we Si . ba $ * ey = A Any a A AC nn ; AR oe semen van nn ANA Bans BARA annannnnnt A i aa AN epee NAR RAL AANA ARE A AnD a pean) An AA ANN ee EO eee ARONA vane AA “enantio ‘ant VAN a ae ABantnnennnnny NanAnnens ARE A nf AI 2s Pat a fy anno \ VAAN NAVA a nan’ ; rs MA AF F ACY Pa a Sg Use anand eel Nn Ania gheRennant” A r nese Ee eae ae Be AAA SAE ssh ann LARA! pense AN an ig Ne Aone 2 . OX lox a DD my ; NAPRAA, “AA “ApRn AaAAn ee Roane a FARO. nae any | Vi \p r = = A atl i A LIBRARY &> pan perenne a unit BOAGR ES ‘Departinen ets ( Ne _Excunged Case Shelf_------4_-- TNenaTonk TC ce. a ah { Juiy 18, 1878, JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE, COTTAGE GARDENER, AND | \ HOME FARMER. A Cy" “ICLE OF THE HOMESTEAD, POULTRY-YARD, APIARY, & DOVECOTE. a) LIBRARY NEW YORK USTANICAL GARDEN CONDUCTED BY GEORGE W. JOHNSON, F.R.H.S., anyp ROBERT HOGG, LL.D. THE FRUIT and KITCHEN GARDENS, by Mr. J. Murr; and Mr. W. | POULTRY-KEEPING, by Mr. J. BAtLy ; and E, HEWITT, Esq. TAYLOR. THE FLOWER GARDEN, by Mr. E. LUCKHURST ; and Mr.J. Moorman. | PIGEONS, AVIARY BIRDS, &c, by “WILTSHIRE RECTOR; Mr. STOVE, GREENHOUSE, and WINDOW GARDEN, by Mr. G. ABBEY; geen oe and Mr. W. H. GOWER. ‘ BEE-KEEPING, by “B. & W.”; and Mr, A. PETTIGREW. FLORISTS’ FLOWERS and FLORICULTURE, by the Rev. H. H. ie; 2 D'OMBRAIN; and Rey. J. B, M. CAMM. HOUSEHOLD ARTS, by several Ladies. W {9 © VOLUME XXXtV;, NEW SERIBS. " VOL. EEX; OLD SERIES. £O LONDON: PUBLISHED FOR THE PROPRIETORS, 171, FLEET STREET. 1878. Guhl MUON TAIOa ays A KOKA W ADO We eben 1 aa Vi ais aah pt Wot OY. ML Guy He q lei} IG Hee July 18, 1878. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. iil LIBRARY NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN TO OUR READERS. Ty vain have we tried to compose something new for this our periodical address; we must therefore hope that you will accept our thanks for your continued and increased encouragement. 1t enables us to go on cheerfully and with renewed resolution to use our best powers, and to spare no outlay for obtaining the earliest and most reliable information relative to our legitimate subjects. ‘When I have endeavoured to be successful I am contented,’ were the words of a modern statesman, and as we think he was correct we venture to adopt those words and to feel as he does. THE EDITORS. i : -. i te } Lone Steet $b) TiytT ree ED 3 as oe c eG: \ ca ’ = Gad te Cb oe cage a ue Uy ol > 8 i ; TE YE 3 LOUD OTE [ist hae pect! 2 S wertcas § + _ Stvricr ¢ fi i. AIS RE TIO I t fis HIN. us eae Fi . et J cS Pes. r Fie ee F z aa) bo Re i ic} £E i OS “= ee 5 SRRIGIS IE ito Ol 37 oi, Bice add Sigh hoensinoe Tel! ee. Bsitow, sdods dyebn of sisdiey sv dyorioy enw ol dgili on s G = Inly 18, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. v ABERDEEN, BON-ACCORD _ BIRD SHOW; 40; Horticultural Society, Aberdeenshire, weather in, 284 Abutilons, ornamental, 108 Acokanthera spectabills, 375 Aconitum, 93 AGGNUD Botanic Garden Catalogue, Adiantum palmatum, 31 Adulterations, detection of, 201 AES descriptions of, 450; various, #schynanthus, in pots, 269; splen- dkins, 48 Agricultural Show, proposed inter- national in London. 215, 291 Alexandra Palace, Bird Show, 118, 1/8; Rose Show, 222, 481, 488 Allan, Mr. J. P., 13 Almond trees, 222 Alstrémeria chilensis, 413 Alternantheras green, 116 URES Wierzbickii, and culture, Amaryllses, culture, 189, 477; a plea for, 374; repotting, 418; seedling, 4133; watering, 3% American blight, 63 American, harvest prespects, 459; geen crop, 475; exports to England, Amaryllea, prizes for, 209 Amateur, 136, 288; defined, 281 Ampelopsis hederacea, 72 Annual flower management, 361 Annuals, sowing hardy and _hali- hardy, 267, 287; and their culture, 319; distasteful to slugs, 343; at Regent's Park, 461 Anthurium, Andreanum, 37, 86; tri- fidum, 71 Antirrhinums, preservation of, 455 Ants, 2473; v. aphides, 181, 1/2, 823; banishing, 281, 343; in greenhouse, 55; preserving aphides, 219 Aphis, destroying, 397, on Teach trees, 382 a yonogeton distachyon from secd, Apple, notes on, 84; tree ornamental, 65; grafting old, 75; bloon ing season, 5; trees in pleasure ground, 6; trees cankering, 186; tree giub, 3899; cordon uniruitiul, 399 i Apples, winter, 17; for orchards, 27; or market, 29; market, Barton Free-Bearer, 45; and Apple trees, 50 ; protecting, 218; Northern Spy, 286 Aquatic plants, 325 : Arancaria Cookii, 209 Araucarias, large, Arbutus, fruiting, 95 ; shire, 27 Arrangement of flower beds, 25 Artichoke culture, 249 Arum crinitum insectivorous, 483 Asparagus, beetle, 108; culture, 217, 240, 261, 283, 294, 433; cutting, 340, 349, 363; forcing, 74; planting, 470; prizes for, 300, 429 Aucuba pollen, 270 Auwricwa Society, National, 163, 300 Auriculas, 263, 818; hardy, 75; wooll aphis, 88, 1825 culture, 945 at Sloug and Loxford, 316; culture, 304, 307, 3821; showing, 383, 357, 873; forced, 388; Crystal Palace, 340; Manches- ter Show, 386, 860; propagation, 343 5 repotting, 362; PUyanE 363; So- eiety’s Show, 371; at Failsworth, 431; stmped, 470 etales Souvenir du Prince Albert, Azaleas, culture, 343, 435; in Decem- ber, 3; after flowering, 362; at Ful- ham, 393; Ghent Excellente, 114; Jiquid manure for, 55; mollis, 212 ; propagating, 212; white for forcing, 2125 unhealthy, 288 34 Uncdo in Youk- | | INDEX, © & BALSAM CULTURE, 295, 490 Bamboo, in Annam, “Commercial Pants,” 223; not growing, 343 Bantams, $47, 383; varieties of, 420 Bark of tree, removing, 288 Barley cultivation, 174, Bast, 471 Bath and West of England Powtry Show, 196, 329, 384, 457; Flower Show, 452, 467 Bause, Mr. F., 18 Beans, Broad, 111; dwarf for small garden, 116; experiments with Scarlet Runners Bedding-out, 324,361; stock for, 239 Bedding plant arrangement, 399 Bedding plants, preparing, 2¢2 Lee-keepers’ Association Show, 492 Bees—keeping, past, present, and future, 28; keeping in Kansas, re- moving hives, 42; warmth and ventilation, 60; size of bar-framed hive, feeding, dysentery, fallen comb, uniting swarms, 80; morta- lity, 98; feeding, wintering, 99; Scotch Society, 119; bar-iramed hives, 120; wintering, bar-frame hive, 140; chloroforming, wintering, ventilating, introduction of Ligu- rian, 159; “The Apiary,” weak hives, deserted hive, stings, 160; winter- ing, 176; Ligurian history, 177; sting remedy, apiary work, 178; wintering, 186; feeding, _bar- framed hives, 197; mice in_ hive, Boiler, Richardson’s, 297 Bone manure, 75 Zones, dissolving, 193; for manure, BO4 5, 174 ciety (Royal), 685 Show, y HT Botanical Exchange Society, 281 Bouvardia culture, 277, 322 30x hedg Briars for stoc Bridge Hall, Bristol] Horticultural Show, 248 Bristol Poultry Show, 196 Broceolis, for success 82; transplantin 249, 324 5 Suttons ure, 341; K > abundant, 393 f jas, 45; and culture, 10 Brussels Sprouts, 102 Budding, quill, 459 Bulbs, remoying, 36 Burnham Beeches, 270 3utter, from Holland, 2153 or S47 Butterflies, 300; early, &8 3 culture, 53 sowing, CABBAGE CULTURE, 122 Cabbages for London, 393 215 wintering, 216; Italian 2. | Calceolarias, herbaceous, 3:6 British, 235; spring overhaul, | Caledonian (Royal) Horticultural So- ciety, 803 California, seeds from, 465 Calves, rearing of, 382, 599 Camellias, shedding buds, 37; in De- cember, 3; not flowering, 753; pot- ting, 94; culture, 1685 shading, 1673 leaves sticky, 1 at Waltham crooked combs, 2863 in Cakfoinia, 258; Ligurian, swaiming v. non- swarming, 254; bar-frained hive mnapagement, 278; swarming vw. non-swalming, feeding, 274; Ligu- rian v. black, 201; notes on ancient writers, 292; in America, husbandry of, 311; natural death of, Cross, 208; cutting down, 231; dying, 829; husbandry of, 3305 leaves falling, 281; large, 281; cul- ture, 435; Management of, 455 Canaries, high-coloured, 494; treat- ment, 408 Canary-breeding notes, 272; feather- Jess, 274 Cannizaro House, Wimbledon, gar- dening at. 210 Carbolic acid disinfectant, 254 Cardamine pratensis, double, 418 Carnation and Picotee Society, 10, £96; Show, 378 Carnation, layers, 193; La Belle, 369 Carnations, in pots, 94; in the north, 8345 select, 249 Carpet-bedding, 486; plants, 115, 116, 471 - Carrier Pigcon, 22 Carrots, culture, 1455 early, 184 5 fore- ing, 1 field-culture ot, 270 Carter & Cos T 3, 35 Cassia corymbosa culture, 362 Caterpillar, vegetable, 150 Caterpillars, their colours, 235 Cattle for protit, 273 Cauliflower, eture, 61,1045 for suc- cession, 37 Ceanothus rigidus, 300 Cedars, felling, 470 Celery culture, 47, 256, 276, 286, 397; planting, 324, 3615 sowing, 114 Cemetery, arrangement, 468; plant- ing, 115 Centenarian’s death, 242 Cephalotus follicularis, 128 Chalk, trees and plants on, 137 Channel Islands, 79 Charcoal manure, 99 Chatsworth Gardens, 372 Cheeses, fancy, 367 Chelone obliqta, 15 Cherries, forcing, 135, 525; manage- Blinds, outside, 153 ment in house, 211; house, 287; Blossom, impregnating, 16 Morello standards, 64; orchards, Blue flowers for bedding, 227 824 this season, for profit, 347, 248; transferring, 548; hives, swarming v. non-swarming, 367; feeding, 368, combs in hives, 868; bar-tramed hives, box v. straw hives, ¢ ligurianising, 886; dividing, win- tering, bar-irame hives, 404; ma- nagement of, 421; bar-frame hives, eking of, cast-out of hive, comb foundations, 422; unfavourable seasons, 439; early swarms, 4393 feeding, 440 ; prospects, 440; tapping flowers, 458; seasons of 1877 and 1878, 458; and beans, 475; comb foundations,475 ; hive chlo oformed, 476; strengthening, 476; royal cells, 476; four swarms, 4£3; pas- ture for, 495 Beet, culture, 315; sowing, 305 Begonias, Frobelli, 15; Moonlight, 69; Saundersii semperflorens, 1665 tuberous-rooted, 101, 149, 391; cut- tings, 269; cuttings of tuberous- rooted, 307 Belladonna Lily planting, 343 3erberis Darw Besleria Imray, 71 Biennial defined, 436 Biennial flowers, sowing, 379 Bignonia, insects on, 136 Bilbergia pallescens, 171 Birch tree, large, 68 Bird hoarse, 160 Birds, training, 421 Birmingham Columbarian Society’s Show, 20 Birmingham Show, 275, 328 Bitter Vetch, 435 Blackleg in cattle, 418 Blasting tree stumps, 219 oe Cattle and Poultry Cherry house ma Chestnut Sunda fi Chicken coop, a simple, 59 Chicken’s crop distended, 386 Chickens, management 439, of spring, s a barometer, 42 Chionodoxas, 220 Chorozemas, 166 Christmas Rose, 187 Chrysanthemum (Putney) Society, 134 Chrysanthemums, early-flowering, 6, 15; Jate-flowering, 84; notes, 403 late-blooming, 52; late, 68, 88; in pots, 840, 898 ; in winter, 143 Cineraria flowers discoloured, 863. j » Cape, 436; culture, 2245 3 Withering, 251 sat shows, 55 Clematis, sowing, 75; show, 860 Clematises, light-coloured, 37; for wall, 231 Clerodendron, Balfourianum, 136 ; in August, 75; fragrans culture, 470 Climbers, summer- flowering, 563 hardy, 72 Clover, culture, 2515 and grass cw- ture, 282 Clubbing of Cabbagewcrts, 37 Cochins, feeding, 100 Cocoa-nut fibre refuse, 75 Coffee plantation, 228 Colour arrangement in beds, 261 Comfrey, Prickly, 195; culture, 214, 235, 809, 455 Composts, root-producing, 109 Conoclinium ijanthinuim, 205 Conservatory, Management of, 211; heating, 212 Coop for fowls, 59 Cooper, Mr. §., 53 Cordiceps Robertsii, 180 Corn averages, 273 Cornish gardens, 109 Cotton cake for cattle, 139 Covent Garden Market, 24, 42, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 178, 198, 216, 236, 254, 274, 292, 312, 330, 348, 268, 386, 404, 422, 440, 476, 494 Cow, characteristics of good, 235; and Pig, Cows, kicking, 20; best for dairy, 413 food for, 98; management, 99, 308 5 feeding, 159 ; quick milking, 273 Crasstwa ewlture, 381 Cratzgus pyracantha, 72 Crinum Verscbaffeltianum, 391 Croeu: es and pheasants, 263 Crop valuation, 307 Crops, near London, 242, prospect of, 403 Crossandra guincensis, 171 Crotons not flowering, 343 Crowfoots, 304 Cryptomeria japonica, large, 108 Crystal Palace, 166; Bird Show, 195 ; Show, 411 Cuckoo flower double, 378 Cucumbers—bed making, 73; cultur 115, 269, 288, 306, 484; earliest, 22 for exhibition, 470; failing, 43 failtes, 167,270; flue-heating house, 17; forcing, 36, 192, 230, 342, 383; in greenhouse, 115; mealy bug on, 953; liquid manure for, 399; plant- ing, 192; in March and April, 399; ridged, 361; roots diseased, 17, 955 for seed, 471; soil for, 308; sowing, 553; unhealthy, 74; Woolley’s Tele- graph, 28+ Currant, trees, moving large, Black barren, 75; pruning, 93 Cuttings, 239; propagation by, 179 Cyathea medullaris, 467 Cyclamen, lecture on, 134 Cyclamens, 285; double, 2885 seed, 184 i Cydonia japonica, 399 from vi JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. Cypripedium Boxallii, 145 Cypripediums, and culture, 184 DH, CULTURE, 467; CUTTINGS, Dairy, management, 308, 326, 382; in America, 329; for butter, 289 Daisy, 116; propagation, 436 Dale testimonial, 107 Damping-off, 237 Daphne, eneorumj unhealthy, 115; indica rubra, 166 Darlington Bird Show, 79 December flowers, 31 Delphiniuns, exhibiting, 381 Dendrobium Freemanii, 145 Dendroseris macrophylla, 334 Deutzia gracilis, cultuxe, 251, 8253 pruning, 307 Dew, 43, 62, 107 Diary, 17 Dicentras in California, 484 Dictamnus rubra, 264 Digging, 275, 322 Dipladenia culture, 122 Dorchester Poultry Show, 77 Dorsetshire Bee-keepers’ Association, 3, Dormouse, 348 Dracxnas, Bausei, 283; terminalis a room plant, 166; from seed, 149 Draining, 76 Drip, 55 Ducks, rearing, 273; v. slugs, 425 Dundee Horticultural Society, 107 Duneevan, Vines at, 429 Dungs for manure, 239 Durham florists, 461 Dwham and Northwnberland flori- culture, 186 Durham and Northumberland Hor. ticultural Society, 278 EARLY WOOD POULTRY-YARD, 492 Easter decorations, 324 Eccremocarpus from seed, 115 Echeveria retusa, and culture, 188 Echeyerias, seedling, 116 Edinburgh Flower Show, 321 Egg production, 79 Egg- producers, profitable, 80 Eggs, in winter, 21; weight of, 59 ; ried, 99; ill-flayoured, 120; for Setting, 1389 ; imported, 140; scarcity of, 2 differing in colour, 216; size of, 235; large, 312; preserving, 422 Entomological exhibition, 246 Epacrises tor early flowers, 242 Ergot causing disease in cows, 308 Erica, candidissima as a decorative plant, 447; vagans culture, 153 Ericas, 150, 876; propagating, 435 pecallonia macrantha, 249; culture, 297 SEES Horticultural Society’s Show, Eucalyptus globulus, 242, 470 Eucharis amazonica, culture of, 2045 tine, 149, 166; repotting, 136; weak, 74 ‘ Euphorbia splendens, culture, 470 Evergreens, pruning, 325 Ewes and lambs, management of down, 116, 137 FARM-HOUSE MANAGEMENT, 56 Farm—work on the home, 57, 76, 96, 117, 138, 155, 175, 194, 214, 232, 252, 271, 290, 309, 327, 345, 364, 383, 400, 420, 437, 456, 472, 491; work, seasonable, 117; Jerge American, 158; schools, Ger- man, 176 Fasciation, 17 ‘attening animals, 158 Feather cloth, 176 fern, culture, 173; crested, 174; hy- brid, 108; Royal, 307; sowing, 93 Perneries, hardy, 313 Pernery, 191 Serns, British,318 ; for glass case, 3813 repotting, 55; shading, 343, 8773 stove, 342; Tree, 374; withering, 1935 ‘evillea Moorei, 33: and its blossom, 89; culture, 250), 287, 805, 825. 861, 434; forcing. 365 in pots, 94, 153, 1925 soil for, 136 5 as standards, 184; tree unproduc- tive, 231 ‘ir, large Silver, 430. re-lighting, 198 Naxworts, 109 ‘leas in fowl house, 386 fe ‘lora of a former age, 245 ‘lower Mission, Bible, 483; Ame- rican, 483 ‘lower, beds arrangement, 231, 269, 288, planting circular, 326, manure for, 382; garden, 210, management of, 210; shows and judging, 81; pots, seli-registering, 481 ‘lower show, a people’s, 337 ‘lowers, economic uses of, 9,112; pre- serving cut, 149; hardy in January, 205; planting out, 398 Sood, Warm, 5) ‘orestry in April, 304 ‘ountaine, Rey. J., 62 ‘owls, in France, 20; water for, 415 food required by, 80; crossing, 80; FowWLs—Continued. selecting stock, 100, 1403 feathers, 160; trespassing, 178; not laying, ;_ Management and feed- ing of, 216; for profit, 348 Fraxinella cwtwre, 343 Fries, Professor, 149 Frost and snow, powtry in, 96 Fruit, trees, pruning, 35, 111, 121, 223, 816; trees, for small garden, 55, making pyramids, 56, for shady place, 56, south wall, 56; tree protection, 67; trees, grafting old, 1625 trees, ornamental, 167; blos- som, protecting, 203; garden, ma- nagement of, 210; houses, manage- a ment, rospects, 88, 242, 287, 302, 350, 357, 871, 430, 478 IPSs American, 300; tree, transplanting summer, 2703; trees, training pyramidal, 333, thinning, 361; da- mage to tr in Kent, 856; tree training, 417; disappearing, 428, 452, 465, in Wilts, 448, in Gloucester, 449; and corn prospects, 466, 4755 trees, dest ing insects on, 454 Fuchsias, racemosa, 108; serratifolia culture, 307; insects on, 863; in pots, 340; select, 471 Fungus, fossil, 84 in GAPES, 366; IN DUCES, 98; PREVENT- _ ING, 494 Garden notes in 1877, 127, 284 Gardenias, culture, 470; cut flowers, 281; buds dropping, 307; manage- ment, 306, 212 “ Gardener’s Assistant,” 9 Gardeners’. Royal Benevolent anni- versary, 87 Gardeners, prizes for under, 378 Gas, in conservatory, 153; lime ma- nuwre, 173 Genista racemosa culture, 301 Gentiana acaulis, culture, 4333 soil, 471 Geraniums—diseased, 436; in turves, zig 3 Vesuyius, 379 ; White Vesuvius, 6 German paste, 476 Geum coccineum flore-pleno, 389 Ghent International Exhibition, 248, 2057, 279 Gladioli, 186; failures, 300 Gladiolus, corms, lifting, 17; culture of and disease, 201 Gladioluses, 286 Glamorganshire plants, 393 Glasnevin notes, 189 Glastonbury Thorn, 338 Glauciwn lutewn, 163 Glazed structures the house, 95 Glazing, without laps or putty, 48; without putty, 251, 308 Globeflowers, 146 Gloxinia, potting, 36 Gloxinias, 376, 388, 465; propagation of, 455; seed saving, 436; select, 174 Golden Feather, 116 Gooseberry, trees, moving large, 75; pruning, 93 Goslings, sex of, 42 Grafting, 268, 436 Grain, sport of, 41 Grapes, Mrs. Pince’s Black Muscat, 43 serviceable, 7; keeping, 34, 43, 62, 83, 107, 128, 186, 210; Gros Colman, 375; Duke of Buccleuch, 81, 103, 129, 142, 162, 181, 220, 429; heaviest bunch, 251; diseased, 455; forcing, 1525 in unheated house, 441; growing, profitable, 483; ripening, 230, 417; Setting, 114; spotted, 490; stoning, 363 adjoining Grass of Parnassus, 337 Grasses, ornamental, 249; useful eul- ture, 251 Grave, plants for, 212 Green tly, destroying, 288 Greenhouse, bed, heating, 174; heat- ing, 281; heating small, 753; pit heating, 95; management, 288; plant priz shelving, 418 Griffinia z Grub-picker, 171 Grubs, 231; destroying, 427 ; in soil, 95 Guano, water for yinery, 115; Peru- vian, 176 Gun for flowers, 136 HACKNEY CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW, 210 Hamanthus albo-macwlatus, 145 Hampton Cowrt, Limes at, 338 Hand labowr, 155, 321 Hardening off, 831 : Hare and Rabbit hybrid, 98 Hay, making, 471, 475, 40; prices, 273 Heaths, Cape, 25, 150, 226, 502, 376, 466 Hedges, farm, 437; insect injwing, 4863 Management of, 76 Henning, death of Mr, 21 Hens diseased, 404 Herbaceous plants, 418 ; list of, 212 Herbarium specimens, preserving co- lour, 53 Herefordshire orchards, 423, 460 Hollies, conseryatory at the, 429 Hollies at Coombe Bank, 210 losing Holly, blossom, 593; hedges, 2803; leayes injured, 288; yellow-berried, 71 Holme Lacy, 10, 50 Home Farm, 17 Hoodia Bainii, 224 Hoof-parings for Vines, 192 Hops in Kent, 19 Horse, labowr, 155, 327; and hand labour, 117; flesh for food, 235; hoeing, 38: Horses, management of farm, work for, 76 Horticultural Club, 34, 68, 280, 878 Horticultural (Royal) Society, 13, 390 ; Committees, 49, 146, 221, 260, 298, 390, 428, 464; General Meeting, 68; p offered, 87; Chiswick Garden, 87; trials at, 88; Annual General Meet- 125; Preston Show, 183, 301, 337, 447 ; Mr. Jenning’s lecture, 147; Meeting 183, 354; election of Fellows, 209, 410, 431; Journal of, 210, 280; Kensing- ton Garden, 324; rules, 3425 prizes, 378; Great Show, 407; Summer Show, 392, 429, 480; Peoples’ Flower Show, 446; Rose and Pelargonium Show, 462 Horticultural Society of Ireland, 337 Hortus siccus, 490 Hotbed, making, 35; a miniature, 361 Hot-water heating, 326 Houdans, feeding, 100 House sewage for manure, 354 373 Hoya imperialis buds falling, 37 Hyacinths, after flowering, 2125 at Mes: Veitch’s, 246 Hymenanthera crassifolia, 13 IBERIS, CILIATA, 2443 NANA, 64 Import of cattle, 347 Inports, 59, 176 Inarching, 55 Incubation, artificial, 233, 252, 328 Incubators, 492 Indian fruit-cwture, 53 Indiarubber plant, 68 Insects, destroying, 56; in gardens, 396 ; on fruit trees, 459; user, 166 Ione paleacea, 171 Ionopsidium acaule culture, 343 Tresine Lindeni, wintering, 37 Tris crete: y 171 Ironwork bronzing, 326 Ischarum angustatum, 334 Isolepis, gracilis, 250 Ivy, 72; edging, 173 JAPANESE, GARDEN, 369; PLANTS, 53 Jardin @’Acclimatation, 76 Jarratt, Mr., 280 Jasmine buds falling, 55 p Jasminum, didymum, 224; grandi- florum, 68 Jatropha podagrica, 220 Jennings, Mr. §. appointment Royal Horticultural Society, 52 Johnson, Mr. C. W,, death of, 219, 234 at KALE CULTURE, 122 Kalosanthes culture, 489 Kent Powltry Show, 97 Kew Gardens, 167, 264, 267, 8233 velties in, 145, 220, 299; time of open- ing, 202; admission of students and gardeners, 209, 226 Keynes, Mr. J., 149 Kidney Beans, 286, 3405 culture, 3575 forcing, 135, 152, 249 ; roots knobbed, 381; sowing, 358 Kidney Vetch, 205 G Betwerieem Garden, The Amatew’s,” OG Kitchen garden, cropping, 141; ma- nhagement of, 210 Koellesteinia graminea, 71 LABELS FOR ROSES, 116 Lachenalias, 184 Lelia furfiwacea, 32 Labs, management of, 116 Lancaster Powltry Show, 19 Landscape gardening, 5; hints on, 199, 244, 281, 338, 425 Langshan fowls, 156 Lapuageria, rosea, sickly, 231 Lark injured, 830 arking’s, J. W., villa garden, 245 Lawustinuses, uncertain flowering, at) Lawn, dressing, 152; grass coarse, 418; improying, 6S; making, 151; management, 341 Lead pans, 476 Leases of farms, 79 Leek culture, 238 Legg, appointment of Ma., 379 Leicestershire Flora, 34 Lemon trees, value of, 418 Leyelling, 251 Lice on poultry, 79 Lilies from seed, 165 7 Lilitun, auratiun culture, 56; cordifo- lin, 71; Thompsoni, 135 Liliums, 464; in pots, 266 Lily of the Nile, culture, 436; winter, 17 242, wild, 154; in [ July 18, 1878. Lily of the Valley, 69; home-grown, 4 Lime, for garden, 172; application of to soil, 212; to use as Manure, 347 Linums, 109 Liriodendron twlipifera wood, 367 _ Lobelias, from cuttings, 244; raising, 37 Lomaria gibba, 115 London extension, 280 . London International Horticultural Exhibition, 483 Love Birds, 403 Loxford Hall Grapes, 393 Loxococeus rupicola, 375 Lucerne sowing, 309 MADEIRA VINEYARDS, 58 Magnolia for south wall, 17 Maidstone Rose Show, 337 Manchester National Horticultural Show, 242, 429, 444 Maneold; culture, 310, 343; manure or, 231 Manure, changing, 17; exposing, 140 Manures, liquid and solid, 41 Manuwing, 275, 321 Maréchal Niel Rose, 854 Market gardens and nurseries of old London, 147, 486 Marnock, portrait of My. R., 800 Mealy bug, destroying, 471 Meat, trade, American, 98, 253; im- ported, 235; production, 475 Melbourne Botanic Gardens, 394 Melon houses, 490 Melons, cultwre, 114, 192, 280, 269, 306, 308, S41, 362, 434, 469; failing, 471; fertilising, 423; soil for, 308; sow- ing, 55; temperature, 173 Memorial trees, 15 Mentha pulegium culture, 95 Messenger’s wall protector, 204 Mice destroying bees, 215 “Midland Naturalist,” 35 Mignonette, culture, 180, 267, 484; pot culture, 141, 251 Milk, 59; profit, 79; supply, 98; test- ing, 189, 367; increasing, 189 Mistletoe propagation, 55 Moffatt, death of Ma, 35 Moths in gardens, 396 Mowing machines, 294 Mulberry propagation, 471 Mouching, 379 Muuray, Mr. Andrew, death of, 54 _ Mushroom, beds, 417; characteristics, 308; culture, 74, 161, 286; spawn, 108 Myrobella, 17 i Myrtles, not flowering,55 ; soil for, 343 NAMES, POPULAR OF PLANTS, 263 Nare ses, 299 National P teronic Society, 21, 40 National Rose Society, meeting of, 85 Nectarine, early, for orchard house, 37; tree pruning, 135 Nectarine, forcing, 268, 341, 417; fall- ing, 399; in houses, 488; training, 806 Nemophila, discoidalis, 320; sowing, 116 Nepenthes culture, 342 Nertera, 95 ; depressa culture, 436 Nest egg, to make, 41 Nests, 366 Newcastle Show, schedule of, 209 New Zealand plants from seed, 288 Night soil, 55 Nikaw Pahn, 68 re of soda, applying, 364; use of, Northumberland florists, 461 Nuuseries, old London, 486 Nursery garden tenant, 326 Nuts, storing, 192 OAKS OF BIRNAM, 228 Oats, cultivation of, 215 Odds and ends, 263 Oleander buds falling, 75 Onion, native, 88 Onions, culture, 163, 208; for picklin 3065 sowing, 190, 488; Tree or Mul- tiplying, 203 Orange, culture, 325; trees, value of _ 418; tree unhealthy, 115 Orchard house, 898; management, 55, 115, 102, 250, 342; routine, 489 Orchids, culture, 136, 230, 307, $42; not flowering, 75; choice garden, 450; imported by Mo. Bud, 393, in Janu- ary, 31; at Kew, 183; Lord Londes- borough’s, 184; at Loxford, 323; ma- nagement of, 454; select, 484; at Messrs. Veitch’s, 242 Oreopanax Thibautii, 71 Orobus vernus, 4 r Osborn & Son’s Nurseries, 222 Oxford, Flower Show at, 452 PAINT FOR SLOVE LNSLDE, 261 Paisley Powltry Show, 39 Palins, 53 ; in pots, 307 Pampas Grass, aiter flowering, 193 ; transplanting, 325 Pandanus unguifer, 171 Pansies, dying in winter, 455; early planting of, 2105; size of, 470 July ‘18, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. vii Paraftin, lamp for heating, 1343 stove v. flues, 92, 261; stove for heating, 203; heating by, 436 Parakeet’s eyelids ulcerated, 348 Paris, Universal Exhibition, 196, 329, 429; Poultry Show, 457, 473; jurors, 475 Parrot self-plucked, 120 Parsley culture, 388 Parsnip culture, 180 Pasturage influence, 119 Pasture and park land management, 75, 95,194 Pastures, improving, 403 Peaches—buds dropping, 56; Condor, 55; culture, 230; early, 87; forcing, 74, 114, 153, 268, 341,380, 417 ; and Nec- A[tarine forcing, 192; in houses, 488, 490; for orchard house, 87; leaves blistered, 399; stoning, 363; tree training, 306; trees, pruning, 135, young, 95, 251 Pea-fowls, 175, 195 Pear, for west wall, 186; trees, prun- ing, 247, 262; tree, root pruning, 471; growing in Sussex, 432; for west wall, 136 [218 Pears, at Holme Lacy, 88; protecting, Peas, 284, 286; for August, 270; cul- ture, 44; dying off, 471; early, 64, 132, 144, 168, 190; in paraffin, 470; selection, 191; sowing, 47; for suc- cession, 37 Peat charcoal, 288 Peat soil sandy, 489 Pelargoniums, lilac zonal, 87 ; for ex- hibition, 95; zonal in winter, 143, 153; echinatum, 168; Joseph So- mers, 223; stopping, 250; Higuid ma- nure for, 382 3 trusses divided, 899 5 for winter, 455 Pencarrow, 69 Perennial flowers from seed, 326 Peristeronic Show, 78; Society, 59; President’s address, 157 Perplexities, 297 Petroleum antiscorbutic, 329 Pheasants, and /Crocuses, 281; ma- nagement of Silver, 274 Phippen & Co.’s nursery, 429 Phloxes, select herbaceous, 95 Phylloxera vastatrix in Australia, 134 Picotees, in the north, 384; in pots, 94 Pigeon laying four eggs, 80,98; prices atsale, 98; attaching, 100 Pigeons—useful, 22; aspect of the ancy, 156; diseases, 157; influence of shows, 195; hints to amateurs, 290, 345, 401; Tumblers, 291; Bald- heads, 291; for table, 310; food for Tumblers, 812; Pouters and Tumb- lers, 438 Pigs, in America, 475; Berkshire, 99; charcoal for, 21; fattening, 159; feeding, 216; productions, 311 Pilfering, 384 Pine Apple,culture, 134, 250, 287, 325, 362, 398, 434; potting, 172; Black Jamaica, 478 Pines, notes on, 211 Pinks, select, 249 Pinus laricio not rabbit-caten, 108 Pipes, noise in hot water, 74 Piptanthus nepalensis, 379 Pitcher-plants, Australian, 128; cul- ture of, 212 Plantain, destroying, 249 Planting early, 71 Plants, fora grave, 212; propagation and culture of, 211 Platyceriums, 394; Hillii, 395 Pleroma Gayanum, 171 Ploughing, rules for, 176 Plum for west wall, 136 Plunging material, 136 Polyanthus, culture, $15; tion, 343; seedlings, 222 Pond-making, 346 Ponds, green slime on, 882 Pontardulais Poultry Show, 118 Poppyworts, 163 Potatoes, culture, 8, 29, 291; disease, 37, 46, 65, 845 estimate of disease, 413 crop in America, 41; exhibition, 68; in store, 73; sets needed, 74; imported, 88; extracts from soil, 99; wood ashes for, 116; from single eyes, 124; time maturing, 137; Bresee’s, 251; planting, 101, 212, 305; field culture, 198; Snowflake, 231; imported, 235, 311; produce of dif- ferent, 235; estimate of kinds, 284 Potting, 489 Poultry Club, 119, 156, 196, 401, 491, 492 Poultry, feeding, 21, 60 ; for profit, 23 ; in 1877, 38; keeping in 1877,57; lice on, 59; houses, size of, 100; show- ing prospects, 117, 138; account book, 119; trespassing 154; spring ’ propaga- management of, 214; keeping, profi 272; im towns, 310; origins, 346; prize, 365; feeding, 367; house, cleaning, 439; rearing, this spring, 456, 492 Poultry shows, forthcoming, 290 Preston Poultry Show, 89 Primrose, Scarlet Chinese, 69 Primula leaves decayed, 17 Primulas, amcena, 128; culture of double, 870; after flowering, 363; scarlet, 95; sowing, 363; varieties, 149; Princess Louise, 209 Protecting wall trees, 114 Pteris, serrulata cristata major, 69; tricolor culture, 471 Pterostylis Baptistii, 225 Ptychosperma rupicola, 145 Putty, to soften, 281 Pyrethrum aurewn laciniatum, 343 QUAILS, 494 Quarter evil, 418 : Quercus austriaca sempervirens 53 RABBITS — BREEDING, 21, FOR COLOUR, 119; cross-breeding, 366, 584; selecting breed, 402; crosses, 810; Himalayan, 312; improvement of, 234; with litters, 474; manage- ment, 195; versus mutton, 20; trespassing, 174 Radishes, early, 134 Rainfall, 108, 112, 209; at Morpeth, 71; in 1877, 92 Raisins, Sultana, 17 Ramble, a winter's, 205 Ranunculs, culture, 136, 362; green, 399 Raphiolepis ovata, 288 Raspberries, 146; culture, 104, 168, 321, 889; longevity, 184; planting, 116; pruning, 436; removing, 219, 2953 transplanting, 212 Reading Horticultural Show, 413 Reading Pigeon and Bird Show, 118 Red paint, 399 Red spider, destroying, 288 Reigate Castle, 48 Reigate Rose Show, 429 Retrospect of horticultural year, 26 Rhodanthe maculata, 320 Rhododendrons, at Duneevan, 410; list of hardy, 192; flowering, 184; Early Gem, 209; pracox, 222 Rhubarb forcing, 93,186; for forcing, 308 Ribbon border, 269; plants, 75 Richardia «thiopica, 108, 416; after flowering, 362 Richmond Horticultural Society, 15, 184 Road levelling, 235 Reckwork, 379; plants for, 380 patent odorata var. breviflora, 4 Roofs, glazing and slating, 455 Rooks, frustrating, 253, 403 Root-crop culture, 385 Root crops, thinning, 341 Bee Society, National, 184; Mecting, Rose of Sharon, 363 Rosella, 242 Roses—jottings about, 4; arrange- ment and culture, 6; economic uses of, 9; Devoniensis, 13; graft- ing, for exposed place, planting, 17; notes on, 28; mildew on, 30; lime rubbish for, 3 ; Showing, 47; Cornelia Cook, ; tor south and west walls, 5: udging and classes, 64, 67; showing, 663 ‘National So- ciety, 68; ne labels for, 69; sheltering, 73; 3 3 select, 74; Maréchal Niel planting, 75; Hybrid Perpe- tuals for wall,75; notes in 1877, 81; judging, 86; Cheshunt Hybrid, 95; judging, 103, 123, 144, 165 \ ex- tent of culture, 108 ; tor walls, N3; pruning, for screen, 116; Socie 184; for smoky place, propagatin Manetti stocks, aspect for Marécha Niel, 136; showing, 151; for smoky district, 149; pruning, 162; plant- ing, 172; Ma ame Charles Wood, from cuttings, grafting, 174; Tea- Scented, 179; judging, 182, 227, 238, 239, 243 5 judging, and qualities of, 200 ;7management, 190; derivation of names, 192; in shade, 193; prun- ing, 218; select, 222; grafting, 230; white forcing, 242; show boxes, 244; exhibition points, 246; pruning, 250, 251; past and present, 255 3 judging, 261, 277, 296, 300; “Roses and their Culture,” 260 ; in pots, shoots frosted, Duchess of Edinburgh, 269; prun- ing, 270; origin of green, 280, 300; pruning Tea, 281; Gloire de Dijon, im pots, 288; extraordinary, 2983 Maréchal Niel, 301; box for, 307; mildew, 307, 326; injured by frost, 814; Maréchal Niel, $26; petals pre- Serving, 526 5 Maréchal Niel, 332; not expanding, 342; leaves dis- eased, culture, insect on, 343; cha- racters of some, 363; greenhouse, 858; experiments with, 371; Gloire de Dijon, 3875, 379, 3993; Society's Show, 378 ; West of England Show, 878; stocks for, 879; Dunwich, 379; Tea, 887; prospects, 406; in_ pots, 416; aphis, 436; leaves spotted, 436; rules for judging, 442; pruning, 449; showing, 461; show prospects, 467; buds detormed, for wall, 470; fungus on, packing for export, Maréchal Niel not thriving, leaves shrivelled, 471; notes on, 478; In- ternational Show at Antwerp, 483; at Horticultural Society’s Show, 486; largest, &c., transplanting, 490 Rotation of crops, 88 Rudgea macrophylla, 300 Rueworts, 264 R Rust, preventing, 403; removing, 53 SAFFRON, CONSUMPTION OF, 9 Salads, culture of, 220 Salix babylonica, 173 Salsafy culture, 289, 352 San Francisco horticulture, 280 Saponaria ocymoides failing, 381 S: enia purpurea culture, 471 Savin aged, 381 Savoy culture, 122 Sawdust manure, 436 Saxifraga Hirculus, 393 Scale, destroy 1 chizost Z| a culture, 149, 325 Sciadocaly3 gitaliflora, 299 Scottish Horticultural Association, 52, 184, 203, 286, 374, 442 Sereen plants, 72; in cold district, 75 Screen, trees fo 36 Scurfy face in Spanish fowls, 42 Seythe, 186 Seakale, culture, 2815 markets, 337 Season, the present, 66, 88; prospects, B+ ed sow good, 111; retaining vita- ity, Seeder Act against adulterating, 291 Seedlings, certificating, 208 Selaginella denticulata culture, 363 Sewage, for growing crops, 231; ma- nagementy, ¢ used profitably, 439 Shaded borders, use of, 95 Shading, 343; shrubs, 65 Sheep, management of long-woolled, 363 for London Shorthorns, 120 Silene pendula, 468 Silkies, Japanese, 473 Skylark, keeping and management of, 216 Slate shelves, 381 5; destroying, 75, 427; and Sowing tender plants too early, 242 Spanish red-faced tow], 272 Sparmannia africana, 91, 182, 166,181; culture, 436 Spathoglottis Petri, 334 Spheria Robertsii, 183 Spinach culture, 332 Spirea, Japonica, home-grown, 46; Thunbergii, 68, 130 Spratt’s food, 384 Spring flower bed, early, 222 Spring flowers, 324, 441 Starch in plants, 324 Stings, remedy, 198 Stock, breeding, 139; mode of feeding, 19, 400 Stopping fruit-tree shoots, 488 Storm, effects of, 280 Stove, plant culture, 115; heating small; 153; Management, 342; plants ‘Or, 37 Strawberries, culture, 47; forcing, 36, 172, 211; in pots, 94, 250, 287, 4145 manwring in pots, 212; plants atter forcing, 3861; preparing for planting, 405; systems of culttre, 443; selec- tion of varieties of, 453; unfruitful, 471; on house roof, 483; large form of, 483. Subtropical gardening, 415 Suburban gardening, 35, 72, 113, 151, 190, 229, 267, 305, 340, 377, 416, 468 Sulphiw, use of, 465 Sunflower seeds for fowls, 439 Sutton & Sons’, Calceolaria at, 410 Sutton & Sons at the Paris Exhibi- tion, 329 Swans’ fertility, 474 Swedish Turnip, culture of, 455 Sweet Williams, culture of, 455 Symphytum asperrimum culture, 309 Syzigium Moorei, 190 wees DECORATION PLANTS, 139, 397 Tehidy, 109 ‘Tenant out-going, 269 ‘Texas, seed tor, 173 Thermometer, correcting, 192 Thrips, 415 ; to destroy, 436 Thrush caged, 404 Thuja Lobbi, cutting, 343 Tomato culture, 135, 229, 384, 169, 471 ‘Tomatoes, early, 37 Tonbridge Poultry Show, 78 ‘Top-dressing, 309 Torbay Horticwtural Show, flowers in bloom, 280 5 Touting judges, 384 Tree-felling machine, 52 Tree stuunps, blasting of, 212 Trees, plants under, 343 Trenching, cost of, 95 ; Tropxolum, Ball of Fire, 372; albi- fortum and Moritzianum, 483 Tropical garden, 337 Tuberose culture, 362 Tuberoses, culture, 94; home-grown, 34, 89 Tulip culture 136 Tulip Society’s Show, 837 Tulips, at_Paris Exposition, 222; at Messrs. Carter’s, 324; at Sydenham , 307 Turner, Mr. C,, 280 Turner’s Nurseries, 324 ‘Turnip, culture, 277 ; culture of Swede, 436 Tydxa Madame_Heine, 145 Tydxasy 68 UPPINGHAM FLOWER SHOW, 429 VARIEGATED LEAVES, 53 Varnish, good and cheap, 347 Vegetable culture, 7, 44, 47, 61, 85, 102, 122, 143, 163, 180, 217, 238, 256, 277, 315, 832, 357, 370, 388; seed selection, 132; seed sowing, 152 VUES Marrow 370 Vegetables, early, 442 Veitch & Sons’ prizes, 34 Veitch memorial prizes, 381, 392 Ventilator, electric automatic, 206, 207 Verandah, creeper for, 269 Verbena culture, 186 Victoria Park in May, 378 Villa gardening, 35, 72, 113,151, 190, 229, 267, 3805, 468 Villa gardens, 281, 338, 340,377, 416, 442 Vine—borders, 8, 109, 145, compost for, 25, fermenting dung for, 171, 231, inside, 149, renewing, 17; culture, 187, 251, 306, 417; forcing, 191; white grains on, 3826; importation pro- hibited, 324; insects on, 414; leaves unhealthy, 436; removing shoots, 418 Vinery, constructing, 471; elevation, ; plants for back, 75; insects in, 1; wall, plant for, 251; utilising, ‘4 u Sy 286; culture, 361, Vines—Tokay and others failing, 555 for early and late houses, 55 ; fore- ing, 74, 268, 340, 341, 880; not starting freely, 74; watering inside border, 74; borders,, 87, asphalting, 95; fail- ing, 9. usplanting, 95; steaming and syringing, 142; steaming, 142; high temperature, 170; planting, soil for, 212; air roots, planting, 270; shoots decayed, 343 5 wnfruitiul, 3633 syringing, 3870; cuttings, 381; mildew on, 381; not productive, 381; management of, 453, 488, 490; ven- tilation of house, 455; for Texas, 455, 484; at Chiswick, 478; unhealthy 71 47 Violet, Belle de Chateney, 280 Violets, 269 Viticultural Society, 242 Vitis macropus, 29 Vriesia speciosa, 111 WALLFOWER CULTURE, 225 : Wallflowers, double, 424, and semi- double, 3 Wall protection, 52 Wall tree, training, 190, 193 Watercress, bed mossy, frames, 47 “Watercress Home Culture,” 425 Water, hot for plants, 323 Watsonia culture, 231 Weather, 222 ; results, 338 Weeding, 365 Week, work for, 15, 35, 54, 73, 98, 114 184, 152, 152, 172, 190, 210, 229, 249, 268 286, 305, 324, 340, 361, 379, 397, 417, 483 453, 469, 488 Weevil, 192 Wellingtonia gigantea, 338 Wet place, plant for, 56 Wharfedate Poultry Show, 866 Wheat, American produce, ancient culture of, 41 White flowers for bedding, 231 Wilkinsonia filaminata, 243 Wills’s, Mr., nurseries, 266 Wimbledon House, 243 Winter-flowering, greenhouse plants, 807; plants for cool greenhouse, 363 Winter flowers, 187 Wireworm extirpating, 251 Wireworms, 404 Wistaria sinensis, 114 Witloof, 284 Wolt’s-bane, 93 zt Wolverhampton Poultry Show, 97 Woodlarks, keeping, 274 Woodlice in Peach wall, 17 Wood Pigeons destructive, 235 Worcester orchards, 423, 460 [465 Worms, in lawn 231, 288; to destroy, Wormesley Grange, 358 881; in 109; XIPHION PLANIFOLIUM, 225 YEAR’S EXPECTATIONS AND COUN- SELS, 1; RESOLUTIONS, 3 Yeovil Powltry Show, 97 Yew leaves, herd killed by, 285 Yews, Irish, 168; seedling Irish, 187 from séed, 174 York Floral Péte, 479 ZINC LABELS, 8, 29, 47, 55 vill JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { July 18, 1878. WOODCUTS. —}/ —= PAGE. PAGE Adelaide Botanic Garden..........000-6 dofsoogoasn06 mre staltinlarsieferetate soe 412))| PRUNE US, LOBSIL Sela leie s lcieie vlelelaicie oleialciere slot Watve ae tena e eet BoobonuGd 0000) Lt Adiantum palmatum ... . 