 3 inches in circumference at the ground's surface ; it has eight branches. No. 1 is about 51 feet long, with laterals 9 feet long. . 2 is about No. 3 is about 24 No. 4 is about 41 No. 5 is about 62 No. 6 is about 80 No. 7 is about HO No. 8 is about 25 10 feet long. 7 feet long. 7 feet long. In a greenhouse. Thus this Vine covers 1539 feet of wall, without including any part of the roof of the greenhouse which it clothes, nor various portions of branches, which, having taken root, are not to be considered as sustained by one stem — they are rooted layers, but unsevered from the parent. The two largest Vines mentioned by Speechley, are one growing about a century since at Northallerton, in Yorkshire, and the other at Bnry St. Ed- munds. The first covered 1320 square feet, and the second 1233.— G. PELARGONIUM BAYARD. Permit me to say a few werds in favour of one of my favourite Pelargoniums — viz., Bayard. Your correspondent, Mr. Peach (page 301), in his usual vigorous style, slays right and left many of our pet varieties, all the Zonal Scarlets. &c, and " goes in " wholesale for Nosegays. I, too, like the Nose- gay class, and everyone to his taste. As Mr. Peach is so fond of Nosegays, I am sorry he should write so slightingly of Bayard, which is truly one of the best. Mr. Peach writes positively, and assumes to be thoroughly well acquainted with all his euhjects. Biyard, however, he does not know, or he would not even question its qualities. His experience of it is limited to pot plants, whilst he criticises it as a bedder. Mr. Peach should wait until he proves it good or bad. As for the truss not being so large as Waltham Seedling, it is much larger. It is described in the "Proceedings of the Royal Horticultural Society," in the report of 1868, as "Dwarfish and free-growing, flowers crimson scarlet, in large trusses. First class." And during the past season at Chiswick, Bayard and Vesta were by far the best Nosegay Pelargoniums grown, growth. I have had two years' acquaintance of Bayard. I saw it at Chiswick during the past season in the long ribbon border by the side of the main walk, and I liked it, and I thank Mr. Pearson for raising one that is amongst Pelargoniums so truly a Bayard.' — Archambaud. I was glad to see in the Journal of May 5th that Mr. Peach speaks more favourably of Bayard, and " advises all who oan to give it a trial." Having bedded it out the last two years, I oan confidently say that it is by far the best of its class here, being a rich crimson and free-bloomer. — A. Henderson, Thoresby Park. and were the admiration of everybody. Bayard is very large in the truss ; Vesta is rather smaller, and more upright in men is probably the finest known ; Euterpe sylvestris ; Areca MESSRS. VEITCHS ROYAL EXOTIC NURSERY, CHELSEA. (Concluded from page 337.) WiTn the Orchids the last notice left off, and with these this notice must begin, but no longer the Orchids in the general collection, but those in a private one formed by the late head of the firm, occupying several houses, and containing the best varieties of that class of plants with whioh his name will ever be associated. Many of the specimens are remarkable for their great size and beauty ; Aurides Lobbii, Fieldingii, Veitchii, and afline, being particularly fine. Among Dendrobiums there is the beautiful white D. infundibulum ; the white, yellow, and rose-coloured D. lasioglossum ; D. Heyneanum, a very free- flowering white species ; and D. McCarthim, one of the finest of the genus. OJontoglossums, especially the lovely O. Alex- andra, are plentifully represented ; so are the Cattleyas, of which there is a fine collection ; and of Cypripediuma, the specimen of C. Itnvigatum ia probably the finest in the country ; there ia the original plant of C. Parishii, and, as might be ex- pected, there is no lack of large specimens of C. barbatum, and other well-known kinds. Epidendrnm syringotbyrsum, a lovely species, recently shown by Messrs. Veitch, with racemes not unlike those of a Lilac, is one of those plants which well deserves attention from cultivators. But it would be tedious to go over all the novelties which are to be found in these houses, to enumerate all the fine specimens which are continuously coming into flower ; and after passing through propagating houses in which we noticed Alocasia Sedeni, a fine new hybrid between Lowii and metallica, and a whole pitful of Masdevallias, with the exception of the splendid M. Veitchii, not in flower, we hurry through houses filled with Azaleas in various stages, from those in email pots for stock, to specimens coming forward for blooming, Chorozemas, Aphelexes, Genetyllis, Eriostemons, Pimeleas, Boronias, Heaths, Liliums, Passifloras and other climbers, Pelargoniums of all sections (including the new Show, Fancy, Bronze, and Tricolor varieties), Coleuses, Calceolarias, succulents, numbers of fine Camellias, and Vines by the thousand. Entering the aquarium we find a rich collection of Panda- nuses, Dracajnas, and Caladiums, together with many Palms. Then through houses and pits full of Gloxinias, Achimenes, Amaryllids, Begonias, Boronias, and Indian Rhododendrons. Among theBe were the beautiful white R jasminiflorum, and the hybrids Piincess Alexandra and Princess Helena, the latter of a fine rose colour. One house is chiefly filled with Humeas ; and in a stove, besides the brilliant Anthurium Scherzerianum, which seems to be serviceable at all seasons, there are Begonias, Croton undnlatum and other fine varieties, Sanchezia nobilia variegata, and numerous fine-foliaged plants. Several houses are filled with these alone, Alocasia Lowii and Veitchii, Maranta illustris, Veitchii, and other fine sorts are represented by specimens, many of them of remarkable size. Besides these there are Dracsenas, the splendid new Crotons, such as variegatum maximum and aucub.Tfolium, Eranthe- mnms, and a host of beautiful-leaved plants. To Nepenthes alone one house is mainly devoted. N. Raffiesiana, distillatoria, and several hybrid kinds exhibit pitchers of a variety of sizes and colours. There is also a fine collection of the North Ame- rican Pitcher Plants, the Sarracenias, such as purpurea, Drum- mondi, and flava. Araucarias, such as Bidwilli, excelsa, and Cunninghami form the main feature in another house; and there are several houses chiefly devoted to Palms. Of stove Palms we noticed as the best Areca Yerschaffelti, Calamus asperrimus ; Areca monostachya, very distinct as a small tree Palm, and having a stem 4 ftet high ; Cocoa Wedde- liana, one of the most graceful of all Palms, and the speci- Jane 2, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 389 lutescena ; Phcenicophorium sechellarum and Verechaffeltia eplendida, two of the most magnificent of all Palms ; Geonoma pumila, well suited for table decoration ; Geonoma imperialis ; Thrinax elegans ; Acanthophcroix crinita; and Welfia regia. Of greenhouse Palms well suited for the decoration of rooms may be noted : — Sabal Blackburniana, Rhapis humilis, Rhapis flabelliformis foliis variegatis, Seaforthia Veitchii, a more deli- cate-foliaged variety than Seaforthia elegans, Corypha australis, Areca sapida, Areca Baueri, Cbam.Tropa excelsa, Chamferops tomentosa, Fhcenix reclinata, and Calamus australis. The Tree Ferns at the end of the conservatory entrance from the King's Road may just be mentioned, in conclusion, as forming a magnificent forest. Some specimens of Dicksonia antarctica are at least 14 feet high, with stems 16 inches in diameter, and there are noble examples of Cyatheas, AlBophila australis, and others. MR. W. PAUL'S EXHIBITION OF ROSES AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. On Saturday last wai thrown open to the public one of the most charming, most effective displays which we have ever had the opportunity of inspecting. Mr. William Paul, of Waltham Cross, had determined this year to hold an exhibition on his own account, mainly of Roses, and he has carried it out in a way that none but those with similar great resources both of plants and taste could have done ; and he has succeeded, though the attempt was a bold one for a man single-handed to fill such an extent as the corridor of the Palace over- looking the terraces and fountains, and which has required about 3000 plants. The whole is arranged so skilfully, is so Taried in height, in form, and in colour, that it forms quite a picture. Passing between lines of the pretty little Sedum glaucum ; Echeverias ; Tricolor, Bicolor, and single and double Pelargo- niums, interspersed with Roses, we are led up in front of a fine bank of Roses, edged with Golden Pyrethrum. This forms of itself a little exhibition, but it is only a foretaste of the main portion of the exhibition, one end of which now comes in view ; and on turning to the right it becomes visible from end to end. Here the staging has curving ends, and forms two wings, with a centre gracefully sweeping outwards, and again bending back to the general line. On this are ranged splendid specimen Roses, such as are produced at ex- hibitions, and studded among them the snowy-white-varie- gated Acer Negundo, Golden-leaved Oaks, standard Roses, and Robinia inermis, with here and there specimen Ivies and other plants of lower growth. By these means, and placing the smaller specimen Roses among those of greater height, that flatness so frequently complained of, and justly too, at our ex- hibitions is altogether avoided. In front of the Roses in the wings is ranged a row of Tricolor and Bronze Pelargoniums, placed alternately with Euonymus radicans variegatus, while the centre is edged with Golden Feather Pyrethrum. A recess filled with Roses intervenes between the first wing and the centre, and is filled with Mr. W. Paul's beautiful new Rose Princess Christian ; there are likewise several boxeB of cut blooms in front of this recess, and also in front of the centre, but the only one we shall signalise is MarSchal Nie], which is to be seen in great perfection. Among the large specimen plants, Madame Alfred de Rougemont is a mass of white blossom, and of others may be noted fine specimens of Senateur Vaisse, Beauty of Waltham, Horace Vernet, Celine Forestier, Juno, Charles Lawson, Souvenir d'un Ami, Mdlle. Marie Rady, Madame Willermoz, Dr. Andry, Pierre Notting, Anna Alexiefl, Alba rosea, Madame Margottin, and Paul Ricaut. Duke of Wellington is particularly bright and effective though the plants are small, and the best of the new Roses are also to be Been. Euonymus flavescens, a very beautiful golden-leaved variety ; Qnercus Concordia, a handsome golden-leaved Oak, together with the variegated Arundo Donax, are introduced in places with excellent effect. After what we have said, need we add, that we heartily com- mend the exhibition, and advise all who would see it to visit the Crystal Palace on or before Saturday next, when the Show will close ? and further, we congratulate Mr. W. Paul on the success which has attended his efforts in producing, unaided, an exhibition chiefly of one flower that can be viewed from end to end without that wearying sense of monotony which too frequently attends such displays. As in war, good generalship and good soldiers win the battle, so in peace — the peaceful pursuit of horticulture — good taste and good skill united will carry the day. PLANTS BLOOMING IN APRIL. April 3. Potentilla alba Doromcum Adoois vernalis Auricula alpina Glechoraa bederacea Hellebpras fcetida Tulips, early ( Uvularia amplexicaulis Adoxa moschatellina Alyssum saxatile Cerastium Hiebersteinii Phlox divaricata Mordmannia oordifolia Omphalodes verua Scilla sibirica bifolia bifolia alba Corvdalis nobilis Crocuses 1& Epimedium rubrum grandiflorum Bellia aucubaefolia Sanguinaria canadensis Lamium maculatum Iberia sempervirena Iris pumila Muscari botryoides Ulmus campestris stricta montana pendola Narcissus albus albus plenus odoratus Orange Phoenix Pseudo-Narcissas Bulbocodium Anchusa sempervirens Ranunculus aeonitii'olius amplexicaulis Kerria japoniea 12. Berberis Aquifolium collina Laureola Andromeda floribunda Anemone apenniua Pulsatilla Oxalis Acetosella Fritillaria meleagris Gagea lutea Gentiana acanlis Triteleia uniflora Pulmonaria angustifolia virginiea sibirica Myrica Gale Populus tremula Dondia Epipai'tis Myoaotis montana Primula acaulis cortusoides vulgaris Apricots Peaches Nectarines Cherries Rhododendron hirsutum Arabia albida April 16. Arabif egata Mm alter Di- oppoaitilolium Veronica repens alba Sisyrinchium grandiflonim Polyanthus Fire King Double Sweep Amygdalus communis dolci macrocarpa Aubrietia Campbelli Pyrus speetabilis Plums Cardamrne amara Sambui Ooronilla Emi Drab a verna Viola tricolor lutea odorata prinoides triandra Ficaria alba ranunculoides plena Rhodiola rosea Trillium grandiflorum Berberis dulcis empetrifoha Cornus mas florida 28. Cydonia japoniea Buxns semperrirens Fraxinus excelsior Schivereckia podolica Mespilua canadensis Fragaria vesca Trichonema Columnse Orobus vermis albus flore-pleno Luzula campestris Polemonimn cieruleum Populus nigra salicifolia Petasites alba Euphorbia epithymoides Forsytbia viridiBsima Myosotis r Berberis empetrifolia Amelanchier ovalis Cerasua Mahaleb Forsytbia suspensa DmiUt-Moasomed Cherry Azalea pontica Populus nigra salicifolia Prunus spinosa flore-pleno rMi'iduiU-ndron ponticum Ribes aurenm Ranunculas aquatilis heterophyllus TJlmu3 canifjestris tortuoS3 glabra microphylla -II. H., Acklam Hall, Middlesbrough-on-Tecs. LAWN MOWERS. I trust " Archambaud" does not construe the sentence, where I gave a caution to the inexperienced not to be led to purchase any novelty without its first having had a fair and proper trial, into an insinuation of improper motives against him ; such I beg to asaure him was not and is not my wish ; it is his judgment alone that I take exception to. I am much obliged to "Archambaud " for the information he so kindly tenders about the low speed of cylinder being wrong, but even in that matter I do not agree with him. I believe it is an unalterable law that great velocity requires great propelling power. The principle is the same whether it is turning a grind- stone or the cylinder of a mowing machine ; to drive either faster than is requisite to do the work is a waste of motive power. Since writing my former article I am able to remedy the defect alluded to by " Archameaud " of being without practical 390 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Jane 2, 1870. experience with respect to the Archimedean. Having had it in use here, I am now able to give a practical reply to his asser- tions. 1 say that the Archimedean does not possess any of the advantages claimed for it, except not collecting the grass. First, with regard to the cut of the grass being perfect, it is ■very imperfect, being ribbed shamefully, as any machine must leave it that, like this, only gives twenty-five cuts per yard. Now this is an important matter touching the quality of work done ; in short, the number of cuts the machine gives per yard alone regulates the evenness of cut or freeness from ribbing. As Green's machine gives about double that number of cuts, it is absurd to compare the qualities of the work done. Next, as to which machine cuts the grass with the least labour, I say, Green's ; of course his machine was constructed to collect the grass, and had not the provision to leave it, as ,is the manner of the Archimedean ; but at my suggestion, and with a very slight alteration in no way affecting the principle of the machine, it can now in a moment be made either to leave the grass or to collect it. Surely this is an advantage the Archimedean does not possess ; we are, therefore, now able to compare the machines under much the same conditions. The disadvantage of the Archimedean is that in long grass, or on croquet grounds, the grass will have to be swept np after the machine, requiring an extra man, or nearly double the time, which I consider is an almost entire loss in such cases. On short grass, where it is not objectionable to leave the cut grass, the machines would compete on more equal terms j still I find that Green's machine takes less power to push it, be- sides doing its work very much better. One reason is no doubt to be found in the comparative qualities of the cutting blades of the two machines ; Green's are made of the best steel, the Archimedean of common cast iron. I wonder if "Archam- baud " and others who have spoken in praise of the Arohi- medean are aware of the latter fact ; if not, I beg to inform them of it, and I hope that they will give their very serious attention to the qualities of the two metals as affecting the durability of the machines. Before I had had the Archimedean at work three hours I detected very serious snips in both the blades, one an inch long, and, in the worst place, one-eighth of an inch deep ; indeed, for that distance the cutting edge was entirely gone. Now, this aroused my suspicion. My employer being the senior partner in the Kirkstall Forge Company, one of the oldest and largest iron works in this neighbourhood, I sent the blade to their works to have its quality tested, and I enclose their manager's report, which says, " The blade is not steel, but cast iron, or annealed cast iron." The foreman smith then also tested it, and he assures me it was a common quality of cast iron, totally unfit for the purpose intended, and that it was simply ridiculous ever to expect to get a cutting edge on it to stand, if ever it should come in contact with any- thing harder than blades of grass. Surely even " Archahbaud " will not attempt to assert that cast iron is as good as steel for that purpose. I tbink that alone sufficiently answers his ques- tion of, " How about their lasting capabilities when subjected to ordinary and inexperienced hands ? " I am sorry " Archahbaud" seems to so vastly underrate the advantages the public derive from competitive trials of such articles as mowing machines ; for my part I cannot conceive any other way of fairly testing them. But then, again, he says, " If the Archimedean has not had any prizes awarded to it in this country, it may be because it has had no opportunity of competition." That it may have that privilege lam author- ised on Messrs. Green's account to offer one of their machines to compete against it for any sum of money, or medal, or prize of any kind, or for a penalty to be paid by the unsuccessful to any public institution the Editors of the Journal may name. I also leave the conditions of trial entirely in their hands, the selection of judges, foe. ; in short, whatever conditions they lay down I agree to. If they think it necessary first to deposit a sum of money in their hands, if they will only name it, it shall at once be forwarded to them. I truBt, by thus offering a fair public competition to the Archimedean, to show that I am in earnest in the matter, and I deny entirely " Arceajibacd's " assertion, that with the Archi- medean a man can cut double the extent in the same time that he can with any other machine. — Robi. Featherstose, The Gardens, St. Ann's Villa, Burley, Leeds. PEAT SOIL. Never keep this by you too long before using it, or in other wordB procure no more peat soil than you are likely to want in a season. Many persons who cannot think why their Azaleas, Ferns, &c, do not grow to their satisfaction, will find that the plants have been potted in peat soil that has been long kept before using. Advice of this kind may appear very unnecessary to many good cultivators ; but I know much disappointment arises from this cause. Many of the readers of " our Journal " know I have always advocated fresh-cut turf for potting ; newly- cut peat is quite as desirable.— J. R. Pearson, Chilwell. THE FRENCH HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION. The Imperial and Central Horticultural Society of France opened its yearly general exhibition on Friday, May 27th, at the Palais de l'lndustrie, Champs-Elysees, Paris. The horticultural products re- mained on view till yesterday (Jane 1st), bat the objects of art and industry employed in horticulture are to remain till the 20th. The fact of the Exhibition being held under the auspices of this the first Society of France would appear to be a sufficient guarantee of the best productions of the country being brought together ; if such is the case, in the present instance it is to be feared that any English person in the habit of visiting good Bhows in his own country would be unfavourably impressed with the great Show of the season. " A great many plants are brought together, representing the various departments of horticulture, bat, excepting in three or four they are not of a high standard. These comprise Palms, Cacti, Agaves, Aloes, Euphorbias, annual, biennial, and perennial plants (hardy), and Caladiums. These were very good, but the rest were quite second- rate. That which mates French shows so attractive is the tasteful arrangement, which renders it quite refreshing and agreeable to attend them ; for while the heat is suffocating outside, the cool air that per- vades the interior, with numberless seats invitingly placed, brings the company from far and wide to attend them. This mode of arrange- ment is very well for the above reasons, bat as regards the finding of the classes, and the facility of comparing one lot with another, it becomes embarrassing. The plants are placed on, or plunged in, raised banks about a foot high and a yard wide, with nearly perpendicular torfed sides, arranged in one, two, or three rows, according to the size and nature of the plants ; every now and then, at equal distances, the bank is enlarged behind, and Conifers of various sorts are plunged in baskets, large specimen plants from 12 to 15 feet high being supplied by one or two nurserymen. These trees add very much to the agreeable effect pro- duced. All the plants are arranged in groups of no stated number, as sometimes a group may contain two hundred plants, at another time not more than half a dozen. There are no schedules nor cata- logues to be had, therefore for a stranger it is difficult to know where one group ends and another commences, unless they are composed of a different class of plants. On entering the first (lay with the impression of seeing what awards are given and to whom, you will be not a little surprised to find groups of gentlemen here and there, with pencils, paper, and lighted cigars, amusing themselves now and then in holding up hands when called upon to award an anxious exhibitor, who is looking on, a medal of one sort or another. These gentlemen are the Judges. A nnmber is placed to each group or single plant, and that is all that is left from their visit the first day. Those, therefore, who require to know the awards mast come again next day, as the gentlemen will not have finished till late on the first day. A.t ten o'clock on the second day the Show is opened, and on entering the first thing to be noticed is two men commencing to place cards with the name of the medal awarded, and the person's name only ; if that person has placed his card or catalogue with his address, all well and good, if not, so much the worse for him. No tickets are placed.with the classes, nor any- thing farther. In a pamphlet sent to the members of the Society at the commence- ment of the year, inviting them to take part in the Exhibition, it is stated to comprise newly introduced vegetables, tlowering and other plants for in-doors or oat-doors cultivation ; seedling plants of vege- tables, fruits, or flowers, foe. ; vegetables in season or forced ; forced or preserved fruits ; stove and greenhouse plants ; hardy deciduous and evergreen plants ; herbaceous plants and annuals ; and, lastly, bouquets and table decorations. The recompenses offered to those who were successful in their exhibitions would be in medals — gold, silver-gilt, silver, and bronze. These medals are the following ac- cording to their value, commencing with two large gold medals of honour given by the Emperor and Empress ; one gold medal of honour given by the Prince Imperial ; two large gold medals of honour given by the Princess Clotilde and Princess Mathilde ; large gold medals of honour given by eminent persons ; one large gold medal given by lady patronesses ; one large gold medal given by Marechal Vaillant, President of the Society ; medals from the Society — gold, silver-eilt, large and small silver, and bronze. At all French exhibitions the awards are given in medals, not in money. The large gold medal, given by His Imperial Majesty, was awarded to'M. Chantin, hortieulteur, Route de Chatillon, 32, a Paris, for the finest collection of stove plants, consisting of splendid specimen Palms, Tree Ferns, Cycads, Dracaenas, three enormous plants of Cyanophyllum magnincum, a few Orchids, and Alocasias ; altogether fine, healthy, well-grown plants, and which added considerably towards filling up Jane 2, 1870. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 391 one side of the end of the Palace where they were placed. They oc- cupied the whole of the bank, forming one square. The second large golden medal of honour, given by the impress, was awarded to M. Lierval, horticulteur, Rue de Rouvray, 5, Neuilly (Seine) for another fine collection of stove plants. These were smaller than the first- prize lot, but very healthy, and contained a greater variety, occupying, like the first, the whole of the bank forming a similar square. Some of the newest plants in the collection were Alocasia hybrida, Begonia vernicosa, Croton aucnbiefolium, Cyano- phvllum spectandnm, Dracaena Guilfoylei, Ficus eburnea, Fittonia gigantea (very large foliage, 9 inches in length by 6 inches in width, and markings very bright), Maranta princeps, Alocasia cnprea and zebrina, also intermedia, and Passiflora trifasciata. This collection was well worthy of the award given it. Fourteen golden variegated varieties of Abu'tilon were also included in this collection, all more or less beautiful. The collection of fourteen varieties is obtainable tor fourteen francs, or If. 50c. each. In small specimen plants they would be very effective for conservatory decoration. The gold medal of honour, given by the Prince Imperial, was awarded to MM. Vilmorin-Andrieux et Cie., seedsmen, Quai de la Megissene, Paris, for a most beautiful and very extensive collection of an- nuals, biennials, and perennials capable of being raised from seed. This waB really a splendid collection, and something worth being mu- tated by some of our great seedsmen. It would afford the British public a good means of choosing the annual supply of seeds in a more satisfactory manner, and in the end prove a good recommendation to the vendor. Each species and variety was separate in pots, and ar- ranged in height to form a sloping bank, and lovely they were, attract- ing many of the company. The same firm also exhibited three new annuals— viz., Gilia liniliora, dwarf, with white flowers ; Penlla nan- kinensis foliis variegatis ; and the third, last and best, was a dwarf variety of Helichrysum bracteatum— a grand tteurs rouges. They also exhibited a collection of double Zinnias in dwarf plants not more than 9 inches in height, very double, and in good variety, and they proved very attractive. The same house sent also a nice collection of dwart well-flowered specimens of herbaceous Calceolarias. The large gold medal of honour, given by the Princess Clotilde,was awarded to M. Bleu (no address) , for a very fine collection of Caladiums in sixty-one varieties ; and the large gold medal of honour given by the Princess Mathilde, was awarded to M. Ch. Pfersdorff, horticulteur Avenue St. Ouen, 110, Paris, for a very fine collection of Cacti, not very large plants, but healthy, and in good order, and the species i too numerous to mention. From the same person came very nice collec- tions of Agaves and Aloes, also the family of Euphorbia well repre- sented in the following :— caerulescens, lactea, nemfolia, Commelini, scolopendrioides (lovely), mamillaris, grandidens, officinalis, polygona, meloformis, canariensis, erosa, odorata, imbncata, and Caput-Medusse. The gold medal of honour, given by the lady patronesses of the Society, was awarded to M. Chenn for a collection of stove plants, containing nice plants of Alocasia divariegata, A. metallica, A. Veitc hn, and A. JenningBii ; Maranta vittata, roseo-picta, Warsewiczu, \ eitehu, Yan den Heckei, regalis, eximia, and fasciata ; Dieffenbachia Bara- quiniana, Weirii, grandis, zebrina, and picta ; Anthurium regale, mag- nificum, Scherzerianum, a lovely plant of Phyllagathis rotundifolia, nice pyramidal plants of Bertolonia guttata, and a magnihcent plant of Ataccia cristata in flower. Another large gold medal of honour was given by the lady pa- tronesses to M. Margottin, horticulteur, Bourg-la-Reine, for the only show of Roses there was ; these were shown in a collection oi about 130 standards in plnnged pots. They were a good collection, but the individual flowers were very poor. It is usual in France to take up numbers of standard Roses in autumn and put them in pots, atter- wards plunging them, and thns they can be sold all through the summer to those who may require to replace a dead plant late in the season, or who may wish to bny the plants when in flower. A large gold medal of honour, given by Marcchal Vaulant, was awarded to M. Linden, of Brussels, for a collection of plants consist- ing principally of Orchids, representing the Odontoglossums and Oncidinms. Other plants were Ficus Wendlandi, Cissus Lindeni, green with paler blotches, Xanthosoma Wallisi, Acer palmatum loliis reticnlatis, and a fine plant of Dracaena luteseens striata. _ A gold medal of honour was given by the Minister for Agriculture and Commerce to Croux et fils, horticnlteurs, Aulnay-les-Sceaux (Seine), for a collection of Aucubas. This firm exhibited fine trees of Conifers such as Wellingtonia, Araucaria. Thuja gigantea, Pinus excelsa, and Pinsapo, &c, also a very good collection of Rhododendrons and Kalmias. Another gold medal of honour was given by the same to M M. Thibaut et Keteleer, horticulteurs, Sceanx, for a collection ot Pelargoniums, well-flowered and in good variety, but poor plants individually. As they were grouped very well in a mass they had a very good effect. A gold medal of honour was given by the depart- ment of the Seine to M. Luddeman, horticulteur, Boulevard dltalie, Paris, for a very pretty collection of stove plants, consisting chiefly of Palms and Orchids neatly arranged in front of the buffet. A gold medal of the Society was given to M. Savoye, horticultenr, Rue Fontarabie, 28, Paris, for a collection of stove and greenhouse plants, consisting of well-grown small specimen plants. The best were —first a most lovely plant of Stevensonia sechellarum, Pntchardia pacifica, Areca sapida, Chamsdorea lunata, various Dracamas, and Ficnses. As I am following the value of the medals it will be neoessary to have fruit and fruit trees mixed up with flowers, as they were in tha Exhibition. A gold medal of the Society was awarded to M. Petit Frederic for a group consisting of Strawberries in pots, variety Marguerite Lebreton, very large fruit; four Melons of the Cantaloup Prescot class, first and second season ; two Bmall pyramid Mirabelle Plum trees in pots, and in the centre four small Peaches, surrounded with a few bunches of Chasselas Grapes, and one of Frankenthal. A second gold medal was awarded to M. Cremont for a group of fruit, consisting of Smooth Cayenne and Charlotte de Rothschild Pines (small fruit), some nice pyramid Plum trees with fruit three parts ripe, six PeacheB better than the last, one Melon, a few pots of Victoria Strawberries unripe, and three or four bunches of Chasselaa Grapes. A third gold medal was awarded to M. L'Herault, Agenteml, for a group of Asparagus— two large growing tufts, one other tuft, showing roots and the uncnt heads, and with fonr immense bundles of enor- mous Asparagus. A silver-gilt medal was awarded to M. Therault Salbceuf fils, horticulteur d'Asperges, Argenteuil (Seine-et-Oise), for two bundles of enormous Asparagus. A second silver-gilt medal and a silver medal were awarded to Mme. Veuve Entraygnes (no address), for two groups, side by Bide, run one into the other. They consisted of four Pines, Grapes (Chasselas) of last year in bottles, four pot Vines, rather miserable, six small Peaches, some Plum and Cherry trees in pots with fruit, Apples (Cal- ville and d'Api), a few small Strawberries, a box of Apricots grown in the open air in Algeria, also a box of CherrieB from the same source, Almonds, Grosse Valence Oranges, and some Citrons da apies. A third silver-gilt medal was awarded to M. Bordelet, pnmennste, Rosny-sur-Seine (Seine-et-Oise), for six Pines grown in pots—one Enviile, three Montserrat, two Princesse de Russe, small ; Frankenthal, ChasselaB de Fontainbleau, and Gros Coulard Grapes, rather small also, and two Cantaloup Prescot Melons. A fourth silver-gilt medal was awarded to M. Morlet, Avon, near Fontainebleau, for a collection of very fine seedling Coleuses unnamed. A fifth silver-gilt medal was awarded to M. Riviere for a group of three plants, consisting of a fine healthy plant of Cypripedium villo- sum, one flat-topped Azalea, and one dwarf pyramid Azalea ; the Cypripedium with twenty open flowers. A sixth silver-gilt medal was awarded to M. Dufoy (no address), for a collection of Pelargoniums, well flowered, but like the others, small plants, well arranged, and with too many sticks to keep them upright. A seventh silver-gilt medal was awarded to M. Bonnet for a very good collection of hardy herbaceous plants. An eighth silver-gilt medal was awaided to M. Eugene Barlon for a group of dwarf standard Azaleas, 1J to 2 feet high, very well flowered, rather flat-topped. A ninth silver-gilt medal was awarded to M. Lassus, horticultenr, Rue de Grenelle, St. Germain, 130, Paris, for a beautiful arrangement consisting of Palms, three splendid plants of Dracaena indivisa, about 10 feet high, and various pillars of common Ivy. The pillars them- selves are of wire placed in a pot where the Ivy is planted, and the pots plunged in the ground ; as the Ivy grows it is trained outside of the wirework. The top of this pillar being open, any ornamental plant can be placed in it, thns forming a very happy contrast. These pillars are about 1J yard high. Amongst these pillars Palms and various; flowering plants were mixed, thus adding harmony to the arrangement. A large silver medal was awarded to M. Chate, horticultenr, 9 Sentier St. Antoine, Paris, for a nice collection of Begonias, but verv Bmall plants ; also to the same person a second large silver medal for a collection of Zonal Pelargoniums, well flowered but small P T third large silver medal was awarded to M. Langlois for a col- lection of Caladiums, not large but healthy. ' A fourth large silver medal was awarded to M. Walker for well- grown plants of Coleus, unnamed, but they were from the first Chis- wick batch. , „ r it A fifth large silver medal and a second went to the same for well- grown plants of named Coleus, from the second or third Chiswick batch. They were worthy of the award. A sixth large silver medal was awarded to the Jardin du Hannua (Algeria), for a collection of young Palms, which only arrived tha evening before the Show ; they were in excellent condition, not appear- ing to have suffered in the least from the voyage. A seventh large silver medal was awarded to M. Eugene Barlon for a collection of Pelargoniums, well-flowered, but poor plants individually. An eighth large silver medal waB awarded to a group of beautrroi dwarf plants in full bloom, of Nerium Oleander, double pink and single white, but to whom they belonged I am at a loss to know, be- cause it was not stated. At any rate they were well worthy ot the A ninth large silver medal was awarded to M. Dnvaux for very fine pots of Mignonette of the large-flowered variety. Although the Mig- nonette was fine, the pots were very large as compared witti the plants. Considering the quantity of nourishment the Mignonette had, it ought ° A tenth large siver medal was awarded to M. Moyse for weU-flowereJ but small plants of herbaceous Calceolarias. 