82! Glaucium luteum . 168 Aérides Fieldingii....... .« 485 | Grub-picker....... 171 a Thibautianum . . 451 | HolmeLacy........... 12 AEschynanthus splendidus . . 48] Hotbed, miniature ..... 361 Alstromeria chilensis . -» 413 | Hymenanthera crassifolia 13 Alyssum Wierzbickii . 484 | Iberis ciliata . 244 Boilers, Richardson’s ..... 297 » TAWA oeeee 64 Boronia Drummondii alba . 431 | Kew Palm House .., 265 Carrier Pigeon ......+0e-. 22 | Leelia furfuracea ..... 33 Conoclinium ianthinum . 206 | Larking’s Villa Garden Ogade 245 Coop for chickens ..... vee 39 | Nemophila discoidalis . 320 Cordiceps Robertsii ... --» 130 | Paraffin stove........ 261 Cypripedium Dominianum Silalcielale\ 185 | Pelargonium echinatum . 169 Draczena Bausei......... 283 | Pencarrow rockery ...... iis 70 Echeveria retusa ... 188 | Peronosporites antiquarius.. 85 Edinburgh Flower Sho 821 | Pigeon boxes ....... 402 Erica andromedeefiora . 223 | Platycerium Hillii 395 y bruniades....... 150 | Pond making ....... 346 » campanulata ... 227 | Potato, cutting si gle ey 124 y colorans superba 226 | Rhodanthe maculata 320 » Glegams ..... 5000 150 | Rose bed ..... stelelevers 6 » Lrbyana..... 9000 467 | Sewage system 354 » lLambertiana rosea 151 | Sparmannia africana. 91 » McNabiana....... 377 | Spiraea Thunbergii Gasce) JE » Massoni 302 | Tehidy ..........- o Uy 510 » mundula . A625 | UMTS jiefetelajeielsjatelslelatelarsielelodtefelereletele alaletsielelaiere 415 » odorata... 303 | Ventilator, Symonds’ electric automatic ...........cccccccceecceccee 207 » princeps ... 376 | Villa-garden plan.. 282, 339, 443 »» propendens . 374° | (Vriesialspeciosayets.cteccsesenesases ae cceicecencne ce cee ee Ee ee EEeEEe i speciosa .. 466 | Wall protection 52, 58, 204 Ergot.. Popeyes »+. 308} Watercress pan ....... Shlesie [427 Fig flowers penne e cence eee receeretees cohaudvesuonpoenKcd sesesecees 90 Wormesley Grange nieieeleleleioisioe sen ceccesececrsererererssmenee seceee 359 July 4, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 1 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Average , y E ae ae JULY 4—10, 1878, Temperature near | ;SU2 Sun | Moon | Moon | Moon's etsrenl lia Month Week ‘London. Rises. Sets. Rises. ets Age. Sant ear ‘ Day. |Night.)Mean.| h. m.| h. m.| bh. m.| he. m.! Days. | m. s. 4 | TH | Oxford and Ludlow Rose Shows. 75.8 | 50.6 | 63.2 | 3 51 | 8 17) 8 43} 10 19 4 4 6 | 185 5 | Tunbridge Wells Horticultural Society. | 77.4 | 50.1 | 642 | 3 52] 8 16)10 8) 10 33 5 4 17 | 186 6 Ss Southgate Show. 76.2 | 51.3 |.636 | 3 53] 8 16/11 3 10 47 6 4 27 | 187 7 | SUN |} 3SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. | 73.7 | 51.4 | 62.6 | 3 4 8 15 0a58]11 3 » 4 37 | 188 1 8] M 74,1 | 50.0 621 | 3 55 | 8 14 2 24 |: 17, 22 8 4 46 | 189 9 | Tu | Diss Horticultural Society. | 74.0 | 49.6 | 618 | 3 56) 8 13] 3 50/11 48 9 4 55 | 190 10 WwW Royal Horticultural Society’s Great Show at Preston. | 74.7 | 50.5 | 62.6 | 3 57 8 13 5 12) morn 10 5 4] 191 [ Royal Botanic Society’s Show. | t | From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 75.1°; and its night temperature 50.5°. VINE INSECTS. OME kinds of insects attack the Vine at all times of the year, but there are others which only prey on it during the season it is in leaf. It is the latter class, which includes thrips and red spider, that are generally most injurious; but unless where there are some deficiencies in the requirements of the Vine or its management the workings of these and other insects may be confined to a very "| short season, if they cannot be prevented from appear- ing altogether. It is generally about the end of June when the weather begins to get excessively hot and during the three following months that insects increase and do the most damage to the Vine. It is a matter next to impossible to keep Vines entirely free from some insect or other throughout the whole season, and it is but just to say that it is by no means always an indication of bad manage- ment when one sees a few insects on Vines; yet what every Vine-grower tries to do is first to keep his Vines entirely free from insects, and next to prevent them from spreading and increasing to any serious extent when they do appear. ; i To give alittle assistance on the last-named undertaking these notes are written. No person need feel alarmed at seeing one or two leaves in their vinery assuming a slightly fiery colour through red spider, or one here and_ there becoming grey with thrips, as this occurs in nine vineries out of every ten; but this is the point—do not let them spread further, or much further, because when they get on to every leaf there is no chance of preventing them from doing serious injury. Where there are only two or three of the leaves affected now, more will be every day attacked in the hot summer weather, so no one can fail to see the necessity of beginning to check the pests at once if they haye not done so already. Red spider is the first to which attention should be paid. To amateurs who do not know much about what this insect is I may say it is very small, so small indeed that a dozen or two of them on the back of a Vine leaf can hardly be seen with the eye, but when there is a crowd of them they are observable running about; but as good a way as any of detecting their presence is by the colour of the leaf. When fresh green leaves become rusty in colour red spider is almost sure to be the cause of it, unless in exceptional instances, and one of the best things to do as soon as these red leaves are observed is to sponge them all over with water mixed with a quantity of Gishurst compound. I do not think it is necessary to say what quantity of this valuable compound should be mixed to the gallon of water. We never weigh or measure it, but always apply it in larger or smaller quantities according to the number of insects to be killed. When the insects are numerous it should be made very strong. This sponging may be repeated either on the same leaves or others if they are attacked. In bad eases the Vines may be syringed with the mixture alto- gether, but this must not be done after the fruit has com- No. 1 —VOL. XXXV., NEW SERIES. menced cclouring, or the berries will become discoloured, and perhaps tainted in flavour. After colouring has begun, and when it is not safe to syringe, if the spider is still spreading, a quantity of sulphur should be mixed up in water and then put on the hot-water pipes like paint. The fumes emitted from this when the pipes are hot will greatly check the spider and not injure the Vines. This treatment applies to moderate cases. When the leaves are much devoured by spider all the ventilators of the house must be shut close the first evening after the sulphur has been put on the pipes, the fire set agoing until the tempera- ture of the house is up to 85°, when it may be allowed to decline to the usual heat. When the heat is raised so high the fumes are very strong, and if it does not kill all the insects in one night none of them will survive a second dose. Thrips may be checked by sponging at the same time as that is done for spider; but while the latter generally appears on the old leaves first, the former always select the young leaves and tender points of the shoots, conse- quently they are not so easily sponged off. Fumigating with tobacco paper, however, is certain death to them, and this is much the surest way of dealing with them. When the thrips are plentiful the fumigating should be done two or three nights in succession ; this, however, while it will kill the insects, will not destroy eggs, consequently the fumigation must be: repeated in about ten days: if this plan is persistently followed the pest may be abolished. The smoke should be so thick in the house that objects cannot be distinguished 3 yards off. When thrips are young they are quite white, when old black in colour, and at all times they are long aud sharp. They eat holes in the leaves and the points out of the young shoots, which is a hindrance to the progress of the Vine. Green fly sometimes appears on the points of young Vine shoots, but I never saw them do much harm to them. However, I have no doubt they would do harm if very numerous, but they are easily disposed of in the same way as the thrips. Mealy bug is the most filthy Vine pest, and although it seldom checks the growth of the Vine it spreads over the fruit and amongst the berries, which makes them unsightly and often unuseable. Little can be done to remedy this in summer when the Vines are in leaf further than brushing off any which may be seen about the leaves or rods; but in winter the loose bark cannot be too carefully cleaned from the rods and about the spurs, and afterwards scour the Vines thoroughly with water heated to 105°; but as we may probably have something to say on this matter when the time comes to see to it, it may be left for the present, and as something of more importance just now I may say that keeping the Vines in a free-growing healthy state will do more towards keeping them clear of insects than all other remedies put together, and above everything let them have liberal supplies of water at the root in the hot weather which appears now to be setting in. Never mind although the fruit is black, water the same as if it were green, and give plenty of air on fine days, which will both prevent the flayour from declining or the NO, 1653.—VOL. LX. OLD SERIES, eee) ane ae aA eee oe Onna seme D nett eS ho JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { July 4, 1878. berries from splitting, which I understand are the two supposed dangers that are said to occur when the Vines are watered with the fruit hanging ripe—A KITCHEN GARDENER. WINDOW GARDENING AND WINDOW PLANTS. Ty writing for window gardeners it is meet to commence with Winpbows.—They must either open outward, inward—be fixed on pulleys to move upward—or constantly closed. As to the last—flowers or no flowers, it is to be hoped that a window incapable of admitting pure air may soon be as diffi- cult to find as the Dodo. If it is convenient to have your flowers always inside, as where there is no suitable window sill outside, then let your sashes be hinged on the outside and move outwards only, as it will save you all the trouble of moving your flower baskets, vases, or pots when you wish to admit fresh air. Such windows are sometimes made with a second hinge and turn in on the side walls, as in Spanish bow windows: but when this is objectionable for appearance or otherwise the sashes turn inwards, and you have not to disturb your hardy plants and boxes outside. For your own conve- nience and the health of your plants the most desirable sashes are those that move perpendicularly on pulleys up or down. With such you can regulate the amount of air you think desir- able, if any, and if you are of opinion top air is alone desirable Jower the top sash. AIR-GIVING.—With sash windows, which are never so close that some air cannot have access, especially in summer when the timber contracts and when air is most desirable, there is not the same risk your plants will become drawn or shanky, as one sees in the windows of the poor cottiers whose sashes enjoy a perpetual repose. You see a few leaves and a consumptive-looking flower at the top of a long stalk, perhaps standing in a saucer of water that some female member of the family ever and anon keeps strictly replenished. The soil is sodden, as it should not, and the plant is sickly. No bright colour glows from either flower or leaf, no more than from the cheeks of the pale girl inmates; and the atmosphere, which should constantly change, never does except when a fire is lighted and a current produced up the chimney, which is often insufficient to move the carbonated, carbureted, or miasma- laden atmosphere, these gases being heavier than common air. Such a plant has been mismanaged in the potting, as shall be shown, but the absence of pure air shortly terminates its untoward existence. In one word, if your plants cannot have pure air, especially during the late spring, summer, and autumn months, you will never have clean, healthy, bushy plants to reward your efforts or encourage your attention, and you will find yourself engaged in a labour of love vainly. When a cold wind blows, from October, say, to March, and of late years much later, your sashes must be thrown open with care, and then only a few inches on the top; and not at all if the wind happens to be a dry nor’-easter, which dries and crisps most injuriously any soft herbaceous plant exposed to its withering influence. WINDOW STRUCTURES.—Plain Red Pots.—These placed on a balcony or a window sill, and intended to successfully grow flowers or plants in, would require an immense amount of time and trouble—as much experience in watering, planting, and protecting as would suffice similarly to manage a greenhouse, if not more; and I hardly remember a single instance under such circumstances where complete success was achieved. In winter nothing grows in pots outside, on window sills, &c., except bulbs and yery hardy plants; and in summer and vutumn the young rootlets at the side of the pot are roasted and the plant irretrievably ruined. Plain red earthenware pots, even though they are scrubbed and kept clean (if covered with ereen slime or moss they are odious), are most undesirable plant receptacles alone, and are liable to the following and many other objections :— : ! a They require constant watering, especially in summer ; if not, the plant dies—except, perhaps, Sedums. } If placed in saucers of water, as one frequently observes, the soil, especially in the absence of sufficient drainage, becomes sodden, and the plant shortly terminates an unpleasant lingering existence. e In plant structures appearances are much consulted, and the appearance of scrubby red pots on a window ledge with roasted or sickly plants is not prepossessing or enticing. 2. Windon Boaes— -The dimensions of the box must be made to suit the window ; and its depth to what you propose to grow and how. Many things, as showy scarlet Geraniums, dwarf Nasturtiums, hardy Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, and almost all hardy annuals, including Mignonette, &c., cam be grown outside in a plain deal box, lined with zinc or not, and per- forated for drainage purposes ; the soil suitable and the plants dwarf. But the perfection of such an arrangement would be an ornamental or plain box painted and stencilled in front, protected by a sheet of glass, hermetically sealed with putty, &c., to protect the stencil and the colouring, and for effect. Instead of having the box full of soil I should use damp moss, and only put flowers coming into bloom into it. Such a box would be always gay; and with a proper shade, which is almost indispensable to exclude heavy cold rains, hot sun, and hoar frost or hail, while it could be removed to admit genial showers and the warm night dews, one can have a perpetual summer or spring, especially in large towns, where, if they do not choose to go to the trouble of growing their own succession plants, they can have what they desire at almost every street corner, or Covent Garden Market, &c. Instead of the moss with which I propose to retain moisture around the pots and save the trouble or danger of watering, perhaps with hard water too, one can use good loam or leaf mould ; and between your pots you can grow creepers, as Clematis, Canary Creepers, Ipomceas, Convyolvulus, &c. Ineed not point out the advantage of taking up a flower pot and plant when its beauty has gone and putting another exactly in its place, without having to wait a day for succession blooming, without any inconvenience from change of soil or manure, or having to tax your patience in watching the future companion of your hours of ease and enjoyment. To do this with real satisfaction we should grow our own plants, and for this purpose a backyard, a frame, and a knowledge of culture and propagation, to which we shall immediately come, would be necessary. No lady or gentleman will feel their honour or prestige in the least diminished by tucking up their sleeves, and perhaps donning an apron or blouse specially made for the purpose, to set seeds, plant cuttings brought home from visiting, transplanting, watering, repotting, syringing, and plucking off dead flowers, with the hundred and one little attentions always to be noticed by a diligent and intelligent eye. This is pleasurable amusement, I do not call it work or labour. 3, Wardian Cases—In connection with window structures these observations would be incomplete without noticing the various designs, en passant, of miniature window greenhouses. They are to be found very common among the wealthy in London squares and in front of Dublin drawing-rooms, but still much more so on the Continent—Paris, Brussels, &c. They are a combination of the greenhouse idea with the box plan already sketched out, and from the following description of M. Victor Pagnet would induce the lover of floriculture to see their use and beauty generally recognised and extended :—‘“ In Brussels the balconies are turned into greenhouses and minia- ture stoves gay with the brightest and greenest foliage, and in Paris there are many contrivances in use by means of which the rarest and most beautiful plants are produced. Passifloras cling to columns in the upper floors, water plants start into blossom in tiny basins curiously contrived in solid brickwork, and limpid water flows down a miniature rockery, from whose crevices start up Ferns and Lycopodiums.”’ Such contrivances are not common in England or Ireland, though they can be had. As these suggestions are mainly intended for those with limited means I shall merely say as the main intention should be to maintain a moist atmosphere, and as glass is compara- tively cheap, and the other requisites for such easily procured, any person with plans, that can be had for nothing, and with a distinct iaea of what is required, can make one to suit his own fancy and to grow Ferns, miniature plants, &c. PROPAGATION.—This I have already referred to, and shall summarise my remarks under two heads—raising plants from seed and from cuttings. Seed may be started in pans made shallow, in boxes, in pots, &c., covered half the diameter of an individual seed as a rule, something more or less as you require rapid or slow growth, but never too deep. The pans or pots should have coarse material underneath, and finer over that, ancl in most cases should be covered or dusted with sifted soil, or better with silver sand. If seeds are started early—speaking generally, if the temperature is under 50°, as in the early spring and winter months—a moist frame with 6 or 12 inches at least of stable manure would be necessary, unless they can be started July 4, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 3 inside by means of hot water heat applied underneath the pan and covered with a bellglass. ‘There are various contrivances for this purpose, but for convenience of starting cuttings, &c., a frame or pit of some sort is much to be preferred. In awarm room in February, March, or April all hardy and half-hardy seeds can be started in a window, over a fireplace, or in a cup- board, provided you place over the seed pan, &c., a closely fitting sheet of glass to retain sufficient moisture for germina- tion. The seedlings when started must be gradually removed to a cooler situation, and the sheet of glass at first tilted up, and then removed finally. he less waterings seedlings receive the better. A deluge of hard water from a large rose water- ing pot will be certain death to most softwooded or tender seedlings. Better a hundred times to wholly plunge your seed pan into a tub of rain water. I advisedly refrain from naming any particular seeds, as all are in some respects different, and wish these remarks to be considered general. Then the sooner the seedlings are transplanted the more robust they become. Cuttings.—As a rule a cutting should be short, not more than 3 or 4 inches. Provided it contains organisable matter enough at the base of a leaf or joint to form spongioles or root- lets, the younger it is, the sooner you will have your young plant to greet you. For them a moist frame or a moist atmo- sphere, however procured, is most necessary. ‘This prevents flagging, and perspiration and absorption go hand in hand. Iixpose the same tender shoot to hot sun or a dry atmosphere, and you have been to the trouble of getting it in vain. had fine examples of Maréchal Niel, Alba Rosea, and Souvenir Elise. Mr. Keynes’, or rather I should say Mr. Wyatt’s stand, as conspicuous for its grand Teas. The Salisbury nursery was always famous for this lovely class of flower, and Jean Ducher, Catherine Mermet, Niphetos, Souvenir d’Elise were certainly the cream of his collection. Mr. Mitchell also staged an even seventy- two with several grand Teas in it. The class for forty-eight trebles was well represented also, and the Roses I think showed to much more advantage than in the preceding class. Messrs. Cranston were again first with splendia trebles of Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier, Marquise de Mortemart, Le Havre, Xavier Olibo, Marie Baumann, Louis Van Houtte, Niphetos, and Castellane. Mr. Wyatt’s (Messrs. Keynes’) trebles, however, ran him very close, and at a cursory glance appeared almost finer. Rey- nolds Hole, Marie Baumann, Marie Cointet, Niphetos, Moiré, Duke of Wellington, Souvenir d’Elise, Triomphe de Rennes, and Catherine Mermet were among his best ; Mr. Cant had also lovely trebles. His La France and La Boule d’Or were exceptionally good, and Souvenir d’Elise, Niphetos, Maréchal Niel also grand; while among the Hybrid Perpetuals he had splendid specimens of Horace Vernet, of which Rose he showed a superb box of twelve. How any judges could refrain from giving an extra first prize to this stand passes my belief, and will ever be a mystery to Mr. Cant. Marie Baumann shown by Mr. Curtis of Torquay was grand beyond expression, but Horace Vernet was equally so. Mr. Paul’s forty-eight trebles contained among others good specimens of Comtesse de Serenye, a somewhat difficult Rose to show clean and well opened ; Mrs. Baker (who was also present in the flesh, greatly rejoicing in her well-won triumph in carrying off the challenge cup) ; Horace Vernet, Duchesse de Morny, Catherine Mermet, Maréchal Niel, Marie Rady, Madame Lacharme, Mons. Noman, Madame Clert, and Sir Garnet Wolseley. Such is the résumé of the chief classes in the great Show by the earnest and accomplished rosarian “ WyLD SAVAGE.” It leaves little to be added beyond detailing the honours won at the long- anticipated contest, and enumerating the varieties which brought additional fame to their owners. Before, however, doing this, and as affording an idea of the magnitude of the Show, it may be stated that, despite all the predictions of failure, there were 457 entries from 132 exhibitors, comprising upwards of 12,000 Roses. A large number indeed fell out in the smaller classes, but there must have been upwards of 10,000 blooms staged at the Hxhi- bition. Worthy of prominent mention, too, is a fact unprecedented in Rose shows, and tending to show how much importance was attached to the Exhibition—viz., that Mr. Jowitt, of The Old Weir, Hereford, and Mr. Cranston of King’s Acre chartered a special train in order that they might cut their Roses fresher, leaving Hereford at eleven o’clock at night! Now to the classes. NURSERYMEN.—In the great class of seventy-two varieties, single blooms, Messrs. Cranston & Co., King’s Acre, Hereford, won the chief prize—a piece of plate and £5—with a collection of great weight, brilliancy, and freshness. The following were the varieties and their arrangement in the boxes, each row being read from left to right :—Back row: Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier, Marie Baumann, Paul Neyron, Madame Lacharme, Duke of Edinburgh, Edouard Morren, Maurice Bernardin, Comtesse de Serenye, Frangois Miche- lon, Le Havre, Madame Charles Wood, Baronne de Rothschild, Comtesse d’Oxford, Madame Nachury, Xavier Olibo, Mdlle. Marie Finger, Madame Victor Verdier, Mons. Woolfield, Reynolds Hole, Annie Laxton, Etienne Leyet, Madame Willermoz, Mdlle. Marie Rady, and Duchesse de Vallombrosa. Middle row : Horace Vernet, Princess Beatrice, Général Jacqueminot, Auguste Rigotard, La France, Louis Van Houtte, Capitaine Christy, Nardy Fréres, Lord Macaulay, Marguerite de St. Amand, Marquise de Castellane, Star of Waltham, Madame de Gibot, Belle Lyonnaise, Baron Hausmann, Clovis, Alice Dureau, Abel Carriere, Souvenir de Arthur Sansal, Duc de Montpensier, Duchess of Edinburgh, Madame Jacqueur, Victor Verdier, and Duke of Wellington. Front row : Marquise de Mortemart, Exposition de Brie, Laelia, Duke of Connaught, Mons, E. Tournier, Mons. Noman, Madame C. Crapelet, Mis. Baker Duc de Morny, Maréchal Niel, Mons. HE. Y. Teas, Niphetos M. Adéle de Murinais, Devienne Lamy, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Antoine Ducher, Sénateur Vaisse, and Madame Vidot. Mr. Cant , Colchester, was an excellent second, the blooms being wonder- fully fresh, but generally smaller than those from King’s Acre. Amongst the high-coloured yarieties Xavier Olibo, Horace Vernet, Star of Waltham, Charles Lefebvre, Madame Marie Rady, Duc de Wellington, Pitard, and Duchesse de Caylus were remarkably rich and fine ; and amongst the lights the following were prominent by their form, freshness, and purity: — Souvenir d’Elise, La France, Mdlle. Marie Cointet, Niphetos, La Boule d’Or, and Devoniensis. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, were a rather close third with blooms somewhat longer but a trifle dull, and some of them injured by either sun or wind. The best were Souvenir d’Elise, a Rose that was in splendid condition throughout the Show, Marie Baumann, Lord Macaulay, Etienne Leyet, Niphetos, Capitaine Christy, Maréchal Niel, and Duchesse de Caylus. Messrs. Keynes & Co., Salisbury, won the fourth prize ; the noteworthy blooms were Souvenir d’Hlise, Horace Vernet, Etienne Levet, Catherine Mermet, Frangois Michelon, Jean Ducher, splendid ; and Fisher Holmes. The others were more or less injured by the weather. Messrs. Mitchell & Sons, Uckfield, were the remaining exhibitors, 4 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUR® AND COTTAGE GARDENER. In the class of forty-eight trebles six very fine collections were staged, and the Judges—Messrs. Hole, Peach, and Baker—were ! long in making their awards. Messrs. Cranston & Co. were again in the premier position with blooms the great majority of which combined great size with good form and high quality, only a very few being faulty. The varieties were Exposition de Brie, Lelia, Alice Durean, Lord Macaulay, Madame C. Wood, Paul Neyron, Madame Hippolyte Jamain, Mrs. Baker, Annie Laxton, Duc de Morny, Horace Vernet, Mons. Noman, Marquise de Castellane, Madame Lacharme, Duchess of Edinburgh, Mdlle. Marie Rady, Niphetos, Victor Verdier, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Beauty of Waltham, Mons. Fillion, Mdlle. Marie Cointet, Capitaine Christy, Mons. E. Y. Teas, Madame Eugénie Verdier, Reynolds Hole, Marie Baumann, Marquise de Mortemart, Edouard Morren, Fisher Holmes, Maréchal Niel, Xavier Olibo, La France, Le Havre, Mau- rice Bernardin, Baronne de Rothschild, Comtesse d’Oxford, Duc de Wellington, Louis Van Houtte, Princess Beatrice, Marguerite de St. Amand, Duke of Edinburgh, Madame C. Crapelet, Nardy Fréres, Souvenir de Arthur de Sansal, Comtesse de Serenye, Géné- ral Jacqueminot, and Mons. Woolfield. The remaining prizes were awarded to Messrs. J. Keynes & Co., G. Paul & Son, and Mr. Cant in the order of their names. The Salisbury collection was extremely fresh and beautiful, and only lost the first prize by.a few points. The Cheshunt and Colchester blooms were also of generally excellent quality, and the competition throughout the class was exceedingly close. Mr. C. Turner, Slough, won the premier prize in the ciass for thirty-six single blooms (in which nine collections were staged) with a remarkably good and very regular collection, consisting of Madame Ferdinand Jamin, Xavier Olibo, Paul Neyron, Madame Josephine Guyet, Capitaine Christy, Horace Vernet, Edouard Morren, Deyoniensis, Louis Van Houtte, Annie Laxton, Souvenir d’Elise, Marie Baumann, Mad. Thérése Levet, Villaret de Joyeuse, La Rosiére, Margaret Brassac, Maréchal Niel, Comtesse d’Oxford, Ville de Lyon, Charles Lefebvre, Madame Jules Margottin, Ferdi- nand de Lesseps, La France, Camille Bernardin, Mons. Noman, Beauty of Waltham, Marquise de Castellane, Frangois Louyat, Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier, Penelope Mayo (fine), Abel Grand, Star of Waltham, Le Havre, Niphetos, Madame George Paul, and Madame G. Huzard. Messrs. Curtis, Sandford & Co., Torquay, were a very close second. Splendid in this collection were Louis Van Houtte, Duc de Wellington, Horace Vernet, Avocat Duvivier, Monsieur E. Y. Teas, Star of Waltham, Madame Vidot, La France, Margaret Brassac, Etienne Levet, and Victor Verdier. Mr. G. Prince, Oxford, was placed third with rather small but charmingly fresh blooms. The following Teas in this collection were extremely fine and very beautiful—namely, Souvenir d’Elise Vardon, Alba Rosea, Marie Guillot, and Catherine Mermet. The fourth prize was awarded to Messrs. Kinmont & Kidd, Exotic Nursery, Can- terbury, with a very good collection, containing the finest ex- ample of Reynolds Hole in the Show—indeed, one of the finest blooms that have ever been seen of this richly coloured bet some- what uncertain Rose. Five collections were exhibited in the class for een tay fen trebles. Mr. Cant won first honours with blooms of very high quality of La France, Charles Lefebvre, Souvenir d’Elise, Horace Vernet, Xavier Olibo (magnificent), Antoine Ducher (very fine), Reynolds Hole, Mons. Noman, Devoniensis, Marie Baumann, Fer- dinand de Lesseps, Mdlle. Marie Cointet, Baronne de Rothschild, Prince Arthur, La Boule d’Or (fine), Senatenr Vaisse, Ville de Lyon, Fisher Holmes, Mdlle. Marie Rady, Elie Morel, Comtesse d’Oxford, Marguerite de St. Amand, and Duchesse de Vallombrosa. Messrs. Keynes & Co. were a very close second. Souvenir d’Elise and Triomphe de Rennes in this collection were marvellously fine, and very good were Niphetos, Catherine Mermet, and Etienne Levet. Messrs. Cranston & Co. were third with an admirable col- lection, and Messrs. G. Paul & Son fourth with blooms consider- ably weatherworn, and not by any means up to the usual high style of Cheshunt. Thirteen collections were exhibited in the class of twenty-four single blooms, some of them being inferior, a few good, but none grand. Mr. C. Turner was clearly first with admirable boxes consisting of Paul Neyron, Horace Vernet, Victor Verdier, Louis Van Honutte, Capitaine Christy, Duke of Edinburgh, Elie Morel, Comtesse d’Oxford, Madame Thérése Levet, Le Havre, Ville de Lyon, Fisher Holmes, Maréchal Niel, Beauty of Waltham, Souve- nir d’Elise Vardon, Charles Lefebyre, Madame Huzard, good; Lord Macaulay, Marquise de Castellane, Francois Louvat, Star of Waltham, Margaret Brassac, very fine; Mons. Noman, and Penelope Mayo, excellent. Messrs. Curtis, Sandford, & Co. were placed second; Louis Van Houtte, Madame C. Wood, Etienne Levet, Madame C. Joigneaux, Le Havre, Hippolyte Jamain, and Général Jacqueminot were the cream of the collection. Third honours were awarded to Mr. H. Frettingham, Beeston Nursery, Nottingham ; and fourth to Mr. George Prince, Oxford. We now arrive at the last of the nurserymen’s classes, and certainly one of the most beautiful—namely, the class for twelve yarieties of Teas or Noisettes, single blooms. Messrs. Mitchell and Sons, Piltdown Nurseries, Uckfield, who usually exhibit Teas so splendidly, won the premier position with superb examples of [ July 4, 1878. Devoniensis, Duc de Magenta, Madame Margottin. Souvenir d’Elise Vardon, grand; Maréchal Niel, Catherine Mermet, Madame Julie Mansais, Madame Céline Narey, Boidron, Souvenir d’un Ami, Louise de Savoie, and Niphetos. Mr. Cant was a good second with an excellent stand containing superior blooms of Caroline Kuster, Devoniensis, Maréchal Niel, Souvenir d’Elise, Catherine | Mermet, Madame Willermoz, Boule d’Or, splendid; Marie Van Houtte, Rubens, and Souvenir de Paul Neyron. Third honours went to Messrs. G. Paul & Son, the gems of the stand being Comtesse de Nadaillac and Alba Rosea. Messrs. Turner, Prince; Piper, and Keynes all exhibited well in this excellent class. AMATEURS.—The competition in many of the classes in this section of the Show was good, and Roses of superior quality were staged. The class in which the greatest interest was manifested was unquestionably the one of forty-eight single blooms wherem the splendid challenge cup, value fifty guineas, offered under such liberal conditions by Messrs. Cranston & Co., was the coveted prize. The cup, it will be remembered, was won last year by T. Jowitt, Esq., The Old Weir, Hereford, and if he had secured the first position in the class this year the trophy would have become his property ; but although Mr. Jowitt staged a collection of re- markable merit and fully equal if not superior to his contribution of last year, yet his great rival, R. N. G. Baker, Esq., of Heavitree, was this year too powerful for his worthy antagonist and won the cup by a few points. So even were the collections that the Judges were a considerable time before they were able to arrive at a decision. Both collections were of superior merit, the blooms being singularly fresh and excellently set up, but Mr. Baker’s were slightly the heavier and hence won the prize. The Heavitree collection consisted of the following varieties—Dr. Andry, Victor Verdier, Jean Liabaud, Edouard Morren, Mdile. Marie Rady, Louis Van Houtte, Centifolia Rosea, Marie Baumann, Devienne Lamy, Madame Charles Wood, Madame Berthe du Mesnil de Montchau- veau, Xavier Olibo, Marquise de Castellane, Comtesse d’Oxford, Baronne de Rothschild, Fisher Holmes, Camille Bernardin, Sir Garnet Wolseley, Abel Carriere, Madame Bravy, Mons. Noman, Charles Lefebvre, Mons. G. Tournier, Comtesse de Serenye, Fer- dinand de Lesseps, Miss Hassard, Madame Caroline Kuster, Alfred Colomb, Marguerite de St. Amand, Mons. E. Y. Teas, Etienne Levet, Auguste Neumann, Sénateur Vaisse, Francois Michelon, Duke of Connaught, Marquise de Mortemart, Madame Prosper Langier, Duc de Wellington, Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier, Madame Victor Verdier, Magna Charta, Auguste Rigotard, Royal Standard, Duchesse de Caylus, and Sultan of Zanzibar. Mr. Thos. Jowitt, who won the second prize of £9, staged Mdlle. Marie Rady, La France, Général Jacqueminot, Mons. Noman, Duke of Edinburgh, Xavier Olibo, Capitaine Christy, Alfred Colomb, Charles Lefebvre, Madame Nachury, Duc de Wellington, Baron de Bonstetten, Madame Furtado, Marie Baumann, Marguerite de St. Amand, Horace Vernet, Francois Michelon, Madame Charles Crapelet, Comtesse de Serenye, Lord Herbert, Madame Marie Finger, Le Havre, Royal Standard, Prince Camille de Rohan, Beauty of Waltham, Alba Rosea, Reynolds Hole, Comtesse d’Oxford, Doc- teur Andry, Deyoniensis, Paul Verdier, Abel Grand, Clotilde Rol- land, Belle Lyonnaise, Mons. E. Y. Teas, Mdlle. Marie Cointet, Olivier Delhomme, Reine Blanche, Hippolyte Jamain, Triomphe de Rennes, Cheshunt Hybrid, Maréchal Niel, Jean Liabaud, and Marie Van Houtte. The Rey. Reynolds Hole, Caunton Manor, Newark, was placed third with large and fine blooms; and Mr. W. Nichol, gardener to H. Powell, Esq., Drinkeston Park, Bury St. Edmunds, fourth. There were seven competitors. According to the conditions the cup must now be won next year, and Mr. Baker and Mr. Jowitt can be the only competitors ; a great Rose duel is therefore in store, and a Keen contest wiil be anticipated. In the class for thirty-six single trusses first honours fell to Mr. J. Brown, gardener to A. J. Waterlow, Esq.. Great Doods, Reigate, who won with excellent examples of Miss Hassard, Souvenir de Paul Neyron, Emilie Hausburg, Jean Ducher, Xavier Olibo, Gloire de Dijon, Henri Ledechaux, Anna Ollivier, Edouard Morren, Reynolds Hole, Souvenir d’un Ami, Alfred Colomb, Capitaine Christy, Lord Macaulay, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Dr. Andry. Marie Van Houtte, Catherine Mermet, Sultan of Zanzibar, Alba Rosea, Francois Premier, Souvenir d’Elise, Beauty of Waltham, Impératrice Eugénie, Duke of Connaught, Frangois Fontaine, Auguste Neumann, Jean Pernet, Star of Waltham, La France. Annie Wood, Madame Willermoz, Duc de Rohan, Louis Van Houtte, Niphetos, and Marie Rady. Mr. Baker was awarded . the second prize, Mr. J. Lewin Curtis, Chatteris, Cambs, the third ; and Mr. John Hollingworth, Turkey Court, Maidstone, the fourth, Twenty-four collections were staged in the class for twenty- four varieties, single blooms, and the first prize—a piece of plate —was awarded to Mr. Henry Atkinson, Warley, Brentwood, who staged Beauty of Waltham, Victor Verdier, Marie Baumann, Marquise de Castellane, Docteur Andry, Mdlle. Marguerite Dom- brain, Duke of Edinburgh, Monsieur Noman, Antoine Ducher, Ville de Lyon, Lord Macaulay, Edouard Morren, Fisher Holmes, Baronne de Rothschild, Maurice Bernardin, Hippolyte Jamain, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Duchesse de Morny, Comtesse d’Oxford, La France, Xavier Olibo, Mdlle. Marie Cointet. Mdlle. Marie Rady, and Henri Ledechaux. Mr. Jowitt was placed second; Mr. J. July 4, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. or Sargant, Reigate, third; Ma. J. H. Pemberton fourth; Mr. T. F. Burnaby Atkins, Halstead Place, Sevenoaks, fifth; and Mr. J. Edwards, Stisted Rectory, Braintree, Essex, sixth. A great class and a good one. In the class for twelve Roses, distinct, three trusses of each, Mr. Baker was placed first with good examples of Marie Baumann, Fisher Holmes, Mdlle. Marie Rady, Xavier Olibo, Marquise de Castellane, Charles Lefebvre, Victor Verdier, Comtesse d’Oxford, Madame Caroline Kuster, Monsieur Noman, Edouard Morren, and Marguerite de St. Amand. Mr. John Hollingworth, Turkey Court, Maidstone, was awarded the second prize; and Mr. J. Ridout, gardener to T. B. Haywood, Esq., Woodhatch Lodge, Reigate, the third. Mr. John Quennell, Brentwood, being placed fourth. There were nine competitors in this class. The class for twelve singles was a very strong one. Some splendid stands were staged, but none of them nearly equal to the box with which Mr. Smallbones won the cup last year. A. G. Soames, Esq., of Imham Park, Bourne, Lincolnshire, was the recognised winner. His grand blooms were of Marie Van Hontte and Mons. Furtado, never before seen in such perfection. This difficult Rose to grow and show was here seen large in size and of Centifolia form, each petal wrapping round his neighbour in the very centre like a fine bloom of Madame Bravy. Captain Christy’s stand was so good that the Judges could not do other- wise than give him an equal first. Mr. John Pearce, gardener to Professor Adams, Cambridge, carried off the second honours, and Mr. Joseph Lakin of Chipping Norton third. Rey. Alan Cheales, Brockham Vicarage, Surrey, was fourth witha very pretty stand ; ee Evans of Marston fifth, and Mr. J. Wakeley of Rainham six The class for six Roses, distinct, was also hotly contested. Capt. Christy, Buckhurst Lodge, Westerham, again won the first prize. Mr. Joseph Lakin tumed the tables on Mr. Soames, who were second and third, and Rey. Alan Cheales whipped in with a lovely lot, which but for one small bloom of Victor Verdier would have taken a much higher place. ‘The class for six suburban-grown Roses—that is, Roses grown within eight miles from Charing Cross—would have been a failure had not Mr. Scott, South Wimbledon, staged such an admirable half-dozen. ‘Mr. Batchelor, sardener to A. Druce, Esq., Dulwich Common, was placed second ; and Mr. John Bateman, 1, Prospect Terrace, Upper Holloway, third. The fourth prize was withheld. _For twelve Teas or Noisettes, distinct, single trusses, there were eighteen competitors. The first prize was awarded to’Mr. J. Brown, gardener to A. J. Waterlow, Esq., Great Doods, Reigate, for an exquisite collection consisting of Catherine Mermet, Jean Ducher, Louise de Savoie, Devoniensis, Madame Berard, fine : Madame Willermoz, Madame Camille, Caroline Kuster. Amazon, Souvenir d’Elise, Jean Pernet, and Alba Rosea. Mr. W. Smith, gardener to Mrs. Round, Birch Hall, Colchester, was placed second ; Mr. W. Nichol third ; and Mr. John Pearce, gardener to Professor Adams, fourth. A charming class, and much admired. In the class for eighteen Teas or Noisettes, six varieties, three trusses of each, Mr. John Hollingworth, won first honours with Souvenir d’Elise Vardon, Maréchal Niel, Madame Willermoz. Cheshunt Hybrid, Madame Margottin, and Souvenir d’un Ami. The Rey. J. B. M. Camm received the second prize, the stand con- taining good examples of Souvenir de Paul Neyron, Madame Mar- gottin, Madame Bravy, and Devoniensis. OPEN CLAssEs.—In the class for twelve new Roses which must not have been in commerce previous to 1875, Messrs. Paul and Son’ were awarded the first prize with a very excellent stand, comprising Mdlle. Marie Pernet, a large and full Rose; Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Sultan of Zanzibar, Rey. J. B. M. Camm, Jean Soupert, a very dark and velvety satin Rose with a cupped centre and the outer petals reflexed ; Emily Laxton, Duke of Connaught, Marchioness of Exeter, Star of Waltham, Madame Pernet, Mrs. m, and Magna Charta. Mr. Charles Turner was placed second, exhibiting Richard Laxton, Oxonian; Margaret Brassac, Royal Standard, Duke of Connaught, Rev. J. B. M. Camm, Henry Bennet, Penelope Mayo, a Rose of first-class merit ; John Stuart Mill, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Madame Deveret, and Prince Arthur. Messrs. Curtis, Sandford, & Co., Devon Rosery, Torquay, were awarded the third prize. For twelve blooms of Etienne Leyet, Messrs. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, won the premier position with remarkably fresh blooms; Messrs. Keynes & Co., Salisbury, being placed second with larger examples but slightly faded. The third prize was withheld, as it was also in the three following classes. For twelve blooms of Frangois Miche- lon Messrs. Keynes & Co.; Salisbury, were placed first with rather small blooms ; and Mr. George Cooling, nurseryman, Bath, second with overblown examples. For twelve blooms of Jean Liabaud the first prize was awarded to Messrs. Cranston & Co. for blooms intensely rich, velvety, and fine ; Messrs. Paul & Sons, Cheshunt, having the second prize. For single blooms of Maréchal Niel, Mr. Charles Turner, The Royal Nurseries, Slough, won the chief Position with splendidly coloured blooms ; Mr. George Cooling, “nurseryman, Bath, having the second prize. For twelve blooms of ” Marguerite de St. Amand Messrs. Pan] & Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, were placed first with remarkably fresh and fine examples; and Messrs. Keynes & Co., Salisbury, second. For twelve blooms of any Hybrid Perpetual not named above, dark, thirteen excellent collections were staged. Messrs. Curtis, Sand- ford, & Co., Devon Rosery, Torquay, won first honours with fault- less blooms of Marie Baumann. Mr. B. R. Cant, Colchester, was placed second with magnificent examples of Horace Vernet ; Messrs. John Laing & Co., Stanstead Park, Forest Hill, having the third prize with Marie Baumann. For twelve single trusses of any Hybrid Perpetual not named above, light, the first prize was awarded to Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, for large and remarkably fine examples of Capitaine Christy. Mr. J. Ridout, gardener to J. B. Haywood, Esq., Wood Hatch Lodge, Reigate, was placed second with Baronne de Rothschild, splendid; and Messrs. Cranston & Co., third with Madame Lacharme, very fine. For twelve single trusses of any Tea or Noisette not named above Mr. B. R. Cant won first honours with magnificent examples of La Boule d’Or; Messrs. Keynes & Co. were second with Souvenir d’Elise, fine ; and Mr. George Prince, 14, Market Street, Oxford, third with Jean Ducher. For three trusses of any new seedling Rose the first prize was awarded to Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Nurseries, Waltham Cross, N., for Duchess of Bedford, a fine Rose of the Beauty of Waltham type but richer in colour: Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, having the second place with a fine variety raised by Capt. Christy and named Earl of Beaconsfield. It has the form of Marie Baumann with the colour of Comtesse d’Oxford. For the best collection of “Old Roses” (any Roses in commerce prior to 1840), Mr. Julius Sladden, Chipping Norton, was the only exhibitor,and won the prize with a very interesting collection consisting of about fifty varieties. ‘They were exhibited in large bunches and were rather too crowded to display them to the greatest advantage. ‘They were much admired. A prize was offered for the best exhibition stand other than those in ordinary use, and covered with material other than moss, which was won by Mz. E. R. Whitwell, Barton Hall, near Darlington. The box was similar to an ordinary Rose box, but had a neat beading round its inner edge, half an inch below which was a black velvet- covered lid or platform, in which the tubes were inserted. An extra prize was awarded to the Rey. Alan Cheales for a box very similar, but the velvet-covered top was an inch or more lower than the edges of the box. MISCELLANEOUS.—Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son were awarded an extra prize for an extensive, varied, and excellent collection of twenty boxes of cut Roses. Mr. W. Rumsey, Joyning’s Nursery, Waltham Cross; Mr. Mayo, Oxford; and Messrs. Cutbush and Sons, Highgate, exhibited admirable stands of Hybrid Perpetuals, and Mr. Corp, Oxford, an extensive and charming collection of Tea Roses shown in bunches in the bud state. The Show was a great Show undoubtedly, and as good as it was great, but it was not arranged to the best advantage. Some portions of the tables were much overcrowded, there being no division whatever between many of the competing collections, while in other parts of the tables were large blanks which marred considerably the effect of the Exhibition. The arrangements; too, for the admission of the representatives of the press were the most faulty the reporters ever experienced, and their difficulty in obtaining access to the Palace was such as they never met with before at any horticultural exhibition. STRAWBERRY GROWING. HereEwrtH I forward samples of Strawberry plants grown at Weaverthorpe on light gravelly soil with chalk rock for a subsoil. I wish to call special attention to the plant marked No. 1 (Preston Seedling) as illustrating what a grand crop of fruit it is possible to grow on one-year-old plants. Last year at this time the land was growing a crop of Potatoes; during July the Potatoes were taken up and the ground dug over, manured, and planted with Strawberry runners. Some little while since when I stated I had produced 1 fb. of fruit per plant on one-year-old plants the statement seemed to take some by surprise. The others are two-year-old plants of well- known varieties full of leaf and full of fruit—how much I will not dare say. With an unlimited demand for ripe fruit there need be little doubt as to the profitableness of Strawberry growing. Planted in August after a fallow crop such as Potatoes, in rows 36 by 18 inches apart, and estimating each plant to produce 8 ozs. of fruit each season, we may realise a gross money value equal to £100 per acre, a sum amply sufficient to cover all expenses of cultivation and still leave a handsome profit for the culti- vator. Plums and Apples have to be planted years before they will yield a crop. Not so with the Strawberry. If good varie- ties be selected and planted early in August, followed up with liberal cultivation, a crop of fruit will reward the cultivator though all other fruit crops fail. To tend the plants with “loving care,” not leaying all to the “hired man,” to keep the hoe constantly at work so that the soil never has a chance 6 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 4, 1878. to become crusted over or a weed to get beyond its seed leaf, are golden rules for the amateur to follow.—W. LOVEL. [The plants sent us by Mr. Lovel are marvellously well grown, and heavily laden with masses of fruit. As regards productiveness Preston Seedling, to which Mr. Lovel alludes, Eclipse, and Vicomtesse Héricart de Thury, or, as it is sometimes called, Garibaldi, are especially noteworthy.—EDs. J. oF H.] LEEDS HORTICULTURAL SHOW. JUNE 26TH, 27TH, AND 28TH. SIMILARLY to the great Yorkshire gala referred to last week, and at which horticulture is the primary feature, the annual flower Show held in the large, wealthy, and important town of Leeds is made the leading feature of a great féte comprising other attractions not incompatible with the central object of the pro- moters of the Show. The display was held as usual in the Horticultural Gardens, which are situated in the suburbs of the town and at an altitude considerably above its level, on which account a fresh breeze usually counteracts the depressing influences of a sultry day. The opening day of the Exhibition under notice was one of the most brilliant days of summer, and the company was correspond- ingly brilliant, comprising as it did the élite of the town and neigh- bourhood. In the absence of the Mayor his deputy, Alderman Gallsworthy, accompanied by the municipal authorities of the town and representatives of the civic dignitaries of Leeds, formally opened the Show in the presence of a large assemblage of visitors. The Show was both extensive and of general high quality ; in- deed many of the plants exhibited and much of the fruit were very superior, and we never observed at any show a less number of inferior exhibits. That was really the distinctive character of the display, and a most creditable one it is both to the several exhibitors and to the Society. The collections were arranged in three large tents, and were protected, as at York, by substantial barriers, while ample room was allowed for promenading, which is of the greatest importance in rendering a show enjoyable. The larger of the marquees presented an imposing appearance. It was not less than 300 feet long by 50 feet wide, and was well filled throughout. In the centre an elevated octagonal stage afforded accommodation for the specimen stove and greenhouse plants, and when it is stated that among the exhibitors were Mrs. Cole of Withington and Mr. Tudgey it will be admitted that the post of honour was well occupied. From the centre to one end of the marquee were arranged the ornamental-foliaged plants and Ferns, which were excellent. No staging was employed for them, and none was required, for the plants were sufficiently large when placed on the ground to fill the centre of the tent, and they always look much better when displayed on grass than on boards, particularly when the boards are not covered with calico or paper. The corresponding end of the tent contained what was a very strong point of the Show—namely, the collections of plants arranged for effect. Liberal prizes were offered in this class, and most gratifying was it to observe how admirably they were com- peted for. The unbroken masses were arranged down both sides of the marquee, the promenade beinginthecentre. It is doubtful if that is the best mode of arrangement. At Richmond (Surrey) the collections are grouped along the sides of the tent somewhat in the form. of half circles, and from group to group narrow tables are placed close to the tent’s sides, which accommodate some of the plants in the smaller classes, such as Achimenes, Gloxinias, table plants, &c., which do not require a great extent of space. Some form of arrangement showing the several collec- tions more distinctly is desirable at Leeds; it is also very desir- able that in addition to the liberal prizes offered in the “open” classes that a separate class be provided for amateurs and gentle- men’s gardeners only. It is quite clear that there are those who ean exhibit excellent examples of conservatory decoration at Leeds, and such as to merit some recognition which they cannot secure in competition with professional firms. Mixed groups arranged for effect are eminently suitable for local exhibitions, because they afford an opportunity for the exhibition of small as well as large plants, and thus the numter of exhibitors is increased and taste in the arrangement of plants is stimulated. A large side tent contained the fruit, Orchids, table plants, and an excellent display of cut Roses; and a corresponding marquee was admirably filled with Pelargoniums. SPECIMEN PLanTs.—In the open class of twelve plants in flower the first prize of £12 was given by the Mayor of Leeds— Mr. Alderman Carbutt—and was won by Mrs. Cole & Sons, Withington, Manchester, with two large Azaleas, three fine Txoras—Colei, Prince of Orange, and Williamsii—three good Ericas, Statice profusa, and a Franciscea, Hedaroma, and Draco- phyllum—an excellent collection. Mr. Tudgey, gardener to J. Greswold Williams, Esq., Henwick Grange, Worcester, was a close second with plants not quite so large, but very fresh, well trained, and floriferous. Mr. Cottam, gardener to Mrs. Ringrose, Cottingham Grange, Hull, had the third prize with smaller plants, In the amateurs’ class for six plants three capital collections were staged, the honours going in the following order—first to Mr. Frankland, gardener to John Barran, Esq., M.P., Chapel Allerton Hall, Leeds ; the second and third prizes being equally divided between Mr. Tudgey and 8. Hanson, Esq., Green Mount House, Halifax. Mr. Tudgey staged Allamanda grandiflora in superior condition; Ixora Williamsii was also remarkably fine. The premier collection was composed of a splendid example of Alla- manda nobilis—an oval 5 feet high, a Bougainvillea glabra of the same size, and somewhat smaller but good specimens of Dipladenia amabilis, Clerodendron Balfourianum, Anthurium Scherzerianum. and Erica tricolor rubra. In the class for three plants Mr. Wright, gardener to G. Talbot, Esq., Burley, Leeds, won chief honours with grandly-grown and well-furnished specimens of Clerodendron Balfourianum, Stephanotis floribunda 4$ by 3 feet and nearly faultless, and a very good example of Gloriosa superba. Mr. Hemming, gardener to H. Oxley, Esq., Weetwood, had the second prize, his noteworthy plant being the good old Kalosanthes coc- cinea 33 feet in diameter and densely covered with flowers of unusual richness. Third honours went to Mr. Raper, gardener to J. Rhodes, Esq., Potternewton House, Leeds, who staged amongst other plants some very good Orchids. ORNAMENTAL-FOLIAGED PLANTS AND FERNS.—These were re- markably well exhibited, and so close were several of the col- lections in point of merit that the Judges, Messrs. Baines and Penny, had considerable difficulty in making the awards. For six fine-foliaged plants Mr. Winterbourne, gardener to Thomas Simpson, Esq., Weetwood, Leeds, won the foremost position with two fine Palms, two Cycads, a Dasylirion, and Pandanus Veitchii, all admirably cultivated. Mr. Cottam was second with excellent Palms, Cycas revoluta, Phormium tenax variegatum, and a re- markably fresh and well-coloured example of Anthurium cris- tallmum. lL. Hanson, Esq., had the third prize with smaller plants, but for excellency of culture they were not surpassed in the Exhibition. They comprised Latania borbonica, Cycas revoluta, Dracena draco, Yucca filamentosa variegata, and Crotons ma- jesticum and Johannis. Mr. Raper exhibited remarkably well in this class, which was an excellent one. Mrs. Cole & Son won the chief position in the class for six stove or greenhouse Ferns with a beautiful collection, consisting of a grand Dicksonia antarctica, Thamnopteris australasicus, Cibotium Schiedei, fine; and three Gleichenias—spelunce, rupestris, and Mendelii in superb condition. Besides the first prize a bronze medal was awarded to this collection for excellency of culture. Mr. Eastwood, gardener to F. W. Tetley, Esq., Fox Hill, Leeds, was placed second with a grand Cibotium Schiedei, Alsophila austral- asica, Goniophlebium subauriculatum, very good ; Lomaria gibba, Cibotium princeps, Dicksonia squarrosa. Mr. West, gardener to T. Smith, Esq., Headingly, Leeds, won third honours, extra prizes being awarded to Mr. Hanson and Mr. J. Rhodes.. Mr. Wright was first in the class for three fives with luxuriantly grown plants ; Messrs. Tetley and Rhodes having the remaining prizes. All the competitors in the above classes exhibited highly meri- torious collections. In the open class for twelve hardy Ferns Mr. C. Rylance and Mr. Goodchild, gardener to Mr. C. Naylor, Potternewton, Leeds, secured the prizes with very good collections. OrcHiIDs.—These were not numerous, but some superior ex- amples were staged, especially by Dr. Ainsworth, Broughton, Manchester (Mr. Mitchell, gardener), who won the chief prizes in the classes for six and four plants. In the former class the notable plant was the magnificent specimen of Vanda suavis re- ferred to in our report of the Manchester Show, and in the smaller class the plants were Aérides Larpente, A. Schroederii, Cypripe- dium barbatum nigrum, and Thunia Bensoniz. The second and third prizes in the class for six plants were awarded respectively to John Barran, Esq., M.P., and J. Kitson, Esq. Bateman, Esq., had the second prize in the smaller class. Dr. Ainsworth also secured the chief prize in the single specimen class, followed by Mrs. Halliday, Armley Lodge, Leeds, and G. Talbot, Esq. PELARGONIUMS.—These, though somewhat affected by the ex- treme heat of the weather, were extremely well represented. In the open class for twelve show varieties the prizes were awarded to Mr. May, Hope Nurseries, Bedale; Messrs. T. Lazenby & Son, Clarence Nurseries, York; and Mr. C. Rylance, Aughton Nur- series, Ormskirk, in the order named, who all staged admirable specimens. In the amateurs’ class for six plants Mr. Winter- bourne, gardener to W. L. Joy, Esq., Weetwood Mount, Leeds, won chief honours with luxuriantly-grown and very fine examples, F. W. Tetley, Esq., being second with smaller but well-grown plants. Messrs. Rylance and Lazenby won the prizes for flori- ferous plants of the French decorative varieties. In the open class for Fancies the prizes were equally divided between F. W. Tetley, Esq. and Mr. May for well-grown plants but fading. : Winterbourne, gardener to W. J. Joy, Esq., was awarded first honours in the class for six Zonals or Nosegays for magnificent plants of Lord Derby, Frangois Desbois, Mrs. W. Paul, Lucius, Cherry Cheek, and Pioneer. They exceeded 4 feet in diameter, and were dwarf and extremely fresh and well flowered. T. Simp- son, Esq., and W. Oxley, Esq., had the remaining prizes in this class. R. Simpson, Esq., had the chief prizes for double varieties, July 4, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. bal also for variegated sorts. Fuchsias, Calceolarias, and Azaleas were not noteworthy, but Gloxmias were excellent. For twelve Mr. Sunley, gardener to W. Chambers, Esq., Clough House, Rotherham ; and Mr. Backhouse, gardener to Dr. Gott, Woodslee House, Leeds, all the plants having remarkably fine foliage and mumerous very fine flowers. staged a box of cut blooms of Gloxinias inserted in wet sand representing a superior strain, the colours being extremely good and the flowers well formed. Bedding plants were remarkably well exhibited. The twelve varieties with which R. Simpson, Esq., won the first prize were Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum, Alternanthera versi- eolor, Verbena International, Calceolaria Golden Gem, Nierem- bergia gracilis, very fine; Coprosma Baueriana variegata, Pachy- phyton bracteosum, Lobelia Ebor, very rich; Coleus Beauty of Widmore, excellent; and Ophioglossum spicatum aureo-margi- natum, very beantiful. They were grown in pans 2 feet across, and presented quite a gay appearance. Messrs. Lazenby & Sons had the second prize, also with a capital collection. There was good competition in the class for six table plants, Mr. J. House, Eastgate, Peterborough, receiving first honours with Dracena Guilfoylei, Areca Verschaffelti, Croton Disraeli, two plants of Cocos Weddelliana, and Aralia Veitchii. Mrs. Cole & Sons were second, and Mr. Tudgey third. All the plants were good and of a suitable size for the purpose required—2.e., not too large. PuaNTS ARRANGED FOR Errect.—As previously observed these collections formed a prominent feature of the Show. The prizes offered were liberal and all the collections were meritorious, but more so, it must be observed, on account of the good quality of the plants than for their artistic arrangement, the groups being generally rather too crowded and too flat. The stipulated space was not to exceed 300 square feet, and the class was an open one. ‘The first prize of £18 was won by Mr. Tudgey. It was evident that the Judges in awarding the prize considered, and rightly so, the pleasing appearance of the collection rather than the merits, as specimens, of the individual plants composing it. The plants, however, were excellently cultivated and choice, and were ar- ranged in a free, light, and attractive manner. The second-prize collection of Mr. House was composed chiefly of remarkably well- grown, large, and formally trained specimens, which are most difficult to arrange picturesquely, hence they lost the premier position, but were awarded in addition to the prize a bronze medal for superior cultivation. Mrs. Cole & Son had the third position, and an extra prize was awarded to Mrs. Ringrose. Some other groups, notably those of John Barran, Esq., M.P., and T. Simpson, Esq., were highly meritorious in this excellent class. Roses.—Several plants were exhibited in pots, those from Mr. Pybus, Monckton Moor, Ripon, and Mr. May, who won the chief prizes, being very good indeed. Some excellent stands of cut ‘blooms were also exhibited. Messrs. Cranston & Co., Hereford, won the chief prizes in the nurserymen’s classes of forty-eight and thirty-six single blooms and twelve triplets with splendid collections, Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, being second in each class with admirable stands. Mr. May had the third prizes in the two first-named classes, and Mr. House in the twelve triplets. In the amateurs’ classes A. G. Soames, Esq., Irmham Park, Bourne, won the first prize for eighteen blooms with a very good collection indeed. The prize was given by Mr. May. Mr. Soames was also considerably in advance of other competitors in the class for twelve blooms. The same exhibitor also won Messrs. Cranston and Co.’s for twelve blooms of Hybrid Perpetuals with a remark- ably good collection, containing, however, a yellow Rose—a colour which has not yet been achieved in this section. Prizes were also offered by Messrs. Paul & Son, but we did not obtain the names of the winners of them. In the openclass for twelve Tea-scented Roses three very fine collections were staged, and the prizes were awarded to Messrs. G. Paul & Son, A. G. Soames, Esq., and Messrs. Cranston & Co.inthe order named. The two professionals always exhibit well, and we must congratulate Mr. Soames for the ex- cellent position he obtained in such good competition. The blooms staged by this gentleman were very far in advance of those of the Yorkshire amateurs, who have evidently something to learn both in growing Roses and setting them up. Splendid collections of stove and greenhouse cut flowers were exhibited by Mrs. Cole & Son and Mr. Letts, gardener to the Earl of Zetland, Upleatham, who won the chief prizes in the classes for them. The bouquets and stands of flowers were not remark- able for superiority of arrangement, and do not call for particular notice. FRuIT.—The display was not extensive, but the produce gene- rally was of superior quality. In the collections of six varieties Mr. Bannerman, gardener to Lord Bagot, Rugeley, won first honours with remarkably good dishes, consisting of a fine Pine ; good Black Hamburgh and very superior Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, ‘punches full, berries fine and admirably finished ; excellent Royal George Peaches, well-coloured Elruge Nectarines, and a Trentham Hybrid Melon. Besides the first prize of £5 a silver Knightian medal was granted for the collection, the Judges considering that the Muscat Grapes alone well merited the special honour, Mr. Mr. Samuel May, Seedsman, Leeds, | Wallis, gardener to Sir H. S. Thompson, Bart., Kirby Hall, York, , | was awarded the second prize for splendid and well-finished Black plants the prizes went to Mr. Sunley, gardener to J. Kitson, Esq.; | Hamburgh Grapes and good examples of Chasselas Musqué, remarkably fine Strawberries, and good Peaches, Nectarines, and a capital Melon—a most creditable collection, and nearly equal to Mr. Bannerman’s. Third honours went to Mr. Clark, gardener to the Marquis of Ripon, Studeley Royal, Golden Champion Grapes being very well exhibited in this collection. Grapes were generally excellent, some superior, especially the Black Hamburghs exhibited by Mr. Ferguson, gardener to B. Shaw, Esq., Selby, which not only secured the first prize in their class, but were also awarded a special silver medal, which they justly merited. The bunches were handsomely shapeG and berries fine, regular, black, and well finished ; they were indeed model bunches for dessert purposes. Mr. Sutton, gardener to H. Bentley, Esq., Woodlesford, had the second prize for excellent produce, and Mr. Johnson, gar- dener to Mrs. Noble, Boston Spa, was placed third for larger and capital examples, but not perfectly ripe, or they would have had a higher position in the prize list. In the class for the heaviest bunches Mr. Ferguson won chief honours with a remarkably good bunch of Black Hamburgh weighing 38 Ibs. 14 ozs., the berries being large, black, and well finished. Mr. North was placed second with the same variety, weighing 2 Ibs. 7 ozs., and Mr. Clarke third, weight 2lbs. 3o0zs., both bunches having good and well-finished berries. White Grapes were not noteworthy. Mr. Letts won the first position in the class for Melons with a fine fruit of Colston Bassett ; Mr. Hinds, Otterspool, being second with Malvern Hall, large; and Mr. Wallis, Kirby Hall, third with Queen Emma. Peaches were good, the prizes going to Messrs. Clark, Sutton, and Purdy in the order named; and the prizes for Nectarines were won by Messrs. Wallis, Bannerman, and Clarke, the same exhi- bitors securing the prizes for Figs. A few very good Pines were staged, Mr. Letts securing the chief prize; and Mr. Hinds won first honours in the class for Strawberries with Sir C. Napier, Mr. Wallis being second with British Queen, and Mr. Clark third—alJ staging excellent dishes. A new, large, highly coloured, and good-flavoured Strawberry exhibited by Mr. Hinds was highly commended by the Judges. The Exhibition was admirably managed by Mr. Clark, the Secretary, and an active Committee, whose yreat courtesy we desire to acknowledge. The elegant luncheon under the able presidency of Mr. Alderman Addyman was a pleasing adjunct to a successful Show. BROCKHAM ROSE SHOW. Ir falls to my lot as Judge to be present at many Rose shows, from the grand metropolitan féte in the Crystal Palace and Alexandra Park to the small country town in Scotland whither I hope to wend my way next month ; but my experience of to-day is some- thing quite novel—in a most charming place situated in the midst of the verdant Surrey hills. The grounds of Holmwood Park are opened by the kindness of Mr. Gough Nicholls to the members of the Brockham Rose Club. In a tent pitched under the wide- spreading Beeches are arranged the boxes which its members have entered for competition, and in an inner tent the various objects from which they are entitled to select their prizes, for no money is given at this Show ; and altogether a more delightful reception of the queen of flowers cannot be imagined. As might be ex- pected, as it is confined to amateurs living in the immediate neigh- bourhood, the Exhibition is not extensive, but evidently great care is taken by the exhibitors that the exhibits should be worthy of the occasion. Our friend the Rey. Alan Cheales, whom the readers of the Journal know so well as “A. C.,” and to whom so many feel indebted for the admirable rules for judging which mainly owe their existence to him, was facile princeps, his box of twenty-four containing some splendid blooms, and in his Teas and Noisettes some lovely examples of a very lovely class. The stands of twelve Madame Lacharme exhibited by Mr. Stone and of twelve Souvenir de la Malmaison shown by Mr. Mortimer were both so good that they received equal firsts. The blooms of Comtesse de Nadaillac, Climbing Deyoniensis, and Madame Margottin in the winning stands were very good. The prizes were allotted thus :—Twenty-four single trusses—first, Rev. A. Cheales, second, Mrs. Mortimer. Twelve ditto—first, E. G. Stone, Esq. ; second, George Drayson, Esq.; third, E. Horne, Esq.; fourth, Mrs. Seymour. Six ditto—Lady Mary Legge. Hight varieties, three trusses of each—first, E. Horne, Esq.; second, Rev. A. Cheales ; extra, Mrs. Mortimer. Four varieties, three trusses of each—tirst, Lady Lawrence ; second, Capt. Lang. Twelve trusses of any one kind—equal first, Mrs. Mortimer and E. G. Stone, Esq.; second, Lady Lawrence. Twelve Teas and Noisettes—first, Rey. A. Cheales; second, Mrs. Mortimer. Six Teas or Noisettes—first, E. G. Stone, Esq. ; second, E. Horne, Esq. Best Tea or Noisette— first, E. G. Stone, Esq. ; second, E. Home, Esq. Best any other variety—first, Rev. A. Cheales; second, Mrs. Mortimer. One device of Roses and foliage—first, Mrs. Bruce Nichols. Device of any flower combined with foliage—equal first, Mrs. L. Gordon Clarke and Mrs. Benecke. Hand bouquet of Roses—Miss Cheales. Best buttonhole bouquet—first, Mrs. Bruce Nichols ; second, Miss 2) JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 4, 1878. Edith Cheales. Mr. G. Paul brought a. box of new Roses from the Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, containing some fine blooms of his seedlings Sultan of Zanzibar, John Bright, Duke of Teck, Mrs. Laxton, Duke of Connaught, Marchioness of Exeter, &c.; and Mr. Henry Appleby contributed some cut blooms of Roses and also some plants from his nursery to decorate the tent. I have many reminiscences of Rose shows, but certainly amongst the most pleasant of them will be the delightful day passed at Holmwood Park with all its lovely surroundings. The air of quiet and refinement that pervaded it was so thoroughly characteristic of the best kind of English country life, and the graceful hospitality of the owner added so much of pleasure to it, that I shall ever retain a most lively recollection of the day, and Ican only hope that the Brockham Rose Club may have many years of increasing prosperity.—D., Deal. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. JULY 2ND. A VERY interesting’ meeting was held in the Council-room. It was not a “show,” for there was no attempt at display, and nearly all the exhibits were either new or otherwise noteworthy. Plants, flowers, fruit, and vegetables were represented, and the meeting was of an essentially practical nature. Fruit COMMITTEE—Henry Webb, Hsq., V.P., in the chair. Mr. Wm. Chapman, gardener to the Marquis of Anglesey, West Park, Salisbury, sent a seedling Melon named “ John Chapman,” which was inferior in flavour, Mr. J. Dell, Stoke Rocheford, Grantham, sent a seedling Melon of great excellence. He-stated in his communication that he had grown it for six years, and had found it very hardy and prolific. It has a smooth deep yellow skin, slightly netted, with a very small stalk and pale green flesh. It was awarded a first-class certificate, and the Committee named it Dell’s Hybrid. Mr. H. A. Mann, gardener to Mrs. Hornsby, St. Vincent’s, Grantham, sent a seedling Melon called Mann’s Hybrid, but it was not of sufficient merit. He also sent a dish of Nectarines, to which a letter of thanks was awarded. Mr. R. Gilbert of Burghley Gardens, Stamford, sent a seedling Melon called Netied Victory. It is a fine, round, yellow, very thin- skinned green-fleshed variety, peculiarly and coarsely netted. It was of great excellence in flavour, and a first-class certificate was awarded. Mr. Gilbert also sent a red-fleshed variety called Lord Mayor, but it was not equal to the former. Mr. John Monro of Potter’s Bar sent two seedling Melons; one, a red-fleshed variety called Lord Salisbury, was not of any merit; the other, Prince Bismarck, a white-fleshed variety, was also inferior. Mr. Richard Gilbert sent specimens of Laxton’s seedling Pea, “ The Baron,” one of those large-podded varieties like Superlative. He also sent Marvel, a fine-looking Pea containing as many as ten peas in a pod. It was certificated at Chiswick four years ago. Mr. H. J. Hardy, Stour Valley, Bures, Essex, sent specimens of Sequel Pea. This is said to be a free-bearer, and bears a consider- able resemblance to a pure stock of Dickson’s Favourite. Mr. Cowburn, Sunbury Park Gardens, sent specimens of Paris Green Cos Lettuce under the name of “* Sunbury Park,’ and Mr. Turner sent specimens of a new early Potato called Early Bird. FLORAL COMMITTEE.— Dr. Denny in the chair. Prominent amongst the plants exhibited was a collection of Liliums, Colo- chortuses,and Freesias from the New Plant and Bulb Company, Lion Walk, Colchester. Amongst the Lilies were L. dalmaticum, stately and rich; L. japonicum colchesterii (Van Houtte), rich cream colour ; L. Brownii, L. Harrisonii, L. parvum, L. Thunbergi- anum marmoratum flore-pleno, semi-double ; and its dark variety Horsmanii, and the rich L. philadelphicum. Besides Freesia re- fracta, with its yellow lower segments, its variety F. refracta alba was exhibited and awarded a first-class certificate. Itisa lovely flower for bouquets, a rival almost to the Stephanotis, and has a delicately primrose-like perfume. Calochortus venustus, C. luteus, and C, macrocarpus were very beautiful ; and exceed- ingly rich—intense violet—was Triteleia laxa grandiflora. Mr. J. R. Pearson, The Nurseries, Chilwell, Nottingham, ex- hibited fonr seedlings from Pelargonium echinatum —namely, Pixie, Hybridum, Ariel, and Beauty. The prevailing colour of the flowers is rose, with dark maroon spots on the upper petals, and white centres. The elegance and freedom of flowering of these plants render them yery valuable for summer decoration ; and it is quite refreshing to see such a collection after the plethora of Zonals, which are now almost bewildering by their numbers. Mr. Pearson’s plants were highly commended by the Committee. Some very fine Iyy-leayed Pelargoniums were exhibited by Mons. V. Lemoine, 67, Rue de l’Etang, Nancy, to two of which— Elfrida, deep rosy lilac, and Lucie Lemoine, blush suffused with pink—were awarded first-class certificates. The flowers are yery large and the trusses are good, and these varieties cannot fail being valuable for decorative purposes. A first-class certificate was also awarded to the double variety A. F. Barron, which has been previously exhibited and referred to. A cultural commendation was awarded to Mr. Heims, gardener to F. A. Philbrick,-Esq., Avenue Road, Regent’s Park, for a splendidly grown example of Cattleya gigas with thirteen grand flowers, one of the finest plants of this rich Orchid ever seen. Messrs. Chantrier fréres, 4 Montefontaine, Oise, France, sent Croton Baron James de Rothschild, a very robust variety with yellow and crimson veins. It was passed by the Committee, perhaps on account of its somewhat coarse appearance. Several new Roses were submitted to the Committee. Mr. Turner exhibited Dr. Sewell; a rich velvety Rose of the colour of Xavier Olibo; petals smooth and of great substance, slightly reflexed, and blooms of excellent form—a splendid Rose, which secured a first-class certificate. A similar award was granted to Penelope Mayo, which was shown in a style we have not before seen, and was superb. Another remarkably fine Rose was ex- hibited by Mr. Turner—namely, Harrison Weir, a rich, full, solid Rose that will be heard of again. Its colour is extremely bright crimson scarlet, and the petals are of great substance. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, exhibited Charles Darwin, a rather small, well-shaped, richly coloured crimson Rose, which appeared iden- tical with one named Congress in Mr. Turner’s stand. Messrs. Paul also exhibited Duke of Teck, too small for exhibition, but a valuable garden Rose, deep carmine ; also Countess of Darnley, a full Rose of excellent form, very deep rose colour, and highly promising. Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, exhibited their fine new Rose Duchess of Bedford, which has been previously described, and a first-class certificate was awarded for it ; they also exhibited an attractive box of May Quennell, good blooms of Dudley Baxter, and a few others. Mr. C. Noble, Bagshot, ex- hibited blooms of the floriferous crimson bedder, and ‘also of an unnamed seedling Rose raised from Maurice Bernardin. The new Rose is remarkable as having the refreshing perfume of the old Proyins Cabbage Rose, which is not contained, so far as we are aware, by any other crimson Rose. A splendid collection of Verbenas was exhibited by Mr. Cannell, Swanley, Kent—Beauty of Langleybury, lavender blue, edges of petals pure white, well defined ; Pretty Mary, maroon, rich ; Spit~ fire, scarlet ; La Lovie, pale blue, white eye; Neptune, plum, white eye ; Isa Brunton, purplish plum, white eye ; Annie, cerise and white striped ; Lord Cranbrook, immense truss and pips rosy purple, are a few of the more noteworthy varieties in this fine collection, which was highly commended. Mr. Smith, Tollington Road, Nurseries, exhibited dwarf striped double, semi-double, and single Petunias, which were highly commended. Mr. Cauldwell, The Ivies, Wantage, exhibited a good strain of Auricula-flowered Sweet Williams, also good Antirrhinums. Mr. Dean also exhibited good and brightly-coloured Sweet Williams. G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., was awarded a vote of thanks for blooms of the beautiful Lilium Krameri, showing its different shades of colour, also varie- ties of L. pardalinum. C. Pache, Esq., Brighton Road, Birming- ham, sent plants of a Pelargoninm well named Golden Jewel, for it has foliage resembling that of Golden Chain, with the sym- metrical double flowers of the well-known variety Jewel. Mr. R. Parker, Exotic Nursery, Tooting, exhibited Umbilicus Semper- vivum, and Lilium martagon plenum, very double and fine. Messrs. J. Laing & Co., Forest Hill, sent Gloxinia Papillon, a charmingly spotted variety, very attractive ; and Messrs. James Carter ané Co., exhibited scarlet Eschscholtzia Mandarin, and a laciniated variety of Phlox Drummondii. From the Society’s Gardens at Chiswick came well-flowered examples of Torenia Fournieri. The plants haye been grown under cool treatment and were laden with richly coloured flowers. This is the most valuable annual of recent introduction, and will find its way into most greenhouses and flower markets. IMPRESSIONS OF THE NATIONAL ROSE SHOW. THAT it was a great success, that this was greatly owing to the admirable arrangements of the Hon. Secretaries ; that it is a wonderful season for Tea Roses ; that such a box as Mr. Cant’s twelve Boule d’Or was never seen of the kind before, and how does he manage to get that hard-hearted Rose to open herself to him? that Horace Vernet and Marie Baumann were represented in perfection ; that Capt. Christy’s new seedling brought out by Messrs. Paul & Son is of great promise ; that Jean Liabaud, though wonderful in colour, is inferior in form to good old Camille de Rohan, and that the latter ought to be shown more than it is ; that this is a Le Hayre year, which is a Rose that everyone ought to have ; that the Crystal Palace is perfection for a Rose show with perfection weather ; finally that it will be all in our Journal, and that everyone is wanting to see the account.—A. C. KINGSTON AND SURBITON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.—JUNE 26TH. THE fourteenth annual Show of this excellent Society was held at Norbiton Park on one of the hottest days on record. Stove and greenhouse plants are as a rule well exhibited at this Show. Mr, Hinnell, gardener to F. A. Davies, Esq., Surbiton, was awarded July 4, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 9 the first prize for nine plants; Mr. Croxford, gardener to Mrs. Dunnage, Surbiton, the second; and Mr. Moorman, gardener to Miss Christy, Coombe, the third. In the class for six plants T. V. Sutton, Esq., Gibbon Road, Kingston, won first honours for a very even and well-bloomed collection; Mr. Crafter was placed second; and Mr. Watson, gardener to — Bryant, Hsq., first for three plants. Six exotic Ferns came from Mr. Hinnell; Mr. Attrill, gardener to J. ©. Freake, Esq., Bank Grove, Kingston; and Mr. Crafter, gardener to the Rey. W. Finch, Woodlands, Kingston Hill, who were placed in the order of their names ; and for three plants Mr. _ J. Watson, gardener to Capt. Cundy, Mr. Moorman, and Mr. R. Watson divided the honours between them. The class for nine Fuchsias was a very good one, Messrs. R. Watson, Moorman, Beckett, and Crafter being the principal winners. In the Pelargoniums there was a considerable falling-off in numbers of exhibitors of these plants. The collections staged by Mr. Croxford were good, and well deserved the awards given to them—three first prizes and onesecond. Mr. Beckett, gardener to J. C. McConnell, Esq., Esher, also exhibited well in the classes for nine and six Show and Fancy varieties. Six very tasteful groups of plants for effect were set up for the President’s prize. Mr, Attrill was awarded the first prize, Mr. R. Watson the second, and Mr. Buckland the third; and for the prizes offered by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., for a single specimen plant in flower Mr. Moorman won the first prize with a very large Bougainvillea glabra, Mr. Buckland the second with a well- bloomed Stephanotis, and Mr. Hinnell the third prize with a neat plant of Dracophyllum gracile. For cut Roses the heat was most trying, especially to those who had a distance to bring their blooms. Mr. Moorman was a good first for twenty-four Roses, distinct ; Mr. Mace, gardener to Capt. Eastwick, Teddington, occupying the second place; and Mr. Gray, Ditton Hill, the third. or twelve blooms Mr. Crafter was placed first and Mr. L. Stephenson second. Fruit was very well shown, Messrs. Attrill, R. Watson, Croxford, and Child taking the principal prizes. Vegetables were also very good and numerously exhibited ; Mr. Moorman, Mr. Croxford, and Mr. Buckland being placed first, second, and third respectively for twelve sorts; and Mr. Crafter, Mr. Pavey, and Mr. Beckett for six sorts, were placed in the order of their names. Dinner-table decorations were as usual well done, Mrs. Clay and Mrs. McConnell taking the two leading first prizes. The productions exhibited by amateur growers were better than are often seen at local shows, Mr. Nagle and Mr. Sutton taking the lion’s share of the prizes. Cottagers were also in great force, and right well do they take the advantage of classes open to them, there not being a class set apart to them but what was full to overflowing. NOTES AND GLEANINGS. ONE of the most attractive objects in the meeting hall of the Royal Horticultural Society on Tuesday last was a PORTRAIT OF THE REY. M. J. BERKELEY, painted by Mr. J. T. Peele of Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy Square. The portrait is an admirable one, and is a faithful representation of one whose mame will be a lasting one in the annals of natural science. The ultimate destination of the picture is the rooms of the Linnzan Society at Burlington House, but it will remain at South Kensington for a few weeks in order that the friends and admirers of the gifted philosopher may haye an oppor- tunity of seeing it, and of testifying the regard in which they hold him, by sending their contributions to the portrait fund, either to the Treasurer, Dr. Hogg, 99, St. George’s Road, Eccleston Square, $.W. ; or to Dr. M. T. Masters, 41, Welling- ton Street, W.C. — THE MAIDSTONE SHOW held on the 26th ult. was, we are informed, an excellent one. Very good collections of plants were staged by J. W. Braddick, Esq., Lady Howard de Walden, Major Best, Captain Brenchley, G. A. Dodd, Esq., Rey. Stuart Robson, and others. The Misses Jones and Mr. Pearce were the chief exhibitors of cut flowers. Roses were not quite so numerous as usual. F. Warde, Esq., of Farleigh, gained the first prize for twenty-four varieties, while L. A. Killick, Esq., was awarded first prize for twelve varieties, and J. Hol- lingworth, Esq., first in the China, Noisette, Tea, or Bourbon classes. The vegetables were wellrepresented. Fruit was not sent in large quantities, but a bunch of Grapes exhibited by W. Laurence, Esq., and which gained the first prize, was ex- eellent. The Peaches and Nectarines sent by Capt. Brenchley were also very fine. — THE third summer Exhibition of the Brixton H1Lu STREATHAM, AND CLAPHAM HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY was held on Wednesday and Thursday, June 26th and 27th. The Exhibition, we are informed, was a good one, but owing to the lack of interest taken in the Society’s efforts to hold a summer Show in addition to their annual autumn Show, by the in- habitants of the neighbourhood, the Society cannot, we regret to say, be congratulated on scoring a financial success, There was good competition in the plant and fruit classes, and vege- tables of excellent quality were exhibited. A Society which embraces within its limits so many good gardeners who are anxious to stimulate each other in the work of superior cul- tivation, merits the support of the affluent of the district. Mr. R. Hall is the Secretary of the Society. ; —— ArT Orton Hall, near Peterborough, the beautiful seat of the Dowager Marchioness of Huntley, we saw the other day the finest plant of LAMARQUE ROSE that ever came under our notice. It is growing near and is trained to the south wall of the kitchen garden, and is evidently of great age, for its stem resembles that of a timber tree. The branches cover over a great extent of wall, and the tree—for tree it is—bears annually many hundreds of charming blooms. A specimen such as this is highly worthy of being covered with glass, for apart from the value attached to so old and fine a tree, the blooms it produces if yalued commercially would soon more than com- pensate for the cost of the structure necessary for its pre- servation. BEFORE our next issue the great horticultural Show of the year—namely, the PROVINCIAL SHOW of the Royal Horticultural Society, will have opened at Preston. The superior examples of culture of plants, flowers, fruits, and vege- tables that will be displayed in competition, and the various articles that will be on view, such as implements, garden structures and requisites in their most improved forms, afford an opportunity for gardeners and all interested in horticultural pursuits for obtaining information and gathering instruction such as seldom occurs. We are glad to iearn that many employers are making arrangements for enabling their gar- deners to attend the Show, for a visit of gardeners to Preston next week cannot fail to be of mutual advantage both to them and to their employers. Ir we may judge by the great number of FLOWER SHOWS now occurring an unusual amount of interest must be taken in gardening pursuits. Perhaps among no class of men is such a spirit of emulation existent as among gardeners and amateurs engaged in gardening ; and to encourage such who are endeavouring to improve themselves and to advance the work with which they are identified, we have given this week a larger share of space than usual in recording the honours won by skilled cultivators in various districts, Very glad are we to note the general excellence of the exhibits at many local shows. Exhibiting when not oyerdone—i.c., made a trade of, is an agreeable mode of relaxation, and is a valuable means of affording practical instruction, leading directly to improved cultivation and the better management of gardens under the influence of the several horticultural societies which are esta- blished throughout the country THE following suggestions, says the ‘ Journal of Forestry,’ will enable one to MEASURE THE HEIGHT OF A TREE or other standing object near enough for practical pur- poses. Place a small mirror in a level position on the ground at a little distance from the tree, then step backward until the top of the tree is reflected in the centre of the mirror. The height of the tree equals your height multiplied by the distance of the tree from the mirror, divided by your distance from the mirror. —— EUCALYPSINTHE.—This is the name of a new French beverage prepared from the Gum Tree (Eucalyptus). Itis said to be obtained by distillation from the leaves, and to be at once grateful to the palate, exhilarating, and not only quite harmless but possessing many useful medical properties. This new beverage appears to be largely made and consumed in Marseilles. PEACH-GROWING has increased to such an extent within a few years as to become a leading interest in fruit culture. The Peach can be successfully cultivated almost any- where south of 42°, and below an altitude of 9000 feet. Just before the ripening season there is much solicitude among growers. Thousands of baskets of Peaches have been known to rot on trees in Delaware in a single warm wet day from the want of dry air and sun. It is claimed that few crops give so large and quick returns for the capital and labour invested as. the Peach. The Peach business has reached massive propor- tions. One leading Boston commission house last season sold $140,000 worth of the fruit, and smaller concerns averaged 10 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { July 4, 1878. from $20,000 to $5000. Nearly all the Peaches received in Boston come by rail by quick Peach-train transit, avoiding New York. Last season the daily newspapers published inter- esting stories respecting these Peach trains.—( American Cul- tivator.) THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S PROVINCIAL SHOW AT PRESTON. CONSIDERABLE progress, we are informed, has been made with the work connected with the holding of the great Show in the extensive grounds adjoining the Preston Pleasure and Nursery Gardens at Ribbleton. The site to be occupied by the grand payilion is now nearly completed. The mounds upon which the plants are to. be arranged are now turfed and present a very effective appearance; the pond has been con- structed and filled with watcr; and the artificial waterfall, which has been ingeniously and artistically devised, is in a very forward state. All this work is from the designs of Mr. J. F. Johnson, landscape gardener, of Belfast, and late curator of the Botanic Gardens in that town. The uprights for support- ing the canvas of the pavilion, and which will be covered with creeping and other plants, are now erected, and in a few days everything will be in order for the reception of the exhibits. Over the large pond at the entrance of the grounds Mr. H. In- man, of Stretford, near Manchester, is now throwing a pretty bridge, and when completed it will present a very picturesque object in the view. The sides are formed of gnarled pieces of polished wood of fantastic shapes, and altogether it is a very ingenious construction. Mr. Barron with his foreman and some men have arrived, also 10 tons of polesand canvas. The large tent and its adjuncts are ready for the canvas, the walks all gravelled, and by the time will be well set with watering and rolling. Mr. Troughton, the Fig. 1—PLAN OF THE SHOW GROUND AT PRESTON. Manager of the Preston Nursery Company, has had the town water laid where necessary. so that this iiem will not fall short however hot the weather. The whole field is now being mown over. About forty greenhouses are being erected, and nearly all are being glazed and painted ; some are expensive, being filled with stages and piping by Messenger & Co., Richardson and Co., Halliday & Co., Perry, Webster, Cranston & Luck, and Thorley. Boilers, tents, wire work, rustic work, and other garden requisites are represented. The suite of offices are nearly complete, including post and telegraph offices, wires being laid from the town to the ground. There are rooms for Exhibitors, for the local Committee, the Press, the London Council, the local Council, the Secretaries and Clerks, and all other necessary conveniences. Mr. ‘Troughton has made a good and firm road to the tents 24 feet wide, so that vans can move easily. The entries we understand are very numerous, and everything is in a forward state, and a great and good Show is anticipated. The main entiance to the Exhibition will be through the gates of the Preston Nursery Company, the Manager of which has charge of the ground. The accompanying outline plan of the Show ground will afford a general idea of the arrangements and preparations for the approaching great horticultural gathering of the year. 1, Approach through the nursery ; 2, First-class refreshments ; 3, Second-class refreshment; 4, Circular tent; 5, Fruit: 6, Table plants ; 7, Cut flowers. WIMBLEDON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. JULY 2ND. THIS Society held its sixth annual Exhibition in the beautiful grounds of Wimbledon House, kindly lent by Sir H. W. Peek, Bart., M.P., who is also the President of the Society. Stove and greenhouse plants were fairly well exhibited. Mr. W. Smith, gardener to G. C. Joad, Esq., Oakfield, was awarded the first, and Mr. Moorman, gardener to Miss Christy, the second prize. In the class for four plants Mr. Bentley, gardener to Sir Thomas Gabriel, Mr. Lyne, gardener to A. Schlusser, Esq., and Mr. Stratton, gardener to Miss Forbes, were placed in the order of their names. Fuchsias were very well shown, and the competition was very close between Mr. Stratton, Mr. Lyne, and Mr. Moorman, who were placed first, second, and third respectively. Caladiums were well exhibited by Mr. Stratton and Mr. Lyne, and the best six Ferns came from Mr. Bentley, who exhibited an admirable collec- tion, Mr. Smith being placed second with plants almost equal to them. There were five competitors in the class for four Ferns, and the collections were very evenly matched, Mr. Lyne being awarded the first prize, Mr. Bridger the second, and Mr. Moorman the third. Gloxmias were better exhibited than we usually see them, Mr. Lyne staging some excellently grown plants. Zonal Pelargoniums were grand, Mr, Lyne occupying the first place for July 4, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 11 six plants, and Mr. Stratton the second. Doubles were much finer and better bloomed than it is customary to find them, the same exhibitors occupying the same position as for six Zonals, Table plants were well shown, and the best twelve came from Mr. Smith, the second best from Mr. Lyne, and the third from Mr. Stratton. ROSES were, considering the heavy rains of Sunday and Monday night, very well exhibited, twenty collections being staged. For the special prizes offered by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Mr. Moor- man easily won the first prize, Mr. J. Clark the second, and Mr. J. | Reddin, gardener to E. Reeves, Esq., third. For twelve blooms (special given by C. J. Dickens, Esq.) Mr. Scott, Clinton Villa, Wimbledon, took the first prize with an exquisite collection. The best collection of twenty-four in the gardeners’ class was staged by Mr. Moorman, and the first prize for twelve was taken by Mr. J. Curtis, gardener to W. Barlow, Esq., Atherton Grange. Mr. J. E. Coleby had the first prize in the amateurs’ division. nudes Both fruit and vegetables were excellently exhibited, but the judging was not completed when our reporter left the grounds. We noticed spirited competition among the cottagers, whom Fig. 2—RHODODENDRON FRAGRANS. this Society greatly encourages in the shape of numerous special and other money prizes provided. ‘ RHODODENDRON FRAGRANS. WE figure this Rhododendron because it is not so well known, or at any rate so extensively cultivated, as its merits deserve. In the collection of Mr. Anthony Waterer, that has so long pro- duced such a gorgeous effect in the gardens of the Royal Botanic Society at Regent’s Park, R. fragrans, one of the smallest of all the varieties exhibited, was certainly one of the most generally admired. Its flowers are chaste in form, pleas- ing in colour (deep rosy pink with nearly white centre), and they are deliciously fragrant. Attractive as they are in appear- ance their delightful perfume is their chief charm. In this respect they are surpassed by no other Rhododendron, and are: equalled by few ; they are, indeed, as sweet as the Honeysuckle. The habit of the shrub 1s dwarf and compact, and it flowers with the greatest freedom. For front rows in shrubberies, where Rhododendrons and American plants thrive, R. fragrans should have a place, and it is equally valuable for conservatory decoration. It is one of the most distinct and useful varieties —for we believe it is a hybrid—of the handsome genus to which it belongs, and cannot fail to give satisfaction wherever it is well grown. ' Fucusra RrccArToNI.—In the gardens at Orton Hall, Peter- borough, we recently met with what is not commonly found in the eastern or midland counties of England—namely, a large JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 4, 1878. specimen of this valuable Fuchsia, which has evidently passed through many winters uninjured.. We have seen this beautiful old Fuchsia,in ‘tree ”’ form in a few gardens on the south coast, also in some: gardens in sheltered districts in Scotland, but have never before met with one in the somewhat flat, cold, and low-lying district in which this specimen is growing. The secret of its preservation is probably owing to its local position, for it is growing on a pile of rockwork. There it not only does not make luxuriant and consequently tender growth, but its clusters of coral-like flowers are seen to great advantage. The fact that this plant has existed so long and thrives so well on its artificial altitude in a cold and flat district, suggests a means of growing this beautiful old Fuchsia in other gardens to which it is now a stranger. The plant is wery valuable for affording cut sprays for vase decoration. ROMFORD HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S SHOW. THE annual Show of the above Society was held on the 27th ult. in the grounds of C. P. Matthews, Esq., The Bower, Havering. This gentleman’s picture gallery was also thrown open to the visitors, and proved to be a source of great attraction. The Show, held in a@ most picturesque spot, was scarcely so good as usual, at the same time it was a very creditable Exhibition. In the class for eight stove or greenhouse plants in flower Mr. Lane, gardener to General Fytche, Pyrgo Park, was first, and Mr. Bones, gardener to D. McIntosh, Esq., Havering Park, was second. Mr. Lane staged a very even group, not large, but well-flowered specimens. In the corresponding class for four varieties Mr. Douglas, Loxford Hall, was first, and also for six Orchids, in the latter staging good examples of Dendrobiums nobile, formosum, and giganteum; Lelia purpurata, Odontoglossums Alexandre, Stoneii; and Masdevallia Harryana. For six Cape Heaths Mr. Bones was first, and Mr. Lane second. Mr. Douglas was first for six foliage plants, and Mr. Lane second. The last-mentioned exhibitors occupied the same positions in the class for six Lyco- pods. For six exotic Ferns Mr. Douglas was first, and Mr. Wood- hams, gardener to C. P. Matthews, Esq., second. Mr. Bones was first for six large-flowering and also for six fancy Pelargoniums. There were also classes for Fuchsias, Gloxinias, Coleuses, Cala- diums, double-flowering Zonal and Tricolor Pelargoniums, but the specimens staged were in most instances very poor. Mr. Mead- more, nurseryman, Romford, won the first prize for the most tastefully arranged basket of plants. There were classes for cut Roses, but the competition was very limited. For forty-eight blooms Messrs. Saltmarsh & Son, Chelms- ford, were first, and Mr. Meadmore second; the former had good blooms of Capitaine Christy, Comtesse de Serenye, Francois Michelon, Elie Morel, Madame Ferdinand Jamin, La France, Mdlle. Marie Cointet, Rubens, Souvenir d’un Ami, &c. Mr. Pemberton was first for twenty-four, and Mr. Nairn second. Mr. Pemberton was also first for twelve, and was also commended for a box of eighteen cut blooms of Marquise de Castellane. Mr. Pem- berton’s exhibits were remarkable for thew freshness and good colour. Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, staged five boxes of cut Roses, not for competition, which were highly commended by the Judges and much admired by the visitors. All alike were good, the following especially so:—Amelie Hoste, Annie Laxton, Capitaine Christy, Comtesse d’Oxford, Duchesse de Caylus, Edouard Morren, Madame Lacharme, Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier, Marie Bau- mann, Marquise de Castellane, Princess Beatrice, &c. The fruit, notably the Strawberries and Grapes, madea good display and attracted much attention. For-a collection of six yarieties of fruit Mr. Bones was first and Mr. Lane second, Mx. Bones had good Black Hamburgh and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, Blood Pine, City Feast Melon, Peaches, and Nectarines. There was good competition in the class for black Grapes, all staging Black Hamburghs good in bunch and berry, but in several instances the colour was wanting, the only exception being those staged by Mr. Douglas and placed second ; Mr. Tar- rance, Chadwell Heath, being first. Mr. Douglas was first for white Grapes with good Muscat of Alexandria, and Mr, Lane was second. For three varieties Mr. Douglas was first, staging good examples of Canon Hall Muscat, Black Hamburgh, and Buckland Sweetwater. Mr. Worthing, gardener to A. Moss, Esq., Chadwell Heath, was second. Mr. Bones was first for Peaches, staging.a good dish of Violette Hative; second, Mr. Worthing. Nectarines were poor, and. no first prize was awarded. Mr. Lane was first, and Mr. Iggulden, gardener to R. B. Wingfield Baker. Esq., Orsett Hall, secured the prizes for Melons. Strawberries were staged in large quantities, some of them being yery fine. Some of, the exhibitors were evidently too fond, of monstrosities ; not so, howeyer, the Judges, preference being given to perfect-shaped fruit. For three varieties Mr. J. Smith was first with good dishes of Sir J, Paxton, Dr. Hogg, and James Veitch; Mr. Groom was second. The vegetables collectively made a good display, but some of the exhibits were very poor indeed. In the gardeners’ class for eight varieties Mr. Iggulden gained the first prize with a very creditable and much-admired basket, made up with the following varieties :—Globe Artichokes, Vick’s Criterion Tomatoes, Ham- mersmith Kidney Potatoes, Nantes Horn Carrots, Early London Cauliflower, Seville Longpod Beans, Culverwell’s Telegraph Pea (the finest Pea in the Show), and the American Strap-leaf Turnip. Mr. Lane second. There were five competitors in this class. Mr. Douglas was first fora brace of Cucumbers with Tender-and-True, and Mr. Worthing second. Mr. Iggulden was first. for kidney Potatoes, var. Mona’s Pride; Round Potato Alpha; Turnips, Sut- ton’s Snowball ; Lettuce, Scott’s Superb; and Peas, Huntingdonian. ; Mr. Lane was first in the remaining classes. Both the amateurs and cottagers staged some very creditable vegetables, and the former fairly eclipsed the gardeners with vases, button-hole bouquets, &e. BRIGHTON SUMMER SHOW. On last Wednesday and Thursday in sultry weather the Brighton Summer Show was held at the Pavilion. The Exhibition was a good one, plants, cut flowers, and fruit with few exceptions being excellent, the prizes in all the classes being fairly well contested ; and what was perhaps eyen more important, the space provided for the various exhibits was well filled—no small matter in these days of defaulters, who at the last moment so frequently upset the well-planned arrangements of the Secretary and often spoil the show. The plants were the leading feature ; most of them were good, and some were of much exceilence. Mr. W. Balchin, Hassocks Gate, Cliftonville, carried off the first prize for eight fine-foliaged plants with a magnificent Cycas reyoluta with a dense head of dark green spreading frondage, quite 12 feet in diameter and without a blemish ; a huge example of Croton pictum, wonderfully vigorous but not in good colour, much of the young foliage being of a pale yellow ; Areca sapida, with large, fresh, and quite young frondage ; Pandanus Veitchil, in which size had also been acquired at the expense of colour ; an excellent Latania borbonica, a huge Croton yariegatum, a fine example of that very ornamental Cycad Encephalartos villosus, and a really magnificent Croton majesticum quite 2 yards in diameter and as much in height and splendidly coloured. The second prize was taken with a creditable dis- play, including fine examples of Latania borbonica and Dracena Cooperi, by Miss Brodie (gardener, Mr. C. Driver). Mr. W. Miles was third, and had a very fine highly coloured plant of Alocasia macrorhiza variegata, K In the class for foliaged plants by local growers Miss Brodie came first with four good but unequal-sized plants, of which an Anthurium crystallinum with ten fully developed leaves each about 18 inches by 12 was very beautiful. The second-prize group, which went to C. Armstrong, Esq. (Mr. E. Meachin, gar- dener), contained a grand example of Pandanus Veitchii in splen- did colour ; and in the third-prize group a Caladium Prince Albert Edward was striking, not only by its large size but the richness of its leaf tints—green intermingled with silvery white, charmingly suffused with delicate pink and with veinings of deep rich pink. In the open class for specimen plants in bloom Mr. Balchin was also first with an Ixora javanica floribunda in fine bloom. The plant was pyramidal in shape, 5 feet high, and some 6 feet in diameter at its base. The second prize was awarded to the Duke of Richmond, Goodwood (gardener, Mr. F, Rutland), for a large Anthurium Scherzerianum with, about three dozen spathes not quite all open, The third prize went to F. Shenstone, Esq. (gar- dener, Mr. A. Venall) for an Allamanda. Mr, W. Balchin again. stood first in the open class for eight exotic Ferns, and deservedly so, for his plants were all fine, form- ing a bold and graceful group. Dayallia pyxidata was 6 feet in diameter. Then there was a capital Dicksonia, a Gymnogramma Martensii, the twining-stemmed Cyathea Dregei so attractive by the purple tinge of its fronds, a Cibotium regale, and an Adiantum Sanctee-Catherine. In the class for local exotic Ferns Miss Brodie, Eastbourne, came first with a very fine Golden Fern (Gymno- gramma Laucheana), a still finer Silver Fern (G. peruyiana argy- rophylla), a Lomaria gibba, and a Dicksonia. A display of hardy Ferns by Messrs. James Ivery & Son, Dorking, consisting of some seventy plants, was a prominent and attractive feature, to which an extra prize was deservedly awarded. The Orchids were none of them large. Mr. Rutland came first in the open class with eight good plants, the best of which; were Brassia versicolor with seven spikes, an excellent Cypripedium barbatum with about two dozen ofits charmingly pencilled flowers, and a good-sized plant of Lycaste aromatica. Mr. Meachin’s six plants stood first in the local class. His Lelia purpurata with four large spikes was very good. There is always a goodly display of Begonias at Brighton. F. Shenstone, Esq., Barcomb (gardener, Mr. A. Venall), came first with four tall plants in fine flower but somewhat wanting in form. The second-prize plants were of better form,. but unfortunately betraying a little too much floral millinery. Of Fuchsias there _ were several groups, none of them, really good, the whole being | deficient in finish and uniformity. The whole of these. plants were in the pleasant cool rooms of ‘s July 4, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 13 the Pavilion and the remainder were in a tent on the lawn. Our inspection of them was a brief one, for the tent was excessively hot, there being no ridge ventilation, and the flowers suffered very much—so much, that when our notes were taken on the second day of the Exhibition hardly a Rose was recognisable, so much were they faded. This state of things should and could be altered by using a tent with a ridge ventilation similar to that of the Bath and West of England Society. Of the plants in the tent the most noticeable were a magnificent Pimelea decussata by Mr. Meachin, who took first for local stove and greenhouse plants, having also a very good Plumbago capensis and a magnificent ex- ample of the popular Bougainvillea glabra. My. Balchin had good plants of Erica Cavendishii and Dracophyllum gracile. In Pelargoniums Mr. W. Miles, West Brighton Nursery, stood pre-eminent, his six fancies which gained the first prize’ in the open class being so good that we give the names :—Victor Hugo, Princess Helena, The Rover, Countess of Dudley, Evening Star, and Mrs. Hart, the first, third, and fifth being dark and the other three light kinds. Mr. Miles also took first prizes for large- flowered Pelargoniums and zonal Geraniums, Mr. Meachin taking first for Pelargoniums in the local class. Cut Flowers.— Of these there were Roses, Messrs. Mitchell, Piltdown, Uckfield, winning the Ashbury cup, value ten guineas, with seventy-two varieties; Mr. Piper, nurseryman, Uckfield, being second, and Mr. W. Balchin third. In Teas Messrs. Mitchell were first, and amid all the fading flowers their Madame Margottin, Adrienne Christophle, and Souvenir d’Elise Vardon retained their freshness and beauty. In the class for twenty-four Roses Rey. R. C. Hales was first, and Mrs. Woolard, Cooksbridge, second. The Veitch Memorial medal and prize of £5 for bridal and ball- room bouquets were won by A.J. Atkinson, Esq. (gardener, Mr. J. Hudson), with creditable bouquets. There were four competitors for this much-coveted prize, and most of the bouquets impressed us as being heavy and crowded. In the class for dinner-table decorations of wild flowers Miss Chilmaid of Keymer came first with three very pretty stands both light and tasteful. The first prize for stands with exotic flowers was awarded to A. Allison, Esq. (gardener, Mr. R. Downing), for a central stand with three tiers somewhat overdone with spray, and two side stands consist- ing of round glass dishes, to each of which height was imparted by the stem and foliage of a young Palm cut off for the purpose ; Mz. F. Gallop, Western Road, Brighton, taking the second prize, and Mr. Miles the third. Some pretty collections of cut flowers were shown, Mr. Rutland taking first and Mr. J. Holmes, Danefold Cottage, West Grinstead, second ; Mr. Morse and Mr. Balchin also taking first and second prizes for cut flowers of a similar kind in another class. Mr. Cannell of Swanley Nursery had fine displays of cut Verbenas and zonal Geraniums, both gaining certificates of merit. F'ruit.—A small but choice exhibition of fruit was by no means the least striking feature of the Show. Grapes were very good. T. B. Heywood, Esq. (gardener, Mr. J. Ridout), truly winning a first prize with three bunches of well-coloured Black Hambureh, Mr. Rutland being second ; Col. Haddington, Hurst (gardener, Mr. H. Wickham), taking first for some excellent Muscat of Alex- andria, Mr. Rutland being second. In local prizes some well- finished Buckland Sweetwater beat some much larger but unripe Muscats, and the black Grapes of W. L. Ewart, Esq. (gardener, Mr. J. Vickery), were worthy of the first prize awarded them. Peaches, Nectaries, Pines, Strawberries, and Melons were all well represented, the two first fruits being especially good. RICHMOND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S SHOW. JUNE 27TH. EVERY year this Society’s Shows improve both in the number and quality of the exhibits, and the Society also enjoys the most distinguished patronage. H.R.H. the Prince of Wales intended honouring the Show with his presence, but at the last moment was prevented doing so ; but those highly popular Royal personages the Princess Mary of Cambridge and H.S.H. the Duke of Teck and family were present during the afternoon, and spent upwards of an hour in inspecting the various exhibits. Previously to the depar- ture of the Royal personages the Duchess of Teck handed to Mr. Chancellor, the indefatigable Hon. Sec. of the Society, a gold medal in commemoration of his active services in connection with thisShow. ‘The medal bore the following inscription :—“ Rich- mond Horticultural Society. Presented to Mr. Albert Chancellor in recognition of his services in promoting the formation of the Society, 1875.” The Exhibition was a very large one, and consisted of 140 classes. The productions exhibited for the numerous special prizes had a ‘large tent especially devoted to them ; it had also the most pleas- ing effect of any tent in the Exhibition. A second tent was set apart for cut’ Roses and other cut flowers ; a third, 170 feet by 54, contained the groups and the larger collections of flowering and foliage plants ; in a fourth were the collections of fruit and vege- tables ; and a fifth contained the cottagers’ productions. The weather was oppressively hot, but under the shade of the fine trees which abound in the old deer park there was a most refresh- ing breeze. Class 1 was for a group of plants arranged for effect in space not to exceed 100 square feet. There were seven collections, and all of them were tastefully arranged, First honowyrs fell to Mr. Kinghorn, Sheen Nursery, Richmond, whose group was beautifully arranged, and the plants themselves were rich in quality. A splendid Cocos Weddelliana gracefully occupied the centre of the growp, with other Palms, Draceenas, Phormiums, Aralias, Begonias, Crotons, and decorative Pelargoniums dispersed throughout the group. The front of this group was exquisite, having as a prominent central plant Todea superba, and closer to the edge still a pan of Nertera depressa, and an outer border of Adiantum gracillimum relieved with small plants of Grevillea robusta. Messrs.