392 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. An eleventh largo Bilver medal was awarded to M. Chate for a new Pelargonium not named, having the habit and character of Gloire de Paris (this last truly named), bnt the colour, instead of being scarlet, is of an intense bright lake, extra Bhowy. A twelfth silver medal was awarded to M. Durand, horticulteur, Bourg-la-Reine, for a collection of hardy Fern a, very clean and healthy, though not large, the best labelled plants in the Exhibition. Also to the same person a thirteenth large silver medal for a beautiful col- lection of Yuccas, very good. A fourteenth large silver medal was awarded to M. Telotte, 19, Rue Pascal, Paris, for a very large collection of medicinal plants. A fifteenth large silver medal waB awarded to M. Grand Jean for a gronp of stove and greenhouse plants, small but very healthy, and well selected. A sixteenth large silver medal was awarded to M. Chevet for a beautiful group of Vinca alba and rosea, well flowered and healthy. A seventeenth large silver medal was awarded to M. Batillard, horticulteur-fleuriste, Boulogne (Seine), for a collection of Pansies not named; healthy, well-flowered plants. An eighteenth large silver medal was awarded to M. Yvon, horti- culteur, Rue de Chatillon, 20 (Moutrouge), Paris, for a good collec- tion of herbaceous hardy plants very well selected. A Bilver medal was awarded to Mr. Walter H. Hitchcock for four dishes of Grapes. The varieties were Muscat of Alexandria, Bowood Muscat, Josling's St. Albans [Chasselas Mosque], and Black Bur- gundy ; the Muscats were not ripe, and the bloom was destroyed. They were placed on dishes with artificial Vine leaves. A second Bilver medal was awarded to M. Eugene Girardin, enlti- vateur, Argenteuil, for one bundle of very large Asparagus. The same person also exhibited a Fig tree in a case, the variety being called Figue rouge Dauphiue d' Argenteuil. It was stated to be from out of doors, bat appeared like a plant that is kept in the house in winter and put out in spring. It had a few leaves and a few Figs on the tips of the branches, and I rather wonder how such an unsightly object was allowed in the Palais, for although there were a few autumn and fewer spring Figs on the points of the same branches, it showed nothing contrary to the rule of nature. A third silver medil was awarded to M. Dnvivier, grenier-flenriste, 2, Quai de la Megisserie, Paris, for a splendid collection of Pyrethrums, double, in twenty-four varieties, all in pots. They were really well worthy of the prize. A fourth silver medal was awarded to M. Grand Jean for a group of herbaceous Calceolarias, very well grown and healthy, but not large. A fifth silver medal was awarded to M. Creste for a mass of large- flowered Mignonette, with a card stating that seed of the same variety could be obtained for one franc per packet by applying to the catalogue- seller at the entrance. A sixth silver medal was awarded to M. Larsonnier, Rue des Ca- pucins, Chartres, for a seedling Pelargonium named Eugene Larson- nier, a French spotted variety of robust habit, very free- flowering, and undoubtedly good. A seventh silver medal was awarded to M. Yantrin-Narcisse, Rueil (Seine et Oise), for a group of Pansies, well flowered but unnamed like all the others. An eighth silver medal was awarded to M. Dufoy for a group con- sisting of dwarf Dahlias flowering in -18-pots, and about a foot high. A ninth silver medal was awarded to M. Louvet for Pelargoniums, well flowered, but, like all the others, not large and too sticky. A tenth silver medal was awarded to M. Sourain for a group of Fuchsias, very healthy, half dwarf and half pyramid plants, but not large, and very little variety. An eleventh silver medal was awarded to M. Yvon for a beautiful collection of named Irises, very good indeed. A twelfth silver medal was awarded to M. Giroux for three enor- mous plants of Chrysanthemum frutescens in full flower. This is a plant much used for beds and borders where white flowers are required ; it is very free-flowering. It is called in France the Anthemis. A thirteenth silver medal was awarded to M. Chevalier aine, arbori- culteur, Moutreuil (Seine), foragroup consisting of a basket containing a pyramid of Calville Blanche Apple and Pommo d'Api Rose, with various branches of Peach trees showing the manner of pruning and disbudding, and also the thinning of the fruit, &c. He is one of the Montreuil Peach growers noted for the cultivation of the Peach. A fourteenth silver medal was awarded to A.Bernard, tieariste. Rue Laffitte, 7, Paris for a very interesting group of plants composed of one large specimen Araucaria excelsa and various small ones; A. glanca, Aspidistra variegata, Chamerops bumilis, Dracamaiudivisa andlineata, surrounded with vEchniea fulgens, Nidularium splendens, and Bill- bergia pyramidalis. A fifteenth silver medal was awarded to M. Goutier, successor to the Maison " Guenot," Paris, for a very nice collection of annuals, bienniaU, and perennials, also an award of a bronze medal for a collec- tion of very good Irises. A second bronze medal was awarded to M, Yvon for a good collec- tion of herbaceous plants iu flower. A third bronze medal was awarded to M. Durand, jun., for a collec- tion of Aucubas, in about thirty varieties. A fourth bronze medal went to M. Chate for a collection of double and single Petunias ; although there was variety, the plants were badly grown. A fifth bronze medal was awarded to M. Plateau for a collection of herbaceous Calceolarias, well bloomed, but small. A sixth bronze medal was awarded to M. Hornet, horticulteur, 21, Rue St. Blaise, Paris, for a collection of forty-eight varieties of double-flowered Pelargoniums ; Triomphe Lemoine, Marie Lemoine, and Gloire de Nancy are the best three, the others are merely shades between them. One new variety amongst them may be a step in the right direction to get quite another and distinct shade ; it is called Victoire de Lyon, and is of a purplish crimson colour. A seventh bronze medal was awarded to M. Chartsonnier, Avignon, for one box of Green Almonds, and one tox of Bigarreau Cherries from the open air of Algeria. Two boxes of Cinchona plants were exhibited, but it was not stated from whom or where. They ranged from 3 to 12 inches high, and consisted of four kinds. One collection I have passed till now in the medals of honour ; it is this — A gold medal of honour, given by the city of Paris, was awardedto M. Van Acker, horticulteur, Ris-Oranges (Seine-et-Oise), for a very nice collection of dwarf standard specimen Azaleas. The plants were well flowered and in good order though small. In very few instances were the addresses of the exhibitors given. — Aksi. INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE PEAR TREE. No. 2. AMPHIDASIS PILOSARIA, PHIGALIA PILOSARIA, GEOMETRA PILO- SARIA, GEOMETRA PLUMARIA, GEOMETRA PEDARIA, PHAIkENA PEDARIA, BIST0N PEDARIA, GEOMETRA HTEMARIA. Entomologists have described by the preceding eight names one and the same moth, popularly known as the Pale-brindled Beauty. The male moth [fig. 1), appears in February and early in March. The extended fore wings are fully li inch from tip to tip. They are greenish grey, with four wavy dusky lines, with whitish spots between, and brownish spots sprinkled over the whole. The under wings almost white, but banded as in our figure. All the wings are fringed. Antenna, or horns, feathery. Thorax downy. The female (Jig. 2), quite wingless, dusky brown, with a white line along the back, and having angular- placed tufts of hair. Feet long, with alternate circles of white and brown. Foliar thus notes the proceedings of the female : — "As soon as pairing is over, in March, the female seeks out a small side twig of the fruit tree, scarcely as thick as the quill of a pen, on a high tree if possible, and deposits her eggs round it in the same manner as the lackey-moth, Clisiocampa neustria, in rows downwards, and covers them with long grey hairs. From seven to ten eggs lie in each row, and more than twenty rows are in each ring. This ring is rather broader on one side than the other, and looks pointed. The female requires several days to deposit all her eggs. As soon as the leaves begin to unfold on the twigs, the young caterpillars are hatched." They are variously marked with brown, yellow, and black, the head, legs, and tail being red-rust colour. Small pro- tuberances with a tuft of hair on their summits are on the back of their fifth, sixth, seventh, and twelfth segments. They are found on the Pear tree, more rarely on the Apple, but frequently on the Oak. They are hatched in May and June. They descend into the soil near the tree, and there pass into the chrysalis state. MR. B. S. WILLIAMS'S VICTORIA NURSERY. As a very full report of this nursery was given last year at the end of October (see pages 340-341), many subjects even more ornamental now than then may be passed over ; but there are some, such as the beautiful Cochliostema Jacobianum, the still more beautiful Tillandsia Lindeniana, and other new plants, which have a special interest at the present moment, Jrme 2, 1870. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 39S besides many Orchids in flower, or coining into flower, and a brilliant display of Azaleas and other stove and greenhouse plants. Added to theBe there are the Ferns, ever graceful, with their young fronds of the brightest of green, vari-coloured foliage plants, and a fine collection of Palms. The Bhow-house, except in the greater abundance of plants in flower, such as Azaleas, Eriostemons, Amaryllids, and Pelar- goniums, presents much the same appearance as it usually does. The large Dicksonias, having made a new growth, have had the fronds tied down, so as to form umbrella-like heads. Cibotium princeps, one of the noblest of all Ferns in a conser- vatory, is also conspicuous. Among the numerous Agaves, Yuccas, and Beaucarneas, there are A. Verschaffelti and several other new kinds, and associated with these the Australian Grass Plant, Xanthorrhcea hastilis, or Kingia australis, which is of remarkably slow growth, and is interesting from the numerous uses to which it is applied by the aborigines. Another Australian, Banksia speciosa, long ago introduced into this country, is a pretty table plant in a young state. In the nest house, a stove, there is a large number of young Palms for room and table-decoration, purposes for which they are very extensively employed on the Continent. The taste for them appears to be rapidly extending in this country, and we venture to predict will go on increasing as the beauty and endurance of young specimens become better appreciated, and as their cost becomes low enough to place them within the reach of those of moderate means. The principal genera re- presented in this collection are Chamicdorea, Hyophorbe, Ma- lortiea, Geonoma, Areca, Calamus, Thrinax, Martinezia. Livis- tonia, Phcenix, and the new Welfia regia. More ttitely than these are fine specimens of two of the noblest of all Palms, and bearing considerable resemblance to each other, Phcenico- phorium sechellarum and VerschaSeltia splendida. The latter, however, makes a crown of roots at the base of the stem, whilst the former acquires a stout stem with age. Dion edule is making a fine growth, and among other Palms may be men- tioned Corypha australis, one of the best for subtropical gar- dens. Anthurium acaule, which is fruiting, is another plant, which is very effective for the same purpose. Another stove contains numerous plants in flower, as Clero- dendrons, Anthurium Scherzerianum, of which Beveral fine specimens are to be met with in the different houses, Medinilla magnifica, Cochliostema Jacobianum, so often alluded to of late, and a large number of young Palms on the shelves. Next we enter the fernery, in which Lomaria gibba crispa is noticeable as making a dense mass ; and several species of Lindeaea, nice specimens of Cibotium spectabile and regale, and a peculiar variety of Pteris serrulata, called corymbifera, are well worthy of attention. Passing onwards we come to the New Holland house, now chiefly filled with Azaleas being for- warded for exhibition. Of the other plants, Draccena oongesta is worthy of notice as being a very hardy kind suitable for Wardian cases and windows ; and it is much grown in Prussia, where, notwithstanding the Beverity of the winters, it does well. Tinnea asthiopica. though not showy, may be noted as having a slight scent of Violets. Then come the Orchid houses, containing extensive collec- tions of all that is good, as well as new. Among Cypripediums are fine specimens of villosum, barbatum superbum, and cau- datum. Vandas are numerous; Aerides have already many long racemes, and some of them will shortly be remarkable specimens ; Dendrobiums and Cattleyas will shortly be splendid, and some are bo already — to wit, Dendrobium densiflorum and nobile, and Cattleya Mossiaa and Skinneri. Laelias, too, as pnrpurata, and Odontoglossums, as Alexandra and Pescatorei, are lovely ; then there are the old but free-flowering Maxillaria Harrisonias, M. leptocephala with ochreous yellow and white sepals and petals, the new Miltonia festiva, Oncidium obry- zatum which is nearly always in bloom, and many others. There is also a Pogonia, supposed to be new, from Java, somewhat resembling P. discolor, but richer-coloured. In the compartments at the ends of these houses are the collections of Sarracenias and Filmy Ferns. The remaining houses must be passed briefly over, though containing numbers of plants in flower, such as the Azaleas Mr. Williams has exhibited so successfully at the recent shows, and many others besides, Francisceas, Dipladenia amabilis, AUamandas, Pitcher Plants, of which there is a fine collection, Ixora coccinea, Pimeleas, Heaths, Genetyllis, i-c. Ornamental- foliaged plants are equally well represented, comprising the new Dracaena Guilfoylei, which promises to be a valuable kind ior conservatories and rooms, being so hardy and so diversified in colour ; many new continental Caladiums; Calamus ciliaris, an elegant table Palm ; Cocos Weddeliana, one of the hand- somest of Palms ; the new Crotons, Alocasias, and a host of other plants. One, Sonchus pinnatus, though not belonging to a dignified genus, may be mentioned as forming a graceful plant for table decoration in winter ; in summer it is useless, for it then loses its leaves. Two other plants but of quite recent introduction also deserve mention — namely, Godoya splendida, which is said to have large, pure white, sweet-scented flowers, and Theophrasta nobilis, which, it is considered, will be a valuable addition to ornamental- foliaged plants. Since our last visit two new houses have been added facing the Junction Boad, each 55 feet long by 25 feet wide, and it is intended to connect them by a fernery. One is filled with a fine lot of Camellias, the other with Azaleas. WAYSIDE JOTTINGS— No. 5. Early in the month of July, 18G8, I set out to pay a long- projected visit to Whitefield House, near Wigton, the residence of Jackson Gillbanks, Esq., a magistrate of the county of Cum- berland, and a gentleman well versed in many branches of natural history. As a drive of fully nine miles, mostly over a narrow and rough country road, lay before us, my companion, a neighbouring medical practitioner, agreed with me upon making an early start. The morning was lovely, and though the weather of the preceding ten days had been close and sultry, a fine breeze from the north-west Berved to keep down the temperature to quite an enjoyable degree on this particular morning. As we passed along the sides of several newly-mown meadow fields, the fragrance of the freshly-cut grass was very grateful. My medical friend several times remarked upon the mellowness of the atmosphere, and we congratulated each other on the prospect of the holiday on which we were just entering. A lively chat on matters connected with natural science, of which ornithology and botany formed the chief elements, served to beguile the weariness of what, under ordinary circumstances, would be considered a jolting and uncomfortable drive. The blossoms of the Guelder Bose and the Honeysuckle studded the hedges of the narrow lanes, and at one particular point of our journey the flowers of the Bough Cow Parsley (Myrrhis temu- lenta), were so abundant as almost to hide with a mantle of dazzling whiteness the hedge banks on which it grew. In the meadows near Ireby old church we noticed very fine speci- mens of Orchis Conopsea (Aromatic pale Orchis), with the delicious odour of which my companion was up to this time unacquainted. Several other Orchids were growing in the meadow, but as these were at some distance from the road we did not stop to examine them, keeping in mind the extensive field of observation which lay before us on the mountain sides to which we were by this time rapidly approaching. On arriving at Whitefield, the situation of which at the head of Overwater Lake and in close proximity to Skiddaw we greatly admired, we found a hearty welcome from the proprietor, who had kindly promised to be our guide as well as host for the day. After a short i est we sallied forth provided with spuds, hammers, and collecting boxes, and took our way towardB one of the off- shoots of Skiddaw, called Cockup. While still within the grounds of Whitefield, Mr. Gillbanks pointed out to us the locality of an ancient encampment, having the oblong outline of those erected by the Bomans, but only limited in extent, having probably formed an outpost to some of their larger stations. Soon we found ourselves on the mountain side, and as I busied myself in securing specimens of Pinguicula vulgaris (Butterwort), Saxifraga stellaris (Starry Saxifrage), and other plants which grew in the spongy grounds at the base of the mountain, my guide jocularly called to me to hold hard, as he was afraid I might overload myself at the outset. Gradually we made our way up the face of the hill in a slant- ing direction, and pointing towards a "hawse" or pass be- tween two mountains, which it was our purpose to gain. As we ascended the springs became fewer, and the soil changed in character. It consisted almost entirely of the debris of the slaty rock composing the mountain, loosely scattered over the surface, and covered with a profusion of the finest Parsley Fern which I had ever seen. The lively green of the large hassocks of this plant formed a striking contrast to the lichen-covered surface of the crags, which here and there protruded from the soil in an irregular and pictnreBque manner. Higher up yet, the gorge narrowed like a funnel, and we re- 394 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Juno 2, 1870. peatedly baited and turned round to admire the change of scenery which onr more elevated position commanded. East- ward and westward the prospect became less and less extensive as we were more hemmed in by the mountains, while to the northward, looking over the Abbey Holm l^vel, and far across the Solway to the mountains of Kirkcudbright and Galloway, the eye wandered over a vista charmingly diversified with mountain, wood, and water. Shortly we crossed the summit, and began to descend a ravine, which our guide had proposed that we should examine for Ferns, the more special purpose of our search being to determine whether the Asplenium viride (Green Maidenhair Fern) grew within its precincts. Our in- vestigation may serve as the subject of a future article, my jottings having already extended to the full limits of my present paper.— H. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. " Nature " believes that the Government will propose to Parliament that the New Natural History Museum shall be built on the site occupied by the Exhibition of 18C2, south of the Royal Horticultural Gardens. A Journal of Horticulture has been started in Por- tugal under the title of Journal de Rorticultura Pratica de Portugal, by M. Josfe Marques Loureiro. M. Welwitsch has shown how wide a field for further exploration by botanists still remains in the Portuguese settlements in Africa. _ We must make an exception to our usual rale, to direct our readers' attention to Messrs. Farebrother, Lye, and Wheeler's advertisement of the Sale of Trot-ical Plants at Sion House, on the 22nd prox. Although the Duke of North- umberland is only selling a portion of his magnificent collection, on account of extensive alterations and new arrangements of the gardens, yet we know in the portion to be sold are many specimens worthy of a place in the finest collections. A most curious fact observed by botanists is that some plants assume a resemblance to others of totally different genera. So remarkable is this, that they have been designated "mimetic plants." Mr. Wilson Saunders made some remarks upon them at a soiree of the Linnean Society, and this having led to further public notice, he sent the following list to our clever contemporary " Nature." Mr. Saunders states that the plants were none of them grown for the purpose, but simply selected from his greenhouse on the spur of the moment for the purposes of the soiree : — Olea europaea Oleaceffl I Swammerdamia Antennaria Composita- j Kleinia ficoides Composite 1 Cotyledon tricuspidata CrassulacesB f Thujopsis lretevirens Conifene 1 Selaginella circinata Lycopodiacea? } Euphorbia xylophylla Euphorbiaceie 1 Polygonum platycladon Polygonere J Peperomia Bp. Brazil Piperacese ) Nematanthus longipes Gesneraceie j Haworthia planifolia Liliacea? 1 Cotyledon (Echeveria) aloides Craseulacese | Gymnostachyum Verschaffeltii Acanthaceas 1 Echites rubro-venosa Apocyneffi f Sempervivum arenarium Crassulaceie 1 Haworthia atrovirens Liliaceffi J Echinoceras Blankii Cactese I Euphorbia echinata Euphorbiacese f Aralia sp. Bahia Axaliacete 1 Philodendron sp. Trinidad Araceffi } Dorstenia sp. (near villosa) Brazil Moreffi 1 Eranthemum sp. Brazil Acanthacea? j Grevillea Bp Proteaceie 1 Acacia chordophylla Leguminosse j Euonymus latifolius Celastraceie 1 Hedera canarienBis var Araliacese ) Ilex Aquifolium var Aquifoliacea; 1 OsmanthuB Aquifolium var (Jleaceiu f "WORK FOR THE WEEK. kitchen garden. Amilst the great pressure of business throughout the spring months, seed sowing is very apt to get in arrear. When such is the case, a fortnight may generally be recovered by having recourse to steeping, in order to hasten germination. There is sometimes sufficient moisture in the ground to induce the first stage of germination, yet by the time that takes place, and before the tender radicle has extended beyond the reach of such vicissitudes, drought has overtaken it, and total desicca- tion is the result. Now, in these cases, if the seed is on the eve of germination previous to its being placed in the soil, and if the soil is freshly dug, the young plant will in general establish itself in safety. The plan is to steep the seeds in water a about 80° for six hours or more, according to the character of the seed, and to place the vessel where it will maintain that temperature ; then to strain the water away, and to remove the vessel to a more moderate temperature, say 65°, until the first signs of sprouting, when the seed bed should be instantly pre- pared ; the vessel, however, after pouring the water off, should be covered with a cloth, to prevent the surface seeds from dry- ing up. It is also necessary to turn the seeds once or twice. The Cape, although a small Broccoli, is one of the most useful in the kitchen garden, if a constant succession is required. This is a good time to make a very full sowing to supply the table throughout October and November. It is also a good plan to sow some Cape Broccoli in drills, prepared after the manner of a Celery trench. The seeds should be dropped in patches rather more than a foot apart, to be afterwards thinned to about three in a patch. Sow a little more of Knight's Pro- tecting, and a sprinkling of some very late spring Broccoli ; it may serve to prolong the succession next April and May. Cauliflowers sown now will head in November, and may then be housed in cellars, sheds, or out-houses, and continue in use until past Christmas. Every attention should be paid to Celery plants ; they must have abundance of water in every stage. Those pricked out from the seed bed should have well-prepared beds, the surface of which, for 2 inches deep, should consist of well-rotted manure, soaked with water, and rolled or pressed level previous to pricking-out the plants. If the weather prove sunny they should be shaded with boughs. A few Ice 2>lants should now be planted out in a warm border to garnish the autumn desserts. fruit garden. A thorough picking of grubs or insects from fruit treeB should now take place. Vines on walls or buildiDgs must be attended to, in respect to disbudding and stopping. Apricots should also be well examined for the grub, and Peach trees on walls judiciously thinned of wood and fruit. flower garden. The weather has been excessively dry for some time ; we have an unclouded sky and a fervent glare of sunshine. I am afraid this is very general. Much care will now be necessary in watering the flowers recently planted out in masses. Early morning watering may be still adhered to, as in a period like this the dispersion of ground heat is rather a benefit, the nights being mild and conducive to growth. All mass flowers in highly-relieved beds should, when planted out, by all means have a hcllow basin or concave surface reserved around the stem, or rather on the upper side, for a fortnight after planting ; this will serve to retain the water, and cause it to percolate the soil in contact with the roots. If this be not done, the water on raised surfaces runs off, and in doing this produces a glazed or puddled surface, under which no plant will thrive until the crust is broken. Hardy American shrubs, as Azaleas and Rhododendrons, on highly-dressed lawns should at this period have thorough waterings in dry weather. Car- nations must now be strictly attended to. A top-dressing of rich compost will be found highly advantageous. Take care that the ligatures are not too tight on the stems, otherwise they are apt to become distorted. Pinks will be blooming ; they must also receive a due share of attention. Tie some waxed thread round the buds to prevent them bursting. Ln selecting seedlings, do not keep those which have serrated petals. Ranunculuses this warm weather are making rapid progress. Occasionally water between the rows with soft water. A slight awning will be of immense advantage to them. If Dahlias have not already been planted out, this ought to be done immediately ; at the same time their sup- ports should be put in, so that the roots may not be injured, which would probably be the case if staking were delayed to a later period. Water and mulch the surface of the soil round the stems. Pansies may be struck under hand-glasses on a shady border ; let the cuttings be put in as thinly aB possible. Auriculas and Polyanthuses should be carefully tended ; the latter are very apt to suffer from the attacks of red spider during dry weather. Shade is absolutely necessary for their successful cultivation. greenhouse and conservatory. Continue to clear away exhausted flowers, in order to afford room for fine specimens of Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, Calceo- Jane 2, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. S95 larias, Roses, and other gay and popular flowers. If a canvas screen is used, some of the Orchids may be removed to the conservatory for the sake of prolonging their beauty. See that the Fuchsias have abundant watering. Continue to train Kalosanths neatly, and water with liquid manure occasionally. Specimen Scarlet Pelargoniums should likewise have liberal encouragement. Show and Fancy Pelargoniums for late blooming will thrive better in a rather shady situation, and the latter especially where they can at the same time be pro- tected from heavy rains. The glass must be entirely taken off Japan Lilies and Gladioli, unless very early blooms are desired. Keep a portion in the shade of a north wall for a succession of bloom. STOVE. Continue to shift young and growing stock, and to remove early-grown plants for autumn or winter flowering to the cool shelves of the greenhouse, in order to harden their wood and prepare them for early excitability. This is a principle not sufficiently acted upon. Much of the success in obtaining winter flowers lies here. Stanhopeas will now be blooming ; the baskets should be well examined, or fine buds will be lost through contact with the sides. Let the house have a thorough circulation of air early in the morning, and if the atmosphere is warm give air most abundantly. If the fire is allowed to go out early the air may be somewhat reduced by 11 o'clock; pour water about, and the canvas screen may be thrown over the roof if sunny. PITS AND FRAMES. Let a stock of young plants be forwarded in small pots forth- with. Achimenes for late flowering may be brought on gently here ; it is astonishing what an amount of dryness for a great length of time these will endure if well ripened. The stock of Balsams and other annuals grown for filling the vacant places in the greenhouses, &c, should be encouraged by frequent shifts. Keep the plauts in bottom heat, and near the glass ; pick off the early-formed bloom buds, as the plants should attain a considerable size before being allowed to flower. Fu- migate whenever green fly appears, as if suffered to establish itself it soon disfigures the plants. Make a sowing of Cineraria seed for winter blooming. Varieties of Schizanthus which are coming into bloom should be occasionally watered with liquid manure. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. Watering. — In a day from home which we lately had, one of the things that struck us most was the abundance of water. Inside the houses, and outside in the garden, water was used without stint. In lake, river, rivulet, and water-works, there seemed to be water everywhere. In one of the neatest nurseries we have seen — well kept, and for its size rich in portable specimen trees and shrubs — that of Mr. Sheppard, of Bedford, they were moving evergreens in very dry weather so as to give them more room, but a long gutta-percha tube enabled the workmen to flood the rows. Under such treatment we should be surprised if a tree or shrub failed, and all the more because in our quiet walk round we noticed that the water was given immediately to the roots in the trench, and the drier soil put on the surface. In another nursery which we often see, and where part of the ground has the benefit of a running stream, vast numbers of fine shrubs that had been moved, and where no water could be given, have failed, and thus entailed a very great loss, even though the shrubs were moved in winter and early in spring. Several notices have been made as to what our correspon- dents say is a " new mode of watering and digging," so as to keep moisture in the soil. We do not think there is anything new in either. The keeping of the dry surface to the surface is chiefly applicable and advisable when we wish to prevent the moisture beneath escaping. If we wished to increase the heat of the soil we should turn down the surface after being well heated by the sun, and with a stream or a hose of soft sun-heated water at our elbow, we would most likely adopt that plan in order to produce rapid growth from a well-heated soil. We are not yet sufficiently aware of what may be done by turning the heated soil down and bringing the colder up to be heated by the sun. In our case we were obliged to do what we could to keep moisture in, even if by so doing we kept out heat to a certain extent. As to the mode of watering at the roots, instead of on the surface in spring, and early in summer, that too is very old. Many years ago the late Mr. Joseph Knight, of Chelsea, the predecessor of Messrs. Veitch, noticed a youth in transplant- ing acting on this principle, and inquired his reasons, with which he seemed perfectly familiar. The practice is chiefly applicable to the circumstances and times mentioned. The same shrewd business-man at another time, in the heat of summer, noticed the water poured freely from the spout of a watering-pot on slightly sunk beds of fine American plants. There was no question as to the quantity of water necessary to reach the roots, nor yet as to the dispatch in using the spout of the watering-pot, a hose then not being applicable ; nor yet as to the propriety of the mode if forced to water near the noonday hours ; but as it was then about 4 p.m., Mr. Knight suggested that it would be better, though it took a little longer time, to use the same quantity of water by going over the beds several times with a rose on the pot, thus cleaning and re- freshing the foliage as well as the roots, and to hold the pot as high in the hand as convenient, chiefly that the drops of water might carry as much air down with them as possible. This idea is well worthy of attention, and has not been worked- out so much by many of us as it might have been, chiefly first from scarcity of water, and then, again, from the water being so much the reverse of clear that it would not improve the These American plant beds suggested another valuable prac- tice— that of surface-mulching. At that time the chief supply of water for the Exotic Nursery was obtained from a large tank, which was filled by a pump from a well, and many a youngster dreaded the hour in rotation at the pump, as the ground fore- man was pretty rigorous in enforcing that so much height of water should be in the tank in an hiur. From frequent water- ing in very hot weather the surface of the bed became smooth and hard, and therefore, from the absorption of heat, evaporated the moisture given very quickly — so quickly that the surface roots were apt to suffer from alternate extremes of cold and heat, and moisture and dryness. When well moistened, mulch- ing would have reduced the watering to a minimum. It mat- tered not so much what the mulching was. The best would have been rough dry peat for American plants, the next rotted leaf mould or decayed dung ; but as the spaces between the beds consisted of the common soil, a little of that thrown over and left loose would have saved a vast amount of watering, caused the plants to flourish even better, and when the weather changed, or towards autumn, taking most of this earth away and placing it in its original position would have involved little labour in comparison with frequent watering, even where water was plentiful but had to be carried or wheeled, and would be a good makeshift where it was scarce. Surface-stirring the ground, aB with a Dutch hoe, not only keeps weeds from grow- ing, but it acts as a mulching to the soil beneath, and therefore is peculiarly useful in such summers as the present. There is nothing in which beginners and enthusiasts err more than in watering. As timely, though old in these pages, let us advise them never to water a plant except when it needs it, and never to water without giving enough to reach the roots. Do not forget that if intended as waterings, frequent surface- sprinklings that do not go deep enough do more harm than good, as surface rootB are first encouraged and then burnt up. If water is applied at the surface and enough is given to reach the roots, think of the modes referred to above for keeping the moisture in. Notwithstanding, very slight surface-sprinklings from a syringe or the rose of a watering-pot are very useful when regarded as sprinklings and not as waterings. They are especially useful to all fresh-potted and fresh-planted-out plants when the roots are damp enough, and yet cannot contend at first with the evaporation from the foliage in a bright sun. Such a sprinkling refreshes the foliage, and what little falls on the ground soon rises as vapour, and thus, even when the sun shines, the sprinkling from the syringe will act much the same as a shade in arresting free evaporation. Just now it is most effectual when given about 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., but in the case of bedding plants we have made a pailful of water go a good way at midday. Let it be clearly understood that this sprinkling is never intended to act on the roots, except as refreshing and lessening evaporation from the foliage. The drenching the roots of plants wet enough already is much worse than useless. We have several time3 been forced to prove, when suffering from thirst, that nothing is so sweet and refreshing as a draught of pure, cool, and yet not too cool water. When thoroughly satisfied and the thirst was gone, it would be a great punishment to force us to drink a pint or a quart more. Many a plant if it could speak would tell how it had been drenched 396 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Jane 3, 1870. ont of existence. Of course, maDy this season will suffer from an opposite canse. Remunerating Labour.— The active workman, even if the labour hours be shorter, is by far the most desirable helper, not only because he does more wort, and does it better, but because be does it in such a way as to tell you unmistakeably that he cannot help himself, he must so work in order to secure his own happiness and comfort. Such a man is a treasure. We have long felt, and we trust our Editors will help us to give utterance widely to the feeling, that in the case of garden and farm labourers, a change is much wanted in this respect. As a general rule they are mostly paid alike all over, just as if there had been some labourers' union law to secure the uniformity. It has often grieved us to have to pay the same money to two men, whilst merely common justice, and the equivalent for labour done, demanded that there should have been a great difference, and the man who cannot be happy without working, must sometimes have the thought paBS through his mind, " Why need I exert myself? I get no more than M, who takes it so easy." But what inducement is there for the easy-going workman to alter his conduct ? Did he perceive that N received something substantial more a-week than him- self, he might be induced to think a little more widely, and try to solve the problem, why he should not make his labour as valuable as that of M, if he did not go a step further, and get an inkling of the fact that he would work with more oomfort and pleasure if he worked more energetically. It is one of many pleasant reminiscences, that we were enabled to help to do away with the distinction in the wages of married and un- married labourers, a system which did so much to foster early and imprudent marriages, with the many consequent evils, and we should be pleased if in garden and farm some attempt were made to discriminate in the tangible shape of wages between the active, conscientious, interest-taking workman, and the workman who was merely a clock man, who thought of nothing but how he could moBt lazily and easily pass the time away. KITCHEN GARDEN. Owing to the sewage-watering the main early supply of Cab- bage so covers the ground as to bid defiance to the fiercest sun, and the roots may go down as deeply as they like, to pump up moisture. We have been obliged to give water to Lettuce, and if the fierce sun continue we Bhall place some boughs of trees, or even a thin scattering of clean litter over them, to keep them cooler, as our water is nearly exhausted, and we must reserve a little clean water that we have in one tank for the most particular purposes. It is almoat useless to think of transplanting Lettuces without being able to water them. They flourish tolerably well, however, even in dry summers if sown thinly, as stated last week, merely securing a little mois- ture beneath at first, and left to perfect themselves where sown. With the ground kept surface-stirred we have thuB had good Lettuces in dry summers without any watering, though they might have been a little more juicy with it. Partly from having fewer birds, and partly from running small string well supplied with pieces of newspaper over the rows, we find that our Beet that we sowed in the ground has been little meddled with. For years we could obtain none without transplanting j as soon as the red leaves appeared off they went. We mulched Beans, and our first and second Cauliflowers, and several rows of Peas, especially those sown on the ridges of beds intended for Celery. Peas in pots, re- ferred to last week, and placed in the Celery trench, the pots covered all over with the dung intended for the Celery, have done remarkably well, and have been very useful, as our most forward PeaR out of doors will scarcely be in when this appears in print. When danger from frost is over, they seem to suc- ceed better out of doors than under glass. Had we more room we should be inclined to grow more in 10 and 12-inch pots under protection, and then plunge the pots in the ground at the end of April. Something better than a monument should be awarded to the man who first practised red-leading seeds. A few years ago all the Peas here, except the very latest, were sown in pots, &c , and planted out. It was perfectly useless to sow at once. Even with the help of nets, every morning the rows would be turned up from end to end. This season it is quite a treat to look on the rows of Peas without net or anything else, and not a Pea meddled with ; as referred to before, not a hole was made in quest of them, showing the wondrous instincts of birds and animals. We proceeded with staking Peas, and here we must notice, that though approving much, if we had them, of the Pea hurdles lately advertised, we do not join issue with a corre- spondent, who thinks they ought to come together at the top like a triangle. That is how a good many of our Peas are Btaked, do as we will. Bringing the two rows of stakes to a point, or slightly to cross each other at the top, looks neat, is easily done, and it answers well enough for dwarf Peas that do not rise so high as the stakes ; but for all tall-growing kinds the stakes furnish little holding room for the Peas that get through, fall over, and have their stems broken. We greatly prefer to have the Pea stakes nearly perpendicular, as the figure of the Pea hurdles iB shown to be. We think that the open space in the centre would suit much better than bringing the hurdles to a point. FRUIT GARDEN. With the exception of the young Cherries being nipped off, as lately referred to, they have set very freely on the treea not interfered with. We gave little or no protection this year, and we have suffered nothiog in consequence, as the fruit in many cases would require severe thinning to enable it to have any- thing like justice. Some of our Apricots seem to have suffered from dryness, and we fear that in one or two cases we watered rather late. Noticing signs of distress, we would not have be- lieved that the soil had been so dry, if we had not examined it. We must try, and for want of better, give a soaking of sewage water, as the water will be pretty pure before reaching the roots. From several cases we have closely examined, we feel persuaded that the sudden giving way of Apricot trees has often been owing to dryness at the roots. As a rule, they need more moisture than the Peach. The thinnings now come in useful, and so have the thinnings of Peaches in the orchard house. In the latter place Cherry and Plum trees, as well as Peaches in pots, have Bet their fruit freely, and are swelling well. The latter must be thinned several times more, for in many cases they were as close as ropes of Onions. We must mulch them all again to save watering. ORNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT. The grass on lawns is still green, and if the drought has lessened growth, it has saved mowing, and machining. The Daisy knife has kept a green surface, and with comparatively little labour. We are now busy filling the flower beds, and the plants seem to do well with a very limited supply of water given at the roots and the drier soil left at the surface. The preparation of the beds was completed as referred to last week, the surface being chiefly kept to the surface. We noticed a remark that will be new to many in Mr. Keane's last week's paper — namely, that in the case of strong-growing Pelargoniums it is well to make the hole in rather firm ground, so as to lessen growth and pro- mote blooming. The mode will have moBt of the effects of plunging the pots with the plants. Both modes would be useful in moist places, but in dry districts it is important to en- courage free growth, as moderate luxuriance is always pleasant to the eye, and a well-stirred pulverised soil is one of the best modes of securing it. Most of our plants are planted out in temporary beds, and the chief care, besides lifting them carefully, is to water them some hours before they are wanted. No plant turned out with spade or trowel, or even transferred from a small pot to a larger one, ever does well when transplanted or repotted with the roots or the earth round them dry. It is hardly possible to wet such dry soil afterwards, unless, in the case of a potted plant, the pot be soaked in a tub, which would make the fresh scil like a morass. From all the dry soil, or ball, the water will pass into the freeh soil, leaving the former unmoistened, just as rain would trickle from the wing of a duck. We sowed more annuals, placing the seed on the damp soil beneath. Marigolds, Stocks, Asters, etc., want planting out and pricking out. The latter plan will be adopted if the dry weather last, as then they will lift with balls, and one gentle watering will do. The same rule will apply to dwarf annuals sown in rows ; they will be lifted and transferred in patches with a ball adhering. All annuals, transplanted now with the I dibble will want more watering than we can give them, and the water must unfortunately be applied at the surface. Plenty of room will be obtained by turning out the best bedding plants ; and annual Phloxes, everlastings, Salpiglossis, &c, will do all the better if pricked out or potted previously, as then they can be established before going out. It is easier to water some hundreds together in a bed than some scores scattered about. We pricked off and repotted Balsams, Feathered Cockscombs, and Primulas, potted Pelargoniums for autumn blooming, and proceeded as fast as we could with Achimenes, Begonias, Cala- Jane 2, 1870. ) JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. dinms, Ferns, and plants generally, but the bedding plants will be our chief work for some time. We know that many think we are much behind, but we shall see whether there is so much gain in early planting two months hence, fl'e muBt often consult circumstanoes and position. There is nothing lost by a little extra preparation. — R. F. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS In the Suburbs of Loudon for the week ending May 31st. THERM Date. Earth. Wind. Rain. Max. i Min. Max. ! Min. 1 ft. 2 ft Wed... 25 80.327 S0.2&5 71 SO 56 53 N.E. .00 Thurs.. 26 30.823 80.221 72 82 56 S3 N.E. .00 Fri. ... 27 3 .216 30.120 68 31 66 53 E. .n0 Sat. ... 28 30.106 80.060 72 40 55 52 E. .00 Sun. . . 29 29.990 29.932 77 47 65 62 S. .00 Mon. . . SO 29.868 29.716 74 U 60 53 S. .00 Tues. . 81 29.831 29.696 67 43 59 54 W. .04 Mean.. 30.094 80.001 71.57 38.14 56.71 52.86 | 0.04 25.— Foggy ; clear and fine ; clear and cold at night. 26.— Foggy ; very fine ; clear and fine. 27.— Foggy; overcast; clear and fine, starlight. 28.— Very fine ; foggy, bat fine ; fine, cloudy. 29. — Very fine; exceedingly fine ; overcast. 30.— Overcast, strong wind ; overcast ; cloudy. SI.— Overcast ; cloudy; heavy clouds. TRADE CATALOGUE RECEIVED. J. Linden, Jardin Royal de Zoologie et d'Horticulture, Brussels.- Svpplement et Extrait des Catalogues generaux. TO CORRESPONDENTS. GS* Being published in time for tra7^smission by the Thursday morning mails, The Journal of Horticulture should, with but few ex- ceptions, be delivered on the same day in all parts of the, country If there is any delay, let our readers apply to the nearest railway IjookstaU, and b}i paying their subscriptions in advance their copies will be regularly supplied. If country booksellers cannot obtain the Journal in time, we shaft be obliged by tJteir communicating the fact to our Publisher. *#* We request that no one will write privately to any of the correspondents 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, &-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.B. — Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. Books (A. T.). — We do not know of such a periodical. (T. Clougk).— Gray's " Supplement to the Pharmacopoeia." {Poplar).— Keane's " In-door Gardening " will suit you. It may be had free by post from our office if you enclose twenty postage stamps with your address. (Orient), — There is a volume by Mr. Porter, *' The Tropical Agriculturist," or some such title. Vines Mildewed (TV. G. Bittrrivell).— Apply flowers of sulphur im- mediately, dusting over all the leaves thoroughly, or the whole of your Vines will be attacked, and the crop destroyed. Nectarine Tree Unfruitful (Eastbourne).— There is little doubt as the tree is "very much shaded by the Vines," that want of light is the cause of the blossom not setting. Cannot you train the Vines so as to admit more light to the Nectarine'.' Stephanotis floribcnda Fruiting (Goddess).— It Is not rare for this plant to fruit. It is not a seed-pod but a fruit. We cannot say that it is edible, we think not. The fruit will, no doubt, have seeds, and they will be ripe when the fruit is, when they may be separated from the pulp by washing with water, and when clean placed in the sun to dry. You may sow them when dried. A strong heat is necessary, and light sandy peat soil. Temperature for Brazilian Ferns (K. L. J.).— Ferns from Brazil will in summer require a temperature of 60 3 to 651 at night, 703 by day without sun, and 75 to B0C and 85J with sun and moderate ventilation ; in winter 55: to GO3 at night, and in very cold weather the temperature may fall to 50 at night without injury to the plants. Let it be 603 to 65^ by day from fire heat, and 70r to 75 : from sun, with moderate ventilation. Ripe Melons and Cutting Them (T. S.t.— The best time to cut a ripe Melon is as soon in the day as the moisture of the night is dissipated by the sun's heat, and that will be in the early p^rt of the forenoon. The fruit is ripe as soon as the footstalk begins to separate from the fruit, evidenced by the cracking around it next the fruit. The flavour of the Melon is best about three days after the fruit is cut, or after the cracking of the footstalk takes place. The fruit, after being ripe, is best kept in a dry, light room, but not exposed to sun. The flavour of the fruit would not be improved by cutting away the leaves immediately over it. Cucumeer Fruit not Swelling (Hastrack).— The fruit not swelling is, we think, due to a deficiency of bottom heat, and an excessive amount of moisture in the atmosphere, which causes the fruits to go off at the ends. Perhaps all would go on well if you were to give a few degrees more heat, seeing that the soil is in a healthy state as to moisture, and admit air early in the day, closing with a considerable amount of sun heat. No soil is better than rather light loam from rotted turves, chopped up rather small. We use nothing else, but for winter work we add about one- third sandy fibrous peat, and we have generally more fruit than we need. Larch Trees Infested with Aphis (That, Nicol).—We think the "white bug" on the Larch trees is an aphis, probably the Aphis laricis. It is very destructive to the young growths of Larch, and hinders the growth considerably. The liquor of the tobacco manufacturer, diluted with Bis times its volume of water, will destroy it, the liquid being syringed on the trees. Gisburst and Clarke's Compounds, at the rate of 2 ozs. to the gallon, would also free the trees of this pest. The solution of either of those should be syringed over the trees on a calm evening. Plant to Hang Down the Sides of a Fountain (L. M. X).— You do not say whether the sides of the fountain-basin are constantly wet, for if not no aquatic would grow beyond the water, and, indeed, we have little hope of its doing so, but vou can try Lysimachia thyrsiflora and Cyperus glomeratus alternately all around. It will be necessary to put in soil for planting in— about 6 inches deep of equal parts strong loam and peat, or bog soil, putting in the plants about a foot apart, and covering the whole surface with an inch or two of gravel ; but why have plants in the upper basin? Your chance of getting anything to grow down the sides is extremely small. For the lower basin Calla or Ilichardia sethiopica will answer, the pots being in the water in summer, and removed to a green- house ; or the Calla may be planted if there is a foot of water, and it is then hardy. You will need soil in this basin as well as in the upper one. Yoa may have besides the Calla, Aponogeton diatachyon, but clear of the drip of the upper basin, and Stratiotes aloides. All the culture needed is to keep the basin well supplied with water. Cyclamen Treatment (Flora).— We advise you to turn the Cyclamens out now in an east border, or other place shaded from the direct midday sun, and leave them there until thev begin to grow in autumn, then take them up and place them in pots sufficiently large to hold them without cramping, using two parts light loam, one part leaf soil, and a free ad- mixture of sharp sand. Place them iu a cold frame, and keep them well aired, but protected from heavy rains and frost, and when the weather becomes frostv remove to a light airy position in a greenhouse. If the pots are filled with roots shift into others a size larger, and you may use equal parts loam, sandy peat, old cow dung, or well rotted manure, with a fourth part charcoal in pieces, from the size of a pea to that of a hazel nut, and one-sixth of silver sand. This will grow them well, good drainage being given. Water when required, but avoid making the soil sodden. We think you will have next year good foliage and bloom. Mrs. Pollock Pelargonium Changing Colour (R. H.K.).— The cause of the leaves becoming green is, no doubt, their not having a sufficiency of light, and being kept at too great a distance from the glass. If you were to place them in a fram», and shade them for a few hours during the hottest part of the day when the sun is very bright, you would, we think, soon see a difference. Lycopodium on 12-inch pots will to a cer- tainty injure the Camellias and Azaleas growing in them. The surface ought to be free of moss, and every plant but that intended to occupy it. Musk in a pot of Tacsonia is even worse than the Lycopodium. Remove all such obstructions, for no plant will do well when another is monopolising a portion of the root nutriment. Cutting Asparagus (R. H.).— The cutting of the heads may be con- tinued up to the 20th of June, but it is essentialthat some of the heads be allowed to grow— say two or three from each crown at the end of May or beginning of June, confining the cutting to those that appear from the crown after the two or three shoots to each have been secured. The cutting in that case may be continued up to midsummer, but if no shoots have been allowed to rise, all being cut, the cutting should cease alter June 12th. Pea for Present Sowing on Light Soil (Idem).— For present sow- ing we do not know of a better from 4 to 6 feet in height than Improved Green Marrow ; the best Pea to sow now is Ne Plus Ultra, but it grows 7 feet high. A dwarfer kind is Hair's Dwarf Man class Pea for present sowing, and it attains a height light soil it is useless sowing late Peas, unless 2 feet wide, and a spit deep, putting in about 3 then point it in at the bottom of the trench, put then another layer of manure, forking it with soil, and sow the Peas ' oth, also a first- 3 to 4 feet. On nch be taken out 4 inches of manure ; about half the soil, ind then make level 11, watering well if the soil edUngs up soon. It is a far better plan and Phlox Drummondi (Idem).- good heart for thesu plants, therefore ; d then point it in with at all dry, so as to bring th than soaking the seed. Manuring for Stocks, A It is essential that the soil be liberal dressing of manure should be given, fork, making the soil fine. Watering Strawberries (Idem).— The weather being dry it necessary that Strawberries should be well watered, every second day. Begin watering whenthe fl continue it as long as there are fruits Pansies (Centurion).— Show AulllIlL'. a good Boaking at its best, and n. Dribblings are ot do use. „. leties :— Self s, Cloth of Gold, Royal White, Maid of Bath, Dreadnought, Alexander Tait, and Vesta, fellow GroundB :— Refinement, William Austen, William Deans, George Wilson, Carlos, and Alexander Whamond. White Grounds :— MiBB K. Cochrane, Mrs. Laird, Princess of Wales, Alice Downie, Lady Lucy DundaB, ana Miss Newton. Fancies .-—Black Prince, McKeith, Striped Queen, Mrs. K. Haig, Eole. Prince Napoleon, Miss Berry, Imp- ratrice Kng. me, Princess Mathilde, Mulatta. and Diament. We cannot depart from our rule not to recommend dealers. Diseased Leaves of Peacheb (E. 21. if.).— What do you mean by " diseased leaves ? " The diseases to which they are liable are many. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. t Jane 2, 1870. Remove the suckers as often as produced. Ants are doing good, either attacking green 8ies or removing honeydew from the foliage. Cyclamens after Flowering (Centurion). — The plants after this Bhonld be placed on an east border or olher place shaded from the direct midday son, either planting them out or plunging the pots in coal ashes. The pots ought not to be placed on their sides, nor must wateriug be neglected if the plants are kept in pots. Water them in dry weather, but not so as to keep the soil very wet, yet it should be moist. If planted out they will not require water, or only during a long period of drought. The fruit of Bigarreau Napoleon Cherry are certainly fine at forty to a pound, but we have known instances of larger fruit, and yet your crop was heavier from there being more fruit on the tree ; 10 lbs. from a tree five years old is very good indeed. Digging Between Rows of Potatobs (Idem).— It is a practice as old as the hills, and of no real benefit except in badly prepared gronnd, which it lightens, and rains are thus admitted ; besides air can get in, and the roots spread through the loosened soil ; bnt in soils that are in good tilth Surface hoeing is best, and digging injurious, as it destroys the roots. If the Potatoes are not earthed uo ynn will have to see that the tubers near the surface are covered with a little of the soil. The Espiran Grape Vine— Soot for Roses (A Constant Reader).— The Espiran Grape Vine has a very hardy constitution, and is free- growing. It is not the nature of the variety, but something else, that is accountable for its growing slowly with you, which may happen with any Vine. The roots are at fault, we should say; possibly the soil is not over-suitable. You may put soot on the ground amongst your Rose trees. It is a good manure if used in moderation. FABFUGruM grande Leaves Injured (Salfsrfon).— The leaf sent appears to have been gnawed by a caterpillar, and before the leaf was fully formed, hence the Bcolloped appearance. Your only remedy will be to examine the plpnt morning and evening, paying particular attention to the undersides of the leaves, and the crowns near the surface. Wood- lice will also eat the leaves whilst young, and so will slugs. Cut some raw Potatoes in halves, lay them on the surface of the nots after scooping out the interior of the Potatoes a little, and examine them in the morn- ing. If the enemy be woodlice you will find them under the Potatoes. Cork for Rustic Work.— Kate wishes to know the address of the cork cutters who advertise the bark for rustic work. Manuring Potatoes, &c. (W. M.).— If the soil was properly prepared, we do not advise you to apply either guano or nitrate of soda now to your Potatoes, Turnipp, Carrots, &c. You will see what we say to another correspondent about earthing up Potatoes. We do not recommend the practice. Gardenia Florida Treatment (Poplar).— It will do beBt grown in a pot, and in a compost of two part? sandy peat, and one part light fibrous loam, with a free admixture of sharp sand. It will not succeed in a cool greenhouse, but requires a warm greenhouse cr cool stove. It is not difficult to cultivate. Encourage it now to make a good growth by a moist and rather close atmosphere, with a good heat, shutting up early in the afternoon, and syringiDg morning and evening so as to keep down red spider. A good growth being secured, expose it more fully to light, and admit air more freely, lessening the moisture and the supply of water, and do not give more water than enough to keep the foliage fresh in winter. Pot as soon as the flowering is past, and do not give a very large shift, as the plant does best in a rather small pot for its size. Roses fob Forcing (2*. A. G.).— A good dark kind is alar.'chal Vaillant, Hybrid Perpetual; white Mrs. BoBanquet, China; and Manchal Niel, Tea-scented. They will not succeed in a temperature "always^at 65V The plants must be strong in pots, and the wnod ripened early by placing them in August in front of a south wall. In S< :ptc*nber they should be repotted, and early in November they may be placed in a house with a temperature by night of 45: to 50c, increasing the heat 5? every foitnight nntil a maximum night temperature of 00° is attained. Llly of the Valley Forcing [Idem).— For flowering at Christmas the roots may be potted in September or October, and in the first or second week they may be placed in a house with a temperature of 45' at night, covering the pots with an inverted pot, which is to remain until the flower stalks and buds are 3 inches above the ground ; then remove the pot and expose them to light. They will soon assume their proper colour. The temperature need not at any time exceed 55" at night, and that ought not to be given until the plants have been in the house a month; therefore, increase the temperature about 5"1 every fortnight. Zonal Pelargonium Management (J. S , Guernsey).— It is not ne- cessary to keep the plants in-doorB all the Bummer for blooming in September. Place them out of doors, and pot at once if the pots are full of roots ; if not, defer the potting until the end of June. Remove all the trusses as tbey show, and keep the plants stopped and tied-out so as to make them busby. The last stopping may take place at the close of July or early in August, and up to that the trusses should be removed. They should have an open situation, but sheltered from winds. Take them into the greenhouse for blooming. Names of Plants (Apt).— We cannot name such specimens, and as you have Sowerby's work on British plants, you can at once identify them by the aid of the coloured plates. {A. Y.),— We answered at page 847, but seemingly to a wrong correspondent ; " apparently an upper shoot of Cupressus Lawsoniana." [L. E.). — Clematis florida, Large-flowered Virgin's Bower, a native of Japan, and cultivated here a century ago by Dr. Fothergill. POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON CHRONICLE. Reds, and these have consequently been neglected, except by a few fanciers, who have perBeveringly endeavoured to raise them up to the standard. At nearly all shows the Game Bantam classes are the most numerously filled, and I am quite persuaded that if five clasBes were allotted to them — viz., one for a single cock of any colour, and one each for Black Beds, Brown Beds, Duckwings, and Piles, they would be well supported at all shows, and pay the eommittees handsomely. Frequently when I have asked, Why do you not show your Brown Beds ? the answer has been, " There is no class for them, and we cannot beat your Black Beds, so we shall keep them at home." A few months ago I corresponded with most of the principal breeders of Brown Red Bantams, and their united impression was that the time had come for them to have a class to them- selves at our principal autumn and winter shows, because the number bred this season will probably be more than double that of any former year. A few days since I saw about eighty Brown Red Bantam chickens, some of them nearly ready for ex- hibition, and the owner of from forty to fifty of them told me he would gladly subscribe towards a silver cup as a first prize, if a class were made for them, and Becond and third prizes added by the committee. I would likewise do the Bame. I have myself about fifty Brown Bed Bantam chickens, of beau- tiful colour, and expect to have several pens ready for showing in September. I hope that committees will take Brown Reds into con- sideration this year, for with so many admirers as these fowls have, the class must be as well supported as any other. Already our American friends have separate classes for Brown Beds, Black Beds, and Duckwing Bintams, and surely we need not be left behind by them when we number ten breeders of Game Bantams to their one. — W. F. Entwisle, Weitfield. THE WHITE COCHIN CUP FOR THE GUILDFORD POULTRY SHOW. First, I think, I had better make right one or two small mistakes which occur in the prize list of this Show about the White Cochin cup which I have been getting up. To begin with, I have no right to the title of "Reverend," which the schedule bestows on me; secondly, I am not of "Merton College, Oxford," but of Pembury, Tonbridge Wells; and thirdly, the cup is not a piece of plate presented by me, but a cup purchased by subscriptions collected by me. Below is a list of the contributors towards the cup, with their subscriptions, and I most heartily thank all those friends who have so kindly aided me in my canvassing. I tniBt it will not be the last piece of plate we shall hear of collected by subscription for my favourites, the White Cochins. £ s. u Leeks bunch Lettuce doz. Mushrooms pottle Mustard & Cress, .punnet Onions buBh*-! pickling quart Parsley sie Parsnips d< PeaB . .". quart Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Radishes . . doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle Savoys doz. Sea-kale basket Shallots lb. Spinach bushel Tomatoes doz. Turnips bunch Vegetable Marrows . .doz. 0 4 0 8 3 0 0 0 .09 10 June 9, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Day Rain in last 43 V.:IM Sun San Moon Moon's Clook after Day Month Week. ture near London. Rises. Sets. Rises. Sets. Age. Year. Day. Night Mean. Days. m. h. m. b.l m. h. m. h. Davs. III 8 9 Th Meeting of Zoological Society, 8.30 p.m. 70.8 47.2 69.0 20 46afS 11 af 8 50 af 2 47 af 1 10 1 G 160 10 P Birmingham Horticultural Show. 69.6 48.9 58.8 19 46 3 13 8 12 4 12 2 11 0 55 161 11 S Crystal Palace Show. 72.1 47.6 59.9 13 45 3 14 8 87 5 36 2 12 0 43 162 12 SUN Trinity Sunday. 71.4 46.1 58.8 •21 45 3 15 8 59 6 8 3 13 0 31 163 18 II Meeting of Royal Geographical Society, 71.9 47.4 69.6 "2.1 45 3 16 8 17 8 47 8 O 0 19 164 14 To [8.30 p.m. 72.6 47.9 60 3 19 44 3 16 8 23 9 32 4 15 0 6 165 15 W Anniversary of Meteorological Society. 72 8 49.2 60.5 19 44 8 16 8 19 10 29 5 16 before 166 From observations taken near London during the last forty-three years 'he average day temperature of the week s 71.6°, and its night temperature 47.3-. The greatest heat was 90', on the 18th and 14th, 1842 and the lowest cold 30°, on the 11th, 1865, an greatest fall of rain was 1.48 inch. PRUNING ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS. No. l. LEASURE grounds have shrubberies, some disposed so as to afford shelter from winds, others to shut out buildings, others, again, serving as divisions for the eye between the .eSLjV?? different parts of the grounds. Then there kShfa^b are groups and specimens on lawns, consist- ing of trees or shrubs, or of both together. The objects are shelter, shutting out unsightly objects, ornament, and shade. Parks have groups, screens, or belts of trees and shrubs for shelter and ornament, and there are smaller groups and isolated trees the sole object of which is ornament and shade. In both pleasure grounds and parks the trees are planted in groups, some trees being isolated for effect, and they are disposed according to one or other of the different styles of landscape gardening. Into these styles it will not be necessary to enter, as they have no practical bearing on the pruning of trees and shrubs, or but little, aud that little will be mentioned in treating of the pruning of the different forms of these. I may, however, state that none of the pruning which I shall advise is available for trees or shrubs planted with the intention of producing an imitation of uncultivated natural scenery. Trees and shrubs are, as everybody knows, of two kinds — evergreen and deciduous, and they assume various forms of growth. My object being to give some directions for pruning different trees, it will be evident that in pruning regard must be paid to the form or habit of the trees and shrubs we prune ; but as it would be of little value, and greatly extend the papers that will be required for the pruning details, to enter fully into form, I think my pur- pose will be served by dividing trees and shrubs into the classes evergreen and deciduous, and these again into sections, giving such account of form as will enable the operator to understand what pruning is intended to induce. The aim in pruning ornamental trees and shrubs should be to assist nature. Nothing can be more absurd than to cut shrubs into the shape of peacocks and other fanciful devices — not that there is anything contrary to nature in keeping shrubs cut into shape when the style of gardening or extent of ground requires pruning to be done so as to, keep them within reasonable bounds, or to render them cultivable in a limited space. Only some shrubs, and but few trees, will bear the pruning necessary to keep them within small compass, and render them interesting and ornamental in grounds of limited extent ; in fact, some are particularly suitable for small gardens, and those where it is desirable to employ shrubs near the mansion, from keeping in good form without interference with their natural habit. Others, if they are cut into form, as it is called, have none of their natural characteristics, or cease to be ornamental. The other purpose or aim of pruning is to produce fine well-formed trees and shrubs. It is a practice to leave all or most of the pruning of trees and shrubs to nature ; and they No. 180.