‘ Hooper & Co., Covent Garden, received the second prize. Their group was com- prised of Palms, well-coloured Crotons, Begonias, Adiantums farleyense, gracile, and cuneatum, with an outer border of Glox- inias and Lycopodium denticulatum. Mr. W. Bowell, gardener to Sir H. W. Parker, Richmond, was placed third ; and Mr. W. Brown, St. Mary’s Nurseries, Richmond, fourth with good collections. Fine-foliaged plants were numerously and exceedingly well exhibited, especially the collections from Mr. Bates, gardener to W. 4H. Punchard, Esq., Poulett Lodge, Twickenham, in the open class for nine, and Mr. Kinghorn in the class for six. The first- prize collection in the class for nine plants consisted of ‘Ver- schaffeltia splendida, Alocasia metallica, Euterpe edulis, Pandanus Veitchii, Seaforthia elegans, Cycas revoluta, Croton Weismannii, and a yery fine plant of Alocasia macrorhiza variegata. Mr. Corn- hill, gardener to J. S. Virtue, Esq., Oatlands Park, was awarded the second prize in this class. For six foliage plants Mr. King- horn was placed first with Stevensonia grandifolia, Eurya latifolia yariegata,a perfect pyramid ; Dicksonia antarctica, Yucca aloifolia variegata, a very fine-coloured Croton Weismannii and Pandanus Veitchii. Mr. Bates received the second prize, and Messrs. Hooper and Co. the third; Messrs. Attril and Crafter also exhibited ‘well in this class. Ferns were also remarkably good, and the first prize for eight exotics was awarded to Mr. D. East, gardener to J. Wigan, Esq., Clare Lawn, East Sheen, who ‘exhibited Adiantum amabile, Da- vallia Mooreana, Gleichenia flabellata, Adiantum formosum, Cibotium Schiedei, Dicksonia antarctica, Cyathea dealbata, and Alsophila excelsa. Mr. Cornhill was placed second, and’ Mr. Wells, gardener to the Hon. J. C. Vivian, Selwyn Court, third. For six exotic Ferns Mr. C. Attrill, gardener to J. C. Freake, Esq., Bank Grove, Ham, was placed first ; Mr. W. Smith, gardener to A. Cooper, Esq., Twickenham, second ; ‘and ‘Mr.’ B. Morrell, gardener to J. S. Rutter, Esq., The Cedars, Richmond, third. Hardy Ferns were in splendid condition. Collections from Mr, James, gardener to F. Watson, Esq., Isleworth, and Mr. Crafter, gardener to the Rey. W. Finch, Woodlands, Kingston Hill, were very fine indeed. Other exhibitors of Ferns were Mr. Kinghorn and Mr. Morrell. Stove and greenhouse plants were exhibited in the open class for nine plants by Messrs. Jackson & Sons, Kingston ; | Mr. Hinnell, gardener to F. Davis, Esq., Anglesea House, Surbiton ; and T. Y. Sutton, Esq., Gibbon Road, Kingston, who were placed in the order of their names, all exhibiting neat and well-flowered collections. In the class for six plants open only to the Richmond district, Mr. Attrill, Mr. Crafter, and Mr. Sallows, gardener to J. J. Flack, Esq., Twickenham, were first second and third respec- tively. Show and Fancy Pelargoniums, considering the lateness of the season, were capitally shown by’ Mr. James, Mr. Levesley , Spring Grove, Isleworth, and Mr. Wells, who were placed in the order of their names in the open class for Show varieties ; and in the class for Fancies Mr. James received the first prize, and Mr. Wells the second. Zonals came from Mr. Crafter, Mr. Morrell, and Mr. Wells. Mr. B. E. Tipping was first for Silver-variegated Pelargoniums, Mr. Sallows second, and Mr. J. W. Wells third. For Golden-tricolor and Bronze collections the same exhibitors with the addition of Mr. Attrill shared the honours between them. Caladiums formed an important feature of the Show, Mr. G, Marlow taking the first place with large and well-grown examples of Mrs. Dombrain, Chantinii, Prince Albert Edward, Mrs.’ Henry Bull, Splendidum, and Max Koch ; Mr. Morrell and Mr. Bowell receiving the second and third prizes. Foliage Begonias, Gloxinias, and Lilium auratum were well shown by Messrs. Crafter, King- horn, and James. Orchids came from Messrs. Jackson & Son and Mr. Bates, who were first and second respectively in the open class for six plants, and Mr. Bates received the first prize for the special prizes offered by Messrs. Rollisson & Sons. ta j Mignonette was extensively exhibited, there being several special prizes for this favourite flower, Mr. Chancellor, Mr. Bates, and Mr, James receiving the greater share of the prizes. Fuchsias, excepting the two first-prize collections, were: poor, Mr. Wells receiving the first prize for nine plants, and Mr. Morrell forsix. For a single specimen plant Mr, Bates won the ‘first prize with a well-bloomed Stephanotis floribunda, Mr. James ‘beinc placed second with Aérides Lobbii, and Mr. Morrell third: with Burchellia capensis. 1t JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { July 4, 1878, eT oeeeeooooeoeoeooooooelelele_oqa_l_q#a£x$q$#}+jeoq3$oxOxgsSSS OO eoox —eeeyS”SY:: Roses were very extensively exhibited by nurserymen, gar- deners, and amateur growers. he quality taken collectively was fairly good, and would have been much better but from the ex- | traordinary heat which prevailed, and which is severely felt under | canvas. This caused some varieties to expand too freely and almost perish before the day had passed. For thirty-six and twenty-four varieties, distinct, three trusses of each, Messrs. Paul and Son, Cheshunt, were in their customary places, winning first honours in each class; Mr. Rumsey, Joyning’s Nursery, Waltham Cross, was placed second in the latter class. For twenty-four, dis- tinct, amateurs (open), Mr. W. Mace, gardener to Capt. Eastwick, Teddington, won the first place ; and Mr. J. W. Moorman, gardener to Miss Christy, Coombe Bank, the second ; and Mr. James the third in this class. For twelve blooms, distinct, Mr. James was awarded the first prize with a very uneven stand; Mr. W. Scott, the Treasurer of the National Rose Society, being placed second for a collection fully equal if not superior to the first-prize collection ; and Mr. Stephenson, gardener to T. Bull, Esq., Teddington, third. In the class open to the Society’s district only. Mr. James, Mr. Laing, Mr. East, and Mr. Roberts appeared to share the principal honours between them, Mr. James gaining several first prizes. An extensive display of Roses in pots was exhibited by Messrs. Veitch & Sons and Messrs. Paul & Son, which attracted consider- able admiration. Messrs. Veitch & Son also contributed several boxes of cut blooms, and being only cut late on the morning of the Show remained throughout the day remarkably fresh. The same remarks apply to Messrs. Lee & Son, who sent a collection from their Ealing Nursery which both for colour and freshness we have not seen surpassed this season. A box of twenty-four La France were as perfect as they possibly could be and were much admired. Froit.—Seventeen classes were set apart for fruit, which was generally excellent. For a collection of four dishes Mr. Edwards, gardener to J. Budgett, Esq., Ealing Park, was awarded the first prize for fine Barrington Peaches, Queen Pine Apple, biack and white Grapes, and a Melon ; Mr. G. Cornhill being placed second ; and Mr. Fry, gardener to L. F. Baker, Esq., Haydon Hall, Kast- cott, third. For black Grapes Mr. Bates was placed first with well- coloured fine fruit ; Mr. Peed, Roupell Nurseries, Norwood Road, second; and Mr. C. Davis, gardener to the Rey. G. Porter, Roe- hampton, third. In the corresponding class for white Grapes Mr. Fry, Mr. Peed, and Mr. Masters, Oatlands Park, were placed in the order of theirnames. In three other classes for Grapes Mr. Bates was to the front with well-finished examples, Mr. James taking second honours in two classes. Mr. James won the first prize for a Scarlet-fleshed Melon, and Mr. Morrell for a Green- fleshed Melon. Mr. Bates exhibited a very fine Queen Pine Apple and received the first prize. Mr. Lake, gardener to E, Ascherson, Esq., Twickenham, took the first prizes both for Peaches and Nectarines, Mr. Ramsay and Mr. Wells being placed second and third. Strawberries were very fine and were exhibited in great numbers. VEGETABLES.—Good as the fruit was the vegetables were better, and a large display was made in the dozen or more classes set apart for their encouragement. In the collection of ten sorts Mrs. Mackinnon received the first prize, Mr. Wagstaff the second, and Mr. J. Coombes the third. ‘The best Peas came from Mr. Marlow, Cauliflowers from Mr. Cratter, Vegetable Marrows, Cucumbers, and Onions from Mr. Morrell. The cottagers’ pro- ductions were also as equally numerous and in excellent con- dition. There are also a number of smaller special prizes which we must omit. The best dinner-table decoration, consisting of three vases, came from Mrs. Butcher, South Norwood, Mr. Kinghorn being placed second, and Mr. Brown third. The first prize for a single vase fell to Mrs. James Wigan, and that for the best hand bouquet to Mrs. Butcher. Mrs. Woodford, Sheen House, exhibited the three best arranged buttonholes, and Mrs. Gabriel Moran the best three vases or ornamental stands of flowers in the Society’s district. A silver medal was awarded to Mr. B. 8. Williams, Holloway, for a group of new and rare plants ; a silver-gilt medal to Messrs. Veitch & Son for a similar collection, and a silver medal to Messrs. Paul & Son for their collection of pot Roses. Bronze medals were awarded to Messrs. Jackson & Son, to Messrs. Osborne & Co., to Messrs. Rollisson & Sons, Mr. James Wareham, Mr. C. Turner, Messrs. Lee & Son, and Mr. Chambers. WORK FOR THE WEEK. FLOWER GARDEN. THE present season has been most favourable for such plants as are generally used for carpet bedding. Alternantheras, Pyre- thrums, &c., are growing freely and colouring splendidly. The lines, divisions, and groundwork where such plants are used should be kept well defined. The success of carpet bedding is due more to thorough keeping than elaboration of arrangement. Peg Alternantheras, pick off flowers and press close to the ground Antennaria tomentosa, Cerastium, Pyrethrum, Sedums corsicum, glaucum, and lividum. Gnaphalium, Coleus, Iresine, Yerbenas, Petunias, Nasturtiums, and other plants amenable should be pegged with a view to covering the ground as speedily as possible, as the season for the summer display is only short at best. Beds that have been mulched will require but little attention in weeding and watering, as much of that labour will be saved; but those not mulched should haye the surface stirred so as to keep down weeds and keep the surface loose. Subtropical plants can hardly be overwatered provided the weather is hot. Mulch with thoroughly decayed manure, staking and tying as the plants advance in growth. Dahlias and Hollyhocks should be well attended to in staking and tying. Thin-out the shoots of Dahlias forming large close heads, and secure each shoot separately to the central stake by looping, avoiding bunching them. Herba- ceous plants are very vigorous owing to the moist weather. Such as require it should have frequent attention in staking and tying, having regard to the height of the plants, regulating the stakes accordingly. Herbaceous Lobelias, Delphiniums, Phloxes, &c., should also be staked. Pinks and Carnations should be neatly staked and loosely tied before they are too far advanced. Push on their propagation by layers and pipings. ‘The latter strike readily in sharp sandy loam in gentle bottom heat as that of a half-spent hotbed, covering with a handlight, keeping well shaded from the sun, and affording a gentle sprinkling overhead occasion- ally so as to keep the atmosphere moist. _ Cuttings of Roses root freely at this time of year, selecting the ripe wood, as it will be when the flowers are shed, and inserting under handlights upon a north border. Teas as well as Perpetuals are amenable to this mode of propagation. They also strike freely in gentle bottom heat, shading from sun and keeping moist and close until growing freely, when air must be gradually admitted and the shading withdrawn by degrees. Roses of the Perpetual class as they go out of bloom should be shortened back to two or three joints, cleansing the foliage if at all infested with aphis by an application of soft soap, 2 ozs. to every gallon of water and a pint of tobacco juice, well wetting the bushes in every part, allowing it to remain a day and then wash thoroughly with the garden engine. Stir the surface lightly and give a good mulch, watering overhead and at the roots copiously in hot weather, encouraging a second growth and bloom. Briar and other stocks will shortly be in a sufficiently forward state for budding. Dull or moist weather is most suitable for the operation, as the bark then separates freely. Select buds on wood that has just borne flowers ; they are always more mature than those obtained from gross barren shoots. Success in budding depends on selecting sound mature buds and in extracting the wood, being careful in removing the latter not to bend back the bark too sharp or bruise it i any way, as in that case it will turn black, and, of course, fail. Clematis beds are beautiful in proportion to the attention bestowed upon them. The plants at this season haye a straggling growth, and should have the shoots spread out and secured so as to keep the beds evenly furnished. When left to roam at will they are very beautiful in the wild or undressed ground, but in their natural beauty are inadmissible in dressed grounds. Climbers and other plants employed for covering walls, «&c., should be frequently attended to in thinning, stopping, and nailing, tying and otherwise regulating the shoots, washing as may be required with the garden engine to cleanse the foliage of insect pests, applying if need be an insecticide. Roses of the Maréchal Niel, Gloire de Dijon, &c., type should have the old flowered wood cut out, and the young wood laid-in to replace it for next season’s flowering. Cuttings of double yellow and double red Wallflowers and double Rocket may yet be put in. They succeed best under handlights, or will succeed upon a shady border if kept moist. Bulbs in the herbaceous border should be marked with a hard wood peg as they become ripened; any clumps which haye become too large should be taken up, the border should have a liberal addition of fresh compost, be well and deeply stirred, and the best of the bulbs again planted. Those not required may be planted elsewhere, or they may be stored in sand until planting time in latesummer or autumn. The bareness may be taken away by planting any reserve plants, as half-hardy annuals or spare bedding plants. Hoe and rake the borders so as to give them a neat appearance. Wage incessant war with weeds by plying the hoe and raking frequently. Constant attention should be paid to mowing, edging and rolling the walks in wet weather so as to maintain perfect neatness, upon which so much depends in rendering the general effect pleasing and satisfactory. FRUIT HOUSES. Melons.—There are now so many varieties of Melons that to point out any special kind as possessing particular merit were super- fluous. Almost everything constituting high flavour, no matter what the variety may be, is due to the treatment to which the plants are subjected. The greatest aid to flavour is a rather dry and warm atmosphere with thorough ventilation, but this will not impart high flavour to fruit that during its period of swelling has been neglected for the want of timely removal of the superfluous growth. Liberal supplies of water up to a certain stage are as essential to a thick melting flesh as is the heat and well-venti- lated atmosphere to secure high flavour. After the fruit is set and is the size of an egg the laterals should be kept pinched to July 4, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 15 one leaf; and if this results in too much foliage, so that the leaves upon the primary shoots are crowded or shaded by them, thinning of the laterals must be resorted to, removing a little at a time. The plants should be gone over at least once, and in the case of very vigorous plants twice a week, for the removal of super- fluous growths, the principal leaves being fully exposed to light and air. Until the fruit commences netting it should have every encouragement in swelling by maintaining a good moisture at the roots and sprinklings at closing time overhead. Close the house or frame at 80°, and if the temperature rise to 85° or 90° all the better, but after the fruit commences netting less atmo- spheric moisture should be given, a light sprinkling at closing time, maintaining thorough moisture at the roots until the fruit shows indications of ripening, when the sprinkling overhead should be discontinued and air freely admitted. If the old shoots are cut away the young ones will soon show fruit and set freely. If the plants do not show indications of a free growth, are in- fested with red spider, or decayed at the collar, it is better to root them out and make a fresh start. Remove the old soil entirely, and, where bottom heat is obtained from fermenting material only, a little fresh hot dung worked in will sufficiently revive the bottom heat for this time of year. Observe thorough cleanliness in houses, as the after-success depends upon the plants having a good start. Plant on hillocks rammed well down, and ‘maintain a moist growing atmosphere. Pot off any plants re- quiring it and keep them sturdy. Impregnate the blossoms daily until the requisite number of fruit is set, then remove all the flowers, and earth-up the plants. Look well after canker at the collar of the plants, as it spreads rapidly ; it is overcome by rubbing the infected parts with quicklime. Shade only to prevent flagging. Take care to cut the fruits with a considerable portion of stem when removing them before quite ripe in order to prolong the season of supply. Cucumbers.—This is a good time to sow for raising plants for early autumn fruiting, good plants for planting out being had in about a month. Liberal attention and treatment must be given to plants in full bearing, thinning-out the exhausted growths and foliage, laying-in young bearing wood and earthing-up the plants at short intervals. Apply liquid manure copiously, and maintain an abundance of atmospheric moisture, particularly in hot weather. Be careful not to overcrop young plants; do not allow the fruit to hang too long upon the Vines. Syringe well at closing time, about 4 P.M. No fire heat will now be necessary, but when making new beds a gentle bottom heat is essential to a good start. Dust the plants with sulphur about once a week, and if aphis appear fumigate gently. If worms are troublesome water with weak lime water. PLANT HOUSES. Stove—Jasminum Sambac flore-pleno has pure white flowers about the size of a Daisy, which are very fragrant and most useful for cutting. It is easily grown from cuttings taken off with a heel inserted in half loam and sand and placed in bottom heat. When rooted pot into 3-inch pots and continue them in bottom heat until well established, pinching out the points of the shoots to induce them to break near the base of the plant ; train horizontally so as to induce well-furnished plants, shift into larger pots, and ultimately train to a trellis for flowering. Turfy loam with a fourth of well-decayed manure or leaf soil and a free admixture of sand will grow it well. Keep the plants well syringed, as they are subject tored spider. Alchmea discolor and. miniata are useful for summer and autumn decoration, and should be grown in quantity—single crowns in 7-inch pots. Turfy loam or peat will grow them, with a free admixture of sand anda few nodules of charcoal, and crocks broken rather small to keep the soil open and sweet, good drainage being provided, as free watering is required, the plants being epiphytal in their native habitats. They should be grown near the light upon a shelf or where they can have plenty of light, and then they throw up their flowers strongly, remaining in good condition for six weeks. Tillandsia Lindeni is very beautiful, having narrow, channelled, gracefully curved leaves, which are Jonger than most of the genus. Its blue flowers produced in succession from its lengthened scapes have a grand effect. It is of easy culture, succeeding under ordinary stove treatment. The earliest-flowered Ixoras will push strongly if now placed in brisk heat and humid atmosphere, and will flower again in autumn, being then very useful for cutting ; afford weak liquid manure once a week if the pots are full of roots. I. aurantiaca and I. coc- cinea are two of the best for this purpose. The second batch of Euphorbia and Poinsettia cuttings will by this time be rooted and should be moved into larger pots, as from their free-rooting nature they become stunted in growth if the roots are confined in small pots whilst the plants are young. Cuttings of most hardwooded plants will now be ina half-ripened state and will root freely, especially if they have the advantage of bottom heat and are kept close. They should be inserted singly in small pots, as they may be transferred to larger without receiving any check, growing them on through the winter, they then being consider- ably advanced. Plants that may be so increased now are Com- bretum purpureum, Clerodendrons Balfourianum, splendens, and others of the climbing section, as well as the shrubby, such as fallax, fragrans, and Keempferi, likewise Bougainvilleas, Dipla- denias, Alschynanthuses, Gardenias, Hexacentris mysorensis, Ixoras, Medinillas, Stephanotis, Rondeletias, Tabernzeemontanas, Thunbergias, and Meyenias. Choice varieties of Gloxinias should be increased by leaf-cuttings ; they strike much more surely now than earlier in the season, when the leaves are liable to damp off. They should be shaded from bright sun and kept rather close. Young plants of Stephanotis floribunda being forwarded for next year’s flowering should have the shoots trained near the glass in all the light possible with free ventilation, so as to induce firm growth. Young plants of Clerodendron Balfourianum should be continued in heat after flowering so as to encourage growth, training the shoots near the glass ; if they require more pot room shift at once into larger pots. Turfy yellow loam with a fourth of well-decayed manure and a free admixture of sand is a suitable compost. See that Palms and Draczenas do not suffer from attacks of red spider and by want of water at the roots. Syringing the under side of the leaves will free them of red spider. Gesneras Cooperi, Donckelaari, and others of that type may be increased from cuttings, the flower stems being cut down to a couple of inches above the bulb, Young growths will proceed from the crown, and these when 2 inches in length should be inserted singly in small pots in equal parts of sand and loam, having water only to keep from flagging. After rooting encourage all the aowih possible. Insects at this time of year increase rapidly. Constant atten- tion must be paid to fumigation against thrips and aphis, syringing against mealy bug and red spider, and sponging for the clearance of scale, otherwise the plants will soon become seriously disfigured and many permanently injured. Dull weather should be chosen for this, for it is then much more comfortably done than when the days are bright and sunny. To keep men at such work in hot stoves in bright hot weather is indicative of bad management and thoughtlessness. Advantage should be taken of wet days to push forward the cleaning of plants, it being false economy to keep men working in the rain when there is pressing work on hand under glass. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* All correspondence should be directed either to “ The Editors,” or to “The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoidably. We request that no one will write privately to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and expense. Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, and should never send more than two or three questions at once. All articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the post. Books (W. 7. Ward).—On the methods of collecting and preserving insects, Green's “Insect Hunter’s Companion,’ 1s. 6d. (Van Voorst), may be recommended. Mr. Merrin’s “ Lepidopterist’s Calendar,” 3s. 6d. (Newman), contains much valuable information about the times of appearance of butterflies and moths. As first books on these interesting insects, “ British Butterflies,” 1s.,and “Common British Moths,” 1s. (Routledge), are good. If a general glance at the whole class be desired, the Rey. W. Haughton’s “ Sketches of British Insects,” 3s. 6d. (Groombridge), is a useful introduction, or Figuier’s “ Insect World,” 5s. 6d. (Cassell). GUANO WATER (W.S.).—A quarter of an ounce of guano to each gallon of water for potted plants, and half an ounce to each gallon for plants in beds. ALYSSUM WIERZBICKII SEEDS (H.S.).—We cannot aid you. Write to Messrs. Rollisson, you will have a polite reply. STRAWBERRY (H. D.).—The Strawberry is a fruit. NEIGHBOUR’S TREES (Z. W. J/.).—Unless we saw the place, and had full knowledge of the tenancy, its priority, &c., we could not venture to give an opinion. PEACH LEAVES DISEASED (Y. €.S.).—They are attacked by spot. De- ficient root-action is the cause. Apply copiously tepid very weak manure water. FUNGUS ON ROSES (Jfs. A. G.).—See our answer on page 471 of the previous volume. GRAPES DISEASED (W. Mf. and K. Mf.).—They are very severely spotted, The roots are inactive, and require tepid liquid manure. We cannot name plants from such fragments as “ W. Jf.” enclosed. ANTS ON MUSHROOM BED (Clifford) —We know of no mode of excluding them unless you can sprinkle Scotch snuff over the surface. VINE LEAVES DISEASED (Z. White)—Water the Vines with very weak liquid manure, and give more shade and better ventilation. GRAPE STALKS DECAYED (W. J. C.)—They are shanked, and it is caused by defective root-action. Apply liquid manure to the roots. SAVING SEED OF PRIMULA SINENSIS (@. 7. H.).—Select sturdy plants in somewhat small pots, with a truss of fine flowers fully developed, and place them on a shelf near the glass, where they have plenty of light and air. In watering take care not to wet the blossom, and in due course you will obtain a few seed pods from each plant, affording a little seed, so little that in order to obtain a large supply some dozens of plants must be re- seryed for the purpose. It is very advantageous to fertilise the flowers, using a camel's-hair brush. GRAPES NOT COLOURING (W. H. H.).—Your Grapes are good, and would have coloured well if the Vines had not been overcropped. The plants will | 16 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 4, 1878, not injure the Grapes, and you would do harm rather than good by applying whitewash to the glass. The temperatures are right. Give all the ventilation possible subject to the day and night heat being maintained at the figures submitted. Apply liberally tepid liquid manure to the roots, either soot water, guano water, sewage, or the drainage from dunghills, and your Grapes will probably improve considerably. PEACHES AND NECTARINES DROPPING (A Cheltenham Gardener) —The evil is no doubt attributable to the trees having been so greatly neglected last year. According to your statement a great portion of the young roots must have been destroyed, and now that the swelling fruit requires support the roots are inadequate for affording the necessary supply. By laying-in young wood thinly, keeping the foliage clean, and procuring healthy root- action your trees may regain their lost vigour and bear well another year. That is the most that you can hope for under the circumstances. TORENIA FOURNIERI (J. 7’, Brizton).—You have been rightly informed- This plant is an annual, and a very beautiful one for greenhouse and con- servatory decoration in the summer. The seed if sown in spring produces attractive flowering plants the same season. We have had no experience with sowing it in the autumn, but the experiment is worth trying so as to have flowering plants as early as possible in the spring and early summer months. THRIPS ON VINES (Vexed).—Fumigate them at once for two or three nights successively. The smoke will not affect the flavour of the Grapes that are just showing signs of colouring. See notes on Vine insects in another column. MELONS FOR AUTUMN (G. B.).—Strong plants planted now and a little bottom heat provided by fermenting manure will with good attention pro- duce ripe fruit towards the end of September. Little Heath is one of the most hardy, and Victory of Bath is a free-setting and excellent variety. PELARGONIUM FLOWERS DROPPING (ZZ. 7, F.).—A little ordinary gum dissolved in water and a drop placed at the base of the petals will prevent them dropping during the transit of the flowers. The flowers should be tied in rather close bunches, which should be enclosed in tissue paper, and be further securely packed with wadding. Only a very little of the gum must be applied with a small brush. RAISING PERENNIAL FLOWERS (Robert).—Sow the seed at once in shallow drills in an open border, covering it very slightly with fine soil. A few plants suitable for your purpose are Wallflowers, Sweet Williams, Can- terbury Bells, Delphinium formosum, Scabious, Antirrhinums, and Brompton and East Lothian Stocks. As soon as the plants are large enough to be handled they may be transplanted a few inches apart in nursery beds, and in October they may be removed to their flowering quarters. NAMES OF PLANTS (0. H. C.).—Gongora atro-purpurea, and apparently aa eeeilleeie tetragona. (John Clyde).—We cannot name plants from mere leaves, THE HOME FARM: POULTRY, PIGEON, AND BEE CHRONICLE. MAKING PASTURE AND MEADOW HAY. THE making of meadow and pasture hay must be considered as a very different matter from that of making field hay; and although the machinery in use is the same as used for cutting and making field hay, yet upon irrigated meadows and others with wide open trenches the mowing machine is not always available. It is the same to some extent in the park pastures sometimes where there are a number of ornamental trees, for although where the ground is level a considerable portion of the grass may be cut with the mower, yet under the trees the grass is usually Cut with the scythe, and particularly when the trees are elms. These are sure to have a number of runner roots, which throw up small twigs for a considerable distance around the trees. Some of them have very hard stems, which would be liable to break the knives of the mowing machine or disarrange the working parts of the implement. It is therefore safer to use the scythe in such cases. In order that dry pasture land and meadows should be in good order for cutting the grass with the mowing machine the ground should be looked over in early spring and all stones picked up and removed ; and in the case of park lands with timber about it should be looked over in the month of April, for the winds peculiar to the month of March will be sure to scatter over the pasture more or less the dead broken branches from the ornamenta timber. In some of the moist meadows requiring open trenches to lay them dry it is best to pipe-drain the trenches and fill-in level with the surface. The grass may then be cut with the machine ; whereas without this advantage the crop must be cut with the seythe, which in districts where labourers are scarce is very expensive. In order that the meadows should have the full advantage of the season they should be laid up and neither fed by cattle or sheep after the Ist of February, and as soon after as convenient they should be rolled with a heavy iron roller, In some meadows, even after pipe-draining, there will still remain patches which produce the small rushes, and as these always start in growth before the sweet grasses they should be cut over with the scythe in the month of April, which will not only prevent the rushes from overpowering the best grasses, but it will effectually keep down the coarser grasses, which may be cut with the rushes, and thus improve the general quality of the hay. The time at which grass should be cut, as regards the quality of the hay and other matters, is of considerable importance. For instance, on much of the park land and dry pastures of a dry season it should be par- ticularly noticed whether the finer and bottom grasses are grow- ing, and if not the sooner the grass is cut the better. On the contrary, if the season is showery and the ground moist, although the forwardest grasses may be in bloom, yet the bottom and fine grass will continue to grow and make up a heavy crop, in which case the cutting may be deferred until the Dutch, the suckling, the bird’s-foot trefoil or yellow-blossomed, the broom grass, and others are in flower. There can be no question that the colour of the hay and the aroma is a tolerable guide to quality, but this is often carried too far and accepted as the only criterion of value, for the “ sweet-scented vernal grass” which contributes to nearly all pasture hay the fragrant aroma is often found on the poorest of grasslands. This is the cause of much of the hay sold in the metropolitan and other markets being of but little feeding value, although sold at a high price by reason of its bright green colour and sweet scent. The time for cutting grass in the water meadows is different altogether, for where there is a full crop, whether the grasses are in bloom or not, it should be cut. If allowed to remain too long the grass becomes laid or lodged, and that next the ground the leaves of the grass become partially decayed, which not: only damages the quality of hay, but increases the cost of cutting, and delays and deteriorates the succeeding crop. As before: stated, wherever the mowing machine can be used on pastures or meadows it should be adopted, not only because it saves the labour of many men as compared with the scythe, but also because it is highly desirable that all the grass intended to make up one rick of hay should be cut as nearly as possible at the same time, so that all should be ready for carting together, and the rick finished and topped to prevent exposure to the weather. After cutting the grass the chief point, as regards making the hay, is to take into consideration the bulk of the crop and the character of the season. If the crop is light and the weather dry upon the upland and park pastures it often requires little or no labour beyond eutting, rowing in, and carting. We have on various occasions cut the grass before nine o’clock in the morning, and got it into rick as well-made hay in theevening. Although this is quite exceptional it goes to show that the grass in a dry time may not be tedded several times, but the swathe only turned, and on the second or third day, according to the bulk of the crop, may be carried to the stack. This plan, however, chiefly applies to dry pastures and when the hay is required for consumption on the home farm, because in case it is required for sale more care must be taken to preserve the colour, as colour means quality in the eyes of the hay dealer. Therefore in low-lying meadows subject to night fogs the hay should always after being tedded be made into small pooks, called grasscocks, for the night, and then spread again into rows in the morning, and if sufficiently made be got into larger rows just before the waggon, as it is best to be taken up hot out of the row. Let us now consider the question of treatment of the grass for | hay when by the state of the barometer and the general character of the season we may feel assured that showery and difficult hay- making weather will prevail. In that case, instead of tedding, it will be well to only turn the swathe on the second day after cutting ; on the third day to get the hay into small pooks, and then make two or three pooks into one on the day following, in which case the hay will have retained its colour. 'But we must still be extremely jealous of the weather, and throw open the large pooks to get them dry for carting, but only in the promise of a July 4, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 17 fine drying day, and the probability of stacking the hay the same or following day. If the latter the hay must again be pooked for the night. In the water meadows or on rich alluvial soils it is common to cut the aftergrowth for hay, in the making of which it is oftentimes best not to ted the grass, but simply make it into grasscocks, and turn them as occasion may require. But we must remember that in the short days of autumn that we cannot expect the hay to dry quickly, therefore to keep the hay in small cocks and give it time is best. _It will be gradually making without risk, the cocks being only turned over occasionally ; the colour of the hay will then be preserved, We knew last autumn hay made in this way so late in the season that the white hoar frost\in the mornings was observed on the top of the pooks, yet this hay was eventually got to stack in fair condition for consumption of stock on the home farm. In making the stand or staddle for the ricks it is of importance that the size of the stand should be adapted to the quantity of hay to be stacked, and we allow as a general rule that for 20 tons of hay the stand should be 13 feet wide and 30 feet long. There is practically a great objection to the stand being made too large or too small for the quantity of hay, and to have the full advantage of a proper adjustment the size may be easily altered according to the measurement we have laid down for 20 tons ina rick. Many of the statements made in our article upon field hay will equally apply to the making ricks of pasture hay. For the improvement of hay our remarks relating to spice will apply with still more force in the case of meadow or pasture hay, for it will not only improve hay injured by rain as stated in reference to field hay, but in the case df water meadow hay partially injured through the excess of crop and the decay of the grass at bottom it will improve and give the hay a pleasant and grateful flavour, and induce the cattle to eat it, which, under ordinary circumstances, they would scarcely eat with any advantage. This matter of spicing also applies with benefit to the hay made from the poor and coarse grasses, the produce of poor and mossy pastures. For this pur- pose the following mixture is recommended :—Fenugreek in powder, 112 tbs. ; pimento, 4 Ibs. ; aniseed, 4 Ibs. ; caraway, 4 lbs. ; cumin, 2 lbs. The quantity touse for a ton of hay of the spice materials is from 2} to 3 lbs. ; the cost is 10d. per pound. WORK ON THE HOME FARM. Horse Labour.