— Vol. XVIII., New Series. never look so well as when left to assume their natural habits. It would be unnecessary to say anything further on the subject if in nature we had no imperfect specimens — if every tree left to itself would form but one trunk and one head' — if every shrub would grow perfect in shape without openings, or the other deformities we see in almost every shrubbery ; or if trees and shrubs left to themselves did not produce a heterogeneous mass, the stronger and commoner kinds out-growing the weaker, slower- growing, and better kinds — if trees had not a majority of the branches on one side — if they did not become forked or have limbs monopolising the greater part of the sap supplied by the roots, so that some of the arms become altogether out of proportion to the others, and are severed from the trunk in stormy weather, often producing a gap on one side of the tree for ever destroying its beauty— if by pruning we gained nothing in uniformity of shape, good-formed yet natural trees not being secured. I have but one view of pruning trees and shrubs, and it is that it aids nature in producing more regularly beautiful trees— they are made to please the eye and meet the requirements of man. Much might be urged in favour of pruning when straight bulky timber with small side branches is the aim of the planter, and that, too, is an object with the planter of groups and belts in parks. Does he not intend the timber to be a source of profit as well as of ornament ? If not, it ought to be. Some have an idea that trees for ornament and those planted for timber require different treatment. No doubt they do when the trees stand singly or in groups of three, five, seven, or more, but in the latter case with such intervals between them that the heads meet, forming in the distance a group or mass. The trees would have no very great attractions if the side branches were small or altogether wanting, and the tree had a straight stem or trunk 30, 40, or 50 feet high, without a single branch, and surmounted with a fine head of branches and foliage in summer, if not in winter. Single trees, small groups, and lines of trees so far apart that their heads do not touch, or but very slightly, would not have a very ornamental ap- pearance trained with stems 30 or more feet high without a single branch, or with a number of small onep, however good might be the heads above that height. In narrow belts, too, it is desirable that single trees, as well as small groups, should be feathered, or have branches that sweep the ground. Setting aside the single trees, the small groups, and the narrow belts, there is no reason why the large groups and belts that have more than three lines of trees should not have the trees in their interior pruned with a view to producing fine straight timber. The two outer lines of trees will, of course, need to be pruned so as to feather near the ground, and afford foliage. Without any pruning at all it is evident the side branches of trees in the interior of large groups and belts must lose their lower branches by slow decay, and will not be so ornamental as those which are pruned with a view to the production of straight timber. Thus, while we secure all that can be attained in the way of foliage in the interior of large groups and belts, we at the same time obtain trees with straight sound stems by No, 1132— Vol. XLIII., Old Series. 492 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ June 9, 1870. judiciously pruning the side branches, and we avoid the evils of unpruned timber — viz., knottiness, decayed tops, rottenness or hollowness, shakes, and short stems with the greater part of the timber iu the branches. The pruning, then, of trees in pleasure grounds and parks is of two kinds : — First, That for single specimens, for trees in single lines, or if in more than one line so far apart that the heads do not touch, or only do so at a very advanced age ; for Jrees in groups of three or any number, but not more than two or at most three trees deep; or if in groups of large extent, the Jrees not touching each other, and only appearing in groups at a distance, or by being planted apart from other or larger masses, or from single trees or lines of trees ; also trees marking the outlines of large deep groups, masses, or belts. The essen- tial objects of such trees or assemblages of trees are ornament and shelter. Secondly, Pruning trees in the interior of large groups and screens that ore required to have clean, straight stems, free from the knottiness of ornamental trees, the growth being concentrated iu the trunk, and not in the head, as in ornamental trees, but the trees planted for ornament, shelter, and for use as well. Under these two heads are comprised the whole of the objects of pruning ; in the first we seek by pruning to secure fine, evenly-balanced heads on short stems, and more quickly than where the trees are left to nature ; we secure all the grace and beauty nature affords in trees, and we get rid of deformities. In the second we secure straight, sound timber free of knots, or nearly so. Ry pruning we obtain, if commenced as it ought to be, when the trees are young : — 1. Improved form by removing ill-placed shoots, and those likely to monopolise more of the sap than is requisite for the branches we desire to have on a certain part of the tree ; we take from the strong aud give to the weak, we stop superfluity in one portion to give increased vigour and new parts in another. 2. Ey pruning in proper time the danger of taking off large branches is avoided, and the knife being the principal imple- ment needed in the operation, the branches taken off must be small, and the wounds heal very well and soon, the branches being taken off do? e to the part whence they proceed. 3. Ey taking off the shoots and branches not needed for Jorm, we give increased vigour to the weak parts, and the stem and top ofthe tree having the advantage of a greater supply of sap than in the case of trees not pruned, the sap rises more freely, and they are strong in proportion to their height. 4. Pruned trees require less space than those left to nature, lor by pruning we take away not only the strongest but also the longest, hence we give more vigour to the upper part of the tree; and by being thinner the parts left have more air and light, and the subsequent growth is freer, with an upward tendency. 5. By pruning we obtain increased size. Every branch we iake from a tree sets p.t liberty a quantity of sap for the benefit of the remainder of the tree ; every branch taken off is an ob- struction to growth removed, aud though some would have us believe that every time we cut the head we curtail the growth of the roots, we must consider that what causes vigour in the tree must also cause an increase in the number of the roots, and, consequently, an increase of nutriment. The channels being enlarged by the freer growth, we have an amended cir- culation of the sap, and the plant receives, as it were, an im- proved constitution. I am here acting on the good old maxim, " Cut and have." It is a case foreign to fruit-growing. What we want in ornamental trees is quick, strong growth, vigour ■with sturdiness. — G. Aebet. WHY SHOULD ROSES BE EXHIBITED ON MOSS'.' F»"To make them look pretty, of course; the nice fresh green of the moss throws up the tender or brilliant colours of the Rose so beautifully." And you think that a satisfactory reply, do you, friend Jones? but yet here is Smith, who thinks pre- cisely the same, stamping about like a caged lion because the judges have disqualified his box. " What did I do ? I only added a few leaves to throw up the colours of the flowers ; and will you tell me, gentlemen," he demands with a face as red as any of his Alfred Colombs, " what difference there is be- tween me and that fellow Jones, who has crammed his boxes with moss?" Meekly one of the judges replies, "You see leaves are against the rule, and moss is not." " Pretty sort of mles those must be." While I am listening to this colloquy I am much struck with the fact, that alone of all florists' flowers the Rose— the flower par excellence, the queen of all heartB, the Eo6e whose diversity of colours and brilliancy of foliage surely needs no aid — is yet obliged to be decked out with feathers not her own, and I think it is high time that an alteration were made. In the first place it is unfair — yes, unfair. It is well known I am not an exhi- bitor, and have not been ; but where I formerly was there was no moss to be had within nine or ten miles. Now, had I been an exhibitor I should clearly have stood at a disadvantage as compared with many who have it at their own doors. Unfair again, because some have it in their power to obtain very beautiful moss, in itself a picture, while others can only pro- cure very indifferent stuff. You will say, " The judges do not judge the moss, but the Roses." Without doubt ; but just try the effect. Get some chopped grass, put it on the top of your box, and put the box alongside another with lovely green moss, and even if your Roses are a trifle better, is it not a great chance if you receive the first prize ? In the second place, it is unnecessary. We cut the Roses and put tbem in vases in our own drawing-rooms, but do not think it needful to surround them with moss ; and if unnecessary, why continue a practice which, in the infancy of Rose-showing might have been need- ful, but which now is no more necessary than rouge to the young maiden, or a go-cart to the boy who can mount his pony ? I may be writing what now seems heresy, but what I feel by- and-by will come to be acknowledged as truth. — D., Deal. AN AMATEUR'S ORCHARD HOUSE AND MANAGEMENT.— No. 1. I have read with much interest the notes and remarks on orchard houses and their management, which have appeared from time to time in The Journal of Horticulture, and it has often occurred to me that a few practical hints from an amateur who has had some experience would be as useful as the advice given by professional gardeners, not that I would in any way undervalue their counsel, which is, of course, most important, but because the amateur works in quite a different way to the professed gardener ; he has not the appliances of the latter, and he cannot be always in his garden, as it is the other's duty to be, probably having his business to attend to, as I have. I have now had about fifteen years' experience, and have done nearly all the work in my orchard house during that time. The perusal of Mr. Rivers's book on orchard houses first induced me to set up one, and I am still his disciple in most things, but differ in some, as you will see hereafter. With the hope, then, that the result of my experience may be useful to some, I will give you the history of my orchard house and how I manage it. I commenced with a little " lean-to " house 10 feet by 5 feet, ivnder the roof of which I grew some good Grapes. I made it G feet longer and extended the Vine, and planted outside the front a Peach and a Nectarine tree, intending to enclose them; this 1 did, but the Nectarine died. I then extended the house another 17 feet, making it 33 feet long. I had now a piece 16 feet by 5 feet hung with Grapes, in front of this a trellis with a Peach on it, and a back wall 17 feet long by 9 feet high, on which I had a Fig and a Peach, with a Vine between on a long stem with its head above the other two. The Peach turned out a bad one, so I removed it and put in a Nectarine. This grew for a year or two without bearing, then died ; the Fig wanted its way too much, so I rooted it up and put in another Vine ; the Peach on the trellis in front, after taking a long time before it fruited, died, so that I determined to give up attempting to get fruit from trees planted out in the ground, as I had no trouble with some Peaches, Plums, and Nectarines in pots in the front border not occupied by the trellis, and take to trees in pots only, except for Vines. It is, therefore, about fruit trees in pots that I wish to speak, as I am persuaded they are more suitable for the amateur than trees in the ground, unless he has large houses and his whole time to devote to them ; but I am supposing that the amateur is, like myself, with only his early mornings and evenings to spare, and often from heme all day, and that he does not keep a gardener or man servant of any kind, but has a jobbing gardener occasionally to do the heavy or dirty work. I had now my house stocked with Peach, Nectarine, Apricot, Fig, and Plum trees, mostly in 11-inch pots. One Nectarine has been in the same pot for ten years, and has always ripened four dozen fruit of exquisite colour and flavour. A Plum has Jnne 9, 1870. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 40S been in an 18-inch pot for the same time, and with the same result. Last season I gave them both a shift, and I see there are about twenty dozen fruit set on each, which I must, of course, reduce to the usual four dozen. The great advantage in having pot plants is that they are under better control, can be turned round, can be removed and replaced by others in case of accident or blighting, so that the house may be always full of fruiting trees ; but to enable you to do this you must have a few spare trees outside to replace any removed. Now, as to the colour and flavour of the fruit, I believe it to be the fault of the operator either br not giving sufficient air, or by negleoting the trees at one time and over-petting them at another, or by over-cropping. I have found fruit never get soft or ripen when the tree is overloaded with fruit. Again, watering must be attended to with judgment ; during the growing period the trees must never be allowed to become dry, but they should not be drenched. The water should be of the temperature of the house, and during the swelling of the fruit have weak liquid manure with it (or, which is better, be watered through a good top-dressing of rotten dung), and take good care that the water supplies nourishment to the roots, instead of washing all the goodness out of the pot — a mistake often made. I now come to the general culture of fruit trees in pots, and this will apply to Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, Figs, Plums, Cherries, and Pears, for all may be treated alike ; the two latter, perhaps, should be set out of doors to ripen their fruit, unless the house is very airy. We will suppose there are no Vines on the roof, but that they are on the back wall, for reasons explained hereafter, and in order that the trees may have a full unshaded light ; bear in mind that the trees cannot have too much light and air, and that all you have to do is to keep out frost. It is, I know, very tempting on a bright sunny day or two in March, or even in February, to shut in the sunshine, and enjoy the warm, dry air of the orchard house, when the wind is cutting from the north-east, but such a procedure will surely force the buds to expand prematurely, and the result will be a failing in the setting of the fruit. Stocking the house is best done by purchasing trees that have been in pots three or four years, for if you buy maiden trees they will not bear well until the fourth year. I have invariably found this to be the case. I have taken a maiden tree — say in December, potted and pruned it as directed by Mr. Rivers ; of course, it did not bear the next season, but the next I have had about two fruit, and the following year a good crop. It is here that amateurs think they fail, when the truth is, that the tree is not old enough to bear, and it must be remembered that a tree will not bear freely until the pot is full of roots. My oldest trees, which bear well, scarcely require any pruning, and very little pinching, and have the pots crammed with roots, so that it requires great care in the annual top-dressing not to injure them. But supposing the amateur makes his own trees by buying " maidens," potting and pruning them, as directed by Mr. Rivers, I advise him to stop them much more closely than Mr. Rivers directs, for it is so easy for a tree to become destitute of shoots near the centre stem, and very difficult to get shoots there afterwards. All stopped shoots are apt to break at the tops, or ends, only ; it is therefore, necessary to stop closer at first, when forming the shape of the tree. These trees need not be repotted until they Bhow symptoms of making less joung wood. With the above treatment you cannot fail to have good- shaped and fruitful trees, and having obtained them my annual management is as follows : — In the autumn, as soon as the fruit is off — I do not wait till the leaves fall — lift the pots, cut off all roots that have found their way out at the bottom of the pot, take from the surface all earth not filled with new roots, fill in and ram up the space with a compost of one-half stiffish yellow loam and one-half well-rotted manure, water well, and set the pot in the house again. Keep the soil moderately moist during the winter. I do not agree with Mr. Rivers in keeping them dry all that season ; when I have done so the buds have invariably fallen off in the following spring. I place my pots close together all the winter at one end of the house to make room for the Chrysanthemums, which blos- som till nearly Christmas, and in the back border, about a foot wide under the wall, I have Russian Violets, which are removed in spring, as they are apt to harbour blight. Nothing more will be required to be done till the following February, when the buds will begin to swell (I live in Hamp- shire, and my house faces south-east). I then place the trees in their stations, letting each into the ground about half the depth of the pot, at the same time I give enough water to reach the bottom of the pot, unless the weather is very cold, in which case I defer the watering till the frost breaks up. As soon as I can detect the fruit buds from the leaf buds I prune, to keep the tree in a proper shape, if the pinching of the last summer has not done this ; and here I may remark that I endeavour to give my trees a hexagonal shape, as it economises the space in the same way that bees do in making their combs, keeping them as high as the height of the front of the house will allow, which is about 4 or 5 feet. When the trees are in bloom I give them a sharp shake every day to distribute the pollen. When the shoots begin to appear I keep a sharp look- out after blight, and if a tree is affected I cover it with some light stuff and burn tobacco under it. This is best done by rolling tobacco in paper which has been previously soaked in & solution of saltpetre, but care must be taken not to scorch the tree, and it is best to remove the red-hot ashes as soon as the smoke is over. This spring my family collected the lady-birds, and it is sur- prising how they have kept down the aphis ; but the difficulty is to retain them in the house. As soon as the fruit is set I begin syringing ; at first in the morning only, and afterwards in the morning at 7.30, and in the evening at 5.30. This should be done upwards under the As soon as the shoots have made five or six leaves I pinch them back to two, three, four, or five leaves, as I have occasion to form the shape of the tree. When the fruit is about the size of a small hazel nut, I scrape off the surface earth in each pot, and give a good top- dressing of well-rotted manure lj or 2 inches thick. This I water till it is in a pulp, for two reasons — first, in order to settle it down, and, secondly, to make sure that the ball in the pot is not left dry. This remains on until the autumnal top- dressing before mentioned, and once in about four weeks I give a tablespoonful of Standen's manure. This, with the top-dress- ing, insures a supply of nourishment to the roots every time the tree is watered. As to watering no stated time can be given, the trees mnst not be allowed to want water. In some hot seasons they must have it every day, and in dull weather, perhaps not once a-week. Experience only can guide us in this. The next thing will be the thinning of the fruit ; let this be done freely, according to the size, strength, and age of the tree, and it is better to thin too much than too little. I now come to a most important point — lifting the pots. Mr. Rivers gives the day of the month on which they should be lifted, but he may almost as well say on what day the fruit shall ripen, for the trees will not all grow alike, and at stated times. My own experience is, that the less they are lifted the better, for if a pot is not lifted often, the roots may strike so deeply into the soil that the check the tree receives in break- ing off these roots is so great that the fruit is sure to fail. I had a proof of this a few years ago, when looking round the orchard house with the man I occasionally had to work in the kitchen garden. I happened to say, " It is time these trees: were looked over to see if any require lifting." I was then called away for an hour or so, and on going into the orchard house I saw four or five trees drooping as though they were dying, and on inquiry I found the man had taken upon himself to lift every pot, tearing off all roots that had struck out of the pots, and the consequence was, that the fruit on those trees never became soft or ripened. On the other hand, if the pots are lifted often the roots have no c! aice of getting into the soil, so that I have come to the conclusion that it is better not to lift the pots at all after the fruit has commenced stoning ; if the shoots are properly stopped there is not much fear of the trees growing too luxuriantly. With trees having no fruit on them the case is different. There is now nothing more to attend to all the summer than giving air and water, thinning the fruit, stopping the shoots, syringing, and keeping off blight. To kill the aphis I have found nothing better than tobacco smoke, and to destroy the red spider the syringe is the best weapon. I have seen them feeding amongst sulphur apparently unconcerned, but I have never failed to keep them down with water. If, however, the trees are attacked by red spider after the fruit is ripe, the ] syringe cannot so easily be used, and one is obliged to let them I have their own way a little, or run the risk of spoiling a few 1 fruits ; do not turn the trees out of doors after the fruit is off 404 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Jane 9, 1870. the cold nights, heavy rains, and fogs, will prevent the wood ripening, but give the top-dressing of compost before described, and about a month or bo after the leaves are off paint the trees — steins, buds, and all — with a composition of equal parts of soft soap, flowers of sulphur, slaked lime, soot, and powdered clay, adding water to make the whole of a sufficient consistency to adhere to the trees. This must not be syringed off ; it is better than Gishurst compound, which if not Byringed off, or if used too strong, causes the buds to fall. I think I have now noted down all that has to be done to secure a crop of fruit on trees in pots, which I suppose to be in rows in the front of the house, and I need not say much respecting the Vines on the back wall, except that they are to be kept there, and not allowed to trespass on the roof under any pretence whatever, as they will be treated in the ordinary way. I have found Grapes grown on a back wall very superior to those under the roof, and it is reasonable that they should be so, for they grow in full light, and out of all draughts ; where- as those under the roof are always hanging in a shady and draughty atmosphere. The air of the whole house is also more healthy, being full of sunlight, and the back wall and ground absorbing the heat in the day, keep the house warmer at night ; the roots of the Vines also being inside are kept warmer, but must be watered the same as all other trees in the house. My remarks mostly apply to the lean-to house, because I believe this to be the most suitable for the amateur, there is less danger from frost, and the back wall is better for growing Grapes. If I were asked to recommend a house I should say, Have a lean-to 8 feet wide, 4 feet high in front, and 9 feet high at the back. This will give room for two rows of trees in pots in front, a path, and a border about i foot wide against the back wall, let the glass go down to the ground, and let all the front open ; this can be done with a rod and handle at one end, so that the lights will open all at once. Have the top ventilators in the highest part of the roof, and on no account have any openings on the north or north-east Bides, as it is impossible to use them in the spring when the wind is in either of those quarters, but when top ventilation is often wanted on bright sunny days. Have no paving or flooring except the earth. Have all walls and woodwork as white as possible, and to have a little stove or something of that sort would be no harm, but do not use it unless the thermometer (kept in- side) fall below 20° Fahr. in winter, or 30° when the trees are in bloom, which will rarely happen. I will just add that being bo well satisfied with my own success, I have this year added another 23 feet to my house, and I have put all the Vines on the back wall, so that I have now on the back wall eight Vines — viz., three Black Ham- burghs, three Royal Muscadines, one Trentham Black, and cne Tottenham Park Muscat. By the way, how is it that I never hear anything of this Grape ? and I have never seen it in any catalogue except Smith's, of Worcester. It always ripens well with me, and is of excellent Muscat flavour ; no doubt it would set and bear better with a little more heat, but I strongly re- commend it to those who have not a Muscat house.* Besides these eight Vines, I have a Golden Champion coming on ; in the front I have Peaches, Nectarines, Figs, Apricots, Plums, and Cherries — in all, thirty-two trees in pots, most of which are now overloaded with fruit ; some of the Plums in 11-inch pots have twenty or thirty dozen each, also sixteen more maiden trees. I have likewise a row of Strawberries in pots close to the front lights, and numerous bedding plants, and no end of Lettuce and Mustard and Cress, so that there is not a bare place except the path. In conclusion I will just say that when in my orchard house I am always doing something, and I would remind my brother amateurs that it is of no use to walk about in their orchard house with one's hands in one's pockets and pipe in mouth. — Amateur. Gooseberry Magpie Moth. — We are informed by a corre- spondent that the caterpillars of this moth (Abraxas grossu- lariata), have appeared for the first time at Carnoustie, N.B. He adds, " It seems to prefer the Gooseberry leaves, but is eating those of all the berry bushe?. My own are now nearly all as bare of leaves as they were at midwinter, and what is worse, they have eaten the buds out to the heart of the branches, so I believe my bashes are of no more use. The caterpillar hangs itself by a thread when the bush is shaken. I have tried hellebore, both infused in hot water and sprinkled in powder, without the least effect." ' It is only another name for Muscat of Alexandria. — Eds. THE MYOSOTIS DISSITIFLORA. 1 ' A thing of beauty is a joy for ever ; " but the joy cannot have birth until the beauty is seen, and one of our duties as cultivators is to increase the number, and widen the area of all kinds of beautiful plants and their arrangements. This is just how I have endeavoured to be faithful to this thing of rare and marvellous beauty, the Myosotis dissitiflora. From one tiny plant it has been multiplied into thousands ; from a mere broken fleck of blue it has opened out into bold patches and long lines, and laid them softly, tenderly, lovingly down upon the earth, to the delight of all eyes. No other description can be so true to actual fact as a comparison of the Forget-me-not in full flower to the heavens at their bluest and their best. This Myosotis is not only different from all others, but better than any other. Were this not true I would not have troubled you nor your readers about it. I can assure your readers that this Myosotis is not another of the same as sylvatica, for instance. Now I am not about to disparage M. sylvatica. It is a beautiful flower, generally a month, six weeks, or even two months later than M. dissiti- flora. It is a first-rate kind to succeed it, to those who care to have a second. It grows freely, self-sows its seeds, like a weed, and once you get it there is no danger of losing it. But a child or a man half blind could distinguish between M. syl- vatica and dissitiflora. The plants can be picked out from among each other in almost any stage, from the cotyledon period upwards. The habit of M. dissitiflora is wholly different. It differs from sylvatica in the length and strength ot its flower- ing stem, its graceful bending habit, the form of the raceme of flowers recurving much further towards the Btalk at the end. The racemes are also much longer. The pedicels or cup stalks are longer; the beautiful cup, with its yellow eye, and white pencilled eyebrows, is also larger than in sylvatica, and the flowers are set much further from each other, and of a different hue of colour. Hence the name assigned to it by Mr. Baker is most appropriate. The entire habit is much looser than syl- vatica, and as a rule the plants when well grown will have as many again or more flowering stems. The leaves are wider from the first, and it is not unusual to find them at least double the size of M. sylvatica ; in fact, the two are so distinct, that no grower need confound them. And they are not only different — that I should consider| a small matter — but dissitiflora is im- mensely superior. I have grown both in thousands, and this enables me to write with authority. This Forget-me-not is a good grower in most places, and under fair treatment, but while the major portion of the stock will grow to your entire satisfaction, a certain, mostly a small portion of it, will not grow at all. The flowers change into a deep purple, the leaves become small, the flower stems weak and short — in one word, the plants look " miffy," and nothing can make them grow. For some years I was sanguine that this one blemish could be removed, this only evil remedied. I endeavoured to stamp it oat by the immediate destruction of every stunted plant. I have not been wholly successful ; how- ever, the per-centage of these short blushing beauties is reduced, but they still manifest themselves, and I fear always will. The first blossom of M. dissiiiflora in cold weather is mostly deeply suffused with pink, but this vanishes with the fine weather, and is dyed into blue. Short, stunted flower stems are mostly con- comitants of purple flowers. These also vanish and run into full lengths as the air becomes warmer and more genial. Not that dissitiflora is at all tender, far from it. The biting March wind brings the blushes into its cheeks, and when the wind falls, or the biting air ceases to beat coldly against them, the natural complexion returns. This change of colour from mere streBS of weather is a harmless and very different matter from the change that results from weakness or disease. The latter, however, is not a very formidable affair. The plant must be taken for better or for worse. There is but little of the latter quality about it, and what there is should be provided against by keeping a good reserve of plants ; then, as soon as any plant shows the stunted habit, out with it, and in with a freBh stroDg one. In this way masses may be preserved complete, and lines kept full and unbroken. I do not profess to be sufficient botanist to say in what dissitiflora differs, or whether it differs at all from M. alpes- tris and M. montana ; but this I can say, that whether it is identical with these two or distinct from tlem, dissitiflora Jane 9, 1670. ] JOTJBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 405 is very different from and superior to Bylvatica, and that I have not yet met with any other variety half so beautiful. I am thus emphatic upon this point, because so many seem to confound dissitinora with sylvatica. I have had seeds of it sent to try several times, and every one of them has come up sylvatica, neither less nor more. With us M. dissitiflora has been slow to seed. From some thousands of plants I have not yet been able to save any seed, but I am trying on a different plan this year and hope to ripen some. Others report that it seeds freely. There seems to be no doubt that it will come perfectly true from seed. All our stock has been raised from a single plant ; and no plant can be more rapidly increased by cuttings and division. As soon as the plants have finished their first long spell of beauty, about the end of May, we take them up, divide them into fragments, and replant in fresh good ground. About July we take them up again, divide, and replant in fresh ground as before. If short of stock and to insure a succession of bloom, part of the plants will be again divided early in September, and part left undisturbed. The latter will form tufts 1 foot or 18 inches across by the middle of November, and will be knotted for flower. A dozen or ten of these should be potted or placed in a cold pit, or on a conservatory shelf. If the latter, they will be in flower by Christmas or the new year, and impart a fresh charm to this department, such as no other plant can give. They will bear moderate forcing well, if placed near the glass. A temperature of 503 to 60° suits them admirably. Fresh batches may be brought in once a month, and thus Forget-me-nots in pots will be furnished for the drawing-room or conservatory from December to May. The main stock should be transferred to their flowering quarters in November. Every plant that looks different from, or the least weaker than, the others must be rejected. If any manifest a stunted habit after being planted, away with them at once, and replace with perfectly healthy plants from the reserve stock. By such means the ground will be covered by the flowering season with plants all alike healthy and strong. The time of flowering ranges from January to April. We have had them flowering in January, setting off with their azure carpeting the silvery sheen of the Snowdrop. Last year they were beautiful in February. This season it was the end of March before they did much ; in fact, this has been the most trying winter we ever had for this lovely Forget-me-not, and nearly all other spring flowers. The long winter, with its heavy cold rains, and sudden frosts and thaws, tried its con- stitution to the very utmost. The season sat upon our plants like a nightmare. The fattest ones succumbed to the repeated blows of cold and rain to which they were exposed, and hereby hangs a warning. This Myosotis likes good treatment, but cultivation must not be pushed into grossness. The tufts a foot across had their centres blackened-out by the frost. The rain drops rested on their fluffy cushions of leaves, and invited the frost to come in and sup on the succulent plants beneath. The moderate-sized plants, or those that were divided late in September passed through the winter unscathed, and so, also, did most of those raised upon mounds and sloping banks. The unevenness of the base lines pitched off the water from the leaves, and the plants were prepared in consequence to withstand the cold. The slightest shelter, such as that afforded by an overhanging twig, was likewise found sufficient to protect the plants from injury. Though I am thus particular, the plant is by no means tender. After growing it for eight years, this is the first sea- son I have ever seen the middle of the strong plants struck out by the frost. The plant is a native of the Alps, and does not seem at all to mind cold. It flinches on heavy soils from an excess of wet, and if wanted to flower early and in massive profusion without a flaw, it is well worth all the attention here prescribed, and a thousand times more. But the plant will live and grow and look better than any other Forget-me-not under the same treatment. It is not fastidious as to soil, nor dainty in the choice of a site. As to mere cold, it is the hardiest Forget-me-not with which I am acquainted. When other varieties are asleep in or on the ground, like sylvatica, or hiding away from the scathing blast under the water, like palustris, this gem is hugging the snow to its azure bosom, nor does it shrink from the shivering embrace. It laughs at the driving storm, and defies its power. If prostrated beneath a snow reef, or beaten down to the earth with splash- ing rain to-day, it is up again to-morrow. The wind tries to wither, the frost to freeze up, the rain and the hail to dash down its beauty, but all in vain, lit bends its beauteous Blender head to the blast, and rises again with dignity and grace as soon as the storm is past. First and best of all blue spring flowers, it lasts the longest. I have said it may come in Janu- ary to wait for or welcome the Snowdrop, or support the golden Aconite with its glorious complementary colour, or arrive to gladden the Christmas Rose before it sinks to rest in its wintry grave. I now add it may be gathered continuously until December, when the girdling wreath of Forget-me-not that has tied all the months together in a true-lover's knot shall be made up afresh and worn as before. To ensure a continuity of these charming blossoms, take the strongest cuttings of the flowering plants in March, and strike them in a cool close frame. About the middle of April plant them out in rich ground, at distances of 1 foot by 18 inches. These plants will begin to flower finely in June, and follow the successional spring batches. A second lot of cuttings may be put in in May, a third in July, and if the second are planted in June in a shady place, and the third in August in a warm situation, Forget-me-notB in plenty may be enjoyed until the pot plants come-in in December and January. If your readers think these two or three propagatings too much trouble to take for such a prize, then plant the latest spring plants in rich soil, cut off all the flower stems as they fade, top-dress the roots, peg down the strong shoots, and water freely, and flowers may be gathered from the same plants all the summer ; in fact, this Forget-me-not under high culture is a perpetual bloomer. It is neither an annual nor a biennial, but a hardy perennial. I have a plant seven or eight years old, and it is nearly always in flower. At no other season, however, must we expect such a rich flush of beauty as in the spring months. From February to May inclusive is the hey-day of its strength, the harvest-tide of its glorious beauty. The same plants will flower fully and freely throughout that long period ; but with June the flowers will become fewer and Bmaller, and so of the succeeding months. Let me illustrate by an example. Many of your readers may know the two Brugmansias — atrosangninea and suaveolens. The former flowers continuously, and the latter by fits and starts. A large plant of B. atrosangninea may have fifty flowers open at once, and suaveolens may have, has had, two thousand. The latter is the emblem of this Myosotis in the spring tide, the former of it during summer, autumn, or winter — always in flower, but never so richly fully suffused with beauty as in March, April, and May. Still it is much to have always enough Forget-me-not at hand for bouquet and vase work.— D. T. Fish, F.R.H.S. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. June 8th. This was the day of the Society's great London Show ; a more pro- pitious day there could not have been. Time was when the Society was noted for its bad fortune in respect to weather, but this season it has hitherto been singularly fortunate. A finer day it could not well have had ; rather sultry, it is true, very hot in the conservatory, and even in the arcades, in the latter somewhat dusty notwithstanding all due preventive measures, but out of doors just enough of breeze to render the heat endurable. The conservatory was crowded, the arcades were crowded, and the lawn around the bands, where ladies love to con- gregate, was crowded too. It is, however, more especially our duty to speak of the exhibition in a horticultural point of view, and in a hor- ticultural point of view nothing could be more satisfactory. It was, in fact, a very extensive show, and the quality of the subjects exhi- bited was not merely good, but excellent, and that in nearly every one of the numerous classes in which they were shown. Orchids came first in the schedule, and of these there was the finest bank exhibited this season, filling alone oue-fourth of the staging in the conservatory. Class 1 was for nine, and the first prize was taken by Mr. Denning, gardener to Lord Londesborough, Grimston Park, with one of those splendid collections which place him in so high a. rank among Orchid-growers. This consisted of a large basket of the brilliant Epidendrum vitellinum majus, Dendrobium McCarthia?, a fine Odontoglossum niveum ; Cattleya ^Yarneri, very tine ; a beautiful specimen of Lailia purpurata ; Dendrobium crystallinum ; Pescatorea cerina, with three flowers ; a large Airides odoratum with fifteen spikes, and Acrides affine with nine spikes. Mr. Burnett, gardener to W. Terry, Esq., Peterborough House, Fulham, came second with a splen- did pan of Cypripedium barbatum superbum ; the yellow-flowered On- cidinm sessile, blooming very freely ; Saccolabinm Rtedii, with one fine raceme ; a fine specimen of the bright-coloured Saccolabium am,- pullaceum ; Cypripedium Stonei, with a branch bearing five flowers ; Vanda tricolor, La-lia purpurata, and Cattleya Mossia;. Mr. Bull, of Chelsea, who was third, had, among others. Odontoglossum citrosmum and 0. citrosmum roseum, the latter beautifully tinged with hlac, and tbree Lselias. Class 2 was for six Orchids, and nurserymen only. The first prize 406 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Jane 9, 1870. went to Mr. B. S. Williams for a splendid set, consisting of a pan, 2 feet in diameter, of Cypripediuni barbatnm superbum ; Anguloa Clowesii with three flowers ; most beautiful examples of Cattleya Mossiai and Wameri, a very fine specimen'of Aiirides odoratnm, and Liclia purpurata. In the six from Mr. Ball, who was second, were a fine Trichopilia fortius, Odontoglossnm citrosmnm rosenm. and a nice Cattleya Wameri. Mr. R. Parker, Tooting, was third with a good example of Phajns Walliehii, and two Vandas. _ Class 3 was for six (amatenrs) ; in this Mr. Denning was again first with fine specimens of Aerides virens Dayannm, A. ndes cnspum Lindleyannm, Lwlia parpurata, Odontoglossnm mvenm, a beautiful basketful of Dendrobium Parishii, and a small Cattleya Wameri. In the second-prize lot, which came from Mr. Ward, gardener to 1. Or. Wilkins, Esq., Levton, there were Anguloa CloweBuwith eight flowers, Odontoglossnm Bluntii with two very fine racemes, Oncidium bifohum blooming freelv, and a yen- fine Phatenopsis grandiflora. Mr. V> ood- ward, gardener to Mrs. Ton, Garbrand Hall, Ewell, had a fine An- guloa Clowesii, and the beautifully marked Oncidium Papilio Kramen. The fourth prize went to Mr. A. Wright, gardener to C. H. Compton Roberts, Esq., Regent's Park, who had among others Oncidium leuco- chiluni, forming beautiful wreaths round the circle on which it was trained. T^ The best specimen Orchid in Class 4 was Dendrobium Deyonianum, from Mr. Baines with seven pendulous spikes, a most beautiful object, the longest four about 2j feet long, and covered with richly-coloured orange "white, and purple flowers. The second prize went to Mr. R. Laing ' gardener to E. W. Flower, Esq.. Tooting Common, for Lselia purpurata 3 feet over, and a mas of bloom. Mr. Dennmg sent a small collection, in which were Dendrobium infundibulum and Brassia Wrayae. Stove and ">.— 1, Sela- ginella Braunii (S. pubescens of gardens) ; 2, Possibly Doryopteris pal- niata.; 4, Hypolepis repens. POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON CHRONICLE. RATIONAL POULTRY-KEEPING.— No. ;i. CHICKEN MANAGEMENT. It would be tedious work if in rearing chickens tie same attention were required when they get older as they demanded in their earliest days, but it is not so. They are growing, their early troubles are past — ascertain now that the bars of the rip in which the hen is confined are sufficiently far apart to allow the chickens to pass easily backwards and forwards. Many an apparent deformity is the result of accident at this age. We are always careful to have our rips made with a side-Bliding transverse bar in front, taking the space of two bars, and allowing free passage for anything smaller than the hen herself. If this is not done, it is a common sight to see a chicken half-way through, struggling and Bcreaming for a long time. If, then, there is grass or green stuff for food, road grit for dust bath, and a meal of victuals three or four times per day, the chickens should thrive. One other thing is essential, and that is fresh water. By fresh, we do not mean water put in the vessels every morning, and left during the day ; bnt as we are convinced that water put in any vessel at sis o'clock in the morning, and left duritig the day, is bad drink for the chickens in the evening, we always insist on the water being thrown away, and the vessel replenished three limes per day in hot summer weather. We advisedly say replenished, because both men and boys are very fond of filling up. We are sure that heated and dead water is bad for poultry of all ages in the summer months. We have our stock of chickens, as many as we intend to hatch. What do. we intend to do with them? Some for ex- hibition, some for stock, some for table, some for market. This is one of the difficult, almost the painful parts of the pursuit. It is almost impossible for one, who is. after all, but an amateur, not to feel a little interest in the animals he has been rearing, when they belong to the classes that look np to, and are dependant on their owner. Another thing is that in rearing poultry a man is generally associated with his wife and children ; they always belong to the merciful. This .one is too good to kill, that one is such a favourite, a third has been reared only by good nursing, and it would be more than a shame to kill it. All depends at this time on the firmness of the master. In almost every casa the profit or the loss of the hobby depends on the resolutions now made, and on their being carried out. Where it is desired to make a profit, it is very essential no unprofitable mouths should be kept. No food should be given that will not afford a return. The meal-tub is the enemy of the balance sheet, and a worthless bird devours as much as a good one. Prompt is profitable action at this stage of our pursuit, and birds intended for sale and table should now be looked out. They should be the faulty birds, such as lack the characteristics of the breed to which they be- long, or have superfluities that are equally objectionable — for instance, four-clawed Dorkings, vulture-hocked Cochins and Brahmas, five-clawed Hamburghs, single-combed Sobrights, Jane 9, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTOBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. Polands with any comb at all, humpbaoked and wry-tailed birds, also such as have twisted flights. All these should be pitilessly marked either for sale at market or for consumption at home. Every bird with a pronounced and visible defect should be done away with. Kind-hearted people, little girls, and some others, always seem to have a surplus fund of gushing sympathy to expend on those that can never make a profitable return for it, and so, too often, the deformed and mutilated are their pets in the yard. Nothing can be more mistaken. This is tha most favourable time for selling faulty birds, because at this season young poultry is more valuable than at any other ; because poultry to be eaten in perfection should be eaten young, fur after yon have kept it longer, and it has consumed more food, although somewhat larger, it will be worthless ; and because the fewer fowls you have on the ground, the better they will do. BROWN RED GAME BANTAMS. A hoxte ago, when I wrote in your Journal on the above subject, under the nom dc plume of " Gallus," I was not aware that some gentleman had previously used the same signature, but on opening the number for the week following I saw Mr. Crosland congratulating himself on " his old oppo- nent " having taken up the matter, and I have since been told by a brother fancier that some five or six years ago letters were written and published bearing that signature. I have never written in The Journal of Horticulture before I wrote advo- cating tko interests of Brown Red Game Bantams. Let us hope that we shall soon see the opinions of the real " Gallus " on the subject. I cannot conclude without expressing the satis- faction I feel at the enthusiastic manner in which several well- known exhibitors of Game Bantams have come forward to assist in my endeavours to obtain for my favourites the position they merit, and I have every confidence that if they will not relax in their efforts, but will one and all put their shoulders to the wheel, we shall before another year have every reason- able concession made to us by committees. — W. Greaves, Bradford, Yorkshire. THE BATH AND WEST OF ENGLAND SOCIETY'S SHOW OF POULTRY AND PIGEONS. The Show held this year at Taunton was one of unusual excel- lence ; in fact, very rarely, if ever, has there been so perfect a collection exhibited at this season. It is generally admitted that this meeting commences the new shows of the year, and consequently it invariably creates a great deal of interest among amateurs of poultry. We were very pleased to find that, although held at a time when many of the specimens are comparatively out of feather, not only was there a much greater entry than in previous years, but also as a whole the quality was superior. The arrangements of the tent for poultry by Mr. Bush could not be improved. A few instances occurred in which the owners, evidently fearing that want of condition would prevent success to their poultry, neglected to send their fowls, forgetting that the same general cause would act as unfavourably on their opponents. Several prizes were lost entirely from this miscalculation, where, had the birds been forwarded, very little doubt can bo entertained they might have been successful. Some unusually fine specimens of Black Spanish fowls were the first variety that were presented to the visitors on entering the poultry tent, Mr. Edward Jones, of Berkeley Place, Clifton, Bristol, proving successful in taking both first and third prizes with first-clas3 birds, which, were most admirably shown. Mrs. Allsopp, of Hindlip Hall, was second. In Grey Dorkings, Mr. John Martin, of Claines, Wor- cester, took both the first prize for the best pair, and also the first prize for the best cock with bis well-known rosy-combed birds. Mr. Lionel Patfcon was the recipient of the second and third prizes with very good pens. The White Dorking class was really indifferent. Some excellent Cochins were shown, but mostly in deep moult ; the pens of Miss Milward and Mr. Cattell were very superior. Mr. Stephens, of Walsall, took all the prizes for Partridge-feathered Cochins. The Whits Cochins were not equal to those of prior meetings. Brahmas mustered strongly and well, the Dark ones being decidedly the best classes. Game wore good, the Rev. G. Cruwys and Mr. Matthew dividing the honours. Hamburghs throughout were good; in fact, as classes, far better than are generally to be met with at the south of England shows. The Bantams were extraordinarily good, the Blacks and Sebrights especially so. Both Game Bantams and single Game cocks were worthy of the highest commendation. The Turkeys and Geese were perfection, and the winners were well pressed by the ma- jority of the competitors. Unfortunately for the owner, three pens of Toulouse Geese were completely thrown out from an error of entry, three birds being sent instead of pairs, but they were first-class speci- mens. Aylesbury and Rouen Ducks were very good, and the class for Ornamental Waterfowl was well filled. The weather, though sultry, was exceedingly favourable for out-of- door meetings, and the attendance was beyond expectation, and visitors came from very distant districts. Spanish.— 1 and 3, E. Jones, Clifton, Bristol. 2, Mrs. Allsopp, Hindlip Hall. he, H. F. Cooper. Walsall. DOBKHfOB.— Coloured. — 1, J. Martin, Claines. Worcester. 2 and 3, L. Patton, Hillmore, Taunton, he, J. K. Fowler, Ayles- bury; J. Watts, Kind's Heath. White. — 1, Lord Sndelev, Toddmgton, Winch- comb. 2, Mrs. Hartwell, Bridgwater. Ox-hin-Chinas.— Cinnamon and Buff, — 1, Miss J. Milward, Newton St. Lot-. '2, .1. i/attell, Birmingham. 3, D. W.J. Thomas, Brecon. Brown and Par/ritl'te-feathered. — 1 and 2, J. Stephens. White. — 1, H. Dowsett, l'letihcy, Chelmsford, 'j. V. Brewer, Lostwithiel. 8, W. J. Poole, Bridgewater. Bkaiima Pootra.— Dark.— 1 and 2, K. W. Beachey, Fluder House, Kingskerswell. 3, H. Dowsett. Bight.— 1, H. M. Maynard, Ryde, Isle of Wight, y, H. Dowsett. II and e,.\. Pares. 1'ustmfd, Guildford. Game. —Black-breasted and ••liter Beds. — I, K. Hull, Cambridge 2, Capt. G. Price, Taynton. 3, S. R. Highitnt, Morebard Itisliop, N.»n h I>evon. ho, J. Frith, Bakewell. c, Rev. G. S. Cruwys, Cruwys Morebard, Tiverton; S. Matthew, Stowmarket. Duck-wings and other Greys and Bitten— 1, S. Matthew. 2, J. Frith, 3, Rev. G. S. Cruwys. Any other Variety.— I, J. Frith. 2 and 3, Rev. G. S. Cruwys. Hamburghs. — Gohlen-iwneilled. — 1, H. Pickles, Jan., Earby, Skipton. 2, Duke of Sutherland, Trmitliam. 3. no eoiuwetition. Silver- pencilled. — 1, H. Pickles, jun. 2, Duke of Sutherland. 3, Mrs. Pattison, Wrackleford House, near Dorehi-sier. Coldm-yia railed. — 1, J. Medway, Newton Abbott. 2, H. Pickles, jun. 3. Duke ni Sutln rbiiid. he, Mrs. Pattison; Miss Palmer, Lighthonn-, Warwick. Silrer-stmugled,- -l and 2, Miss E. Browne, Chardleigh Green, Chard. 3, S. tV It. Ashton, Koe Cross, Mottra.ni. he, Mrs. Pattison; H. Pickles, jun. Ponsn- Black, with White Cr, sts.— 1, Mrs. J. M. Procter, Hull. 2 and he,T. P. Edwards, Lyndhurst. Gold or Silver.— 1, and ■1, J. iLnton, Wiiiiuins'o. ;:, Mrs. .1. M. I'mci, r. < , JI. I i-kl-y, jun ; J. Watts. French— 1, Rev. N. J. Ridlov (La Kb-die). 2, J- K. Fowler. 3, Mrs. Pattison (Houdan). c, Rev. C. B. Rowland, Lightborne (Houdan). Any other Distinct Variety except Fbshoh. — 1, Duke of Sutherland (Black Ham- burghs). 2, F. Glovn. Bridnrule, ILdswortby i Black Minorcas). 3, H. J. God- frey, Hammersmith (Cuckoo Corkms). he, .1 . Hinton (Malayl; W. Wildey, Cosham (Andalnsian). c, W. Masland, Milverton (Bantams from Japan). Bantajhs.— Gold or Silver-Uiccd.—l and 2, M. Le.no, he, Eev. G. S. Cruwys; J. Watts, c. Rev. G. S. Cruwys. While or Black, 1, K. Cambridge, Bristol. 2, S, and R. Ashton. he, Rev. (i. S. Cruwys. e. H. I'lcUes, jun. ; Rev. P. W.Story, Daventry. Game.— 1, E. C. Phillips, Wnnviaeh, Brecon, 'j. J. Frith. 3, C. J. Spary, Ventnor. C, W. Mudge, Blagd-m, neitr I'aiguton ; J. Frith; R. Hole, Dunster (2). Any Variet'/.— l, Withheld. 2, E. «'. Phillips. Ducks.— White Aylenbivry.—l and he. Mrs. M. Seamons. Harl >vcll, A\ losbury. 2 and 3, J. K. Fowler. Rouen.— 1, J. K. Fowler. 2, Mrs. M. Seamons. 3, L. Patton. Any other Variety— 1, J. K. Fowler (Carolina). 2, S. A li. Ashton (Gargany Teal). S, M. Leno, Markvate Street (Carol mas), he, G. S. Saiusbury, Devizes (Black East Indian). Geese.— 1, J. K. Fowler (Toulousel. -2, J. Pares (Sebastapol). Turkeys,— 1, Rev. N. J. Bidley (Cambridge). 2, L. Pattou (Cambridge), he, Miss J. Milward (CaiubndgeJ ; L. Patton (Cambridge). SINGLE COCKS. Spanish.— 1, G. Tonkin, Bristol. 2, Mrs. Allsopp. he, P. H. Jones, Fulham. DoiiKiNo.— ], ,T. Martai, Clames. 2, L. Patton, Hillmore. Taunton, he, A. E. Ussher, Camphire. Cappuqum, Ireland, e, Mrs. M. Seamous, Hartwell, Ayles- bury. Cochin-China.- l.Miss J. Milward. Newton St. Loe, Somerset. 2, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury, c, A. E. Ussher. Brahma Pootra.— 1, H. Dowsett, PleBhey, Chelmsford. 2, J'. Croote. Exeter, c, J. G. Price, Clareinont. Taunton ; Mrs. Astley, Tring : A. E. Ussher. Game.— 1, Rev. G. S. Cruwys, Tiverton, Devon. S. Ma'tthew. Stowmarket, Suffolk, he, J. Pares, Postford. Guildford; J. Frith, Bakewell, Derbyshire (2); Capt. G. Price, Taynton, Gloucestershire; W. B. Ford, Weymouth, Dorset. H,uini:n«.;iL — 1, II. Pickles, jun. 2, Miss E. Browne. Any other Distinct Variety— 1, J. Hinton (silver Poland). 2, M. NichoHs, Peel, Isle of Man (Golden Poland). S, Rev. N, J. Uidlcv i Malay), he, F. Gloyn (Black Minorca); Miss S. H. Northeote, Upton pvnes. Kx.-.ter (White Spanish), c, Rev. N. J. Ridley (Creve-Caw) ; J. K. Fowler (French). PIGEONS. Carriers— Cock.— I, H. Yardlev, Binningbam. 2, J. F. While, Birmingham he and c> R. Fulton, Deptford. lien— I and he, R. Fulton. Pouters.— Cock. — 1 and 2, R. Fulton. Een.—l and 2. E. Fulton, he, W. B. Ford, Weymouth, c, A. Court, Taunton. Tumblers.— Almond.— I, R. Fullon. 2, P. H. Jones, Fulham. c, R. Fulton; F. Rev, Beverley. Any other variety.— 1 and 2, R. Fulton, he, P. H. Jone3. Jacobins— 1, Master C. W. S. Bulpin. 2, R. Fulton. he, Miss J. Milward. c, H. M. Mavnard. Fantails— 1 and e, Mrs. M. J. Bulpin. 2 and he, H. Yardlev. Owls.— 1, R. Fulton. 2, F. Key. he, P. H. Jones. Trumpeters.— L.T. Watts. 2, Mrs. M. J. Bulpin. Barbs.— 1 and rhe, R. Fulton. 2, H. Yardley. he, H. M. Mavnard. e. G. H. Gregory. Turrits.— 1, P. H. Jones, he, R. Fulton. Nuns.— 1, C. Bulpin. 2, H. Yardley. Dragoons.— 1 and 2, C. Bulpin. he, J. Watts. <\ H. M. Maynard. Archangels.— 1, C. Bulpin. 2, J. F. While, c, C. F. Staunton Any other New or Distinct Variety.— l.C. Bulpin. 2, W. S. Lo ier. Bath (Frillbacks). 3, J. Baily & Son. 113, Mount Street, Grosveoor Square, London (Antwerps). he, Baily & Son; H. Yardley ; W. S. Loder ; J. Watts. The Judge for Poultry was Edward Hewitt, Esq., of Sparkbrook, Birmingham : for Pigeons, Mr. Tegetmeier. Warrington Poultry Show.— This will be the first, and we hope it will be well supported by exhibitors, as it deserves to be, for the prizes are liberal, aud there are fifteen silver cups, valued at five and three guineas. The chief defect in the prize list is that all the Polands are to compete in one class. OUR LETTER BOX. Lancaster Show [A Correspondent).— -Too late. It was neither ad- vertised, nor a prize list sent to us by the Secretary at the time. Hen's Body Touching the Ground (T. J. IF.).— Your feeding is lamentable. Potato peelings, thirds flour, bran, and oats twice per day will not keep a bird in ordinary condition. Half of it is not much better than a meal of sawdust. Much of it remains in the gizzard, but it is not that you feel. We shall not be surprised if your hen is egg-bound, the sketch would represent a fowl in that state. The cure will be to pull out a wing-feather, dip it in oil, and pass it down tho egg-passage till it meet the egg ; the lubrication will cause it to come away, and if that is the cause of the ailment, the bird will regain its natural position at once. If the lump is merely a deposit of undigested food, castor oil will remove it, and better foediug will prevent its forming again. If it yield to medical treatment, you must for a few dnys feed on ground oata mixed slack with milk. If it is a hard lump that will not yield to treatment, the hen is useless, as it is a hard tumour and cannot be removed. Is Water Necessary for Ducks? (P. E. S.).— Vou only confirm onr opinion. An iron trough conveys to our idea the ordinary pig-trough of the country, and that in the oentre would give a depth of 6 inches. Water is an essential element in a successful alliance. Dry land is a 416 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. fatal impediment. If you want farther information Bend ns a directed, and, above all, stamped envelope. We know yon are wrong. Preparing Fowls for Exhibition (J. K. 0.).— It would far exceed the limitB of " Our Letter Box," to give you all the information you require. The only fowls that improve by being confined before exhibition are the Spanish, they do well in a small dark place. All birds require to be well fed and kept very clean, and those to be shown together muBt be accustomed to run together. Points of Silkies (Idem).— Silkies should be top-knotted and rose- combed, have very dark faces, and a brilliant blue metallic lustre on them. The difference between a cock and both hens would not be so important as between two hens ; but we need hardly say that uniformity is an element of bucccss in exhibiting a pen. Commencing Poultry-keeping near London {T.).— We answer to your firBt question — Ought you to keep poultry'.' — Entirely a matter of taste. If you like poultry, Yes. If you only like eggs, No. Our belief is that half the world does not know what it likes. Such a one says he could not do without poultry because he cannot break'ast without a new-laid egg ; another loves a broiled chicken, and can fancy only those he breeds and feeds himself. Moonshine all, " my merry masters." Neither cares for poultry. One eats an unquestionable egg, the other a faultless chicken ; provided both are good no questions are asked. To be fond of poultry is to keep cocks and hens, to multiply surface, to overcome desiderata, to supply that which is wanting, to concentrate on a cock and five hens tho interest enjoyed by those who have thousands of acres and hundreds of fowls. Great discoveries in all thiugs have belonged to those who had small opportunities, and that which is patent to him or her who has only a cock and five hens passes unnoticed among the hundreds of a larger undertaking. We dare say it is only an omission— you said nothing about grass. Insects, snails, woodlice, ants, ct hoc genus omne, are only the second course of the Sybarite. Grass is the soup, fish, and removes, the piece de resistance. Have they grass? Hamburghs and Game are the worst, or best flyers. If it be desired they should live on their neighbours, they are the best. Like the proverbial North Briton, they are never at home but when abroad. If your neighbour complains that "the hens creep under his fence and the pigs fly over," and angry correspondence ensues, then you must give them up. If they are a good sort of people, you may keep fowls by adding jocularly as you walk from the station, that your neighbour is welcome to all the eggs laid on his premises. If the neighbours are cantankerous you must fall backon Cochins or Brahmas. Feeding Ducks (-E. R. S.). — You may give your Ducks oats, meal, and barley. Eschew Indian corn ; it makes fat beautiful to the eye, it makes weight wonderful in the scale ; but when it is roasted the fat " has been gone ever so long," and the lean is hard, black, and dry. The cannibals of the South Se^s know "a thing or two." They condemn as tough the legs of a Frenchman because he is always dancing, the arms of an Eng- lishman because he is always at work ; but if they could taste one of each fed on Indian corn we are sure a great good would be accomplished, for the gourmets would decline to purchase either, and would content themselves with a well-to-do German or a steady-goiog Dutchman. So much the worse for them. That which is young is generally growing (except that miserable little pig at Lyrnington Fair, which is held up by the hind leg, and described as a " gurt growthy hog.") Food cannot make growth and fat, but we will undertake to say your Ducks make growth. Shut the fattening birds up. Feed them with bran, oats, and oatmeal pnt in a shallow vessel, with gravel, water, and a sod of grass. They must have no exercise — that makes health, not fat. Ill-flavoured Eggs {W. B.).~ When eggs taste disagreeably the food of the hens is responsible for it. If you confine your feeding to oats, oatmeal, barleymeal, and an occasional change of Indian corn, there will be no bad taste. Beyond what we have mentioned, if the birds have a grass run, they need nothing. Most of the poultry foods advertised contain ingredients of a stimulating character, and they are, consequently, in- jurious to fowls. Give your birds some good heavy sods of growing grass, daily if you can. Chickens Drooping and Dying (C. A. C.).— We doubt very much if your chickens are not too highly fed. Table scraps should be confined to the crumbs, and at this time of year the beer is not wanted. Give chopped egg, bread and milk, your table sciaps chopped fine, and let them have plenty of fresh mould and road grit. When chickens die of lice, they die very much as you describe. Put some wormwood in their water. Incubators.— Owl wishes to know how our poultry breeders are getting on with the incubators, and will feel obliged if some subscriber would state his success, how many chicks were hatched per dozen eggs on the average, and the incubator he employs. Will the incubator answer practical purposes, or only as an experiment? Brahmas— Bees (W. M.).— L. Wright, Esq., Kingsdown, Bristol. Payne's *' Bee-keeping for the Many." You can have it post free from our office if you enclose five postage stamps with your address. We see the egg- testers in many shops in London, but cannot specify anyone. Birmingham Rollers {Fido}.— Birmingham Rollers have as good a claim to being a pure breed as aay other variety of Pigeons we have. They are as often (or in our opinion oftener) clean-legged as muffed — that is, Grouse-muffed or shinned, but we never saw a good Roller that was heavily feathered on the legs, similar to the Trumpeter. The assertion of your friend that they are a cross between the Tumbler and Trumpeter is all nonsense ; and as to hiB fancy for not keeping them, or, as he says, "killing all such birds," we have only to say, there are many flying fanciers who think his fancy birds just as worthless as he considers the Rollers. So much for taste. " Rollers are as often blue as any other colour —that is, blue and white, as saddles, badges, &c, but entirely blue Tumblers are now very Bcarce, and the black bar generally shows itself in blue Pigeons of any variety. Rollers are nothing more nor less than Tumblers. They are merely called Rollers in consequence of their wonderful gyratory performances whilst on the wing, and in contra- distinction to the Tumblers, which can merely tumble. They are merely the common flying Tumbler brought by many years of careful selection in breeding and training to the perfection which many of them have now attained, and they have been mainly brought to this state in and around Birmingham, where they are at present flown in great numbers, and are in great favour; hence their name "Birmingham Rollers." In Birmingham they are merely looked upon as the best of flying Tumblers, and it is only out of that district that they arc generally known by the name "Birmingham Rollers." It has, indeed, become the custom of late, since Rollers have become more generally known— although they have been in favour in Birmingham fer the past century— to call every- thing (and especially if it comes from Birmingham) in the shape of a Tumbler with long muffed or feathered legs, a "Birmingham Roller," al- though not one in fifty has any pretensions to the title. In fact, very few persona out of the neighbourhood really know what a downright good flight of Rollers and mad Tumblers are, and what pleasure they are capable of affording to the initiated. Are you sure your birds are Rollers, or are they merely the ordinary long-muffed Tumblers, which we should imagine from your questions? We must refer you for further infor- mation on the subject to the articles of " H. T., Birminoham," which appeared in our Journal of March 17th, April 28th, Mav 5th, and Mav 12th. Obtaining Honey from Old Stocks (A Reader). — Permit all the stocks that will do so to swarm twice, and then, twenty-one days after the issue of the first swarm, expel the remaining bees by driving, and add them to the second swarm. If any stocks swarm but once, their remain- ing inhabitants should at the expiration of the same period be driven into empty hives and established as artificial swarms on their old stands, or if it be not desirable so to increase the number of colonies, they may be united to their first swarms. Bees Migrating— Queenless Stock (An Ianorant Bee-keeper).— Dti Bevan recites several cases in point, and one in particular where the swarm came from an apiary two miles distant. There is no cbance of the bees now being able to hatch a new queen ; the best plan would be to add a second swarm to the qneenleSB colony. t Ligurian Bees {E. Wlieeler).— Your stock will not now swarm a third time. The first swarm may fill a BUper this season, but neither the caBt nor the old stock are likely to do so. Bees Queenless (G. Cummings).—We see nothing for it but to add a swarm, which, however, need not be a very large ono. A second swarm, or cast, will answer the purpose sufficiently. Bees on Fruit Trees (A Victim).— You are totally wrong. Bees do no injury to fruit trees, but in some instances are beneficial by conveying pollen from flower to flower and thus promoting fertilisation. Expelling Bees— Yellow Excrement [W. J.).— The obnoxious black glossy bees which you describe as being expelled by the Ligurians, were first noticed by Huber, and their occasional appearance has never been satisfactorily accounted for. Voiding yellow excrement on the alighting- board is not a symptom of foul brood, but rather of dysentery, induced probably by the unfavourable situation of the hive, and which is likely to disappear as the season advances. Cooking the Aubergine, or Fruit of the Egg-plant. — A Lady has sent us the following. "The Aubergine is cut in slices when ripe, and fried in butter or oil a nice brown, first dipped in fine bread crumbs. No sauce is served with it in French cookery, but doubtless an enter- prising artiste could invent a suitable sauce if it were required." COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— June 8. A fair amount of business is being done, and the general trade is better; but, owing to the heavy sapplies, both home-grown and conti- nental, no better prices can be obtained. The recent heavy consignments of West Indian Pines, which are of unusually good qualitv, have had a marked effect upon the sale of those raised under glass. Potatoes of ex- cellent quality are now coming from Jersey and the WeBt of England, and sell at from 12s. to 20s. per cwt. FRUIT. Cherries lb. 1 0 Chestnuts bushel 0 0 Currants i sieve 0 0 Black do. 0 0 Fiffs doz. 6 0 Filberts lb. 0 0 Cobs lb. 0 9 Gooseberries quart 0 6 Grapes, Hothouse.. . Mulberries quart 0 0 to 0 0 Nectarines doz. 10 0 20 0 Oranges f* 100 . doz. 0 0 0 0 , ¥«100 6 0 10 0 Raspberries lb. 0 Strawberries lb. 2 Walnuts bushel 10 do #-100 1 , doz. 0 0 0 0 VEGETABLES. Artichokes doz. g Asparagus 3*100 2 Beans, Kidney do. 1 Broad bushel 0 Beet. Red doz. 2 Broccoli bundle 1 Brussels Sprouts.. i sieve 0 Cabbau'e doz. 1 Capsicums ^100 0 Carrots bunch 0 r.iiiliilower doz. 4 Celery bundle Coleworts..doz. bunches Cucumbers each pickling d> Endive doz. z Fennel bunch 0 Garlic lb. 0 Herbs bunch 0 ll'.irser;nli3h ....bundle 3 .20 40 Leeks bunch Lettuce doz. Mushrooms pottle Mustard & Cress, .punnet OnionB bnshftl pickling quart Peas quart 1 Potatoes bushel 3 Kidney do. 8 Radishi'S .. doz. bunches 1 Rhubarb bundle 0 Savoys doz. 0 Sea-kale basket 0 Shallots lb. 0 Spinach bushel 3 Vegetable Marrows . . doz. 0 0 0 0 POULTRY MARKET.— June B. Although the cottager said the turning of the world was nonsense, for he had lived in his house thirty venrs, and the same oak tree had been right in front all the time, yet the seasons follow each other, and their consequences remain the same. The supply of poultry increases in June. p. d. Large Fowls 6 0 to 5 Smaller ditto 4 0 4 Chickens 2 0 2 Ducklings 3 6 Goslings 6 0 7 Turkeys 0 0 0 Guinea Fowls 0 0 to 0 0 Pigeons 0 Rabbits 1 Wild ditto 0 Hares 0 Partridges 0 A 0 10 June 16, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day of Month Day of Week. JUNE 16—22, 1870. Average Tempera- tare near London. Rain in last 43 yeaie. Snn Rises. Snn Rises. Sets. Moon's Age. Clock before Sun. Day 01 Year. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Th P 3 Bun M Tu W Meeting of Royal and Linnean Societies, [8.80 p.m. 1 Sunday after Trinity. Meeting of Royal Asiatic Society, 3 p.m. Longest Day. Royal Botanic Society's Show opens. Day. 72.6 72.9 72 8 70.8 72.S 74.4 73.6 Night. 4«.3 47.3 t0.4 48.6 48.6 5 >.6 48.8 Mean. 60.4 60.1 61.3 59.7 60.4 H2.4 61.2 Days. 18 23 21 22 21) 18 17 m. h. 44af3 44 8 44 8 44 3 44 3 44 3 44 3 m. h. 16af8 16 8 17 8 17 8 18 8 18 8 18 8 m. h. BOafli) 33 11 69 11 morn. 19 0 39 0 66 0 m. h. 85 af 6 45 7 57 8 7 10 16 11 23 0 28 1 Davs. 17 18 19 20 < 22 23 o' 19 0 32 0 45 0 68 1 11 1 24 1 37 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 From observations taken near London during the last forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 72.7% and its night temperature 48.9°. The greatest heat was 93', on the 22nd, 1846; and the lowest cold 30% on the 20tb, I860. The greatest fall of rain was 1.46 inch. ADMITTING GARDENERS and OTHER VISITORS TO GENTLEMEN'S GARDENS. AM in receipt of " The Horticultural Di- rectory," which is a very useful publication. I think Elvaston Castle, Derbj'shire, ought to be excluded from that Directory, as Lord Harrington allows no one to see it. I went a short time sinca with a leading gardener of this neighbourhood, and although we met with Mr. Brown, the gardener, we were re- fused admission. I have visited the principal gardens in England and Scotland, and was never before refused admission. — John Pearson, Range- more Gardens, Burton-on-Trent. [We feel very strongly upon this subject, for we hold it to be a duty to admit gardeners; such admission is one of the best sources of improvement. Restrictions and set days for the public are not objectionable, but gardeners should be admitted whenever able to call. Having this conviction, but wishing to know the opinion upon it of a gardener of sound judgment, we sent the letter to Mr. R. Fish, and we now publish his commentary. — Eds.] I wish the subject had been broached when the evenings are long, so that I should have had time to arrange my thoughts, instead of throwing them down pell-mell in the few minutes that can be spared at this busy season. First, then, as to the desirability of gardeners visiting other gardens there can be no question. I know of nothing so calculated to take self-conceit and narrowmindedness out of a man, to give him fresh and new ideas, as seeing what other gardeners are doing. Owing to circumstances I have visited little of late, but if spared in health I mean to visit more ; and although I can join Mr. Pearson in saying I have seen some of the best places in the three kingdoms, I can conscientiously add that I have rarely turned into a garden, even if there was only a man and a boy, or a man only, but I have left with a sense of having gained something. It was no mere burst of enthusiasm, then, that led me years ago to urge on employers, even in their own interests, not only to give their gardeners reason- able time to visit some of the best places, but also to pay their expenses. Many a man must stay at home because he cannot aiford to go much out, and also because, for a similar reason, of which more anon, he cannot afford to receive so many visitors as he would wish to do. In the interests, then, of gardeners and employers alike, and more especially of the latter, I hold it to be a matter fully esta- blished that a gardener should see some of the best gardens and the results of cultural skill in shows, &c, every year. The " stick-at-home " may be slightly better than " the ever-out;" but if an employer suffers in the latter case from things being neglected, he will be sure to suffer in the former from self-satisfaction and want of emulation. A moderate use of visiting will be beneficial to employer and employed. But, again, if there are proprietors of fine gardens who resolve to keep their places for the gratification of their No. 181.— Vol. XVTJtl., New Series. own eyes alone, what are you to do, what can you do, with them ? Would it be of any use to keep such places out of the " Directory ? " Would it not be better to write against them, "Not to be seen'.'" Perhaps it would be quite as well to do nothing at all. We all know that property has its duties as well as its rights, but there is also something in a man being able to do " what he likes with his own." It seems very difficult for some minds to comprehend the simple fact, that narrowmindedness and exclusiveness ever bring their own punishment. When I have looked on beautiful suburban gardens, with nothing but an open fence to keep them from the roadway, I have felt a thank- ful sympathy with the proprietors, because I knew that they enjoyed the beauties in front of their windows all the more from knowing that every passer- by was free to ad- mire and enjoy them too, and by " right of eye " to make them, as it were, his own. When I have come to similar enclosures walled-in, and even the gate boarded so that no passing peep could be obtained, most other feelings became merged in that of pity that the owner so resolutely de- prived himself of that happiness which can only be realised when based upon and co- existent with the happiness and pleasure of others. As to specifying the places where access is freely given to gardeners, I should only be enumerating the Trenthams, the Chatsworths, the Envilles, the Bictons, the Dalkeiths, multiplied in less places by thousands, where gardeners may freely go on appointed days on notice given, or at any time without notice at all. I was under the impression that Elvaston was open to visitors on certain days for many years past. It is rather singular that it is the only place to which a courteous denial of admission was given, as I got no farther than the gardener's office. This was many years ago, and as I had walked across the country from between Stafford and Rugeley — a long tramp too — I recollect of expressing myself in Loudon's " Gardener's Magazine" somewhat to the effect, that it would be de- sirable that the places from which gardeners were excluded should be named, so that a long journey might not go for nothing. In only one other instance did I get anything but a courteous refusal — attention to business was assigned as a reason why no attention could be given to visitors. In every other instance of visiting a place I have met with the greatest courtesy, in a great many cases with the greatest kindness. It has not escaped my observation that, though more gentlemen are opening their grounds to the public on certain days and under certain regulations, that others are curtailing or withdrawing the privilege, and that though as a general rule gardeners are admitted, there is in many cases less of heartiness and open straightforward- ness in the matter than there used to be. In the first place, as respects the public, many of such changes are owing to the proprietors getting tired of the mere bustle of crowds of visitors. Something, again, is owing to a few unmanageable folk appearing among the generally- well-conducted public. One gentleman justly observed, that although he opened his grounds, that was no reason why the public should take possession of his house, and No, 1133.— Vol. XLIIL, Old Series. 418 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ June 16, 1870. try to lord it over larder and cellar. Another, as there was every convenience in the neighbourhood, insisted that there should he no pic-nicing, no eating and drinking parties ; but on going round with a friend, there were jovial parties in every cosy nook. It is generally understood that in these cases the eye is chiefly to be gratified, but I have known ot such cases as a gentleman raising his hat to pay proper respect to the proprietor, and a shower of cuttings of some of the newest things descending from that hat. A liberal-hearted lady was much shocked when, after the excitement of an open day, she took a walk in a retired lane in the evening, and found it strewed with many flowers that must have been nipped in mere wantonness to he thrown away. Such annoyances will happen until the well- conducted public exercise a stronger moral Lynching power over the few who thus forget themselves. For myself, after considerable experience, I have found that the great mass of men and women feel their honour appealed to just as you repose trust in them. In a few cases, which I considered it better not to see, not one occurred amongst working people ; it was amongBt the respectable classes, so called, that the delinquent would have been found. It is a pleasing recollection that I was enabled to take a part in being the first to open rather extensive grounds to the general public at certain times, without attendance and without apparent supervision. For the time the public was ostensibly its own order-keeper, and all were free to come and free to go that came clean and respectably dressed. These open days have been discontinued, partly owing to a change of proprietorship, hut none have been denied who have made previous application, and no gardener has been refused at any time, though everyone might not have received as much personal attention as could have been wished. In the case of the open days to tho public, which proved a source of pleasure to multitudes, I must here in all candour state that I received credit for that to which I could lay but slight claim. To see so many people with happy faces en- joying themselves was, no doubt, a great pleasure, but some- thing a little selfish was at the bottom of the whole. The truth is that visitors at one time were so numerous, and came so at all times, that anything like attention to them would have worn-out a constitution of iron. The management, too, was liable to be disorganised — a thing very apt to be the case when little efficient help can be obtained, except from common labourers. In the summer months, after the toils of the day, juBt when cleaned and seated, there would come a rap at the door, and there might be a party or two come to enjoy the garden in the cooi of the evening. I have known, when young, what it was to be so tired as scarcely to be able to undress. Such visiting involved also other considerations of a merely economical character. I soon found out, what seemed to me at one time rather mysterious, why some of our greatest gar- deners in the largest and most popular places have often been in straitened circumstances, if not afllicted with the horrors of debt. In many places, unless they made up their minds to be stingy, it could not be otherwise. Self-defence, then, to save time and have the great bulk of visitors together, was one chief object of the open days ; and even on this ground the practice is much to be commended, as it leaveB the place more private at other times, and does not disarrange work by having to go or to send attendants with visitors. I have slightly or rather delicately hinted at one attendant on visiting, and once for all I may as well out with it for the consideration of proprietors especially. As a class we have been distinguished for our hospitality, and I hope we shall ever he so, but in fine places, or where much new work is going on, the exercise of it may be no joke. The malt:r was alluded to in a company of gardeners at the Great International at Ken- sington, and a celebrated gardener, who has a splendid collec- tion of plants under his care in a populous neighbourhood, stated frankly that in self-defence he had given up asking any visitor to his house, unless his personal friends or those he invited. He further stated that ot how many I treat. My wages will not permit me to do so. Were I to ask even a portion of such visitors to my house I should soon be unable to keep a house over my head." I sup- pose that few could have been so cool and determined. I tell the true story, that proprietors may clearly see and understand that numbers of visitors are anything but an unmixed advan- tage to gardeners. Some to my knowledge do comprehend it and make an allowance to meet such a demand, others freely take it all on themselves. There are places, such as one I have known for more than thirty years, that no visitor to the gardens need go away without ample refreshment ; I know of others where a gardener rarely takes any but personal friends to his house, as he has no more to do than take them to the mansion with the full approval and desire of all concerned. These in- stances, however, are but the favourable exceptions ; were they more general a load of care would be taken from many a good- managing gardener's wife, who now may be frequently non- plussed when a party unexpectedly drops in upon her close on the dinner hour, when she has nothing extra in the larder, and is some miles from butcher and baker. From what has been incidentally stated, I should modify a little your expression, "Gardeners should be admitted when- ever able to call." This, you will perceive, involves another circumstance — that it would always be suitable to receive them and pay them proper attention. I have hinted that this would not always be the case. I have stated that in some cases there is not a direct forbidding, but a coolness as respeots visitors on the part of employers. It has been painful to me to visit some places ; the gardener seemed in a sort of dread of meeting with, or being seen by, any of the family. Now, the manly and straightforward is always the best. If my employer forbade visitors, whilst I was his servant I would not admit one ; if I had liberty I should use it openly. Of course I would as much as possible avoid coming in contact with any of the family, but I could not condescend to skulk or hide so that visitors should not be seen — either open visiting or no visiting. In all cases where there is the least of this coolness, it would be well if visitors gave notice of their intended visit, so that any difficulty might be smoothed out of the way. Again, the merely giving such notice by neighbouring gar- deners I should consider in general aB quite unnecessary. It would somewhat do away with the friendly, trusting, neigh- bourly feelirg that so generally exists, and I think nothing of the kind required, because if Eneh neighbours did not receive adequate attention at one time, they would see the reason, and find no great difficulty in repeating the visit. But in the case of gardeners from a distance, it would be well for them to make their intentions known previously. Supposing the gardener were from home, many would look on their visit, though they saw the place, like the play of Hamlet with Hamlet left out. Other reasons, which do not apply to large places with their staff of cultured assistants, apply to places well worth seeing ; but where almost everything mutt depend on the head gardener, matters are apt to be thrown out of joint if the gardener leaves his working superintendence, or the gardener visiting must be content with a labourer attendant, with which he may be any- thing but satisfied. Besides, there can be little doubt that some employers grudge the time thus taken up with visitors, and it is advisable to give little reason for it. For the satisfac- tion, therefore, of visitor and visited, I should say it is better for strangers from a distance to write before coming, and then the gardener can make arrangements, so as to show them a little desirable attention. I would conclude with a few words of advice to those visiting gardeners who, without giving any notice, just do as I do in this neighbourhood, make a visit when able to call. First, avoid being so thin-skinned as to think you have not received enough of attention, or if the gardener Bhould be forced to send an assistant with you instead of accompanying 3 ou himself, and which he might have been able to do if he knew of your visit. Look at the bright side of things and all will be well. Secondly, you may see much to find fault with, but unless on terms of warm friendship keep all such matters to yourBelf. Most likely they are depressing enough already, and are too well seen without a visitor pointing them out. It must be a wonderful place if there is nothing to admire ; treat of that — I do not mean in a white-washing way, but so us to create and maintain a kindly sympathy. It is worse than bad taste to give expression to what must give pain and do no good. Thirdly, time your visits, so as to give the least trouble to the visited, and thus allow them to show their tangible kind- ness, if disposed, without wounding the sensitiveness of the June 16, 1876. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 419 female department. A lady — and such truly is many a gar- dener's helpmate — is never more at home than when presiding at a tea-table. Lastly, do not prolong your visit. Some men mnst make the most of a day at a place, when an hour or two would be ample. They forget that, if they can spare the time themselves, the visited gardener may have much to attend to. Give him no opportunity, whilst civil and courteous, of wishing in his heart you would take your departure. Short visits are one of the beBt receipts for happy future meetings. — R. F. ROOTS FROM THE BRANCHES OF THE VINE. When atrial roots are abundantly produced on the Vine, the verdict mostly pronounced by gardeners is — Something wrong with the border. This is not always correct, as first-rate Grapes and plenty of air-roots are produced together on the same Vine. A close, moist atmosphere, early forcing, and, perhaps, insufficient root-action, are the circumstances most favourable to their production. In an early vinery at Loxford Hall air-roots are freely pro- duced. The house is started about the middle of December ; the Vines are planted inside, but as the front wall is built on arches, and a prepared border is outside as well as inside, plenty of roots are outside ; indeed, I am of the belief that if Vines are planted inside and allowed an equal chance of an inside and outside border, the greater portion of the roots will be outside the first season. This being the case, and as the surface of the border is freely exposed to the action of the atmosphere, in order to allow a season of complete rest for the Vines, the heat which has been absorbed during the summer is, to a large extent, given off. The Vines are watered with warm water previous to " shutting the house up," and the temperature is thus somewhat raised. A covering of ferment- ing material is placed over the outside border. Forcing is commenced with a gradual rise of the inside temperature ; until the last week in January a night temperature of Go' is maintained. The border is not warmed in proportion, and although the roots are in a healthy condition, they do not act reciprocally with the tops, and in the necessarily close and somewhat moist atmosphere aiirial roots are freely produced. The best method is to cut them off as fast as they appear. Where borders are heated by hot-water pipes placed under- neath them, air-roots are seldom produced. A very successful Grape-grower informed me that lie raised the temperature of his Vine borders, by means of hot-water pipes fixed underneath them, to 70°, and he is seldom troubled with air-roots on his Vines. Of course he is an advocate for watering well, as a heated border insufficiently watered would cause the production of air-roots as freely as an unheated border. In the late vinery the border was made in the same way, of the same materials, and at the same time as that in the early vinery, but no aerial roots have been emitted in the house, and yet the best Grapes have invariably been produced in the early heuse. A more important matter than the production or non-pro- duction of aerial roots is to have the ground roots in a proper medium, and it is to the latter that I would wish to draw atten- tion. In the early vinery above alluded to the roots were con- fined to a limited space by a brick wall set in cement ; in the late house the roots could ramble outwards beyond the reach of the prepared border, and as the Grape3 did not colour well, and became worse each successive season, it was determined to renew the border, as the surrounding material is not suitable for Grape-growing. The greater portion of the active roots were not in the border at all, they had gone beyond it ; and as a large portion of active roots were necessarily in the inside border, all the roots outside the front wall were lifted, the old material taken out, and a new border made. The roots which were saved were laid out in this about G inches below the sur- face. At the time this was done the Vines were in full leaf, and carrying a full crop of Grapes, yet not a leaf hung down, nor did the leaves fall sooner than usual. This was done last October, and at the present time the Vines are again in full leaf, have a promise of as good a crop of fruit as ever, and I have no doubt but that it will be much improved in quality. When a house of Vines fails, it is not always advisable to root out the Vines and plant young instead. An instance of renewing an old vinery occurred here some six years ago. The house is only 15 feet by 11 feet, and it contained one Vine of the Royal Muscadine ; it had been badly managed, as it had not ripened any fruit for twenty years. It was taken in hand in October, and the first step was to examine the roots. Where a border ought to have been, a large Aucuba and some other common shrubs were flourishing ; these were cleared off, and a trench dug out about 9 feet from the front wall and parallel with it. Digging carefully with forks, the old sour stuff was taken out, and the roots saved as much as possible. A couple of roots had struck downwards close to the front wall ; these were allowed to remain. A foot of drainage was placed in the bottom of the excavated space, and over this some loose litter to prevent the compost, which consisted of turfy loam mixed with a small portion of rotted manure, from mixing with it. The very few roots which were saved were spread out over the border, and kept near the surface ; the border was raised G inches above the path, over all was placed a font of dry manure, and the operation was complete. The Vine was severely pruned, but the most promising of the young wood was saved ; the wood was well painted with a mixtnre of sul- phur and soft soap as a preventive to mildew. Tbe Vines were not forced at all. The few bunches which showed were allowed to remain, and they ripened perfectly, and plenty of young wood was trained up, some fine young rods were saved, and a hundred bunches of Grapes as good as that variety usually produces were ripened next year. A gentleman called here the other day and asked advice about a house of somewhat old Vines ; they are not satisfactory, and produce fruit of an in- ferior quality. Instead of rooting them out as he intended and planting young Vines, making, of course, a new border, I would do half the length of the house, lifting the Vines care- fully, and watch the result of the operation for a year or two, and afterwards be guided by circumstances. — J. Douglas. CHOICE STOVE PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. A stove well stocked with tropical plants will always be gay. Take, for instance, a leaf of an Ansectochilus or of a Fittonia — why, it is of itself a bouquet. So I offer these notes in the hope that they may lead others to give us their ideas as to the value of various stove plants, modes of culture, &a. Such, I am sure, would be read by many with great interest and be very useful. I invariably note down year by year how I succeed with certain plants, the soils I use, and the success I meet with. The plants I intend to notice, when well grown, are very or- namental, though not met with in every collection. To grow stove plants well requires skill and very close attention. Sonerila maegakitacea, a native of Java, is a most beautiful stove plant. I keep mine well pinched, in order to make it bushy. It is of quick growth, and the foliage is studded all over the surface with silvery spots. The flowers are of a pleasing rose colour. I do not allow the plant to bloom much, as I find the foliage more desirable than the flowers. I pick off most of the blooms. I generally give a good shift in March, and again in June. I water moderately. It flourishes in a gentle bottom heat, with plenty of atmospheric moisture during the season of growth, and requires to bo shaded from the mid- day sun. In winter I place my plants so that they may be fully exposed to the sun, that damping-off may be prevented. The soil I use is fibrous sandy peat with plenty of silver sand, and good drainage is given. Cyanophyllum magxifiouji. — This is a native of Tropical America, and when well grown there are few plants in our stoves that present a more noble appearance, the foliage being of a rioh velvety green on its upper surface, and the under side purplish crimson. During the growing season I use the syringe freely, and I generally shade a little in the hottest part of the day. In order to form a bushy plant I take out the leader. I grow it in equal parts of fibrous peat and Joam, with plenty of silver sand, and I add a little cocoa-nut refuse. I have invari- ably found that if the soil is exposed to the sun and kept turned for a few days before being used, it is much better for the plant. Good drainage must be secured. Pothos argyr.ea. — Native of Borneo. A beautiful plant of neat and compact habit ; the leaves rich green, blotched with silvery white. Plants of it placed here and there about the stove are very effective. I grow mine in old leaf mould, fibrous loam, and fibrous peat, with plenty of silver sand, and I gene- rally add some charcoal broken up finely. I water freely during the growing period, and it requires to be shaded from the sun. I grow it both as a pot and basket plant, and in either way it is very pretty. Pavetta bokeonica. — This is not often met with. The leaves 420 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Joaa 10, 1879. are spotted with white, shaded with pale green on a dark green ground, and the midribs are red. I grow it in fibrous peat and loam, with silver sand, using charcoal drainage. It requires pinching to form a bushy plant, and should be placed in a light part of the stove to bring out the beautiful tints of the leaves. Cissds discolor. — Native of Java. I shall not attempt to describe this beautiful plant as it is so well known, but I wish to state my mode of treating it. 'When well grown there is not a more lovely plant. Although it is to be found in most collec- tions, very rarely do we see well-grown specimens. Being of rapid growth it requires a rich soil. I grow it in sandy peat, fibrous loam, old leaf mould, cow dung (the older the better), and silver sand. In this compost it will soon make a fine specimen if plunged in a gentle bottom heat. Care should be taken not to syringe the foliage, for wherever water falls it destroys the metallic lustre. I place the plant where it has enough atmospheric moisture, but I never syringe it. I grow it on a trellis, and trained up the supports of my stove along with Echites rubro-venosa and Aristolocbia ornithocephala. Anthurium Schf.rzerianum. — Introduced from Costa Eica. This is of easy culture, and produces an abundance of brilliant scarlet spathes. which last for a long time in good condition. I grow mine in sphagnum and fibrous peat, and I use charcoal drainage. In this way it does exceedingly well. — F. P. L. LYCHNISES AS BORDER FLOWERS. Among the many beautiful flowers cultivated for border de- floration, I may safely introduce to the notice of the readers of " our Journal," the beautiful family of Lychnis, one not so numerous as many other families of border plants, but for interest and brilliancy of colour scarcely to be surpassed. Some are natives of oar own land, and I would ask. What is more interesting than the Ragged Robin (Lychnis Flos-cuculi) of our dells, woods, and moist meadows, its ragged blooms peeping up early in summer through brambles and other undergrowth, and displaying their lively colours ? Then, there is Lychnis diurna, vespertina, Viscaria, and of late we have learned to call, what uBed to be named Agro- j stemmaGithago (Corn Cockle), Lychnis Githago — all interesting and pretty, even in their native homes, but when we turn our j attention to the charming varieties in cultivation, we are con- I strained to admit that these are much more brilliant in colour. | Some of the taller kinds are well adapted for shrubberies and large borders, and on account of their upright habit and brilliant-coloured flowers ought to be much more cultivated | than they are at present. Some of them attain a height of from 3 to i feet. Among the taller kinds may be noticed Lychnis i dioica alba flore-pleno, rubra flore-pleno ; mutabilU ; and chal- | cedonica coccinea. Among those of dwarfer habit may be | noticed Lychnis Flos-cuculi alba flore-pleno, rubra flore-nleno, i Haageana, fulgens, diurna, sanguiuea, and graudiflora. Those I with double flowers are very desirable ; they make a splendid show, and are useful for cutting for bouquets on account of their brilliant colours. Among those of very dwarf habit may j be noticed Lychnis pyrenaica, quadridentata, sibirica, alpina, I l.xta, neglecta, and Corsica. There are others which are also useful for borders and rockwork, and which will repay any amount of labour bestowed upon them. Host of the cultivated kinds are impatient of stagnant water ; see that they have thorough drainage. A moderately rich porous soil is indispensable to their well-doing. The dwarfer kinds may be treated like alpines in pots, and if thought de- sirable the pots can be plunged in rockwork and other places, seeing that they do not suffer from lack of moisture. Some of them may be raised from seed ; others may be propagated by shoots and divisions. If cuttings be taken they should be put in sandy soil in a rather moist shaded situation, with a hand- glass or frame over them. Old plants may be divided in the autumn or spring. Cuttings may be taken off while the plants are growing, and when they have attained a moderate degree of firmness. It is good practice, where there is a choice col- lection of these beautiful plants, to lift the more tender kinds and keep them in a dry, cool pit during the winter, giving them air on all favourable occasions, as they are liable to suffer from damp. Seed may he sown early in spring in pots or boxes in a cold frame, and later in spring it may be sown in the borders. When the seedlings are large enough, they should be pricked out in beds or boxes a? thought best. It is advisable, after pricking them out, to use a little shading until the young plants have established themselves, but not to draw up the plants, as that would prove injurious to their well-doiDg. When lar&e enough they may be transferred to beds or borders, where they may remain to bloom, and will repay with their beauty all the care bestowed upon them. — M. H., Acldam Hall, Middlesbrough-on- Tees. KITCHEN GARDEN CROPPING- BROCCOLI CULTURE. I saw two or three weeks ago that a correspondent was complaining of his Eroccoli crop. I always plant Broccoli after Strawberries, the ground being trenched and well-ma- nured. The cropping runs thus : — Strawberries, Broccoli, Celery, Onions, Cabbages. I find from experience that the firmer the land is the better. I never let Strawberries stand longer than two years, so that the ground is in good heart for Broccoli. Growing large succulent plants is one thing, but growing Broccoli is another. Immediately the Strawberries are gathered, which is here in the last week in July, I cut the plants up with a sharp spade, and, with the mulching, all is soon burnt on the ground, and the ashes spread over it, giving a rough rake over. I now set the lines out S feet apart, planting with the iron bar. The operation is merely making the holes, putting in the plants, and with a water-pot washmg in the surface soil. You then get good sturdy plants, and, to use a garden phrase, they ripen before the autumn, and they are enabled to stand our severest winters. I generally sow the main crop on the 1st of April, and plant from the seed bed. — R. Gilbert, Burghley. VAGARIES OF THE LABURNUM. As the question of the origin of sporting and of varieties has, during" the past few years, received so much attention both in reference to the introduction of new fruits and flowers, and to the principles which Mr. Darwin has drawn from these sports, I am induced to forward you an account of a sport which I have carefully noted, and of which I send you specimens. I am the more induced to do so, as in Mr. Darwin's book on " Varieties," in the part relating to plants there are few pub- lications more often quoted than the "Cottage Gardener" and its successer. In the well-known garden of Mr. Kitley, Greenway Lane, Bath, within sight of the road, on a dry brashy soil are two Laburnum trees distant 100 yards apart, one-half of which is the purple variety, the other the ordinary yellow. These va- rieties are intermixed iu the trees. In one of them the yellow, of most luxuriant growth, preponderates ; in the other, the purple, with its smaller leaves and shorter blossoms, prevails. This obtains not only over the trees as a whole, but in their respective branches. There are 0 or 8 feet of purple, then one or two patches of yellow within a foot or two, exactly as if bud3 of the yellow had "been inserted in a brauch of the purple kind, these yellow buds not throwing out wood but flowers only. The singularity of these trees does not end here ; at various parts of the trunk and branches, both small and large, there spring out specimens of the purple Cytisns, with its peculiar foliage and bloom not the least modified by the Laburnum. At first sight the presumption is that a bud has been inserted, or a seed casually vegetated, but a close examination of various parts wholly destroys that theory, aB this Cytisus springs out at the end of some twigs. Looking at the tree from a distance you might suppose some epiphyte was there growing, like the Mistletoe or the peculiar excrescence of the Birch. The trees are in the fullest vigour, at least thirty years old, with bark as smooth as a sapling. Mr. Kitley presumes that the original stock was the ordinary yellow Laburnum on which the purple was grafted, and the vigour of the tree has been such that the root-action of the yellow has overcome the tendency to the purple, which is always of less free growth. What shall I say about the purple Cytisus ? I am fairly puzzled, unless what we call the purple Laburnum is only a sport from the purple, and not from the Laburnum. If so, the case is the more interesting, as we should have an example of the activity of root-action overcoming the purple variety, which, again, was reverting to its original type. I should say that near these trees is a fine specimen of the yellow standard Cytisus, which, from its vigour, shows that the soil and site suit the tribe well, whereas in the valley, notwith- standing every care, it does not thrive. For years past in our park specimens of all sizes have been planted, scarcely one of which now remains, except in so stunted a condition as will Jane 16, 1870. J JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 421 insure their condemnation ere long by the " Surveying Com- mittee." The bearing sports like the one I have endeavoured to de- scribe have