—As fast as the hay is fit for carting the horses will now be almost daily employed in carrying it to the rick. When the weather is fine it is well at such a busy period to do the cultivation for turnips, &c., in the mornings and carry hay in the afternoon, as it is always in better condition in the afternoon, particularly in hot still weather, the dews being often so heavy in the mornings. It is well also to be entirely prepared for stacking the hay as soon as ready by having the materials, such as faggots, &c., at hand for making the rick stands. Horse-hoeing will now be required for the mangold, early cabbages, carrots, kohl rabi, &e., and also the Swedish turnips where sown early. In the case of wet weather following immediately after the horse-hoeing, the couch grass and any weeds which may be likely to strike again should be picked up by the women. Hand Labour.—The mangold crop and early Swedes may now be set out, and it is very important that the strongest plants should be left in preference to leaving them at any exact distance apart in the rows. The very fact of the strongest plants being exhibited shows that they have, in preference to the weaker ones, got hold of the manure, and in consequence will go on to maturity with the greater probability of becoming the largest roots, and better able also to withstand any attack from enemies such as the brown grub, &c. The hoeing of carrots should now be persevered with in order to keep the land perfectly clean, and if they are set out in the rows let it be done with a small 4-inch hoe. We prefer to clean the rows and let the plants remain yet awhile ; and when the roots are about the size of the finger they may be hand-pulled for cattle, pigs, &c., as upon certain occasions we have pulled as much as ten to twelve tons per acre, and remoyed daily for feeding purposes. This not only preserves a sufficient number of plants to insure them against their only enemy the grub, but in the act of pulling it opens the soil and allows the remaining plants to swell with great ease. In this manner we have pulled fourteen tons to the acre for immediate use, and the main crop has produced from twenty-five to thirty tons per acre according to the season. As soon as any deficiency of plants is discovered in the mangold crop it is advisable to plant out, to fill wp vacancies, some good strong cabbage plants of the Champion Cattle cabbage variety, these being the best for the purpose, as fewer plants will be re- quired, the heads coming so large. Although the weather may be dry and the ground hard, yet they are bound to live and grow if they are set with the spade, as it opens the land so that the plants, although they may be long and strong, are introduced into the moist ground, so essential to their taking root, and if the heart of the plant is buried about an inch so much the better in very hot weather. The work of cutting the hogweed and coarse grass on the borders of the fields is still continued, and where cut first the second cutting is now ready. Our store pigs which are now receiving this kind of green food are doing remarkably well. In addition to the border grass they get a small quantity of broken and soaked Indian corn, with barleymeal mixed so as to form a pudding. Where the farm buildings are usually coated with tar or paint this is the best time for doing the work, and we are now. using coal tar from the gasworks for the purpose ; and we find that cheap boarding, such as that cut from fir trees or elm, will last a great many years when itis kept tarred at the proper season, it being necessary that the wood should be perfectly dry before either paint or tar is used. The herdsman or dairyman should now be alive to the advantage in summer time of taking the dairy cows from the shaded pastures to their stalls when the sun is in full power. If left to the shade of trees only they still suffer from the annoyance of flies, and leave their manure also where it does no good. When, however, the animals are driven to their pens from about eleven o’clock till four o'clock in the afternoon they will be free from flies, and if they get a bait of green fodder in the middle of the day so much the better. They will not only give more milk, but will give it down more kindly, when they lead a quiet life in the stalls free from the irritation of flies. The heifers on the home farm that may now be from eighteen months to two years of age should be put to the bull in July and August, as they will then come to calve at a favourable time of year— that is, about the end of April or the early part of May, with a prospect of plenty of grass before them. ROYAL COUNTIES SHOW. TRULY a thing of progress. But a few years since it was open on one day for a few hours at Basingstoke, now it takes four days. A small field sufficed to hold everything connected with it, now it covers 22 acres, and in every way reminds one of the Royal Agri- cultural Society of England. It moves about from town to town in the two counties—favoured Hants and Berks, containing the residences of our Sovereign. The spot where the Show was held this year was well chosen It would be difficult to find a more beautiful locality than South- ampton Common. Not a common in the ordinary sense of the word; not land with “barren” written on the face of it, and bearing for its crop a scanty and stunted portion of heath, but boasting of oaks that have been centuries attaining their present size,and of underwood 6 or 7 feet high, growing in patches and affording shelter both for man and beast. It is the sort of spot where from facility of concealment Prince Hal might haye chased Falstaff, or where in earlier days, spite of its contiguity to a con- siderable town, a strong body of traders ere they left the open would conceal money and yaluables, and perhaps calculate and organise means of defence before they entered the wood. We are happy to live in quieter days, when the glades, solitudes, and thickets may be put to quieter and more peaceful pursuits. It is said by a poet— “Our groves were planted to conceal at noon The pensive wanderer beneath their shades.” The very mention of shade is refreshing. If there were ever weather when we would run into water or under trees to find shelter from the sun (thermometer at 90° in the shade), it was on the days of this enjoyable Show. The common was a beautiful sight : the dusty road was deserted for the green sward, and little knots of well and gaily dressed people were now seen, now hidden, as they passed among the thickets, and, although out of sight, could be traced by the ringing laughter that was heard. The roadside inn was dressed-out, and the outer accommodation was such that we should almost call it the English Téniers, or wish that Wilkie were still among us to hand down to the future a. representation of one of our agricultural outings, and dispel the idea so common in other countries that an Englishman takes his pleasure sadly. We have a great respect for the roadside inns. They have an air of comfort not to be found in modern and more pretentious buildings dignified by the name of hotels. The old roadside inn was a home to the wayfarer who stopped there. We saw such an one covering much ground; when it was built land was not sold by the foot. A good, large, wide entrance ; a large. bow window on each side ; seats in front of the house; a settle round a patriarchal tree, and all crowded. Booths had established , themselves, shows made a great display, and here and there a brown gipsy promised all things to all people. Clever people! they offer that which all want, but do not at once giveall. There remains yet something better behind, but “she should lose her gift if she told it for anything but silver,” and so one of the few sixpences see the light to purchase the knowledge “ that she will on that day see a dark man, and the planets assure her that though hot-tempered he will make a yery good husband.” This, however, is outside, and our principal work lies within ; but yet these are accessories, and some who have seen many and foreign climes may dwell on such a scene as was here, and find it would not suffer by comparison with foreign fétes. We cannot dwell longer among our rural scenery and its inhabitants, but it will be long before we foyget it. Our first feeling after we had entered the Show-yard gates was one of surprise at the growing dimensions 18 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { July 4, 1878, of the Show, and next admiration of the spot chosen to hold it. Standing close to the orchestra and looking towards the sea it was a sight of marvellous beauty. The poultry Show was a long stride in advance and very superior to any we have before seen. As should be at an agricultural meeting Dorkings headed the list, inviting competitors for six prizes. There was, perhaps, less improvement in this class than in some others, but the fact is easily explained. Hampshire is be- come the home of some of the best Dorkings that are bred—birds that are “to the fore” in almost every prize sheet. We have no hesitation in saying the winners here would have had the same position anywhere, The two classes of Cochins were well filled with good birds, and well-known names will be seen among the distinguished. We thought there were birds of unusual merit in the Buffs and White. The Dark Brahmas were well represented, and the prize birds were very large and heavy. They were more numerous and more meritorious than their Light brethren. The exaggeration of the vulture hock in some instances would almost justify us in believing some amateurs seek to develope it as a prin- cipal beauty of these breeds. No breed showed more progress than the Spanish. Several of the pens were perfect. For many years Hamburghs were weak, and Pencilled and Spangled were shown in the same class; they were now divided and the entries improved in numbers and quality in consequence. There were good specimens in all the classes. The Houdans and Créve Ceurs were excellent. They proved here as elsewhere that the foreign breeds introduced into this country scon become better than their imported originals. They not only increase in size but in all points. There was a class of Langshans, some fine fowls among them, especially the first-prize pen. Polands are always weak, and this time was not an exception. Prizes were withheld, but the Judge was empowered in any such case to add those not awarded to other entries of great merit. The classes for Bantams were hard to judge; good specimens were common and entries were numerous. Some Black-breasted Reds were perfect, and some of the Blacks were faultless. The Variety class brought together the different breeds—Black Hamburghs, Malays, Anda- lusians,&c. Little could be said for Rouen and Aylesbury Ducks ; they produced neither numbers nor quality. The Varieties showed some of the best Buenos Ayrean we ever saw, and also some very tame Widgeon. It causes us to repeat that which we have often written—that as soon as all are agreed upon the points of any particular breed it is sure to be produced. There is great difference of opinion about vulture hocks, and in some specimens it is developed to an extent that borders on the ridiculous, the hocks almost touching the ground. It is a pity it cannot be decided whether the original Cochin is the bird to breed or the modern introduction. In the Spanish it was said the comb of the cock should be upright, and it isso. What would be thought of a new school that demanded lopping combs in Spanish cocks? There were very good entries of very good Game, but here again there was a noyelty, several pens were shown undubbed. We confess they do not look like Game, and show to a great disadvantage against their trimmed competitors. will fight, and also know that if they must fight it is a mercy to cut off comb and gills. As to the suffering of the operation, when these parts are removed they are given in small pieces to the patient, who always eats them. The birds shown were very good, but some of them are certainly too stilty. The quality of the Geese and Turkeys was excellent, but they were deficiert in numbers. The Pigeons alone would have formed a good show. The Carriers, Jacobins, Fantails, Dragoons, and Magpies were especially good. Antwerps were meritorious. No less than sixteen of the birds exhibited in Any other variety class figure in the prize sheet. The homing Pigeons brought twenty-five competing pens, and these again claimed sixteen notices at the Judge’s hands. Rabbits closed the Show. The long-eared measured between 18 and 20inches. The Silver-Greys were very good in coat, and the Hare Rabbits were marvellously like Hares in appearance and habit. Mr. Baily was Judge. POULTRY.—DORKINGS.— Coloured.—1, P. Ogilvie. 2,Mrs. Radclyffe. 3, Mrs, J. Milward. Other varieties—1, T. C. Burnell. 2, P. Ogilvie. 3, J. T. Cable. COCHINS.— Buff.—i, Rey. G. F. Hodson. 2, Miss Pasley. 3, P. Ogilvie. Other varielies.—_1, Mrs. Radcliffe. 2, J. Buckmaster. 3, Rey. R. S. S. Woodgate. BRAHMAS.—Dark.—i, Mrs. Radcliffe. 2, H. J. Buchan. 3, W. V. Edwards. Light—, Rey. N. J. Ridley. 2, A. Ive. SPANISH.—1, E. S. Harris. 2.and 3, P. F.Le Suer. GAME.—Black Reds—i, H.M. Maynard. 2, W. Tyler. 3. E. Win- wood. Other varieties—1, E. Winwood. 2, F. J. R. Nunn. HAMBURGHS.— Gold or Silver-spangled—1, T. Reeves. 2,H. Pickles. 3, C. M. Damant. Gold or Silver-pencilled—1, J.T. Cable. 2, H. Pickles. 3, W. L. Bell. FRENCH.— Houdans—1, W. Howard. 2,C. M. Damant. 3,G. Day. Creves—l, R. Wing- field. 2,P.H.Le Suer. 3,J.H. Ward. LANGSHANS.—1, A. C. Crowd. 2, F.J. R. Nunn. 3, H. J. Buchan. POLANDS.—1, T. Norwood. 2, E. L. Harris. BANTAMS.—Game.—l, T. W. Anns. 2,7. Randall, jun. 3, R. Wingfield. Other varieties —1, R. Wingfield. 2,J. Buckmaster. 3, W.& J. Trask. ANY OTHER VARIETY.—1, H. Pickles. 2, G. F. Hodson. 3, J. Wiggins. 4, F. Stoodley. DUCKS.—Roven—1 and 3, P. Ogilvie. 2, Mrs. Radcliffe. Aylesbur-y—2, Mrs. Radcliffe. Fancy.—1 and 2, J. W. Kellaway. 3,R. H. Ashton. GEESE—1, E. Woodiord. 2, J.Farmer. TURKEYS.—1, Rey. N.J. Ridley. 2, T.D. B. Rawlins. PIGEONS.—POUTERS.—1 and 2, E. S. C. Gibson. CARRIERS.—I and 2, H. M. Maynard. 3, P.H. Jones. 4, W. D. Richardson. JACOBINS.—1 and 3, H. M. Maynard. 2, J.F. Loyersidge. FANTAILS.—1 and 2, J F. Loyersidge. 3, H. Those who know this breed best know that they ! M. Maynard. TURBITS.—1,C. Parsons. 2,P.H. Jones. DRAGOONS, J. D. Blackman. 2and3,J.Lush,jun. S{AGPIES.—1,W.Tomlins. 2, F.Bulley. 3, J.Tanner, jun. ANTWERPS.—Short-yaced.—1, J. E. Cottell. 2, W. D. Richard- son. 3, C. Parsons. ANY OTHER VARIETY.—1, H. M. Maynard. 2, J. D. Blackman. 4, P.H. Jones. HOMING.—1, Dr. Dabbs. 2,J.D. Blackman. 3, G. H. Billett, F. Brown. 4, G. J. Lenney. RABBITS.—LOP-EARED.—1, J. W. Vokes. 2and 3,R. Madgwick. BELGIAN ANY OTHER VARIETY.—1 and 2, HARE.—1 and 2, P. Ogilvie. 3, W. Shotter. J.Ellis. 3, F. R. Docking. DONCASTER POULTRY SHOW. THE annual Show was held at Doncaster, on the Racecourse, on the 26th, 27th, and 28th ult. The weather was excessively hot, and the number of visitors very large on all the days. Fortunately the poultry, &c., were shown under a permanent shed, where they were much cooler than if they had been under canvas, and yet one celebrated La Fléeche hen closed her career in consequence of the heat. The pens were well arranged, and ample space was afforded for the visitors. The entries were about fifty more than those of last year, and the quality was; far ahead of that of any previous year. Game headed the list. Black Red cocks were very poor with the exception of the winners. The first, a grand all-round bird, could scarcely show in a compact form on account of the heat ; second a fair bird ; and third very good but small and late-bred. Hens of that colour poor except the winners. Brown Red cocks were the best class of Game. The first a beautifully marked stag, excellent in style and fine in form; second not equal in colour and marking but full, better in chest and shoulder, and good in all Game properties ; the third was sadly out of order and showed badly, being flat and long in hock and not at all in show form, though said to be the cup bird at Thorne. Hens very good, throughout but somewhat out of feather. Duckwing cocks first a grand coloured bird, firm and good in style ; second a nice colour but very soft. Hens of that variety also good, the first one of rare quality and the next in points to thecup-winner. Pile cocks, first a smart bird well shown; second rather heavy feathered ; third a fair bird. Hens were a smart lot in all respects except feather, and many were in need of a moult. Dorkings were very good in both classes ; and Spanish about the best class. in the Show, although some of the best were a little coarse. Cochins, first and third were Buffs, and second Partridge. Brahmas were both good classes, and for the time of year in good feather. Hamburghs were mixed classes. In Silvers, first was a grand all-round pen of Spangles ; the second also of that variety ; and third Pencils. In Golden also Spangles were first, and Pencils second and third. Polis, first and second Golden, and third the recent importation—viz., Buffs, or more properly Buff-laced ; the hen a grand one, but the cock failing in crest. The cup for this section was awarded to a pen of Black Hamburghs, the cock, perhaps, about the best we have yet seen; second also a grand- pen of that breed ; and third La Fleche. There was one class for chickens; first was a fine well-grown set of Light Brahmas ; second Dark Brahmas. Bantams were the largest classes of all and mostly in good feather, the cup being awarded to a smal} pair of Black Reds. In the Variety class Blacks were very good and in the best of feather. Geese and Ducks were large and good, but mostly out of feather with the exception of the Bahamas and Chilian Teal in the Variety class. Pigeons through some unfortunate mistake were in pairs, and the entry was in consequence rather small, but there were some good specimens in all classes. 2, J. A. & H. H. Staveley. Bentley. Hen. W. Brierley. 3, H. E. M Pile or White—Co J. F. Walton. 2, R. Walker. 3, J. E. Crof —1l, C. W. Brierley. J. E. Crofts. 3, J. F. Walton. DORKINGS.—\Silver-Grey.—! and 2, W. Roe. 3, H. Beldon. An: rartety—1 and 2, B. Smith. 3, J. Chester. SPANISH.—1, J. Rawnsley. 2, H. Beldon. 3, J. Bowes, jun. COCHINS.—1, H. Beldo: 2, W. Mitchell. 3, R. P. Percival. BRAHMAS.—Light—l, G. B. C. Breeze. 2, F. Holt. 3, A. Bigg. Dark—1, J.F. Smith. 2 and 3, W.Scholefieid.. HAMBURGHS.—Silver-spangled or Pencilled.—1, J.Rawnsley. 2and3,H.Beldon. Golden-spangled or Pencilled. —1, H. Beldon. 2and 3, J. Rawnsley. POLANDS.—1 and 3, H. Beldon. 2, R. Newbitt. ANY OTHER VARIETY.—Cupand 1, H.Beldon. 2,J.F.Walton. 3, J. Rawnsley. ANY VARIETY.—Chickens—1, H. W. & H. King. 2, B. Smith. GUINEA FOWLS.—1, F. Clater. 2, J. Rawnsley. DUCKS.—Avylesbury.—t and 2, E. Snell. 3, W. Stonehouse. Rouen—l, E. Snell. 2, W. Bygott, jun. | EF Preston Show continues. 75.6 | 60.7 | 63.1 3°59) 8 12) 7 22) 1 12 12 20 | 193 13 |S Preston Show closes. 74.0 | 51.4 | 62.7 AS OMSL | 78) payin. 2) 15 13 27 | 194 14 SUN | 4SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 76.4 61.1 63.8 Bye ak 8 10 8 34 3 28 @ 384 | 195 145 |M Sr. Sv "HIN. 76.2 | 50.3 | 63.2 4 2) 8 9) 8 55) 4 46 35) 5 41 | 196 16 TU Leek Rose Show. z 75.7 | 49.7 | 62.7 4 3 8 8 9 11 6) 4-2 16 5 46 | 197 17 | W Tonbridge, Blackpool, Oundle, and Spalding Shows. 75.9 | 51.5 | 63.7 | 4 4] 8 7) 9 24) 7 16 17 5 52 | 198 | From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 74.1°; and its night temperature 0,0°. HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS AND THEIR INFLUENCES. ORTICULTURAL exhibitions have done much for the art they are intended to pro- mote, both in this and other countries. Local shows and special shows have given an im- petus to cultivation in the districts where such shows have been established, and have brought to greater perfection particular Y flowers that the special societies have taken under their particular patronage. Exhibitions of greater scope and magnitude have similarly in a * broader and more general manner stimulated and encouraged. high-class cultivation, as well as having expanded the trade in all that pertains to horticultural pursuits. sigs It cannot be doubted that the bringing together for purposes of comparison the best produce of our gardens has had a most beneficial effect. Some cultivators by long practice, great perseverance, and close industry have ex- celled in some particular branch of their profession, and it is only meet that they should reap something more than amere private approval of their success: they have a just claim to a reward of a more public and tangible nature. Such rewards are provided by horticultural societies and are awarded at the several exhibitions that are held in different parts of the country. 2 f The public recognition thus officially recorded of promi- nent successes achieved by leading cultivators has had an important influence in raising the standard of horticultural practice throughout the country, has created a spirit of commendable emulation amongst cultivators large and small, and has raised British gardeners to the high and honourable position they now occupy as skilled craftsmen in the art which they so well adorn. In no country in the world is gardening conducted so thoroughly and well as in our own. Some nations may excel in some particular depart- ment of floral decorative art; but for solid excellence in the cultivation of flowering plants, for high achievements in the production of fruit, and for general success in vege- table growing, Great Britain is admittedly at the head of all the nations of the globe. Pre-eminent also is this country in the magnitude and richness of its nurseries and the admirable manner in which they are conducted. The seed establishments, too, are with very few exceptions simi- larly unrivalled; and equally prominent are the various manufactories and foundries wherein are fabricated the structures, heating apparatus, implements, machinery, and manures requisite for the maintenance of horticulture in the commanding position it now occupies. This position, as before observed, is in a great measure the result of the powerful influence exerted by horticultural societies and their exhibitions—aided, as will be readily admitted, by their natural ally the horticultural press. Thousands of cultivators who have not had opportunities for visiting the great tournaments of skill have yet been made familiar with their nature, and have thereby been imbued with an ambition to be participators of the rewards wu: NO. 902.—VOIn XXXVy NEW SERIES offered for skilful work. Thus are gardeners made—namely, by attentive reading, close observation, and unremitting work. Honours won by the successful exhibitors even at local shows are prized, and rightly so; still more cherished are the rewards won at metropolitan exhibitions ; but the most coveted of all honours are those bestowed by the Royal Horticultural Society —the natural and national repre- sentative of horticulture in this country. Had not the old Society had the warm sympathy of the leading horticul- turists, were not confidence reposed in its management, and were not its administrators trusted as loyal to the objects which the Society was designed to promote, the much-criticised—sometimes abused and sometimes com- mended—‘ R. H. 8.” would not have surmounted so well as it has done the many difficulties it has had to encounter, and would not now have been in a position to expand its influence and extend its usefulness both at its head-quarters and in the provinces. Catering, as it does, for all classes by giving official encouragement in domestic floriculture to “the million” in the metropolis ; distributing its medals over wide districts, and now and again instituting great exhibitions in the populous centres of the provinces, it is doing a large, com- prehensive, and important work—work fraught with un- alloyed pleasure and benefit to the affluent ; and benefit also, of an educational and substantial kind, to the indus- trial masses of the community, as well as giving an impetus to the great industry of which it is the exponent. The provincial exhibitions of the Royal Horticultural Society have always been popular and, as great horticultural displays, haye been successful. At Bury St. Edmunds, Leicester, Manchester, Oxford, Nottingham, Birmingham, and Bath horticulture has been represented in a truly national manner, and the good influences resulting from such gatherings of the cream of garden products, their pro- ducers and patrons, have a deep impress on the national mind which cannot fail being of great public advantage. Preston is now for the time being the great centre of horticulture. The Show is arranged in all its magnitude, and there is yet time for those who have not yet seen it to make an effort for visiting the great Show of the season, and deriving instruction from the many splendid examples of culture there so attractively displayed. Those, however, who cannot see the Show can do the next best thing—read about it, and we commend the report to their_notice. GRAPES WITHOUT FIRE HAT. Dovzriess Mr. David Thomson is quite right by suggest- ing that in a great extent of the “north countrie” it is useless attempting the cultivation of Grapes without the aid of fire heat. It is very important also, as pointed out by that experienced cultivator and accomplished writer, that unqualified expressions may possibly result in disappoint- ment. But while it is necessary to remember that Vines cannot be depended on in the north to ripen without fire heat, it is equally well that the fact be recognised that they wili ripen admirably over a considerably greater extent of NO; 1554,—VOu. LX., OLD SERIES. == bo we JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 11, 1878. country in the southern, eastern, and midland counties. How far north they will generally ripen under glass, but without the aid of fire heat, I am unable to state, but I know I have gathered Grapes from open (south) walls as far north as the south of Yorkshire, and have cut fruit from Vines under glass where no fire heat was employed, in the same locality, of really excellent quality and quite fit for a nobleman’s table. There are no doubt thousands of gardens in this country where a valuable -npply of home-grown Grapes might be produced in »aim expensive glazed structures without the expenditure of a penny a year in fuel. Yet while that is the fact, it is generally advisable when erecting a vinery for making some provision for keeping the frost out of it in winter, not for the sake of the Vines, which the frost will not then injure, but because the house can be utilised by affording protection for tender plants which are usually requisite for beautifying gardens in summer. The number of small vine- ries is much greater than formerly in the vicinity of towns, and it is to be hoped they will continue to increase ; for ripe Grapes constitute a wholesome and delicious luxury in health, while in sickness they are simply invaluable. Wherever Apricots and Peaches will ripen on the walls in the same district Grapes will ripen under glass without the aid of fire heat.—NortH LINCOLN. FUCHSIAS FOR AMATEURS—SOIL FOR POTTING. No. 1. FUCHSIAS are amateurs’ plants. They are at home on the window sill, in the garden, in the living room, and in the greenhouse. ‘Their fresh foliage is neat, and their flowers are characterised by extreme elegance. “I am forming a collec- tion,” writes an amateur, ‘“‘and should be glad, as I doubt not would many other amateurs, to see some instructions in the Journal for growing the plants well.” It would be compara- tively easy to impart information on the culture of Fuchsias, but the correspondent alluded to has coupled his request with a statement that renders the matter somewhat difficult. It is to the effect that he has no suitable soil—no turfy loam, leaf soil, or anything of that kind that is so frequently recom- mended. As to the matter of soil, it may be as well to state at the outset that the best, most satisfactory, and in the end the most economical plan to adopt is to purchase a bushel or what may ‘be required of some local nurseryman. If a fancier purchases poultry or pigeons, birds, cats, or dogs, he purchases also food for their sustenance. If the pets are worth haying the food is worth purchasing. Does not the same rule apply in the case of Fuchsias and other plants? Those who consider the matter well will, I think, reply in the affirmative. In country districts no real difficulty need occur in the matter of soil, for those who really value softwooded plants and are earnest in their efforts to grow them healthily will always manage to obtain sufficient wayside parings and collect some leaves, a little horse dung and soot, and these mixed together and left in a heap for a year, less or more according to circumstances, will form a compost in which such plants as Fuchsias, Geraniums, &c., will grow in a highly satisfactory manner, other points of culture being correct. But the case jis different when would-be cultivators of flowers are dwellers ~in towns or cities or their immediate suburbs. There there are _no roadside parings, and possibiy no leaves or waste manure ~of any kind ; and in that case they must treat their plants as they would their pet birds, and purchase for them the requisite “food. Plants, however, it may be as well to remember, do not require freshly purchased food every day or week, or even month, so that the matter of purchasing soil is not so serious as at first sight it might appear to be. Amateurs and suburban residents, it may perhaps be oppor- tune to state, are not the only persons who endure great inconye- nience, and even incur considerable loss, by the non-purchasing of suitable soil for their plants. Gentlemen—country gentle- men—can have little idea of the importance of affording their gardeners soil suited to the special requirements of particular kinds of plants, or they would be as ready to permit a little soil being purchased as they are to purchase the plants. For the sake of a pound expended in soil many a £5 note has been lost by the premature death of plants, which have perished by the want of a suitable medium in which to sustain them in health. This-applies to such plants as Camellias, Azaleas, Heaths, and New Holland plants, or plants generally which require sound peat or pure‘light turfy loam destitute of lime to preserve them in a satisfactory and improving condition ; yet in heavy clay or limestone districts soil of the nature required for such plants cannot be found. Asa matter of fact I have traversed hundreds of acres in a vain search for a load of soil that I knew was essential to the well-being of the plants that had been purchased and for which it was required. The cost of the time so wasted was often greater than would the cost of suitable soil have been if it had becn purchased. I mention this with the twofold object of iuforming suburban amateurs that they have “brethren in di.tress’’ amongst pro- fessional gardeners in country districts, and also of intimating to country gentlemen who will purchase plants, but who are averse to buying soil, that they ought not to expect their gardeners to make bricks without straw. Hitherto I have paid much more attention to the second division of my text than the first ; but I have good reason for it. The friends at head quarters—for friends they are both to amateurs and gardeners—like experienced cultivators, invited me, when they forwarded to me the amateur’s letter, to lay special stress on the question of soil, knowing it was the more important guestion of the two. And so it is. That is the reason that I have given it prominence. Yet on the other hand I must say, as a somewhat old culti- yator, that soil isnot everything in the culture of either Fuchsias or any other plants. Much, of course, depends on the nature of the compost, its texture and components; but of not less importance is the state in which it is used and the manner of using it. Ido not hesitate saying that a good gardener and skilled cultivator will achieve greater results with inferior soil than will a bad cultivator with soil of the most perfect cha- racter imaginable for the purpose for which it is intended. In the first place, soil when it is employed must not be so dry as to crumble when grasped tightly, nor yet be so moist as to adhere to the hand after the manner of putty or paste. The mean between these two extremes is not only the best standard to attain, but it is imperative that it be adopted. Im the next place the soil must be kept in a sweet yet healthily moist state, and this must be effected by judicious applications of water coupled with efficient drainage. It is very easy to place an inch or two of crocks, suchas broken pots or charcoal, into the bottom of a flower pot, and then as easy to throw in soil on the crocks ; but that is Just what ought not to be done. The drainage must be kept clean and clear by being covered with a layer of turf, moss, manure, or leaves before the soil is placed in the pots. That, too, is imperative. It is not, how- ever, always adopted by amateurs, nor even by some who call themselves gardeners. Another point wherein many amateurs err, and not a few gardeners, is in the habit of watering plants immediately after they have been potted. As soon as a plant has been placed in fresh soil and in a fresh pot it is considered proper to “give it a good soaking.’ Instead of that practice being proper it is very improper. A plant should never be potted when the old soil in which it is growing is at all dry, nor when the new soil in which it is proposed to place it is similarly devcid of moisture, neither should it ever be watered imme- diately after the potting has been done. Those are a few of the principles of culture that must never be lost sight of in the cultivation of Fuchsias, or indeed of any plants. but I have written enough for one paper and will resume the subject on a future occasion —A NORTHERN GARDENER. THE ScorTisH HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.—The monthly meeting of the Scottish Horticultural Association was held on Tuesday, the 2nd inst. at 5, St. Andrew Square. Mr. Dunn, Dalkeith Palace Gardens, President, in the chair. Mr. A. D. Mackenzie read a valuable paper on the “Heating of Horti- cultural Buildings.” He alluded to the various methods which had been tried for heating such buildings, but the only two effective methods were by flues or by the circulation of hot water in pipes. The old fines had been almost entirely superseded, the cost of repairing, their expense, and other disadvantages having contributed to this result. But the system of heating by hot- water pipes had spread to such an extent that it now formed an important item in the industry of the country. He described two methods of heating by water—the one by high pressure with small malleable iron pipes, and the other by low pressure with cast-iron pipes and boilers. Mr. Mackenzie then gave his expe- rience of the various boilers which were used, giving preference to the saddle boiler, and closed with a few hints in reference to the working of the whole system. All the members who took part in the discussion agreed that the saddle boiler was the best in use. Mr. James Grieve read a paper on “Campanulas,” in which he enumerated the different kinds and the places from July 11, 1878, } JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 23 which they had been first brought to this country, and gave a general idea of the mode of cultivation. The following were ex- hibited :—Rare specimens of the Iris, Tropeolum polyphyllum and Alstrémeria chilensis by Mr. L. Dow; twenty-four new seedling fancy Pansies by Downie & Laird ; beautiful flowers of the Hoya carnosa by Mr. R. Robertson; and large spikes of Stocks by Mr. W. Black. SINGULAR BEECH TREE. THE engraving is from a rough sketch of a Beech tree that grows in the vicarage garden at Sedgley near Dudley. The 4 Fig. 3—Singular Beech Tree. peculiarity consists in this, that the branch denoted as A grows into the branch B, and has become from that point one branch ; also the branch C has grown in a like manner into the stem of the tree marked D in such a manner that at first sight it was not clear which of the two places, ¢ or D, the branch had first started from.—HENRY COOPER. THE BATH AND WEST OF ENGLAND SHOW. THE floral decorations in connection with the Bath and West of England Show are, I think, deserving of a little comment. The Show is generally described in glowing colours by re- porters, and its arrangement is spoken of as if the height of perfection were attained. As the present system of exhibiting has been going on for several years this may not be an inap- propriate time for inquiry into its usefulness. This department of course is considered as an adjunct to the agricultural depart- ment. When produces of all kinds are brought together in sharp competition the consequence is that the very best is brought from all parts, and a lively interest and some excite- ment is created among all classes connected with agricultural matters. Why should it not be so in the horticultural depart- ment! To most it would seem that is the very thing that is wanted, and if a liberal schedule were issued the Show might be the best flower show of the season. The Committee will do well to see into this matter, and not only endeavour to make it an exhibition of admiration but also remunerative-—AN OLD EXHIBITOR. ° ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY. JULY 10TH. THIS Society acted wisely in dividing their last summer show into two parts, and offering prizes for cut flowers and fruit a month later than it has been their usual custom to do. The classes for both subjects were well contested, and the quality of the Roses exhibited was far superior to anything we have witnessed this season. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, received the highest honours for seventy-two varieties, single trusses ; Messrs. Cranston & Mayos, Hereford, were placed second ; and Mr. Keynes third. For forty-eight, three trusses of each variety, Messrs. Cranston & Mayos were in splendid form and were awarded the first prize, Messrs. Paul & Son the second, and Mr. Keynes the third. In the class for twenty-four, three trusses of each, Messrs. Paul & Son, Cranston & Mayos, and Mr. Turner were first, second, and third respectively. Mr, Turner was first for twenty-four single blooms, and Messrs. Paul & Son also won five other first prizes for admirable collections. There was only one exhibitor in the amateurs’ class—Mr. Davies, The Square, Wilton, Wilts, and he was deservedly awarded the first prize for a collection of twenty-four varieties, three trusses of each. FRUIT was also well exhibited. Twenty-one classes were pro- vided for in the schedule. The first prize for a collection of nine sorts was awarded to Mr. Miles, gardener to Lord Carington, Wycombe Abbey ; and for six varieties to Mr. C. Ross, gardener to C. Eyre, Esq., Welford Park, Newbury. Mr. T. Coomber, gardener to J. A. Rolls, Esq., Hendre, Monmouth, was an excellent second. Pines Apples were numerously shown. The best two Queen Pines came from Mr. Hepper, gardener to C. O. Ledward, Esq., The Elms, Acton ; and for a single fruit of the same variety Mr. Dins- more, gardener to T. F. Blackwall, Esq., received the first prize. Grapes were very good indeed. The best basket of white Grapes was Muscat of Alexandria, sent by Mr. Douglas, gardener to F. Whitbourne, Esq., Loxford Hall, Ilford; and the best basket of black came from Mr. P. Edwards, gardener to Mrs. Tristram, Liphook, Hants. For three bunches of Muscat of Alexandria Mr. Douglas was again to the front, and for three bunches of white, any other variety, Mr. Mowbray won the first place with Buckland Sweetwater. Black Hamburgh Grapes came from Mr, Edwards ; Mr. Prince, gardener to F. Gretton, Hsq., Bladon House, Burton-on-Trent ; and Mr. Feist, all exhibiting remarkably good and well-finished bunches. Peaches and Nectarines were finer than we often meet with them so early in the season. Straw- berries, Cherries, and Figs were also fairly represented. Mr. Douglas received the two first prizes for Strawberries and Cherries. An interesting collection of wild flowers was staged by Mr. W. Hills, Prittleworth, and received the first prize. Carnation and Picotees were exhibited by Messrs. Turner, Douglas, and Hooper, who were placed in the order of their names in both classes. Mr. Douglas occupied the first place for twenty-four trusses: of stove and greenhouse flowers, and Mr. Morse the second. Mr. Morse was placed first for twenty-four trusses of hardy herbaceous flowers, and Mr. Wheeler second. Extra prizes were awarded to Messrs. Williams, Henderson and Son, Carter & Co., Rollisson, Cutbush, and Osborne, who all staged effective groups of fine-foliage and flowering plants in the centre of the great tent, which was greatly admired by the visitors. Floral certificates were awarded to My. Tumer for Rose Harrison Weir, Pink Rose Bonheur, Picotees Lady Rosebery, Sultana, and Ne Plus Ultra; to Messrs. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, for Rose Countess of Rosebery, and a botanical certificate to Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son for Polypodium Hendersoni. Messrs. Ivery and Son were awarded a silver medal for an exquisite collection of hardy Ferns; and Messrs. Cannell, Hooper, Laing, Turner, and Chard were also awarded extra prizes. OUR BORDER FLOWERS—FIGWORTS. WE have no flower in its season that is more attractive than the Foxglove, or, as some call them, Fairies’ Gloves. Fairies were often called Folks; hence, no doubt, the origin of the common name Folksglove, and not, as misspelt, Foxglove. Foxgloves are a rather numerous family, but there are not many met with in general cultivation. There are many places well adapted to their cultivation. They haye a fine effect on stony or elevated banks in open spaces in the shrubbery and the herbaceous border, open woods, and by old walls. They are no way particular as to soil, but they delight in a partially rocky medium for their roots, not objecting to an admixture of lime, but they cannot endure stagnant moisture. They require efficient drainage in cultivation. They are increased by seed, which they produce freely; it is best sown about midsummer. Transplant them when large enough to handle. Remoye them with balls in the spring where they are intended 24 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 11, 1878. to remain. They are‘also increased by division in the spring | when growth has commenced. Some of them, being of tall habit, require staking to prevent them being broken by the wind. The kinds most commonly met with in cultivation—and then not so often as they ought to be—are Digitalis grandiflora, a tall-growing kind of stately appearance, having large flowers approaching bell shape; the flowers are yellow veined with brown ; a fine border flower. D. lutea, a yellow kind of much dwarfer habit; a very desirable kind. D. maculata superba, a beautifully spotted kind, one of the finest of the family ; ought to be in all collections of border flowers. D. ferruginea is a somewhat delicate subject and requires care. A stock should be kept in hand, as it often disappears after charming us with its beautiful bronzy-coloured flowers. There are many other desirable kinds. Among the spotted kinds there are great beauties that ought to receive more attention than they are at present receiving, which only need to be seen to be appreciated. Our own Digitalis purpurea and alba, though not herbaceous plants, are worthy of a place in our borders and other places. To see these plants in bloom in their native homes on craggy moors and upland districts, where they per- petuate themselves without our aid, is a sight that is not soon forgotten by the beholder.—VERITAS. EXTRACT FROM THE REPORT OF THE ADELAIDE BOTANIC GARDEN. THE rosery, with its numerous varieties, the Rose pillars and festoons, covered with thousands of its well-developed flowers, produced an effect which surpassed imagination ; but during the middle of October hot winds destroyed this lovely picture in the course of a few hours, as well as the beautiful appearance of the parterres, borders, and ribbon beds, which had presented the same gay appearance as the rosery. EXPERIMENTAL GROUND.—Arctic Wheat.—Throuch the kindness of Mr. 8. Deering, Assistant Agent-General, London, I received a sample of Wheat taken from a quantity left by the American Arctic expedition ship “ Polaris” in 1871, which had been abandoned in north latitude 81° 16’. This Wheat had been left on the beach exposed to the snow and a temperature of 72° to 104° of frost for five years, and was found in a heap by Dr. Ninnis of H.M. ship “ Discovery” on the return of the last arctic expedition to England. I received from Mr. Deering one thousand grains, of which I sowed three hundred, and sent the rest to the Royal Agri- cultural Society for distribution. From the three hundred grains about sixty germinated. The plants grew healthy, and reached to the height of from 3 to 4 feet. It is a bearded Wheat, and ripened in the commencement of January. The ears contained about thirty grains each, which were but small though round and plump. Iam sorry the birds destroyed the greater part before it came to maturity. I mention this in- teresting fact, which proves the assertion that the grain of the cereals possesses a vitality not surpassed by any other seed. THE SCREW BEAN (Prosopis pubescens, Benth.).—Sir J. Hooker kindly forwarded about 8 tbs. of the Screw or Mosquito Bean of Aregona, a new and useful vegetable product suitable to warm and dry climates. According to the diary of Lieut. Whipple, in his survey of the line of boundary between San Diego and the point opposite the junction of the Glia with the Colorado Biver, he states that the welfare of his horses and mules and the success of the expedition were ex- pected to depend on this Bean ; that the screw-like pods grow in clusters of eight or ten upon a stem; that both the screw and pod contain much saccharine matter and are very nutri- tious ; that they ripen at different seasons of the year, and are very abundant, each tree producing many bushels ; that it has been used for food by men and cattle, and proved of great value to exploring patties. The tree is said to yield alsoa gum equal to gum arabic, which is used for medicinal and technical purposes, especially in preparing mucilage, gum drops, jujubes, paste, &c. It has already become an article of export, some 12,000 ibs. having been gathered in Bexar country, and as much more between that and the coast. No doubt the introduction of a tree of such valuable properties would be a boon to South Australia. The seeds received from Sir J. Hooker had, unfortunately, been attacked by a weevil which, it is said, is commenced on the tree, and itis impossible to collect the seed free from weevils; therefore, fearing that very few seeds of this useful tree would germinate, I applied at once to Mr. Watts, Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Washington, U.S., for a larger supply. This gentleman, always most obliging to our esta- blishment, has promised to try his utmost to procure a quan- tity of seed of the Mosquito Bean for us. About 120 young plants have come up (about 5 per cent.), from the seed received from Kew, are growing satisfactorily, and will be distributed to different districts during the season. After several attempts I have at last been successful in introducing the very interesting Peruvian tree, Erythroxylon Coca, Lam. The leaves contain the remarkable power of stimulating the nervous system, in which respect it quite resembles opium. The dried leaves are chewed with a little finely powdered unslaked lime or with the alkaline ashes of the Quinoa. It lessens the desire for food, and it enables the persons who use it to endure greater exertion than they other- wise could, and with less food; but when used in excess it weakens the digestion, producing other disorders, and finally ruining both body and mind. The tree has been introduced into Brazil, and it is said about 30,000,000 tbs. of the dried leaf are consumed in a year. The young tree is doing well with us. Worthy of mention and recommendation are the following ornamental plants—viz., Draceena Goldieana, no doubt one of the handsomest Draczenas, and unique in character and aspect. It is a native of tropical Africa, and well worthy a place in all collections. Coleus pictus, another interesting discovery from Duke of York’s Island. The divers bright colours are curiously blended, and the unusual form of the leaves with their marginal teeth give the plant a curious appearance, making it a great acquisition among the leaf plants. The collection of Ferns was again increased last year with forty species. The collection of Palms was augmented by eighteen handsome species. The following deserve to be mentioned : Phcenix rupicola, one of the most graceful among small Palms, and rivalling in beauty Cocos Weddelliana. It comes from India, and is a most valuable acquisition, and will occupy one of the foremost positions among Palms. Geonoma gracilis is also a most graceful and elegant small-growing Palm. The habit of the plant and beauty of the foliage adapt it admirably to decoration purposes, and it is also one of the most elegant Palms in cultivation. Among the Aroids introduced the following deserve special mention for their fine variegated and robust leaves—viz., Dieffenbachia nobilis, brasiliensis, vittata, Parlatorei; Cur- meria Wallisii; Philodendron Lindenianum, and Richardia melanoleuca. Among the already numerous collection of Marantas known, a new species has arrived—namely, Massangeana, which is, no doubt, one of the handsomest of the genus. PORTRAITS OF NEW PLANTS AND FLOWERS. MAGNOLIA STELLATA. Vat. ord., Magnoliacee. Linn, Polyandria Polygynia.—This has been previously known as a Buergeria. “ Quite recently it has been named Magnolia Halleana by Mr. 8. B. Parsons of Flushing, U.S.A., in compliment to Mr. G. R. Hall of Japan, its introducer into America. Like most other introductions of horticultural interest from Japan, this has been in cultivation by the natives of the Islands, having been found in gardens at Naga- saki by Oldham in 1862. It is, however, stated by Franchet and Savatier to be indigenous in woods of Mount Fusi Yama, and in central Niphon, where it forms a small tree. It isa small tree, with the habit of M. Yulan, quite glabrous except for a slight silkiness on the young leaves beneath, and the silkily hirsute sepals and bracts.”—(Bot. Mag., t. 6370.) FRITILLARIA SEWERZOWI. Vat. ord., Liliacee. Linn, Hexandria Monogynia.—Native of Turkestan. “It inhabits the mountains of Turkestan, reaching an elevation of 6000 feet above sea level, and is quite hardy in Hngland. Received at Kew some time ago from Dr. Regel. Mr. Elwes has been very successful with it, his specimens having attained great size and luxuriance.”—(J0id., ¢. 6371.) MASDEVALLIA SHUTTLEWORTHII. Jat ord., Orchidacez. Linn., Gynandria Monandria.—‘ The geographical limits of the genus seem to be limited to the northern and western countries of South America, where they inhabit cool temperate humid regions. M. Shuttleworthii was discovered, by the traveller whose name it bears, in the United States of Colombia when collecting for Mr. Bull.” —(Zdid., t. 6372.) DEHERAINIA SMARAGDINA. Vat. ord., Myrsinex. Zinn, Pentandria Monogynia.—A plant with large deep green flowers. “The genus Deherainia was established by Decaisne July 11, 1878,] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGH GARDENER. bo or in 1876, and named by him in compliment to M. Pierre-Paul Deherain, Aide-naturaliste of the museum of the Jardin des Plants. It was discovered in Mexico near Tabasco, one of the oldest towns of the Mexican Confederation, on the borders of the Chiapes, celebrated as the scene of one of Cortez’s earliest and greatest victories. The climate of Tabasco is hot and damp, and, as was to be expected, Deherainia is a thoroughly tropical plant. M. Decaisne describes it as flowering in the stoves of the Jardin des Plantes in May and July. It flowered in the Palm house of Kew in May, when quite small ; it was received from Mr. Linden, who imported it into Europe.” _—(Lbid., t. 6373.) TULIPA SAXATILIS. Vat. ord., Liliacee. Linn., Hexandria Monogynia.—‘ This is a very rare Tulip, that has been known for a long time in herbaria as a native of Crete, but has never been introduced into cultivation till now, when it has been re- discovered and brought home by Mr. G. Maw, who, as well as Mr. Elwes, has flowered it successfully this present spring. It is a most distinct and interesting species both from a horti- cultural and botanical point of view. For decorative purposes we do not get anywhere else in the genus a large flower of a bright mauve-purple colour with a bright yellow eye.” —(Lbid., t. 6374.) ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY’S PROVINCIAL SHOW AT PRESTON.—JULyY 10TH TO 14TH. Bury Sr. EDMUNDS in 1867, Leicester in 1868, Manchester in 1869, Oxford in 1870, Nottingham in 1871, Birmingham in 1872, and Bath in 1873—such was the sequence of the past great pro- vincial shows of the Society, and now we arrive at the present, the seventh great horticultural gathering at the busy town of Preston in the populous county of Lancashire. For the holding of this long-anticipated Exhibition great pre- parations had been made both by the Executive Committee and exhibitors. The former, under the leadership of the indefatigable Local Hon. Secretary and earnest and accomplished horticulturist, T. M. Shuttleworth, Esq., have brought to bear much foresight and energy in carrying out the requisite work in connection with this really great undertaking. Acting distinct from, yet in unison with, the Council of the Society in London, the preparations, which were unusually extensive, are singularly complete, the final touches having been imparted by the Society’s experienced Garden Superintendent, Mr. A. F. Barron. Arduous as the labours of the Executive Committee have been, they were not lightened by the unfortunate disruption that oc- curred and so long prevailed in connection with the staple trade of the manufacturing district in which the Show is held. Fora long time the utmost anxiety was felt in all parts of the country lest, after all the efforts that had been made and all the responsi- bility that had been incurred, failure as regards the number of visitors should ensue. But at length, and almost on the eve of the tournament, glad and welcome tidings flashed throughout the land that the night of trade inactivity had ended, and that the morning of prosperity had again dawned. Labour under the con- ditions alluded to was unusually trying, and there are few—indeed, let us hope none—who could withhold their sympathy from those on whom the duty devolved of working under such depressing and disadvantageous circumstances. The schedule issued by the Society for this the great Show of the year was also, and fittingly, of considerable magnitude, and was comprehensive, varied, and liberal. The prizes provided by the Society were arranged in six sections—namely, for plants and cut flowers to be competed for by amateurs, and a corresponding section for nurserymen ; a trio of “ open” classes, including the leading class of the Show, in which £60 was offered in three prizes for sixteen stove and greenhouse plants; sections for fruit, vegetables, implements, tools, and garden appliances, in which two gold and nine silver medals were provided ; and a division for cottagers and artisans, the prizes being competed for on the closing day of the Exhibition. The chief prizes offered for plants in the amateurs’ section were £20, £15, and £10 for twelve plants in bloom ; £12, £10, and £7 for a similar number of plants, half to be in bloom ; and £10, £7, and £5 for six plants. In the Orchid classes in the same section £20, £15, and £10 were provided for twelve plants ; and £10, £7, and £5 for six plants. First prizes of £12 were provided for nine fine-foliaged plants and for nine exotic Ferns, and premier prizes of £6 were offered for six exotic Ferns, six Ericas, six Crotons, six new and rare plants, twelve British Ferns, and nine Fuchsias. In the nurserymen’s division the principal amounts offered were £25, £20, and £15 for a group of plants arranged for effect in space not exceeding 250 superficial feet, and £20, £15, and £10 for corresponding collections of hardy plants. For twelve plants not in commerce the prizes were £15, £10, and £7, and for the same number of plants sent out in 1876, 1877, and 1878 the amounts offered were £12, £8, and £6. £15, £10, and £6 were provided for twelve stove and greenhouse plants in bloom, and the same amounts for twelve Orchids. For twenty Conifers and Taxads £15, £10, and £7 were apportioned. For twelve specimen Cle- matises £12, £10, and £7; and first prizes of £10 were offered for nine fine-foliaged ‘plants and for twelve exotic Ferns. The chief prizes in the fruit classes were £15, £12, and £5 for collections, and £10 were offered in three prizes for collections of Strawberries in not less than ten varieties. The principal prizes in the four classes for Grapes were amounts of £3. The leading prizes for vegetables were £6, £4, and £3 for collections of eight distinct kinds. Besides the above prizes and about two hundred others offered by the Society many prizes of great value were provided by the leading nurserymen and seedsmen. Taking them in the order of the schedule we find twelve silver cups and liberal money prizes offered by Mr. William Bull for new plants of his. Messrs. James Carter & Co. provided about £50 for distribution in nineteen prizes for vegetables and Melons. Messrs. Sutton & Sons offered two gold, two silver, and two bronze medals, besides sixteen guineas in money, for collections of vegetables and for Melons and Cucum- bers ; and last, but not least neither in importance nor value, were the prizes for fruit provided by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons. Twenty-four prizes were offered in this section of the aggregate value of £111. The principal were £15, £10, and £7 for collections of fruit. Extremely liberal prizes were also offered for Black Hamburgh and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes—varieties that were not included in the Society’s prize list, also for four varieties of Grapes, Pines, and other fruits. This recapitulation shows the great encouragement given to insure competition, and now, so far as time and telegraph permits, we submit those awards of the Judges that were made within an hour of our going to press, deferring the completion of our report until another issue of the Journal ; but first we may briefly notice the general effect and arrangement of the Exhibition, and also _ give some tangible idea of its character and magnitude. The Show, it may be stated, occupies one of -the finest sites for the purpose that could be found in the kingdom. Chimneys are generally supposed to “adorn” the landscape in the manutactur- ing districts, and the “ misty haze” that poets dream of and sing of are interpreted in those districts as “smoke.” But neither smoke nor chimneys can be associated with the Preston Show. The site is a mile or more from the town : itis an elevated plateau fresh and breezy overlooking the yale of the Ribble, the rising hills beyond which are mapped out by Nature in all her boldness and all her beauty. The grounds of the Preston Nursery Com- pany, which are 150 acres in extent, contain other features of notice besides this fine site for a Royal Horticultural show ; and to the Manager of that Company, Mr. Troughton, the Society is much indebted for the substantial aid he has rendered by the construction of roads and otherwise endeavouring to promote the success of the undertaking. The preparations for this great Show were entrusted to a General Committee of ten gentlemen, with the Mayor of the town (J. Satterthwaite, Hsq.) as President. From this body sectional Committees were formed as follows :—Finance and General Admin- istration: Mr. T. M. Shuttleworth, Mr. 8. Jennings (London), Mr. Burrows (Treasurer), Mr. Poole, and Mr. Burrow. Ground Com- mittee: Mr. Councillor Nevett, Mr. Councillor Foreshaw, Mr. Troughton, and Mr, A. F. Barron. Refreshments and Decorations: Mr. Alderman Hallmark, Mr. Alderman Ambler, and Mr. Harding. The gentlemen constituting those Committees have worked with commendable zeal in rendering the preparations complete by the specified time in the several departments. On Mr. Cowell, the Assistant Secretary, much labour devolved owing to the unfortu- nate illness of his chief (Mr. Shuttleworth), for whom great and general sympathy is expressed ; but Mr. Cowell has proved him- self equal to the emergency, and is discharging his duties with great efficiency. In the arrangements of the tents and exhibits no attempt has been made to produce a striking impression on the minds of visitors when first entering the grounds. Although the space embraces 30 to 40 acres, yet the Exhibition is somewhat crowded, one por- tion to a considerable extent hiding another portion ; the result is that the Show is much larger than at first sight it appears, and the individuality, so to speak, of the different exhibits is perhaps enhanced by the mode of arrangement adopted. The tents for the accommodation of the several collections of plants, flowers, and fruit are provided by Messrs. Unite of London, and are very commodious. The chief plant marquee is 260 feet long by 130 wide, the fruit and vegetable tent is 300 feet by 30 feet, and the tent for cut flowers and miscellaneous exhibits is 170 feet by 30. The offices are admirably arranged and substantially built of wood. They afford every accommodation required, They are, indeed, the best erections of the kind we haye seen, and reflect much credit on the Executive and on Mr. Nevitt, who designed them and superintended their erection. 26 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND. COTTAGE GARDENER. { July 11, 1878. The manner in which the ground in the large marquee is laid out demands notice. The design adopted is a modification of the plan recently submitted by Mr. Johnson, landscape gardener, Belfast, to the Council of the Society in London, and is not only a great improvement on that plan, but is really an admirable, tasteful, and successful mode of displaying the plants and coilec- tions individually, as well as producing a delightfully varied and picturesque effect when viewed as a whole. Three entrances are provided to the tent—one at each end, and a third in the centre of the south side. A broad curving walk encircles the great en- closure at the proper distance from the sides of the tent to enable the large specimen flowering and ornamental-foliaged plants being arranged on the sloping banks there formed, and which are made to assume a series of small promontories of bold yet smooth out- line. Along the centre of the tent, or nearly the centre, the pro- minent feature is a serpentine sheet of water nearly 200 feet long and 8 to 9 feet wide in the narrow parts between the semi-islands, and more than double that width where the plant mounds are not opposite to each other. There are fifteen of these mounds jutting into the water ; they are mostly oval-shaped, 8 or 9 feet by 6 feet. Standing on inyerted pots placed in the water are tall Tree Ferns | from Mr, Williams’s rich stores at Holloway, and the avenue of these stately stems being reflected in the water, which is fortu- | nately clear, constitutes one of the most picturesque features of , | of remarkable beauty. Croton Williamsii and C. Prince of Wales the Show. On the mounds or semi-islands are the collections of Orchids, new plants, Ferns, highly coloured Draceenas, &c., and | the general effect produced is rich yet chaste and peculiarly re- freshing. The centre cf the tent—the water scene—is, of course, considerably depressed, the sides being proportionally elevated, and altogether the tent is extremely diversified and highly im- posing. Beautiful views are obtained from the three elevations that have been formed—one in the centre at the southern entrance | | six good Orchids; Oncidium macranthum has splendid flowers, to the marquee, and the others one near each corner on the opposite or north side of the structure. to as encircling the tent, an inner walk also encircles the water, and a large bold pile of rockwork decorated with plants, and from which a miniature cascade trickles, breaks the uniformity of the Show and imparts variety to the marquee. In addition to the sloping banks round the sides of the building two large irregular-shaped beds 20 to 30 feet in diameter are formed on either side of the tent near the eastern entrance. The one on the left is occupied by the extremely rich and singularly beautiful miscellaneous collection of Messrs. James Veitch and Sons ; the opposite mound being jointly occupied by Mr. B. 8. Williams, Holloway, and Messrs. Rollisson & Sons, Tooting. The Holloway collection consists of about one hundred choice and rare fine-foliaged and flowering plants of moderate growth. Messrs. Rollisson’s render their group distinct and highly attractive by the introduction of several moderate-sized specimens of Ericas in the best old and some valuable new yarieties. A large box filled with small plants of the beautiful smooth-flowered E. Denni- soniana is extremely attractive and commands much attention. In fine contrast are similar boxes of the richly coloured varieties Massoni major and tricolor profusa. Messrs. Veitch’s collection contains the grand Alocasias Warroqueana, Veitchii, and Thibauti- ana; a splendid assortment of Tuberous Begonias, including the distinct and brilliant B. Davisii ; choice Rhododendrons, Crotons, Orchids, Gloxinias, Nepenthes, and other varieties for which the Chelsea establishment is famed. Than these two entrance groups nothing in the Exhibition is more attractive and more generally admired. The corresponding beds at the opposite end are occu- pied with amateurs’ collections. But speaking of the amateurs we must express strong approval of the magnificent specimens belonging to Mr. Shuttleworth, which constitute by far the finest contribution of its kind in the Show. Both flowering and fine-foliaged plants are grand in size, symmetry, and condition. Palms, Gleichenias, Crotons, Ixoras, and Allamandas are alike superior, and occupy a prominent position of the tent ina splendid manner. They are not for competition. Mr. Hammond, gardener to Sir Wilfred Lawson, Bart., Brayton, Carlisle, exhibits some very valuable collections, including excel- lently grown Draceenas, well-coloured Crotons, fine-foliage plants in admirable condition, also Palms, including the best plant of Cocos Weddelliana in the Show, and an equally striking specimen of Acanthorhiza Warscewiczii ; also new plants, including a splen- did example of Phylloteenium Lindenii, one of the finest varieties extant. Mr. Hammond also stages a fine example of Lomaria dalgairense, the finest plant we have seen producing fertile fronds. In the class for nine fine-foliage plants Mr. Osman, gardener to R. B, Dodson, Esq., Beardwood, Blackburn, exhibits a grand Cycas revoluta in fruit, also a remarkably beautiful specimen in splendid colour and condition of Anthurium crystallinum. Mrs. Cole & Son and Mr. Tudgey, gardener to T. F.G. Williams, Esq., are the principal exhibitors in the specimen-plant classes, both their flowering and fine-foliaged plants being excellent. It is not necessary, however, to describe them, as they are the same plants that were mentioned in our reports of the York and Leeds Shows. Mr. Pilgrim, Cheltenham, also exhibits attractive flower- ing plants and excellent examples of ornamental-foliaged plants, as also do the Preston Nursery Company. The same exhibitors Besides the curving walk alluded ° and Mr. Tudgey are the chief exhibitors of Ericas; but, with a very few exceptions, the plants are not superior. Pelargoniums are only of moderate quality, the season being fully late for these plants. Ferns are excellent, the principal exhibitors in the classes for exotics being Messrs. Pilgrim, Cole & Son, Tudgey, and the Pres- ton Nursery Company. In the classes for hardy Ferns, H. J. Lowe, Thomas Bolton, and John Atherton, Esqrs., exhibit ad- mirably cultivated plants of choice species and varieties ; and Jabez Jones, Esq., stages a novel collection of Succulents. In the groups of plants arranged for effect the only exhibitors are the Preston Nursery Company and Messrs. F. & A. Dickson, Chester. The collections contain a varied assortment of healthily grown plants, but they were not arranged ina particularly striking or artistic manner. Messrs. Bull, Williams, and Rollisson exhibit collections of new plants, which are closely examined and the merits of the plants are much discussed by those visitors who haye not previously had an opportunity of seeing them. They have been frequently seen in London, and their names have been often enumerated in reports of previous shows. Besides the Tree Ferns, new plants, and miscellaneous collec- tions referred to, Mr. Williams stages a splendid collection of Orchids in the class for twelve plants, also Draczenas and Crotons are extremely bright and much admired. Crotons are excellently exhibited in several of the collections, and play an important part in imparting colour to the Show. The Preston Nursery Company and Mrs. Cole & Son among others stage well-grown and highly coloured specimens. Messrs. Rollisson & Sons arrange splendid Dracznas, including the new and striking D, Smithiana, rich dark green in colour and very distinct andimposing. They also exhibit and the plant of Dendrochilum filiforme is quite charming. Dr. | Ainsworth’s Orchids also command, as they always do, much attention on account of their richness and high culture. About 140 classes are provided in the schedule, and in all except half a dozen there are entries ; in some, notably in several of the fruit and vegetable classes, they are very numerous. The total number of entries for the Show exceeds 800—namely, of plants, 222 ; of eut flowers, Roses, and bouquets, 32; fruit, 223; vege- tables, 304; and implements, 30. GarRpDEN SrrucTuRES.—These are numerous and excellent. Messrs. Messenger & Co., Loughborough, exhibit four span-roofed houses of various sizes and adapted for different purposes—neat, light, strong, well-ventilated, and efficiently heated structures ; two span-roofed frames, a range of glass coping, and a tubular saddle boiler with triangular-shaped bars, evidently a powerful boiler ; also.examples of their patent valves for hot-water pipes, which are admittedly of great excellence. Messrs. Richardson & Co., Darlington, exhibit a splendid span- roofed house, highly finished, with all the latest improvements in glazing and ventilating. The sashbars are formed so as to protect the putty, and they also effectively provide against in- ternal drip. The ventilation is most ample, not only the apex but the whole length of the rafters and also the front of the house opening by a well-arranged and easily-worked system of leverage. The same firm also exhibit their new hooded horizontal tubular boiler, which is unquestionably a powerful and strongly constructed apparatus. They also exhibit several models of houses, and a capital example of a wall cover for protecting Peaches, cc. clase Mr. Halliday, Middleton near Manchester, exhibits eight houses of various sizes ; one of them is fitted with slate stages and hot- water pipes complete, another with tanks for forcing, another is wired as for a Peach house, another a vinery, the sashbars being of T-shaped iron, and shows also a capital system of straining wire ; another large structure is glazed on Helliwell’s patent system, whereby all the woodwork is covered with glass, a capital Strawberry house, and a roomy span-roofed greenhouse. All the houses are light yet strong, and the ventilating machinery is very efficient and works smoothly and easily. F Mr. P. J. Perry, Banbury, exhibits a large, lofty, and highly ornate span-roofed structure, two curvilinear-roofed houses eyi- dently well constructed. Mr. John Webster, Wavertree, near Liverpool, exhibits a re- markably substantially-built span-roofed house, and different size Cucumber frames. Messrs. Cranston & Luck, Birmingham, exhibit light strong houses, constructed on the principle with which their names are identified, and which have found much favour in yarious parts of the country. Boilers are exhibited by various makers. One of the most striking because quite new is Metcalf’s “combination” boiler. This boiler combines, with vertical tubes surrounding the furnace, a series of horizontal flues between hollow plates or water cham- bers, thereby providing a very large extent of heating surface in a comparatively small size of boiler, Mr. Wagstaff, Dukinfield, exhibits tubular and conical boilers which cannot fail being quick in their action and powerful. Mr, Seward, Preston, and Mr. July 11, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 27 Harlow, Macclesfield, also exhibit boilers ; and last, but not least in importance, Messrs. J. Weeks & Co., Chelsea, London, exhibit examples of their celebrated duplex tubular boilers, which being in operation and doing their work well in various parts of this ‘and other countries renders it superfluous to allude to them in further detail. Their works speak more conclusively than can any words of ours, ‘Wire and rustic work are also represented: prominent are the rustic bridges of Mr. Henry Inman of Manchester, which span the pool in front of the large tent ; near which valuable collections of Conifers are arranged by Mr. Barron of Elvaston and Messrs. F. & A. Dickson of Chester. Appended is a list of such of the prizes that were awarded by the Judges as we could obtam during the limited time at our disposal. In the open class for sixteen stove and greenhouse plants, distinct, eight in bloom and eight with fine foliage, the first prize of £30 was taken by J. F. G. Williams, Hsq., Henwick Grange, with splendid plants; Mrs. Cole & Son took the second of £20 also with fine plants ; and the Preston Nursery Company were awarded the third. In the class for twelve stove and greenhouse plants in bloom (amateurs), J. F. G. Williams, Esq., again took the first prize of £20; and in that for six E. Pilgrim, Esq., was first. For twelve miscellaneous stove and greenhouse plants, distinct, R. Pilgrim, Esq., was again first; Miss Ffarington second, and W. Burley, Esq., third. To R. B. Dodgson, Esq., Blackburn, was awarded the first prize of £20 for twelve splendid exotic Orchids in bloom, and to Dr. Ainsworth the second prize of £15. Mrs. Birchall was first for nine exotic Ferns, distinct,and D, Chapman, Hsq., third. For nine fine-foliage plants, distinct, R. B. Dodgson, Esq., was first ; Mr. Hammond second; and J. F. G. Williams, Esq., third. For six of the same Mr. Pilgrim was first ; and G. Foreshaw, Esq., second. For six new and rare plants Mr. Hammond was second ; and Hon. A. C. C. Maxwell third. For six Crotons, distinct, (amateurs), E. Pilgrim, Esq., was first ; and Mr. J. Hammond third; and among nurserymen, the Preston Nursery Co. took the first, Mr. B.S. Williams the second, and Mrs. E. Cole & Son third. For twelve British Ferns, distinct, Mr. T. Bolton was first ; E. J. Lowe, Hsq., second ; and R. 0. Dodgson, Esq., third. For six E. Pilgrim, Esq., was first; J. Stewardson, Esq., second; and Col. Cross third. For twelve exotic Ferns, distinct (nurserymen), Mrs. Cole & Son were first and the Preston Nursery Company se- cond. D. Chapman, Esq., Manchester; took the first prize for two Tree Ferns, and the Preston Nursery Company for three Tree Ferns, distinct, with stems not less than 5 feet high. For six Adiantums, distinct, R. B. Dodgson, Esq., was awarded the first prize, Mrs. Birchall the second, and J. Foreshaw, Esq., the third. For six Show Pelargoniums the second prize was awarded to W. Birley, Esq.; and for six Zonals (amateurs) W. Birley, Esq., was awarded the first prize; Mr. J. B. Jones the second; and Mr. David Chapman third. In the class for nine Zonals (nursery- men) The Preston Nursery Company took the first, and C. Ry- lance, Esq., the second, while for nine Fancies (nurserymen) Mr. C. Rylance was first. For six Fuchsias, distinct, in bloom, Mr. Pilgrim was first, Mr. R. B. Dodgson second, and Mr. Tudgey third. H. Wilson, Esq., took the first for a basket of Roses with Rose foliage only. For twelve Roses, distinct, single blooms, J. Taylor, Hsq., was first ; Lord Winmarleigh, second ; and T. Bolton, Esq., third. While for twenty-four, General Upton, Milnthorpe, was first; H. Wilson, Esq., Cheadle, second; and W. Warburton, Esq., third. For seventy-two Roses, distinct, single flowers (nurserymen), Messrs. Cranston & Co. were first ; and Mr. G. David- son second. This was a very fine class. For twenty-four, distinct (nurserymen), Mr. Rylands was second ; and for forty-eight, Mr. Prince was first, Mr. Corp second. This class contained excellent blooms. For six Ericas in bloom Mrs, Cole & Sons took the second prize, and the Preston Nursery Company the third. For a group of one hundred miscellaneous stove, greenhouse, and hardy plants, Messrs. W. Barron & Sons were first; Messrs. F. & A. Dickson & Sons second; and the Preston Nursery Company third. For twelve stove and greenhouse plants in bloom the Preston Nursery Com- pany were first, and Mrs. Cole & Sons second ; and for a basket of twelve bunches of stove and greenhouse flowers, distinct, Mrs. Cole & Sons were first ; the Preston Nursery Company second ; and Messrs. Turner Brothers, Liverpool, third. For twelve new and rare plants not in commerce (nurserymen), the first prize of £15 was won by Mr. W. Bull; and the second of £10 by Mr. B. S. Williams ; and for the same sent out in 1876, 1877, and 1878, Mr. Bull was first, Mr. B. 8. Williams second, and Messrs. Rollisson third. F For twelve exotic Orchids (nurserymen), Mr. B. S. Williams took the first prize, and for six the first was awarded to Mr. W. Robin- son, and the second to Messrs. W. Rollisson & Sons. For six Tuberous Begonias in flower, distinct (nurserymen), Messrs. J. Laing & Co., Forest Hill, took the first prize with very fine plants, and Mr. J. B. Jones among the amateurs. For three Palms, distinct, Mr. Hammond took the first; E. Pilgrim, Esq., the second; and Miss Ffarington the third. For six Caladiums, distinct, E. Birley, Esq., was first. For twelve Draceenas, distinct (nurserymen), Messrs. W. Rollisson & Son took the first prize; Mr. B. 8. Willams, Holloway, the second ; and the Preston Nursery Company the third ; while for six (amateurs) the first prize was awarded to Mr. Hammond; the second to R. B. Dodgson, Esq. ; and the third to J. Hardy, Esq. For twenty Conifers and Taxads, not to exceed 6 feet, Messrs. W. Barron & Son were first; and F. & A. Dickson & Co. second. For twelve Succulents distinct, Mr. J. Atherton was first; and Mr. J, B. Jones second. For any plants or flowers not specially mentioned in the fore- going classes, Messrs. James Dickson & Son were first; and Mr. H. Boller second. For the Society’s prizes of £15, £10, and £5, for a collection of fruit (open), Earl Somers was first, and Lord Bagot second, in an extremely fine class. For three bunches of Madresfield Court Grapes T’. Barnes, Esq., was first, Lord Bagot second, and J. Cowan, Esq., third. For three bunches of any black Grapes except Madresfield Court and Black Hamburgh, Mr. Barnes was first, and Lord Bagot second. For three bunches of any white kind except Muscat of Alexandria, Lord Bagot was first, W. War- burton, Esq., second, and Viscount Boyne third. Fora basket of not less than 12 Ibs. of Grapes, R. Reeves, Esq., St. Helens, was first, Mrs. Vivian second, and J. H. Vivian, Esq., third. For a single fruit of Queen Pine Apple, R. Gretton, Esq., Burton- on-Trent, was first, and Viscount Hill second, For a collection of not less than ten varieties of Strawberries Lord Hill was first, C. Thulluson, Esq., second, and Mr. Mansley third. For two dishes, distinct varieties, Lord Beauchamp was first, Lord Somers second, John Taylor, Esq., taking the third prize. Fora single fruit of Melon, which is a fine class, the Hon. C. C. Max- well was first, the Earl of Crawford second, and W. Blinkhorn, Esq., third. VEGETABLES.