on the interesting question of the influence of the stock on the scion, of the tendency to revert to the original type either in a time of very vigorous growth or when vitality is low, I need not refer to. — Joirs S. Bartrum. [The specimens sent by Mr. Bartrum faliy sustain his state- ments. We cannot add more to the following note which we published a year or two since. Cytisus Adami was originally produced upwards of forty years ago in budding Cytisus pur- pureus on the common Laburnum. In this process it is sup- posed that a cell of the one species beoame divided and united to a cell of the other, and the result has been a plant producing not only flowers of each species separately, but others partaking of the characters of both. There are other instances in the vege- table kingdom in which a similar union of cells is believed to have taken place, but Cytisus Adami is the best known and best established. Mr. Fish has added the following interesting notes on the subject : — "The changes produced on the Labur- num when grafted are Bometime3 wonderful and wholly unac- countable. We have rarely seen the common or Scotch Labur- num sport into other varieties. We recollect of only one instance in which flowers of purpurascens appeared. But if you graft either of tho Laburnums with Cytisus purpureus or Cytisus supinus, the vagaries which sometimes take place are astonishing. I can see any day a small standard of Cytisus alpinus which was grafted with Cytisus purpureus, and on the same branch will sometimes be found Bmall pieces of yellow and purple, and at the very point strong shoots of the Cytisus alpinus, the 'blood' of the stock finding its way through the more weakly growth of the scion. What is remarkable is, that grafting or budding with one variety will frequently, as the plant grows, present you with three or four varieties, or what are called ' species.' " — Eds.] CATTELLS ECLIPSE BROCCOLI— VEITCH'S ASHLEAF POTATO. I wish to direct the attention of your readers to one of the best of the Broccolis in cultivation — it is Cattell's Eclipse. It is close, compact, firm, and produces a good head; but I recommend it strongly because it is so late. I had it in use up to June 1st, which, considering the dryness of the season, is very good. This was grown side by side with several other sorts, and it began to come in just as the other kinds were over. I would recommend all who have not tried it to sow a little at once, and I am sure they will be glad of it next May and June. It can be, and has been, cut later than I have stated. It was shown at the International Horticultural Exhibition. Another very useful vegetable is Veitch's Improved Early Ashleaf Kidney Potato. I can now (June Gtb) finger out some lit to use. The tubers were not forwarded in any way, but planted in the usnal mode. — J. B. P., TiOmnUm Lodge, God- Hone, Surrey. CUTTING ASPARAGUS— EARLY FRAME POTATO. In answer to " R. F.'s " request in page 342 for the experience and opinions of others on this subject, which well deserves the attention of Asparagus-growers, I have adopted " R. F.'s " plan for some years. I cut all the shoots, large and small, and thus I believe we have many heads of Asparagus that would otherwise remain dormant. I begin to allow a few of the middle size to run up after I have been cutting six or seven weeks. The largest are too tempting to leave, as the Asparagus here is small in general, consequent, I think, on the cold nights. I have another request of " L. F." to answer about some Early Frame Potatoes that he had lost, and of which he could not remember the name. I have a few of the old sorts true, and I think I have that which he mean?. I believe it has a pinkish haulm when forced early, and a small, round tuber. The name nnder which I have it is Martin's Early Frame. If I am right I shall be pleased to give " R. F." a few, and I hope to be able to meet him at Oxford next month, when he can see them. — T. Eixoiir, llhug Gardens, N. il'alcs. Changing Colour or Primroses. — I have aboat half a dozen differing in colour from yellow to a very dark purple. This change was caused by being yearly transplanted into richer soil. They firBt came an orange colour, then a light red, and eventually purple. The colours of flowers may be changed by certain additions to the soil in which they grow. Powdered charcoal deepens and intensifies the flowers of the Dahlia, Rose, Petunia, &c. ; carbonate of soda reddens Hyacinths ; and super- phosphate of soda alters in various ways the hue and bloom of other plants. — W. F. Haigh. — [English Mechanic and Mir- ror of Science.) CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW. June 11th. Thts was the second and last show of the season fit the Crystal Palace, and. as compared with its predecessor, there was a considerable falling-off in the number of large specimen plants exhibited, and which, withont the assistance of others belonging to the Crystal Palace Company, would not have sufficed to fill the staging. There was not the same long array of stove and greenhouse plants in tlower that there was at the previous show, whilo those remarkable for their foliage were only to he found in the mixed collections. Such plants can ill be spared in a large building like the Crystal Palace, where that which is small looks smaller than it really is. Although there was a falling-off in this direction, the addition of classes for variegated Pelargoniums brought a numerous entry, and the competition in dinner-table decorations was spirited, and excited great interest. Al- though this feature will be reported on by a coadjutor who has given especial attention to thesnbject.it may be remarked that among the arrangements there was more originality than iu exhibitions of a similar kind of late years, and, on the whole, better taste. There were more departures from the stereotyped March stand, which, however elegant, one gets tired of always seeing ; there was a more plentiful introduction of grasses and flower sprays, tending to give an airy character ; but there was also in too many instances a tendency to overload with flowers, and to give a flatness of surface, neither of which is pleasing. Among the stove and greenhouse collections there were many speci- mens which had appeared at Kensington on the previous Wednesday, snch as Mr. Barnes's magnificent Ixora coccinea, Dracophyllum gracile, and others. The same exhibitor had also a largo plant of Dipladenia amabilis, covered with flowers, large and beautifully fresh and bright ; a splendid plant of Ixora javanica ; and a very large Azalea Gledstanesi formosa, quite a mass of bloom. Mr. "Williams, of Holloway, sent Anthurium Scherzeriannm, with about two dozen spathes, a large Phcenoconia prolifera, but not in full flower, and a fine Erica depressa, together with other good specimens. Mr. Peed had a tine Allamanda grandiflora ; Mr. Ward, Statice profusa, very well bloomed ; and there were good specimens of Aphelexes, Heaths, Genetyllis tnlipifera, Dracophyllum gracile, Stephauotis floribunda, and Clerodendron Balfonrianum. The prizetakers iu tho nursery- men's class for ten were Mr. Williams, and Messrs. Jackson & Son ; in the amateurs' class for the same number, Mr. Baiues ; Mr. Peed, gardener to Mrs. Tredwell, Lower Norwood; and Mr. A. Wright, gardener to C. H. Compton Roberts, Esq., Regent's Park. For six, the prizes went to Messrs. AVard, Carr, Wilkie, and A. Wright. In mixed collections of flowering and fine-foliaged plants, Mr. BaineB again exhibited his large Alocasia lnetallica aud Gleichenia Bpeluncje ; Mr. Carr, gardener to P. L. Hinds, Esq., who was second, had a very good specimen of the former plant, and Cocos plumosa some 10 feet high; and Mr. Young, gardener to W. H. Stone, Esq., M.P., Leigh Park, Havant, sent Sanchezia nobilis variegata, but some of the leaves appeared to have suffered from drought on the jonmey, though the specimen was good. Equal third prizes were given to Mr. Young and Mr. Wright. For a group of stove and greenhouse plants arranged for effect. Mr. Peed was first with one consisting of large Crotons, Palms, Heaths, PimeleaB, &c, with Maidenhair Ferns and Cockscombs in front. Mr. J. Wheeler was second, and Mr. Reid, gardener to Mrs. Hunt, Sydenham Hill, waB third. Heaths were arranged along one side of the transept, and in several of the collections were excellent, especially in those from Messrs. Jackson & Son, Mr. Morse, and Mr. Ward. Of tricolor elegana, Paxtoni, Fairrieana, obbata, tricolor Wilsoni and coronata Barnesii, ventricosa gTandiflora, and veutricosa mngniiica, the specimens were largo and in beautiful condition. The prizetakers were — for eight, Mr. Morse, Epsom, and Messrs. Jackson & Son equal first, among nursery- men ; and Mr. Ward, Mr. J. Wheeler, and Mr. Peed, among amateurs. In the open class for six, Mr. Ward, Messrs. Jackson & Son, and Mr. Carr took the prizes. Azaleas filled the opposite side of the transept, and with some exceptions were much the same os those noticed last week. Mr. Carson was first for eight, Mr. Wdkie second, Mr. Woodward, gar- dener to Mrs. Torr, third; for six (nurserymen), Mr. Williams, the only exhibitor, had a first prizj ; for six (amateurs), Mr. "Woodward, Mr. Peed, and Mr. J. Wheeler took the prizes. Of Orchids, there was a good and rather large display. Mr. Wil- liams was at the head of the nurserymen's class for ten, with several of those he had exhibited on the previous Wednesday, Ai rides Lar- penta;, Saccolabium gnttatum superoum, with three fine racemes, and a fine specimen of the vellow and orange Dendrobinm densitlorum. Messrs. Maule & Son, Bristol, took the second position with a col- 422 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Jane 16, 1870. lection for the most part in pots made in imitation of trnnks of trees, bnt being too large in proportion to the plants the appearance of the latter was deteriorated. The Saccolabinms, however, were very good ; there was a pan of Cypripedinm Hookeri, with ten flowers, and others on the point of opening; and among the rest were good examples of Cypripedinm Lowii, and Veitch'B -variety of Vanda snavis. Mr. Yonng, Dnlwich, was third. For eight, Mr. Page, gardener to W. Leaf, Esq., Streatham, was first with Aerides rosenm, with fonr racemes, Saccolabinm Blnmei, A. rides Lindleyannm, odoratnm, Lobbii, the last splendid, and a good Lrelia pnrpnrata. Mr. Burnett, gardener to W. Terry, Esq., Fnlham, was second ; Mr. Wright, third. For six, the first prize went to Mr. Ward, the second to Mr. Burnett, gardener to W. Terry, Esq., Fnlham, who had Aerides rosenm, with five spites, and Mr. Woodward was third. The Golden and Silver Tricolor Pelargoninms formed a large part of the display, hut viewed from a distance their distinctions conld not be discerned ; Golden and Silver Tricolors became confused together, and the largo mass, however beautiful its individual parts, was not effective as a whole. It seemed to want breaking up, so as to give relief by the introduction of plants of a different character, of Mowers or foliage of a different hue. Then the bright-coloured leaves would have shone like gems. In the nurserymen's class for twelve, Mr. J. Stevens, of Ealing, was first with very well grown plants of Golden Tricolors, Sophia Cusack, Sophia Dumaresque, Lady Cullum, Countess of Tyrconnel, Lucy Grieve, and Mrs. Turner ; Silver Tricolors, Mabel Morris, Charming Bride, Glen Eyre Beauty, Italia Unita, and Imperatrice Eugenie. Mr. Cannell, Woolwich, was second, and Mr. Turner, Slough, third ; bnt smaller plants from Messrs. Carter & Co. were brighter-coloured and more effective. Mrs. Dunnett, Prince of Wales, Sir K. Napier, Aurora, Dr. Wallace, Royal Standard, and Fairyland, were shown in this collection. In the amateurs' class, Mr. Welsh, gardener to D. Butter, Esq., HiUingdon, took the first honours with well-furnished plants, from 15 to 18 inches across, the kinds being Mrs. Turner, Sophia Dumaresqne, Lady Cullum, Sophia Cusack, Lucy Grieve, and Italia Unita. Mr. Townsend, gardener to J. C. Mappin, Esq., Clapham Park, was second, and the Rev. H. H. Dombrain, Westwell Vicarage, Ashford, third, with well-grown plantB. The prize for three plants of the best Golden Tricolor was taken by MessrB. Carter and Co.. with their brilliant-coloured Prince of Wales, the second prize going to Mr. Stevens, for Ealing Rival, and the third to Mr. Turner, for Achievement. The first prize for three plants of the best Silver Tricolor went to Mr. Turner, of Slongh, for Miss Pond, with a bine green centre, dark crimson zone, shaded with rosy carmine, and broadly margined with white. Mrs. Rousby, another fine variety from the same exhibitor, was second ; and Charles Edmonds, from Mr. Stevens, of Ealing, third. Pelargoninms of the Gold and Bronze sections were in fine con- dition, and those from Messrs. Downie & Co. extremely beautiful and more effective than the brighter-coloured Tricolors. For six, Messrs. Downie. Laird, & Laing, were first, with Imp. ratrice Kul" me, with a broad bright-coloured zone, and golden ground colour ; Crown Prince, very fine ; Prima Donna ; Red Gauntlet, Black Douglas, a striking variety, and Mr. Alan Lonndes, with a dark chocolate zone. Mr. Cannell was second. In the amateurs' class, the prizes went to Mr.W. Townsend and the Rev. H. H. Dombrain. The best three plants of any Gold and Bronze variety were those of Reine Victoria, with leaves remarkable alike for their size and colouring, and with zones nearly 2 inches wide. Kingcraft and Napoleon ILL, from the same firm, were second and third, and each would have been first had the others been absent. For the best Silver-edged Pelargonium, Mr. Turner was first with Bright Star, with an abundance of scarlet blooms. May Queen, from Mr. Turner and Mr. Cannell, was second. The best of the double-flowering Pelargoninms were Madame and Marie Lemoine, Wilheim Pfitzer, and Triomphe, the last named very bright, bnt not blooming freely. The prizes went to Messrs. Downie, and Mr. Turner. Prizes were also offered for collections of Colens, and wero taken by Messrs. Downie & Co., and Mr. G. Wheeler. Miscellaneous subjects consisted of a collection of plants from Messrs. Downie & Co. ; of a collection of Roses in pots from Mr. Turner ; Ixias, &c, from Messrs. Hooper & Co. ; Caladinms from Mr. WilHe; Lilium anratnm from Mr. W. Paul, of Waltham Cross; Pelargoninms from Mr. Turner, of Slongh ; Zonal Pelargoniums from Mr. Mann, of Brentwood ; Pinks, Pansies, &c, from Mr. Shenton, Mr. Hooper, Bath, Bragg, and others. First-class certificates were awarded to Mr. Turner, for Pelargoninms Iron Duke, Black Prince, and Charles Dickens ; to Mr. Williams, for Viola cornnta Perfection ; Peristrophe angustifolia aureo-variegata, a very promising golden variegated plant for bedding-out, and for Agave Verschaffelti ; to Messrs. Paul & Son, for a basket of Cupressns Lawsoniana variegata ; and to Messrs. Downie & Co., for Caladinm M. Barillet. have interfered, and I mnst defer it, merely saying that there was a vast improvement upon what we have seen before, and that the pnblic are being educated to a better taste in such matters. — D., Deal. If one might judge from the places where the crowd "most did congregate,'' the table decorations, the variegated Pelargoniums, and the Orchids formed the most attractive featnreB of the Show. The two latter have already been commented upon, and I had hoped to have given this week a detailed critique upon the former : but other matters LAWN MOWERS. Messrs. Greek have great cause for gratitude in securing the ser- vices of such an " earnest " advocate of their lawn mowers as Mr. Robert Featherstone. the Gardens, St. Ann's Villa, Burley, Leeds (see page 3110). His desire to caution people against purchasing any noveltv. expressed in a former paper, is now fully displayed. " Do not purchase the Archimedean lawn mower,'' wrote Mr. Featherstone before he had even tried it ; " yon mnst purchase Green's, that is the best." The most of your readers know that Messrs. Green's lawn mowers are really excellent, but few of them, however, know about the Archimedean. I have said that I like the Archimedean, and I sayso still. I have said my say, and abide by it. Mr. Featherstone, writing for Messrs. Green, says he dislikes it, and strains every nerve to con- demn it. Nothing conld be more natnral than to hear him say so. I only hope the proprietors of the Archimedean mower may give Mr. Featherstone what* satisfaction he requires in a competitive trial. It will nut be in the ordinary Yankee spirit if his bold challenge be not accepted. I should like to empty Mr. Featherstone's overfilled purse myself if I had as much influence at head-quarters as my quondam opponent. Why do not Messrs. Green send the challenge themselves, and to the proper parties, instead of deputing it to the hands of any agent, however able or however much in earnest ? Is there not room enough for all, instead of all this petty jealousy between rivals m trade ? — Archambacd. In page 3S9 an article appears condemnatory of the Archimedean lawn mo"wer. I have used the word condemnatory, for I conceive that the article in question is written expressly in that spirit. Criticism impartially administered is a useful guide, bnt anyone assuming snch a dnty should take care to render himself above prejudice, otherwise his object will not fail to be seen. Now, with the Archimedean lawn mower I have not had practical experience ; but independently of this, I consider it would have been qnito out of my province if, from a limited knowledge of its working properties, I had got up a comment- ary, and from these deductions a challenge " for any sum of money, etc.," to the maker of the Archimedean, on behalf of the maker of another machine. Gardeners are indeed well able to form an opinion of the merits or demerits of these machines, but challenges onght to proceed from the parties whom they immediately concern. Against the machines of Messrs. Green I have nothing whatever to say, for I have nsed them for a number of years. If, however, they are good— which I do not deny— if they are more perfect now than when first introduced, it is only fair to say that their present style of make has not been attained and accomplished all at once. This, however ib not my object in writing, but merely, as I before stated, to say challenges ought to proceed from the parties who are most directly concerned. It may be all very well to have the blades tested at such places at Krrk- stall Forge ; but wore anyone to take every piece of cutlery. &c, about which his "suspicions are aroused" to snch places to test, I fear even the foreman smith would think such a one troublesome. But I am not disposed to believe that there exists a machinist, or the maker of a lawn-mowing machine, who would intentionally make the blades or cutters of cast iron. H there be such, he may safely count the extent of his business in that direction. I am not able, as I said before, to say anything either for or against the Archimedean ; indeed, although I have had charge of extensive lawns upon which both pony and hand machines were required, yet I never deemed it desirable to have in use those from different makers ; in fact, there are many ex- cellent employers who do not give indiscriminate commission to their employees Further than this I do not feel justified in trespassing on the columns of the Journal ; nor do I feel disposed to say more on Mr Featherstone's subject, except to add that it may be a satisfaction to some to find that certain defects which the Archimedean seems to possess, such as not collecting the grass, &c, can be easily remedied. —J. R. The Rhododendron Shows.— Last week the show which Mr. Anthony Waterer, of the Knap Hill Nursery, Woking, is holding in the large tent in the Royal Horticultural Society s gardens, at SouthKensington, was briefly noticed, and it was intended to have given a fuller account of it this week, the probability being that many varieties then coming into flower would be at their best ; but the sharp frosts of May have seriously impaired the blooming of Rhododendrons this year, and now the hot, dry weather has shortened its duration by several days. On again visiting the show, therefore, we found its beauty rapidly passing, and beyond noticing a few varieties we can offer nothing in addition to what has been stated in previous vears. Mrs. R. S. Holford, salmon crimson, and Purity, white, are conspicuous among the very best, bir Thomas Sebright, purple, with a bronze blotch ; Othello, rose ; and Beauty of Surrey, rosy crimson, are also very fane. Mrs. Jane 16, 1870. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 423 G. W. Heneage, rosy purple, is a very pleasing free-flowering kind, with fringed petals. Mr. Jons Waterer, of Bagshot, who has held his annual exhibition at the Royal Botanio Society's Gardens, Regent's Park, for upwards of twenty years, has this season again a good display, although his plants have suffered from the same drawbacks as those already adverted to. Still the exhibition, as a whole, forms, as it ever does, a pleasing picture. Joseph Whitworth, Mrs. John Penn, Michael Waterer, Concessum, Everestianum, which have been noticed several times before, well maintain their good character ; and of newer kinds the following are very fine — viz., Frederick Waterer, with large trusses of bright crimson flowers ; Madame Masson, white, with yellow spots ; Mrs. William Agnew, soft pale rose, edged with brighter rose, and having yellow spots ; Lady Southamp- ton, bright rose ; and Decorator, with large trusses of intense crimson scarlet flowers, and the plant of good habit, and con- stant in blooming. THE AMATEUR GARDENER. (CHAPTERS NOT IN WALTON.) (No. 1 continued.) Cms. — Are the varieties of Strawberries many ? Hortator. — I could furnish you with a list as long as a law- yer's brief, and as profuse in professional technicalities ; but many of them are so similar that Dr. Hogg himself would be puzzled to discriminate a variation from that so named. There is but one objection to his namesake Strawberry — its consti- tution is delicate. Civis. — A fruit with a delicate constitution ! Well, I am amused ! It is the first time I ever heard such a term applied to fruit. Hortator. — Nevertheless, it is correct. Plants, fruits, and flowers vary as much in their constitution as do the family human, and this said Strawberry cannot bear the bleak cold wind of an exposed situation, but revels in warm sunshine and in southern breezes. Cms. — My friend, you are becoming poetical. Sylvia. — Prosy rather, thus to dwell on the constitution of a Strawberry ; had his eloquence been elicited in a description of my Rjses, I would have pardoned his inflated expressions. Civis. — Bless mo, what a breakfast I have eaten ! either the Strawberries or morning air has given me an unconscionable appetite. Sylvia. — Call it not " unconscionable," or you unintention- ally reflect upon your host. See the mountains of Strawberry stalks upon his plate, and as for eggs and slices of bread and butter they have vanished like dew in sunshine. Hortator. — Ah, my friend, believe me, it is the early morn- ing air which has effected this. Remember the old distitch — " Early to bed, and early to rise, Makes a man healthy, and wealthy, and wise." Civis. — Hungry, but not wise, for I doubt the wisdom of indulging thus early in Pomona's profuse gifts. Sylvia. — Fear not ! Cms. — Well, time, like the Strawberries, has vanished, and I must say farewell. I thank you warmly for your generous hospitality and this charming introduction to horticulture. Hortator. — Thanks, my friend, are only due to you for yonr kind companionship. Pray make a speedy return, and if you will condescend to become the pupil of Sylvia and myself, I think we shall find an apt soholar, not only in the cultivation of Strawberries, but flowers also. Cms. — At all events a willing one ; but my aptitude I doubt. Sylvia. — Despair not. When Hortator took me in hand my knowledge was confined to distinguishing a Cabbage from a Potato, a Rose from a Hollyhock, and now I flatter myself I could read even Hortator himself some lessons. Civis. — Well, farewell. You may rely upon my speedy return, but be careful not to press your invitation too strongly lest you should regret your generosity. No. 2.— A LITTLE LATER IN THE MONTH OF JUNE. Civis. —Good day, Hortator. Hortator.— Ah, Civis ! good day. I am heartily glad to see yon. Cms. — Ton perceive the trouble your generosity has involved npon you. Like a bird which has been fed and petted in the winter, disappearing in the spring, returning again in inclement weather, accompanied by another of his species, so you see I have ventured to bring my friend Rusticns with me, who has often heard of, and has long wished to see, your celebrated garden. Hortator. — Welcome equally both. But call not my garden " celebrated," or you may raise a spirit of pride within my heart which would ill comport with the simplicity of a gar- dener, or the humility of a Christian. Rusticus. — Nay, sir, it is indeed the talk of the country and the envy of all aspiring amateurs. Hortator. — Indeed it should not ; there is nothing in it that is remarkable, and certainly nothing that an industrious and persevering man with ordinary taste may not easily effect with a very moderate outlay. Civis. — I have always understood that gardening is a very expensive luxury, and have frequently heard amateurs con- demned as extravagant who have indulged in its pursuit. Hortator. — If their means are very limited, and their ideas very expanded, the charge may indeed be just ; but did the accusers ever reckon up the cost of a dinner party or a box at the opera, and see how far the indulgences of such luxuries would go in the purchase of plants or flowers for a parterre ? And it is seldom indeed that a horticulturist has the taBte or inclination to indulge in both. Bdsticus. — What a beautiful lawn ! why it is as soft as velvet and almost as smooth too. What attention it must require to keep it in such order. Civis. — What a bowling-green it would make ! Hortator. — Ah, Civis ! city games have, I see, taken deep root, and will crop up. Sylvia (who had unseen joined the party). — Like horticul- tural phrases, my good husband. Civis. — Madam, good day (taking off his hat), I thank you heartily for coming to my rescue with that home thrust. Hortator (calling to tho gardener). — Richard ! My friends here think we must have a very troublesome business to keep our lawn in such neat trim. As the work principally devolves upon yon, perhaps you will best ttll them how we manage it. Richard. — Well, sir, in the first place the lawn must be good turf, obtained, if possible, from an old lane or common, and when properly laid down, which every gardener knows how to do, the great secret will be to keep it frequently rolled and mown; it should be mown at least once a- week during the growing season, and the more frequently it is rolled the better. Rusticus. — Do you use the scythe or machine ? Richard. — We use the machine, except perhaps once, or may be twice, in the season. But bless you, sir, see the labour it saves ! Why, with the help of a lad I can do as much work in one hour as I could do in four ; besides, I am not obliged to work only when the dew is on the grass, which is a mighty help. Rusticus. — What machine do you use ? Richard. — Well, sir, we use Green's, and at t'other place I used Shanks's ; but I am told there is a new American one with a big name which is talked much about. Rusticus. — Tou mean the Archimedean. Richard. — Yes, sir, that's it ; but, la ! sir, it's these croquet games that drive us gardeners mad, they spoil all our lawns. Hortator. — And tempers too, Richard, I'm afraid sometimes. Richaed. — Well, master, it is trying to see those iron things stuck into 'em, and the ladies and gentlemen frisking abont 'em like lambs in our cow pasture, mauling and moiling the grass. Rusticus. — But are not these verges difficult to keep in order? Richard. — -Well, sir, they be, and to save trouble I've known gardeners cut 'em every year with the " half-moon" till they are as narrow as ribbons, and then to my eye they look miserable-like. Hortator. — Have you been in Paris Rusticus ? if you have, you would see how they manage there with Ivy as verges, instead of grass, especially in the private gardens at the Louvre. The Ivy is planted and pegged down, and only now and then requires to be trimmed-up. I assure you the effect is excellent. — Hortator. Potato Crop of New York State. — The total Potato crop of the State of New York, in 1809, was about 25,000,000 bushels. The six great Potato counties are Washington, Rensselaer, Sa- ratago, Monroe, St. Lawrence, and Genesee. Only one other county (Oneida) produces 300,000 bushels ; three others 600,000; one, 500,000 ; six, 400,000. New York county returns a crop of 1700 bushels. The entire crop of the State, 25,000,000 bushels, 424 JOURNAL OF HOBTICOLTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Jane 16, 1870. is raised on 254,403 acres of land. The three eonnties in the State which produce the most Potatoes, join each other — viz., Washington, Rensselaer, and Saratago, their aggregate pro- duction reaching within a fraction of 2,500,000 bushels, or more than one-eighth of the total of the whole State. — (Boston Cultivator.) PORTRAITS OF PLANTS, FLOWERS, and FRUITS. Morhodes Colossus (Large-flowered Mormodee). Xat. ord., Orchidacere. Lm?!.,GynandriaMonandria. — Nativeof the moun- tains of Central America, at 7000 feet elevation. Flowers pink, with yellow margins. — (Bot. Map., t. 5R40.) Plectrantfius colf.oides (Colens-flowered Plectranthns). Xat. ord., Labiatic. Linn., Didynamia Gymnospermia. — Na- tive of the Neilgherri hills, Hindostan. Flowers purple and white.— (Ibid., t. 5841.) Hechtia (?) GHiESBREcnTn (Gbiesbreght's Hechlia). Nat. ord., Bromeliacere. Linn., Hexandria Trigynia. — Native of Mexico. Flowers insignificant, but odorous, like those of the Hawthorn.— (Ibid., t. 5842.) Miltonia Warscewiczii (Warscewicz's Miltonia). Xat. ord., Orchidacere. Linn., Gynandria Monandria. — Native of Peru. Flowers brown, purple, and yellow. — (Ibid., t. 5843.) Ophrts Speculum (Looking-glass Ophrys). Xat. ord., Or- chidacefo. Linn., Gynandria Monandria. — A ground Orchid. Native of grassy hills In Southern Europe and Algiers. Flowers purple, steel-blue, and yellow. — (Ibid., t. 5844.) Clematis — Princess Mary. — " A charming new Clematis, of the Florida race, descended from Clematis Standisbii, and one of a fine batch recently obtained by Mr. C. Noble, of Sunning- dale. It is the most distinct break we have yet seen from the violets, greys, and whites which are the ordinary colours of the large -flowered forms of Clematis ; and its very pleasing shade of rosy pink will render it a most welcome acquisition. " The niche which this novelty is adapted to fill is that of an early-blooming hardy or conservatory climber. It is of free but slender growth, with quite the habit of C. Standisbii, and, like that plant, is adapted either for pot culture or for planting out in the conservatory, or against a conservative wall. As a spring exhibition plant, blooming freely about the month of May, this, with others of its race, is to be highly recommended. With the double white C. Fortunei, the double blue C. John G. Veitcb, and the hybrids Mr. Noble has introduced to public notice — e <7.,MissBatenian, Albert Victor, Lady Londesborougb, &c, a very charming group might bo made up. Though the exact parentage of tho individual seedlings has not been pre- served, we learn from Mr. Noble that C. Star^dishii, Fortunei, and Sophia flore-pleno, with C. lanuginosa fthe two former principally tho seed-bearers), were the parents of his hybrids — a race of free-blooming, early-flowering varieties, which, pos- sessing vigour of growth, combine also fine form and unwonted substance of petal, with some exquisite tints of colour. We learn, moreover, that the plants are perfectly hardy." — (Florist and Pomologist, 3 s. iii. 121.) A DISTRICT WITHOUT SONG BIRDS. I am an old man, more's the pity; but nothing makes me feel more old and old-fashioned than the pleasure I felt, living in an atmosphere of railway literature, at reading " Horta- tor's " imitation of dear old Isaac Walton's Btyle in your num- ber of May 26th, upon one point in which I feel inclined to add a very few lines. It is a common observation that most of onr everyday enjoyments are bo much a part of our surround- ings, that we do not feel them to have existed until some acci- dent deprives us of them. Light, heat, sweet odours, grateful tastes, soft colours, are scarcely appreciated until their ab- sence is felt; but the want of the presence and song of birds is, fortunately, so uncommon in this country, that " Horta- tor's" charming description of the enjoyment they add to the gardener's pursuits leads me to add my late experience, for the first time, of the total absence of feathered songsters. I travelled during the past May from Marseilles to Genoa without having seen or heard the note of one bird ; the Bavages had eaten them all. I had recoiled with horror from the banks of yellowhammers and robin redbreasts seen in the German markets, but I had no idea until now of a whole country stript of birds. I saw three instances of chasseurs equipped with double guns and fully armed to do death unto a breeding linnet, but I never saw the linnet ; and though I felt an uneasy want, I never fully realised what that want was until, in the Casoini at Florence, I again heard the full chorus of blackbird, thrush, and nightingale, and felt that such was one of the enjoyments given by a merciful Creator to soothe the labours and sufferings of fallen humanity ; and while sitting in my garden overseeing the bedding-out, I never so thoroughly en- joyed the intimate and confident company of blackbirds and thrushes hopping about, jerking their tails, and filling the air with their wood notes wild. I shudder at the idea of a former gard«ner of mine, who asked his mistress to persuade me to cut some magnificent hedges because they sheltered vermin. "What vermin?" said Bhe. "Why, them blackbirds and thrushes." The worst punishment I could wish for such a Vandal would be one spring in a land devoid of feathered song, and for the vile reason that the Frenchmen had eaten the songsters. — C. SOCIETY OF ARTS EXAMINATION OF GARDENERS. PRIZES. George Downton, Richmond Parochial Library, gardener — Floriculture, first-class certificate, with first prize of £5, and the Royal Horticultural Society's prize of £5. Fruit and Ve- getable Culture, first-class certificate, with first prize of £5, and the Royal Horticultural Society's prize of £5. William Jones, Liverpool Institution, gardener— Floricul- ture, first-class certificate, with Becond prize of £3, and the Royal Horticultural Society's prize of £3. Fruit and Vegetable Culture, second-class certificate, with the Royal Horticultural Society's prize of £3. CERTIFICATES. Name. Fruit and "Vege- table Culture. Floriculture. 2nd class _ Davis, Walter, Richmond 2nd class 1st class Downton, George, Richmond .. 1st class 1st class Ford, C, Bury St. Edmunds .... 2nd class — 2nd class 2nd class 2nd class 1st class Kemp, T., Bury St. Edmunds . . 3rd cliiss 3rd class McArdle, John, Stamford 2nd class 1st class 3rd class 1st class NOTES FROM PARIS. Many times have I visited this gay capital, but never have I seen it in better guise than now. The weather, for May, was hot, even to July heat — hotter tenfold than when I was there in August last, when the cafranue Pippin Apple; Cherries— Early Lvous. Guigne ttes precoce, Earlv Fmguiore Bigarreau, Bigoxreau Napoleon, Governor Wood, and the late Lirge Black Bigarreau. Have them on the llahaleb stock ; they take up little more room than a walking- stick. I will add a few of the best Pears :— Marie Louise, Doyenne du Cornice, Bennv Superhu, Josephine de Alalines, Dana's Hovey, Mario Louise d'Uccle, Benrre Hirdr, Beurre Diel, Berga- motte d'Esperen, and Bourre d'Aremberg. The best earlv Pear is the Summer Beurre d'Aremberg. The four climbing Roses at vour corners should be Gloire de Dijon, Jules Margnttin, Baronne Prevost or Anna Alexieff, and for dark crimson Pierre Notting or Empereur de Maroc. Have them on the Manotti stock.— W. F. Radclvffe. Treatment of Pot Roses (Caroline).— We advise you to have the pot Roses placed in an open situation, but not exposed, and plunged to the rim in coal ashes, keeping them weU supplied with water, but not very excessively, so as to make the soil sodden : and a sprinkling over- head in the evenings of hot days will do good. This will be all the wash- ing they will reqmre ; but should they be infested with green aphis, dust them with snuff or tobacco powder, syringing them previously, and also within, twenty- four hours after applying the snuff or tobacco powder. If they have mildew, dust with flowers of sulphur. At the end of Septem- ber have them fresh potted and placed in a warm, sunny situation, and in November remove them to a cold pit, keeping them near the glass, and admitting abundance of air, protecting, however, from frost. In January they may be placed in the greenhouse— a position near the glass, light and airy. Any pruning thev may need should be done when the plants are taken into the house. Thev will grow and flower in due time, being sprinkled overhead with water morning and evening on fine days, and watered so as to keep the soil moist, none being given until the soil becomes dry, then enough to show itself at the drainage. The waterings ought to be done before the leaves flag. Roses (Flora1.— Ah you say Messrs. Backhouse introduced Rosa alpina pyrenaica, you had better write to them. We do not know where it can be had in London. The " blight " on your Scotch Rose is an orange-red parasitic fungus, Uredo effusa. Flowers of sulphur kiU it. Double White Pelargonium (J. A*.).— We have never seen a double white Pelargonium, and there is none soch in commerce. Vine Leaves Browned (G.J/.).— We can offer no further solution of the cause of the scalded appearance of the leaves. Perhaps leaving the Vine so exposed at night might have something to do with it, if the sun was bright early in the morning. We are unwilling to ascribe such things to a disease we know nothing about, as in the case of the Cucumber and the Potato, until forced to do so. It is impossible to name the hardy Pine3 by a sprig and a couple of leaves. From the leaves we should judge your plant to be Pinua Mitis or Pinaster. The mass of catkin-like inflorescence on the young shoot are the male flowers. The females are open ovules collected in cones, which generally appear near the points of last year's shoots. The female part will always be found in the cones. Removing Strawberry Runners (St. Bridget}.— -When runners of Strawberry plants are not wanted, and there is plenty of root-growth, and time can be given, it is preferable to cut them away as they appear. You are so far fortunate in having them come when the plants are in bloom. We have plenty taking their last swelling, and yet showing no runners. Peaches Spotted (Doncatter).— The fruit is spotted with mildew Your best plan will be to give a gentle syringing, and whilst the fruit and leaves are wet dust them with flowers of sulphur ; and we would advise a good watering to be jjiven at the roots, and a go j.l syringing on the even- ings of hot days until the fruit begins to ripen. If the mildew reappear, dust with flowers of sulphur, omiuing the syringing for a few days. Grubs in Onions (A Constant Reader. Worabro*).— They are the maggots produced from the eggs of the Onion fly, Anthomyia ceparum. There is no cure. Every young Onion as it turns yellow should be pulled up and burnt. The grub varies from about a quarter to half an inch long, is fleshy, shining, whitish, cylindrical, tapering from the head to the tail, and divided into twelve segments. The pores through which it breathes are yellow, and in the first segment. In about three weeks from the time of being hatched it changes into a chestnut-coloured, oval pupa- rium, or case, within which is the real pupa. From this, in about a fort- night, the perfect fly comes forth. This is the female, and is entirely of a pale ashy colour, covered with black bristles. The male has a black line down the middle of the abdomen. The antennae and legs are black ; the wings are transparent, almost colourless, but irridescent pink and green. The female inserts her eggs within the leaf sheaths of the Onion, close to the ground. She continues to lay her eggs from May to Septem- ber, producing several broods during that period. The latest brood remains in the pupa state through the winter, so that all old, decaying store Onions should be burnt as spring advances. The best preventive of this grub is to sprinkle gas-lime between the rows of seedling Onions, its fumes being offensive to the fly. It may be well, also, to try spread- ing powdered charcoal among them in a similar way, for the fly is said to deposit her eggs in this powder as readily as in the Onion plants. Do Varieties of the Apple Degenerate and Die out? (C. A. C). — This is a disputed point. We will give extracts from works by advocates of the opposite opinions. "The late President of tho London Horti- cultural Society, T A. Knight, Esq., considered that the Golden Pippin, and all the old varieties of English Apples, were in the last ^tage of decay, and that a few years would witness their total extinction. This belief he founded upon the degenerate state of these varieties in the Herefordshire orchards, and also upon his theory that no variety of Apple will continue to exist more than two hundred years. But that illustrious man never 1 question will i the allotted Gulden Pippin of ould be needless to enter into any further hich so much has already been oufute that theory. n record, shows no of decay, neither does the Catshead". "London Pippin, Winter Quoiuing, or any other variety; those only having been allowed to dis- appear from our orchards which were not worth perpetuating, and their places supplied by others infinitely superior. It is now considerably upwards of half a century since this doctrine was first promulgated, and though the old, exhausted, and diseased trees of the Herefordshire or- chards, of which Mr. Knight spoke, together with their diseased progeny — now that they have performed theirpnrt.and fulfilled the end of theirexist- ence — may ere this have passed away, we have the Golden Pippin stiB, in all the luxuriance of early youth, where it is found in a soil congenial to its growth ; and exhibiting as little symptoms of decay as any of the varieties which Mr.- Knight raised to supply the vacancy he expeeted it to create. In tho Bromptou Park Xursery, where the same Golden Pippin has been cultivated for nearly two centuries, and continued from year to year by grafts taken from young trees in the nursery quarters, I never saw the leaBt disposition to disease, canker, or decay of any kind ; but, on the contrary, a free, vigorous, and healthy growth "—(Hogg's Pomology). "A Pearmain Apple is mentioned in records as old as King John ia.d. 1205); but the Pippin is not noticed by any authority earlier than the reign of Henry VIII. (1509). Lambard mentions that Tenham in Kent, famous for its Cherry gardens and Apple orchards, was the place where that king's fruiterer first planted Cherries, Pippins, and the Golden Reinette. Supposing, then, that the Golden Pippin of our davs is a genuine portion of the Tenham trees, handed down to us by successive graftings, yet still, it has not exceeded the age assigned by naturalists as that beyond which I the life of tbe Apple does not extend. But then an | arise — Supposing our Golden Pipp*n does appear to i period, who will undertake to demonstrate that the Tenham still exists ? It is quite certain that a majority of the Apple which the title of Golden Pippin is claimed have no pretensions to the | distinction, and more than ono old person with wboui it was once a I favourite fruit, now declare that it is no longer obtainable. Be this as it may, even if the variety in question has not departed, yet no organised creature shall endure through all time. Grafting may postpone the 1 arrival of death, as the transfusion of blood will revive for a while the sinking animal, but the postponement cannot be for a time indefinite : the day must come in both the animal and the scion when its vessels shall be without the energy to propel or to assimilate the vital fluid, though afforded to it freni the most youthful and most vigorous source. The scion maybe made to grow vigorously, but who will venture to assert that the parent from which that scion was taken is existing, and can be made to exist on its own roots through an infinity of years ? " — (Science and Practice of Gardening.) Liliusi auratum (R. Walkinton).— We consider no time to be wrong for purchasing this splendid Lily, as it can be had in a pot, but it can be sent moresately from October to April than at any othertime, beinc then inactive, or having no shoots liable to be broken. You may purchase a flowering bulb for about 8s. Gd. Melons Infested with Insects (A. 0.).— We think it maybe thrips* If so, fumigation with tobacco is the best remedy, and it will not injure the plants if care be taken to deliver the smoke cool and to have the foliage dry. Do not smoke excessively, and yet so effectually that a leaf cannot be seen through the glass. Cover the lights with mats, so as to keep in the smoke. Stopping Pot Vines (Idem).— The canes being now 12 feet long, we should stop them, that being considerably more erne than you will re- quire. The laterals may grow, stopping them, however, at the third joint half way up the cane, then to two, and tho upper two or three we would stop, and keep stopped, to one joint. The laterals may be reduced when the growth ceases, taking them awny by degrees, but it must not be done until the canes are beginning to ripen, or the principal buds may start. The two Vines in the vinery with leaves scorched so that they fall, will not, we think, afford fruit from the buds, the leaves of which have fallen at this early season. SEsrpERvrvuii arboreum and tabul^forme Propagation (Fulleri)» —They may be propagated from cuttings, these being laid by several days until the cut parts heal, and then potted in sand, and placed in a house a few degrees warmer than that in which they were grown. You may divide the length of the -terns into as many parts as there can be with two or three joints each, and if dried before insertion, so as to have the wounds healed, they will root freely. But why not keep them until they flower? You may then, probably, insure seed, and have some hundreds of plants, besides a number of offsets, these affording the beat and safest mode of increase. Cabbages Open or Heabted (Robert G.].— Sometimes an open-hearted Cabbage—;' e., Colewort, is preferred for gentlemen's tables, but as a rule a young, small, firm-hearted Cabbage is preferred, and such only in most families are cared for, but we never knew an open-hearted, flabby-leaved Cabbage meet with any favour from the cook. We agree with your con- clusions—a crisp, close-hearted little Cabbage is far better than one that is nothing but green leaves. Erratum.— In page 408, first column, eighth line, tho word " seldom" is omitted before "escaping," the meaning **eing that the glandless- leaved Peaches are much more liable to mildew than those with glands. Although the context shows this, and the fact has been several times noticed in our columns, this correction may prevent misapprehension. Australian Ferns (J. E. H.).— Grammitis heterophylla, Polypodium attenuatum and Billardieri, N'otbochbeua MaraDUc, Niphobolns rupestris, Loniariit falcata, Blechnuin striatum, Doodia. three species, Asple- nium flabellifolium, C:enopteris, two species; Pteris tremula, Lindsaea, several; Davallia, four or five; and several Gleicnenias. Insects (J. F. Sinclair).— Although we found no insects on your Beech leaves, we believe that the small holes with which they aro riddled have been gnawed by some small beetle, either a Haltica (allied to the Turnip flea beetle), or Orchestes, a genus of small hopping weevils. The dis- coloration of the leaves is caused by their having been mined by a minute lepidopterous larva, which has eaten the parenchyma, and so caused the two surfaces of the leaf to wither.— I. O. W. (Inquirer).— It is the Privet hawk-moth, Sphinx Ligustii, not uncommon. Names of Plants (J. F. S.).— Crataegus purpurea. (Kate).— Philadel- JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ June 16, 1870. phos grandiflorns. (H. D., Royston).—l, Spirsea luevigata. (W. Oodbold). — Claytonia gypsophiloides. (IF. Hodynon, Aepatna). — 1, Saxifraga aizoidea ; 2, Saxifraga stellaris ; 3, Lysiinachia vulgaris; 4, Epilobium palnstre; 5, Specimen not sufficient for identification. (Mrs. H. U. C. A.). —8, Prunus Padus. POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON CHRONICLE. FOUR HOURS AT THE TAUNTON SHOW. I have sometimes wondered whether puffing advertisements paid the puffers, peeing they assume that there must be so much credulity, stupidity, and gullibility in their readers, and yet their being continued is evidence that they must pay. Then, would people really believe in quack pills without the puffing? or in "the best blacking in the world" if it were simply very good and unpuffed? I fear not. " Have you got rid of your Wild Duck eggs, of which you had hundreds?" said I to an acquaintance. " Oh, yes, and made a little for- tune by them; but, then, I knew how to advertise. I put in the ' Wild Ducks 1 Wild Ducks!! Wild Ducks !! !' Tour simple, plain advertisement does not do ; you must go in for it strong." Now, I have always felt fireproof against puffs. There are the puffing wine merchants, who send their circulars to clergymen every month ; they have no effect on me. But proof against puffs, either word-puffs or pastry-puffs, there was one puffing advertisement which rivetted my attention and caught my fancy. I had a long journey alone, the weather was inclement, and the passengers few. I had read through my newspaper, got up Bradshaw as if for examination, got tired of my book, fell to yawning, and got tired of that, tried to look out of the window, but " wind, steam, and rain " forbad ; then thought of Turner's wonderful picture with that title, and got tired of thinking even of that. Well, there was nothing left to do but to stare at the advertisements pasted on the opposite side of the carriage — at " Do you bruise your oats ?" or " What ! South African." The latter an explanation of a picture of three men tasting wine in a cellar. These adver- tisements were soon exhausted ; I had no oats to bruise, and I knew that Mr. Gladstone, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, had said, " South African wine, innocent of South Africa, but cognisant of the Isle of Dogs." Bat one advertisement (I keep, like a child, the tit-bit for last.) pleased me, and I read it, and thought of it, and it excited my curiosity, which I was ashamed to find that such an advertisement could. It was an auctioneer's advertisement, and surely the mantle of George Bobins had fallen upon that man. It ran thus :— " House to let in the far-famed Vale of Taunton, one mile from the town of Taunton, in which are the best churches, the best chapels, and the best , best , best ," and so it went on enumerating everything that a town could contain, " best doctors, lawyers, &o., &c, &c, in the West of England." Now, that was an advertisement, and it made me have an abiding wish to see the far-famed Vale of Taunton and the town of Taunton. So now this Whit-Monday, Johnny Raw's day of rejoicing, I am off to Taunton to meet an old friend, the Bath and West of England Show. I smiled at Wells ; was starved and thankful to give 3d. for a penny bun (a bad one) at Clifton ; ate coarse beef and no salad at Salisbury ; I was to have had it a visitor in this part, but Chippenham folks were not sufficiently awake to the advantages of having it as a guest ; and now I am to meet my old friend in the far-famed Vale of Taunton, and the town where is the best of everything. It is pleasant to meet the old Bath and West of England. There will be the old far-extending boarding ; the long lines of machinery in motion, making this hot day feel hotter ; the long tents with all sorts of machinery ; the fat pigs ; the beau- tiful cattle and horses, with their guardians dozing on trusses of hay ; there will be the pressing-man, who wants you to buy new-fashioned churns, mangles, butter stamps, &z. ; there will be pretty water-colour drawings, and some fair oil paintings, and choice antique works of art, and abundance of lovely Honiton lace, and gorgeous flowers, and charming music, and last, but not by any means, to my fancy, least of all, the long poultry tent, with its row of many little flags shimmering in the air. There is one peculiarity in this poultry Show — it is held in leafy June ; it is the great summer Show, and though not as large as many, it is very attractive, and does the poultry world great good, for, so many people being brought together by the various attractions, very many walk through the poultry tent and admire, and some become fanciers either of fowls or Pigeons. Other shows are often refuges from cold and wet, but our old friend the Bath and West of England is a tent show, with the summer air blowing in at either end, and the canvas flapping pleasantly about one's ears. It forms part of a great holiday scene, and doubly so on Whit-Monday. Snob, a Whit-Monday, too, the perfection of a summer's day. The best bit of railway scenery of the whole long pull from Chip- penham to Taunton lies between Trowbridge and Eath, that lovely vale, where the line hugs the Avon all the way, and per- fect hills and woods rise around by Bradford, and at Freehford and Limpley- Stoke, and Warley. Five hours of travelling, and I am at Taunton station, where yelling men strive hard and try hard to get one into their especial vehicle. Selecting an open one, I am soon seated for a drive through Taunton. But let us imagine a pause here, and have a little historical gossip about Taunton. By the Saxons it was Tanteen, pronounced so still by the inhabitants, showing how a pronunciation will linger though the spelling may change ; subsequently it was Tawnton and Thorneton, being on the river Tuone or Tone. It is a place of great antiquity, Boman coins have often been found there. Its castle was the residence of Ina, King of the West Saxons, about a.d. 700. The place figured again in history in Henry VII.'s reign, when Perkin Warbeck seized the castle and town. It figured again during the great rebellion, then in the Duke of Monmouth's time, who was defeated at Sedgemoor, not very far from the town, and, worst of all, it was the Bcene of brutal Judge Jeffries's bloody assize. So there is much historical interest attached to the town. But to return. Here I am starting from the station ; the streets, clean and wide, are in perfect holiday trim ; trees, root- less of course, are for the nonce — firs chiefly — planted in rows on either side ; and as to flags, Taunton people must be manu- facturers of them ; bright clean houses, here and there pretty gardens, of which I get peeps through open gates, and the hilver balls of Guelder roses amid other shrubs, copper beeches, laburnums, &c , top their branches over walls and will be seen. I meet the Foresters in all their greenery, and a grand tableau vivant with Eobin Hood, arrow and all, with a bride by his side. Then comes a regular West-of-England procession, a benefit club of Shepherds, two and two, and carrying a brass crooi, with which crooks they seem to threaten one, or, perhaps, they only threaten the ladies with false chignons, for, indeed, they look determined to crook off something or other. The scene is charming ; so clean a town one seldom sees. A mile's drive and I enter the Show. Eighteen years since the Bath and West of England began at Taunton. It was a small Show then, and the day terribly wet; it has had seventeen years of gipsy-like wandering life, and now returns for the year to its first quarters. The Show seems larger than ever. But to the poultry tent, which was large and roomy, and had every comfort for the birds, except that the meal seemed very bad ; this an inadvertence, doubtless, but bad food should not be given to valuable fowls after a long journey. Class I. SjMiish, eleven pens, but three unfortunatelv empty. Class II. Dorkings, Coloured. Here Mr. John Martin, formerly with Lady Holmesdale, at Linton, was far a-head with his splendid pen, the cock rose-combed, of the old Linton sort. Darlings, White, were not great. Cochins, Buff, Mies Jnlia Milward first by a long way, though the hen of Mr. Cattel's, the second-prize pen, was a good bird. The hens of this class were deficient in leg-feathering. Of Brown and Partridge there were only three pens. White Cochins. — In the first-prize pen the hen was small ; in the second-prize pen the hen was a nice bird. The Dark Brahmas were not too good, not such birds as Mr. Hinton nsed to show in days of yore. The LightBrahmns cannot be praised much ; the hens were weedy, the cocks scraggy, the legs not sufficiently feathered. Next, the Game. I must notice that I think dark legs in Piles are hardly the thing. The Silver-pencilled Hamburghs were a good class ; in the first-prize pen, the hen very good. Tho Golden-spangled were also nice. The cock in the first- prize pen had just the comb a Hamburgh ought to have. The Silver- spangled were a wonderful class for so far south. The French fowls were numerous. In the " Any other variety," an excellent pen of Black Hamburghs, belonging to the Duke oi' Sutherland, toot first. Mr. Gloyn second with Black Minorcas ; and third to those quaint- looking fowls, Cnckoo Cochins, belonging to Mr. Godfrey. Among the Duels of any other variety were several pens of the pretty Carolinas, just the birdB fit for a small piece of water. Mr. Fowler was first, and Messrs. Ashton second, with a beautiful pair of Gargany Teal ; Mrs. Watts third, with Carolinas. Sebright Bantams, five pens, and all either had prizes or com- mendations. Bantams, White or Black, the latter good, especially Mr. Cambridge's first-prize hen, which is a beautiful httle bird. In regard to the Game Bantams, there was not a first-class cock in the Show. The wings, which ought to go up high, would and did come Jane 16, 1570. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 431 down like those of other Bantams. Those that did this least were the prize pens. On the whole I may say, that considering the time of year the ponltry show was very good. Next came the Pigeons. Carriers (cocks any colour) — fortunately for the other exhibitors, Sir. Ord's pens were empty. Among Carrier hens Mr. Ord's pens were again empty. The " Any other variety " class was a large one. Toys were of many varieties. Mr. Bulpin first. Mr. Loder, who exhibited three pens of Frillbacfcs. was second, and Messrs. Baily, of Mount Street, third. This was a very pretty class. Indeed, the poultry and Pigeons, amounting in all to 362 pens, formed a very good show. One thing I must not fail to notice. The refreshments were excellent. Mr. Dickens did not write " Mugby Junction " in vain. Just a peep, for time pressed, at the beautiful flowers and the paintings, and a stroll back through the town to the station, yet I must notice the stand of Messrs. Sutton. Messrs. Sutton's stand near the poultry department and horse ring was one of the most interesting objects in the show- yard, being, indeed, an agricultural museum. I especially noticed a most interesting collection of grasses and grass. seeds in their dried and growing state, as taken from Messrs. Sutton's experimental farm, and which presented a valuable opportunity of obtaining useful information as to the sorts best suited to the various soils of the country. There was also a collection of several hundred kinds of seeds in glass cases, distinctly labelled, as well as some fine specimens of agricultural roots. Messrs. Sutton were among the first seedsmen to send their collection of seeds and plants to the Bath and West of England Society, and their stand is visited by thousands every year during the exhibition. Taunton is, indeed, a pretty place, situated in a beautiful Tale, and the holiday garb it was in, and the weather, showed all to advantage. I saw a most ornate and beautiful church tower, and one less ornate, and a mouldering tower being restored. The ornate tower is a fac-simile of its predecessor. This is the right way to restore a church. The advertisement was not altogether a puff, as far as I could judge. I had no occasion to try the doctors or lawyers, but I can imagine them to be like their town, very excellent. — Wiltshire Rectoe. In' Carrier cocks and hens, Blacks were first and second, the winning birds being excellent specimens. The Ponters were good, also the Almonds ; Jacobins coarse, Fantails good, as also were the first-prize pair of Owls, but I consider the highly commended pen of Mr. P. H. Jones should have taken second. In Trumpeters the worst pair was first. Mr. Fulton most certainly should have had that place. Barbs were a good class ; in the opinion of several competent judges, as well as myself, the prizes should have been reversed. The winning Turbits were anything but good, and in bad condition ; the unnoticed pen of Mr. Bulpin should have taken that position. Nuns were good ; the winning Dragoons coarse. In Archangels there were some good birds, the first-prize where they should be ; but there were three better pairs than the second. In Any other variety Black Magpies were first, Frill- backs second; but the third-prize birds were, I think, the worst pair I ever saw in a show, and caused some merriment to the fanciers present. — A Visitor. PACKING EGGS FOR TRAVELLING— THE LARGE END DOWNWARDS. In a former number of this Journal I gave what I then thought the best mode of packing eggs for rail. Since then, however, chiefly at the strong recommendation of Mr. Teebay, I have altogether discarded bran for hay, as described by Mr. Glessal a week or two ago, and believe this material, if the hay be nice and soft, to be about the best that can be used. Twelve eggs require a round basket or hamper about 12 , inches across, and not less than 6 or 7 inches deep. A good ! layer of hay, not rammed down, but left springy, should be put in the bottom, and some hay all round the inside ; then the ! eggs should be nicely bedded in one layer only. Each egg ; should be wrapped singly and loosely in a piece of paper a quarter the size of a newspaper page, in such a manner as to leave the ends square, not the shape of the egg. Then a good wisp of hay is wrapped round each, and the eggs are put in juBt tightly enough to prevent them shaking about, and no more, as Buccess depends on the elasticity being preserved. Another layer of hay at the top being put on, the cover should be tied down, which is easily done with a packing needle. But the immediate object of the present paper is to speak of j the advantages of both storing and packing eggs with the large end downwards, cqntrary to the usual plan. When fresh eggs ! are sent as above described, I have not found any appreciable difference between the two positions ; but after careful trial I can state positively that eggs will keep good for hatching much longer and better when placed on the large end. It is only just to say, that in his well-known pamphlet Mr. Geyelin advocates this position for eggs intended to hatch ; but so many of his other recommendations were utterly op- posed to all practical knowledge of the subject, that I never paid much attention to this one ; and the first occasion of my devoting any serious attention to the subject, was the receipt of an interesting letter from a lady at Wickham Market, just two years ago, giving her reasons fur the position now recom- mended. She said, "Keeping eggs on the small end appears to me to cause the air-bubble to spread, detaching it from the shell, or rather from its mernbrai" u- lining; and after being so kept for a fortnight the air-bubbl. ^:11 be found to be much spread, and the egg to have lost much of it3 vitality, though still very good for eating." She then described her succesE with keeping the eggs in the contrail, position, saying, " Owing to this method of storing, such a tbii>g as a stale egg has never been known in my house ; and at i^iids success in hatching, for several seasons when I whs aMe to attend to my poultry myself, of many broods set every etv produced a chicken." From the time that has elapsed it, can be seen that I have been by no means hasty in adoptu k '.Lis view ; but after con- siderable and patient testing of botn methods throughout two seasons, I can now say without hesitation that there really is a marked difference between the vitality of eggs kept more than a few days, according to the position in which they are placed. It will be found, as this intelligent lady states, that the air- bubble in one case is much moie spread than in the other. This can be tested at once, but of course of itself proves nothing. The great point is — and it is in this way the matter is especi- ally interesting to all fanciers — that eggs are perfectly good for hatching at a month old when stored with the large end down- ward ; and thus the eggs of valuable birds may be kept till a hen is ready for them, or eggs may be sent from distances which under the old plan would give little hope of success. As a proof and final illustration of what I mean, I enclose you a letter I received a week or two since from a gentleman in the State of Ohio, U.S., to whom I shipped thirty eggs early in March. He writes, " The eggs you sent me came to hand March 30th, twenty-two days on the way. They had been sub- mitted to rather rough treatment, but every egg was sound and unbroken. I have now eighteen chickens as lively as crickets, and am very much pleased." "We have seen the letter. — Eds.] These eggs were packed in a deal box 15 inches deep, in three layers of ten each, all wrapped in hay as above described. As I had not many hens laying at the time, many of the eggs must have been eight or ten days old when sent, and fully a month old when set ; and I think, therefore, the simple fact that they hatched in the proportion of six to every ten will be sufficient warrant for my now recommending to other fanciers with full confidence the adoption of this position for packing and storing. — L. Weight. ANNALS OF MY POULTRY- YARD.— No. 4. I last gave you a brief descrii';on of my common little housing, so far as the quality and capacity want ; the fittings of the interior were of a no less ordinary kind. Three perches running the whole length, and p3;H!!tl with the sloping roof, occupied considerable space in the small chamber. Eleven laying-boxes in a row along the back wall nearly filled the remaining space. In the first instance I made these a foot square and a foot high ; but I soon found my Dorkings and Cochins were unable to use them coiotortably, so enlarged them to 15 inches in height and in depth, leaving them a foot wide as before. This increased room was quite ample. In addition to these little premises, I began my fourth year of poultry-keeping with very large, commodious, airy buildings attached to an old homestead, where there was sufficient space for every kind of poultry. The existing tenants of these spacious old buildings passed into my care also ; and forthwith I began to manage my previous and my present premises under one system. The larger part of my increased stock consisted of Silver- Grey Dorkings, bred expressly for the table, which with my few Hamburghs and Cochins made a total stock of sixty-four head. A very massive octagonal Pigeon-house— "cote,'] I cannot call it — completely cased with their tiny boxes, to which one had easy access by means of a revolving ladder, contained sixty of the most pure-bred Blue Rocks. It is admitted that 432 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ June 16, 1670. these birds go farther in search of food, and forage more for themselves, than almost any kind of Pigeon, but still they participate with the rest of their species in an inordinate love for solid grain. A few Docks were also part of my charge, and, with plenty of liberty to range at will, are not such a costly appendage to one's yard, though my readers will, doubtless, form the opinion from a perusal of my uncoloured experience, which I have some time ago found to be the case, that laying- hens are the most profitable, if profit alone, apart from the pleasure and convenience of having a variety, is the object of one's poultry-keeping. My debtor and creditor account standB thus : — Da. £ s. d. 64— Stock of poultry at be- it.iiiiL' of year, valued at Is. 9tf. each 5 8 0 60— Stock of Pigeons, at 3d. each 2 5 0 1 Spangled Hamburgh cock 0 1 G Sitting of eggs 0 7 0 1H Sacks of Indian corn. . 10 17 0 5 Sacks of oatmeal 6 4 6 8 Sacks of bailey 3 0 0 } Sack of wheat 0 10 0 Cn. 02 Chickens killed at Is. !M. 8 10 2802 Eggs at 15 a-sbilling, less 261 used for sitting 8 9 4 19 Ducks killed at 2e 1 18 0 lir, Pigeons killed at 9ti... 4 6 8 80 Pigeons sold at Is 110 0 1 Brahma cock sold 0 16 48— Stock of poultry in hand at end of year, valued at Is. 9nrkui,a,,anwI<-rf.— 1, D. Maynard, Driffield. .'. S. A 11. Aabton, Mottram. 3, II. Pickles, jun., Earby, Skipton. lie, H. Pickles, jun. ; G. Holmes, Great Driffield. r.J.Brewis. Bilrer^pangled.—l and 3, H. Pickles, jnn. 2, D. Chevne. Bebside. lie, G. Stalker, c, C. Armstrong. Golden p, neilled. — l, W. Hail. 2. U. Pickles, jun. 8, R. Moore. Sileer-peneilled.— Cap and 3, H. Pickles, jnn. 2, W. Hall. Bantams.— Gain, Ulnrk-hrin-ted and oth, r Urd*. Cup. G. J-owie. 2. "W. F. Entwisle. 8, W. Greaves, lie, W. Dixon, e, Reavelv & Douglas : W. Robaon. Game— Any other Variety.— 1, W. F. Entwisle (Duckwings). 2, W. Bell, East Holywell (Lemon Piled). 3, .1. Ferry, O-wpen (Inickwings). e. H. Sharp (DuckwingtO; Baglasfl A: Williamson (Lemon Piled'. Ann other Variety exeept Game— I, W. Spieer, Gainsborough (Black). 2, T. C. A E. Newbitt. 3, J. Hawlev. lie, S. & R. Aauton (While); T. <'. Harrison. Decks— Auhxbury — I.E. Leech. 2, ,7. Swann. Bourn.- 1, E. Leech. 2, J. . I. Waller, Kendal. »,Mi>aF. Wilson, Morpeth. Ann other Variety.— I anil 3, T. C. Harrison, Hull. 2, S. and H. Asblnn (Pintails). Guinea Fn\\Ls.-l, T. C. Harrison. 2, O. A. Young, Driffield, Yorkshire. 3, T. .1. Harrison, Kendal, he, Master J. M. Robson, Duddo Hill ; ,7. Marshall, Low Horton, Cramlingtou. (-.Sanderson & Oliver, Choopington. Selling Class. — 1, J. Yellowlev, Harrington (Partridge Cochins). 2, R. Parsons, Sleekburn Cottage. 3, R. Bell -Golden-pencilled HambnrghB). he, G, Laws (Duckwings); J. Brough ; G. Todd, Monkwear- mouth. Sunderland (Partridge Cochins); Rev. J. G. Milner (French), c. R- Hine (Brahma Pootra); J. Glcssall (llrahina Poolra); J. Hawley (Black-Red Game Bantams). PIGEONS. Carriers.— 1. J. F. While, Birmingham. 2, II. Yardley, Birmingham. lie.H. Yardley; W. R. & H. O Bl.-nlinsopp, Newcastle. Ti MHLKRS. -Any Variety — 1. W. R. &H. O. Blenkinsopp. 2, J. Hawlev. he, W. R. & H. 0. Blenkiiisopp; J. Baxter, Newcastle-oii T\ I1-- (Almonds}. Footers.— 1, Thompson