—For a collection of e ght distinct kinds, to be shown on separate dishes, Lord Carington was first ; R. Walmsley, Esq., second ; and R. B. W. Baker, Esq., third. For three distinct kinds of Peas, half a peck of each, Sir T. Edwards Moss, Bart., was first; W. R. Winch, Esq., second; and W. Mansley, Esq., third. For three distinct kinds of Potatoes, nine tubers of each, Mr. Iggulden was first ; J. Taylor, Esq., second; and Lord Carington third. For twelve Onions, Messrs. E. Smith & Son were first; Mr. Miles, Wycombe Abbey, second ; and Mr. Wood- house, sen., third. For twelve Tomatoes, Mr. Hinds, Otterspool, was first ; Mr. Miles, Wycombe Abbey, second ; and Mr. Cox third. For one brace of Cucumbers E. Birley, Esq., was first ; T. B. Dolby, Esq., second, and Col. Cross third. For a collection of six distinct kinds of salads, to be shown on separate dishes, Messrs. Smith and Son took the prize. For any vegetable not specially mentioned in the schedule, Mr. Cox, Madresfield Court, took the first prize ; Mr. Miles, Wycombe Abbey, the second; and Mr. Iggulden, Orsett Hall, the third. We now come to the special prizes offered by nurserymen, and first we shall notice those offered by Messrs. James Carter & Co., which were restricted to gentlemen’s gardeners and amateurs. In the class for the best thirteen dishes of vegetables the first prize of £10 was awarded to Mr. Miles, Wycombe; J. Richardson, Esq., has the second ; and Mr. Cox, Madresfield Gourt, the third, The fourth prize was awarded to Viscount Hill, the fifth to Mr. Hinds, Otterspool ; and the sixth to H. Marriott, Esq. This was a very fine class. For the best three dishes of Peas, consisting of Carter’s Little Wonder, Culverwell’s Telegraph, and Carter’s Challenger, J. Richardson, Esq., took the first prize of £5 5s.; Mr. Miles the second of £4 4s.; and Mr. Marriott the third of £3 3s. The fourth prize was awarded to T. Thompson, Esq., and the fifth to R. Thompson, Esq. Prizes offered by Messrs. Sutton & Sons.—For twelve distinct kinds of vegetables, to melude Sutton’s Duchess of Edinburgh and Sutton’s Giant Emerald Marrow Peas, Canadian Wonder and Sutton’s Broad Windsor Beans, the first prize, a gold medal and £5 5s., was awarded to Mr. Cox; the second, a silver medal and £3 3s., to Mr. Iggulden. The following prizes for fruit were offered by Messrs. James Veitch & Son :—For the best collection in ten distinct kinds, the prizes for which were £15, £10, and £7, Lord Somers won the first prize with a grand collection ; and in the next class for the same Lord Bagot was first, the Duke of St. Albans second, and Viscount Hill third. A good class. For the best three bunches of Muscat of Alexandria Grapes Lord Bagot was first; A. Smollett, Esq., second; and B. Shaw, Esq., third. This is a splendid collection, For the best three bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes Lord Somers was first; F. Norris, Esq.,second; and R. Prince, Esq., third. A remarkably fine class. For four bunches of Grapes, distinct kinds, one bunch of each, T. Barnes, Esq., was first, and Lord Bagot second. This wasafine class. For three Pine Apples — Coldward, Esq., was first ; Mrs. Vivian second; and J. Austin, Esq., second. For six fruit of one kind of Peach, which was a superior class, Earl Crawford was first, Earl Somers second, and W. R. Finch, Esq., third. For six fruit of one kind of Nectarine the Duke of St. Albans was first, Earl of Crawford second, and Lord Bagot third. An excellent class. 28 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, [ July 11, 1878, Mr. Bull offered silver cups of the value of fifteen, ten, and six guineas to private growers. Mr. Hammond won the first and Mr. Tudgey the second. Mr. Bull also offered cups of the same value to nurserymen, the first of which was won by Mr. B. 8S. Williams of Holloway. For those private growers who had not previously won any of Mr. Bull’s cups the Hon. A. C. C. Maxwell won the second, a silyer cup of the value of ten guineas and £7; and the Preston Nursery Company among nurserymen. The fruit generally is of excellent quality, the collections and Grapes being especially superior ; vegetables are also admirably exhibited by the several competitors. Amongst cut flowers the Hereford Roses sommand much attention by their great excellence, The Show is a success, the town decorated, the company nume- rous, and the weather dull. The President of the Society, the Right Hon. Lord Aberdare, arrived at Preston at midnight, and was met by the Mayor and 8. Jennings, Esq., the Assistant Secretary. His lordship during his stay in Preston is the guest of W. Burley, Esq., The Larches. The Show was opened by his Lordship at one o'clock on Wed- nesday, the Mayor and Corporation attending with the mace (the finest in England) and civic paraphernalia, and afterwards a grand luncheon was provided on the grounds, and a gardeners’ and ex- hibitors’ dinner was held in the town at night. The Show is both great and good, and continuing as it does throughout the week, all who are interested in horticulture should | make an effort to see it. The officials, one and all, work earnestly and willingly in seek- ing to render the Exhibition both enjoyable and successful. Their courtesy is also unfailing, and they accord an hospitable welcome to all who aid in promoting the work in which they are so laud- ably engaged. Only fine weather is required to render the Show in every respect what we trust it will be—a Show of “happy memories.” NOTES AND GLEANINGS. THE thirty-fifth anniversary of that admirable Society the GARDENERS’ ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION was held at the Albion Tavern, Aldersgate Street, London, on the even- | ing of the 3rdinst. The chair was occupied by Robert Mar- nock, Esq., who was supported by a large body of gentlemen | and horticulturists ; amongst whom we noticed Professor Bent- ley, J. J. Mechi, Esq., Mr. Sergeant Cox, F. A. Philbrick, Esq., Q.C., Dr. Hogg, Mr. Shirley Hibberd, Mr. T. Moore ; Messrs. H. J. Veitch, Williams, Bull, W. Paul, C. Turner, and | others interested in the success of the institution. The dona- tions and subscriptions received during the evening were stated by Mr. Cutler, the Institution’s excellent Secretary, as amounting to upwards of £600. —— THE summer Show of the Botanical and Horticultural Society of DURHAM AND NORTHUMBERLAND, which will open at Newcastle-on-Tyne on the 18th inst., is expected to be both extensive and excellent. The schedule is very comprehensive and the prizes are both numerous and liberal. In the open class for fifty plants in bloom £25 and the Royal Horticultural Society’s silver Knightian medal are offered as the first prize, the remaining prizes in the class being £15 and £10. Under the skilled superintendence of the active Hon. Secretaries, Messrs. Taylor and French, good management is assured, and a Show worthy alike of the patronage of exhibitors and visitors is anticipated. Mr. J.J. Gillespie is the acting Secretary. THE UPPER NORWOOD HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S Frest SHow was held on the 4th inst. in the grounds of F. Harford, Esq. The exhibits were arranged in a spacious tent 170 feet by 50 feet under tke direction of Mr. F. Minchener, the energetic Hon. Secretary, and his colleagues. The gentle- men and gardeners of the district staged admirable collections of plants, and Mr. Wills, Anerley Nursery, contributed a splendid group. Roses were superior, Mr. Coppin, Shirley, being the chief prizewinner. The Exhibition was a highly successful one. — THE summer Exhibition of the BRENTWOOD HortTI- CUETURAL Socrety, held on ihe 4th inst. in the grounds adjoining Middleton Hall, the residence of the Countess Tasker, was in every respect a complete success. The plants, fruit, and yegetables were equal to, and the Roses—notably those shown by Mr. B. R. Cant, Colechester—much in advance of exhibits on former occasions. Mr. Lane, gardener, Pyrgo Park, Romford, gained the premier prize for plants; and Messrs. Bones, Havering Park, Romford; Bradley, South Weald ; Mann, Brentwood; Wise, Hampton House, Warley; Miller, Halstead ; and Saltmarsh & Son, Chelmsford, were all winners of one or more first prizes in the various plant classes. Mr. B. R, Cant was first for forty-eight Roses, and Messrs. Salt- marsh & Son second. In the amateurs’ classes Mr. Atkinson, Warley, was first for twenty-four Roses ; and Mr. Pemberton, Havering, for twelye Roses. Fruit and vegetables were exten- sively and well shown both by gardeners and cottagers. Mr. Bones was first for a collection of fruit; Mr. Lane for black Grapes; and Mr. Foster, Warley, for white. Mr. J. Smith, Romford, was very successful in the classes for Strawberries, Mr. Lane was first for eight varieties of vegetables, and Mr. Pope for a brace of Cucumbers. An autumn Show will be held on the 12th of September. — Mr. Lucrkuourst informs us that EARLY BEATRICE PEACH was ripe at Oldlands, Sussex, on the 1st of July in an unheated Peach house. —— WE have received from Messrs. Charles Lee & Son of Hammersmith fruit of the WEEPING BLACK BIGARREAU CHERRY. This is in every sense a true Bigarreau in the fruit, which is of large size and excellent flavour, but it is remark- able from ripening a fortnight earlier than the Bigarreau, and the habit of the tree being weeping, so that it is equally an ornamental and fruit tree. We believe this is the first time it has fruited in this country. It was introduced from the Con- tinent, where it is still a novelty as well as in this country, and where it is known by the names Bigarreau Pleureur and Bigarreau Noir Monstrueuz Pleureur. THE western entrance to BATTERSEA PARK is now rendered extremely gay by the large and brilliant clumps of Lilium umbellatum. This hardy and free-crowing and flower- ing Lily is very valuable for pleasure-ground decoration in the early summer months. Almost rivalling the Lilies in effect are the purple and scarlet Pentstemons which are now flower- ing in rich masses. The plants have been in the border all the winter, and in the spring the straggling shoots were pruned rather closely. We never before saw such a fine display of Pentstemons so early in the season. The great work of bed- ding-outin this Park is nearly completed. The carpet-bedding designs are very pleasing, and the subtropical and other beds have been planted with great taste. In a few weeks the Park will be in its summer attire, and will be as enjoyable and instructive as it has been in previous years. — ENGLISH writers have, says the ‘‘ Journal of Forestry,” made the poet POPE’s WILLOW AT TWICKENHAM quite his- toric. About 150 years ago an English merchant, Mr. Vernon, doing business in Aleppo and Smyrna, brought to Alexander Pope a package of Figs encased in a basket made of un- pealed osiers. Noticing that one of the scions penetrating into the moist Figs was budding Pope carefully cut it out and planted it. Thence grew the famous “Syrian Willow,” which became a favourite with the poet, and finally with the English people—so much so that his successor on the Twickenham estate felled the tree to avoid the annoyance of the crowds of visitors which it attracted to his grounds. Its successor is now growing at the Twickenham villa. It was also planted soon after on the banks of the Thames in Kew Gardens, where it still thrives. WE omitted stating in our report of the LEEDS SHOW -that Mr. S. W. Thackray of Burley, near Leeds, exhibited a span-roofed greenhouse glazed on Helliwell’s new patent sys- tem without putty. The house was extremely light, the whole of the woodwork being covered with glass: the squares ap- peared also to be quite secure against displacement by high winds, and the roof was evidently watertight. —— IN Spain the LEMON-SCENTED VERBENA (Aloysia ci- triodora), says an American contemporary, which we cultivate as a scented garden plant, is collected and stored for winter use. With the Spaniards it is said to form one of the finest stomachics and cordials, and is taken either made into a de- coction and drank cold with water and sugar as 2 tonic, or with the morning atid evening cup of tea. A sprig of about fiye or six leayes of the Lemon Verbena is first put into the cup, and the hot tea poured uponit. By using this, Spanish authorities assert, ‘‘ you will never suffer from flatulence, never be made nervous or old-maidish, never have cholera, diarrhoea, or loss of appetite. Besides, the flayour is simply delicious ; no one who has once drunk their cup of tea with this addition will ever drink it without a sprig of Lemon Verbena.” Per- haps English tastes are different. —— Our correspondent, Mr. Witherspoon, has written as follows on the crops in his district (Chester-le-Street) and on his VINEs :—‘“I find that I haye more Pear trees than Pears ; the finer varieties are very uncertain in the north. With the July 11, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 29 good old Hessle, somewhat of an acclimatised sort, I expect that things will be otherwise and there will be a fair crop. Of Apples and bush fruit, including Strawberries, they are variable ; but those who in the north depend upon outside fruit for a livelihood will have none the best of it. The ordinary market gardener is the most dependant man in existence. He gets with his few comforts kicks from every corner. He re- quires all kinds of weather in season, but unseasonable visita- tions of either sun, rain, frost, or wind, and the myriads of insect pests are all against him. I may be pardoned for say- ing a few words on my Vines. I truly believe that I have, if not the healthiest, certainly one of the healthiest, vineries in the world. This 1 admit is rather a sweeping assertion, but I conscientiously believe the assertion is true. Regarding the crop after cutting out until my heart fails to cut more, I find that I have some twelve hundred bunches left, and whilst only as large as peas, I have them 18 inches long, and there are many when ripe that will weigh nearer a stone than a pound.” SEVERAL NEW ROSES have been exhibited this year, some of them for the first time, in a manner that affords evi- dence of their intrinsic merit. There were a good sprinkling of excellent blooms of Penelope Mayo at the National, and magnificent examples of it at South Kensington on the 3rd inst., where it was certificated. It is questionable if a finer trio of blooms than those referred to have been staged at any exhibition this year. Penelope Mayo is an improving and very fine Rose. Dr. Hogg, exhibited by Messrs. Paul & Son of Cheshunt at the Alexandra Palace and certificated, is a well- formed symmetrical Rose, a trifle smaller perhaps, but possess- ing a colour of its own, and is very dark and effective in a stand: it is a very promising Rose. Mrs. Baker has been staged in splendid form by Mr. Cranston ; and Mons. 9. Y. Teas has well sustained its fame as a valuable acquisition by its fullness, richness, and constancy. Of the yearlings those to be made a note of and ordered are Captain Christy’s Harl of Beaconsfield (Messrs. G. Paul & Son), Mr. W. Paul’s Coun- tess of Rosebery and Duchess of Bedford, and Mr. Tumer’s Dr. Sewell and Harrison Weir. No new French Roses of the year have as yet even nearly approached in merit those sterling English varieties. —— WE never remember observing the LIME TREES OF LonpDOoN in more exuberant health than during the present year. At the present time they are heavily laden with their greenish yellow flowers, which hang in countless thousands from the axil of almost every leaf. Their appearance is chastely beautiful, and their honey-like fragrance imparts to the trees an additional attraction. Not infrequently the trees are infested with insects, but this year they are singularly clean. The Lime is probably at the present moment the most admired tree in the London parks, and many a villa garden is rendered the more enjoyable by the presence of a fragrant and floriferous specimen. The Lime flourishes well in towns, but unfortu- nately it is one of the first trees to cast its leaves in the autumn. —— A CORRESPONDENT, “W.S. B.,” speaks highly of the great decorative value of the ZONAL PELARGONIUM APPLE Bossom, which he says is quite as pretty as its name. He describes the plant as being short-jointed and very floriferous, having large but elegant trusses of flowers, white faintly suf- fused with pink, precisely of the colour and exactly of the form of blossom of some varieties of Apples. “W. S. B.” recommends it highly for cultivation in pots for greenhouse decoration during the summer. — “I OBTAINED,” writes a southern amateur, “two NEW FucusIAs this spring from Mr. Cannell, both of which are not only very distinct from all other varieties in my possession, hut are most valuable for decorative purposes by their free- flowering properties. They are Lord Beaconsfield raised by Mr. John Laing, and Beauty of Trowbridge raised by Mr. Lye. Lord Beaconsfield has much of the old F, fulgens blood in it, and is vigorous in habit, the flowers being very large, bright, and produced in great numbers, Beauty of Trowbridge is also of robust yet short-jointed growth, and has flowers of great substance ; sepals waxy white, corolla rosy carmine. Both these Fuchsias, I believe, possess merit, and are likely to find favour as popular market or decorative varieties.” —— ONE of the most interesting of what may be termed toy plants, writes “PATER” is the ARTILLERY PLANT (Pilea muscosa). It is, says our correspondent, the most admired by his children and their youthful friends of all the plants in ‘an occasional very large wedge-shaped fruit. his greenhouse. When laden with its tiny pink flowers and sprinkled with the syringe the pollen becomes liberated and is dispersed in sharp puffs precisely resembling a miniature battery of artillery. This affords much amusement to the children, and affords interest, too, to those who have long passed the period of boy and girlhood days, This fresh-look- ing free-growing plant ought to be grown wherever there are children to be trained to admire flowers and to take an interest in their nature and cultivation. STRAWBERRY PIONEER. THIS new Strawberry, sent out last year by Messrs. Veitch with the prestige of a first-class certificate from the Royal Horticultural Society, proves so good as to be a real acquisition among early varieties. It is as early as La Marguerite, has handsome conical fruit, highly coloured, firm in texture, richly flayoured, and with a slight acidity that is very refreshing. Much of the fruit has been decidedly above medium size with The crop was abundant, and the growth of the plants vigorous and robust. So much pleased am I with it that I intend planting a large bed of it, and also giving it a trial in pots next season. Tt is all the more welcome, supplying as it does a real want, for we have hitherto had no really good early Strawberry with large fruit that would travel well. Black Prince, Keens’ Seed- ling, and Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury are all undersized, the latter giving only a few respectable berries amongst a multi- tude of small ones, and the large fruit of La Marguerite is so tender that everyone must be swathed singly in wadding and be handled most carefully, or it will become bruised and spoilt,—_FRAGARIA. REIGATE ROSE SHOW. THE Reigate Rose Association Committee committed the indis- cretion of fixing on the same day with the Manchester National Rose Show. This of itself kept several all-England exhibitors away. Taken together with the earliness of the season it con- tributed to render the Show somewhat scanty, though the greater part of the Roses actually staged were of good quality. In the all-England amateur class Mr. Brown, gardener to A. J. Water- low, Esq., was first; Mr. J. Sargant was second with a box but little inferior ; Capt. Christy being third ; and Mr. Ridout, gardener to A. Haywood, Esq., fourth. A Marie Baumann of magnificent form and size in Capt. Christy’s box was much admired, as also a box of twelve Teas, shown by Mr. Brown. This has certainly been a great Marie Baumann year. The number of table decorations shown was, as usual, large and of excellent quality. The challenge cup of the Association, for the best box of twelve Roses, was won by the President, George Baker, Esq. The number of exhibitors was sonsiderably reduced by the unfavourable season. LANTANAS AND THEIR CULTURE. LANTANAS are not often seen well grown now-a-days, but are nevertheless among the finest of greenhouse decorative plants. Specimens of 3 to 4 feet in height and as much through, perfect half or rather three-quarter globes, studded with nearly globular trusses of bloom, which are borne in profusion from the axils of the leaves, render them very effec- tive and useful either as a decorative or exhibition plant. The Verbena-like heads of bloom are not only pleasing to look at, but in many varieties a grateful fragrance pervades the flower, and is possessed also by the foliage, which is sufficiently abundant to set off the blooms to advantage. The flowers, too, are in different shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, lilac, and white, afew varieties making a grand display in the greenhouse or conservatory from June onwards, forming a capital succes . sion to Pelargoniums, &c. Not the least of the merits of these plants is their easy culture. Being deciduous they may be stored away like Fuchsias in winter, not taking up room like plants of an ever- green character. Like the Fuchsia they require to be kept dry in winter, but not so dry as to cause the wood to shrivel ; they must also be safe from frost. Started at intervals, commencing with a first batch early in March, cutting back the shoots to within two or three joints of the old wood, and placing the plants in a house (as that of a vinery about to be started) with a temperature of 55° to 50°, sprinkling the plants fre- quently, they soon start into growth. When they have well broken turn them out of the pots, reducing the ball about a third, and return to the same size of pot, working the soil well in amongst the roots. Sprinkle the plants overhead twice 30 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { July 11, 1878. daily, and shade them if necessary from bright sun for a few days, afterwards expose them fully to light and air, keeping them near the glass. When the roots have possession of the fresh soil transfer to pots 3 to 4 inches larger, potting mode- rately firm, and drain thoroughly. Syringe the plants twice a day, watering moderately until the roots are working freely in the fresh soil, then copiously, alternating the watering with weak liquid manure. In the case of a good break it may be necessary to thin the shoots’ by disbudding, removing the weakest and such as are likely to interfere with the symmetry of the plant, and in young plants not well furnished with shoots stopping may be resorted to at the third or fourth jomt. Tying and staking must be attended to early so as to secure well-formed speci- mens, but the habit of the plant is so good that for general purposes, beyond tying down a few shoots as may be necessary to secure symmetrical heads, nothing of the kind is needed. Plants started in March will bloom in late May or early June, another lot started in April will succeed them, and a third lot grown in houses from which bedding plants have been removed will come-in in July and August, when flowers for the con- servatory and greenhouse are not oyver-plentiful. Propagation is effected by cuttings of the young growths when from 3 to 4 inches in length, taking them off close to whence they proceed, inserting in sandy loam with a little sandy peat, placing in bottom heat, and shading. This is only necessary for plants struck in spring, which afford by far the best specimens, stopping them at the second joint to induce Fig. 4.—SPECIMEN LANTANA. side shoots, and those again in like manner being stopped will lay the foundation of the specimen, annually increasing in size and beauty for a number of years. Cuttings of the growing shoots (always avoid flowering shoots for propagation) will strike freely through the summer in sandy soil in a cold frame kept close and shaded. Three parts of fibrous loam, one part sandy peat, and a part old cow dung or leaf soil with a free admixture of sand, form a suitable compost. It is important that the plants do not want for water, or the leaves will turn yellow and fall off, fe The plants are subject to the attacks of the white fly or midge, which upon the first few puffs of tobacco smoke falls to the floor and is comparatively out of harm’s way ; but before fumigating, the floor, stages, &c., should be thoroughly wetted, avoiding, of course, the foliage of the plants: the insects will then either be drowned or killed. * Lantanas when in flower are more enduring with shade from bright sun, and may be placed outdoors in a sunny situation after flowering, with water only to maintain the foliage from flagging, housing the plants again before frost. There is no doubt of the plants being fine for bedding, plants in an advanced state for flowering being planted late in May or early in June, and well attended to for water in dry weather Young plants struck the previous summer are best for bedding purposes, also for decorative purposes in 5, 6, or 7-inch pots. A dozen select varieties are Distinction, Dom Calmet, Eclat, Favorita, La Manula, Lutea grandiflora, Marquis de St. La- porta, Mons. Rougier Chauviére, Ne Plus Ultra, Ninus, Princess Louise, and Victoire. There are many others of great merit, including the variety represented in the engraving—Le Grena- dier, colour orange scarlet, fine trusses —G. ABBEY. [The engraying is from a photograph of a plant grown by Mr. Parham, gardener to G. May, Esq., Reading. It was ex- hibited at the Reading Show, and was the most striking of three plants which won the Veitch memorial medal. It was splendidly cultivated and much admired.—EDs. ] LAWNS AT THE PARIS EXHIBITION. A VERY interesting feature in connection with the horticul- tural section of the great Paris Exhibition is the international competition between our leading Hnglish and the principal / July 11, 1878. continental seedsmen for prizes to be awarded for the best lawns produced with grass seeds. Some idea may be formed of the extent when it is stated that the whole of the large area known as the Trocadero, as well as a considerable portion of the outdoor space on the Champ de Mars, has been devoted to this competition. England is represented in the Trocadero by only two houses—i.e., Messrs. James Carter & Co., the Queen’s seedsmen of High Holborn, London, and Messrs. Webb of Wordesley ; whilst for the Continent the gauntlet is thrown down by the following well-known firms :—Jacqueau, Paul Tollard, De la Laye, Torey Vannier, Chouvet, Thibaut, Vilmorin, Andrieux, et Cie., and Dudony. The most finished amongst these are the lawns of Messrs. Vilmorin and M, Dudony (No. 1, fig. 5), the latter being the introducer of a special manure, and who is understood to endeayour to show by the application of his specific that JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 31 valuable assistance can be rendered to the grass during its growth. This, however, remains to be seen, for although the lawns dressed with this manure are in a very fair condition, they are considered inferior to the fine even turf forming a large plateau on the Champ de Mars under the direction of Messrs. Vilmorin. It is on the English side, however—i.c., the large space on the left hand of the central dome on the Trocadero, that the lawns are in the finest condition, and it is to the credit of England to record that the only lawns in perfect order on the opening day (May Ist) were those of Messrs. Carter ; and it is to be regretted that during the heavy rains, which more or less prevailed at the opening ceremony, the crowds of visitors were allowed by the authorities to scramble over those lawns, treading the smooth surface in some places into an un- even bed of mud, and entirely destroying the fine edges. By Fig. 5—LAWNS AT THE PARIS EXHIBITION, great perseverance this damage has since been considerably repaired. The whole of-the three large lawns shown in the illustration and numbered respectively 1, 2, and 3, and com- prising the larger portion of the space devoted to England, are sown by Messrs. Carter, the smaller plots (numbered 6) being occupied by Messrs. Webb, whose seeds were sown some time later, so that it is as yet early to criticisethem. Messrs. Carter were specially invited by M. Hardy, the indefatigable Director of the French horticultural section, to sow all the remaining spaces on the Trocadero with their seed, including the gardens surrounding the cascades and fountains (Nos. 4and 5). In addition to this they have also sown by desire of the same authority the whole of the lawns on the front of the Trocadero building approached from the charming suburb of Passy. It is well known that our continental neighbours pride themselves on their rapid process of lawn-making, and it is certainly re- markable when it is remembered that Messrs. Carters’ lawns, sown April Sth, were cut for the first time with Ransome’s mowers on April 29th, or exactly three weeks from the time of sowing. It must be understood that the preparation of the land has been identical throughout the entire competition, the difference between the English and French process being in the varieties of seed used and the quality and purity of the samples, It is | also necessary to observe that the cultivation, and in fact the entire control of the lawns, was in the competitors’ hands until June Ist, when they were handed over to the French authorities. 4 The preparation of the land is a very elaborate affair, that on the Trocadero especially so. It will be remembered by those who are familiar with Paris that the Trocadero was a huge hill, presenting an uneven and rocky surface, many hun- dreds cf loads of earth having been used to form an even surface, with a top-dressing of what is called “terreau” by the Parisian gardener, and which appears to be the exhausted beds of manure and soil upon which the market gardeners have grown their salads and similar vegetables. It is, how- ever, a useful dressing for the purpose. especially where the natural soil is poor and not readily worked into the smooth surface so desirable when a fine even sward is required. One word as to hotel charges. There is little doubt but that some of the large hotels in and near the Boulevards are charg- ing exorbitantly, but there are plenty of good hotels where every comfort can be had at reasonable rates. One of the best of these is the Grand Hotel du Rhone in the Rue J. J. Rous- seau. There you can reside at a fixed rate per day, board and lodging and everything (except wines) included, at from 15 to 20 frances per day (12s. to 16s.). Nearly all the servants as 32 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { July 11, 1878. well as the proprietors speak English, and the house is to be well recommended, THE HEREFORD ROSE SHOW. [Mr. Camm prefaced his report with a high expression of grati- tude for the kindness shown him at Hereford, but we have not space to spare for its insertion —EDs. ] RosaRIANs are here treated as not only guests to be welcomed and honoured, but as members of the rosarian brotherhood. The West of England Show has been held at Hereford for, I believe, about fifteen years, and although financially it has had often to strugele for existence, it has never failed to be a great success in all other points. Rosarians from all parts of the country flock to the old border city, nestling as it does in the midst of such pic- turesque scenery, that it is a positive sin to read a newspaper when approaching it in the train. On the last occasion Roses came from Cheshunt, Slough, Torquay, Exeter, Nottingham, King- ton, and many other places of less note. The Colchester Roses were not on this occasion to the front, Mr. Cant’s foreman being ill, and the distance and other reasons no doubt keeping that great rosarian away. Messrs. Keynes also did not putin an appearance, bas with these exceptions nearly every other great grower sent ses. The open class for seventy-two Roses was very well contested. Messrs. Cranston of King’s Acre were, of course, here first. Being in fine bloom at the time and on the spot, and having several hun- dred thousands to cut from, it would be indeed wonderful if any- one could come and beat them at Hereford. I think I have seen this great firm stage a better seventy-two, and my fellow judge (Mr. Baker of Exeter) agrees with me that the year they showed that marvellous box of twenty-four blooms of Horace Vernet, a record of which will be found in the Journal, was the finest ever staged. Be this, however, as it may, there is no doubt that they showed remarkably well on Wednesday. They had a bloom of Louis Van Houtte which I never saw equalled. Mr. Cranston himself said he had never seen such a bloom before. It was of globular shape, of enormous size, and vivid colouring. His bloom of Xavier Olibo was also the finest I ever saw. Comtesse d’Oxford and Serenye were very fine. Sénateur Vaisse was splendid. He showed also a bloom of that tiny variety Comtesse de Chabrillant. But here we had a large bloom of a rather lighter shade than ordinary seen of perfect form. His blooms of Charles Lefebvre, Horace Vernet, and other dark Roses, though of lovely form, were all of lighter shades of colour than usually seen, and Mr. Cranston informs me that all these Roses have come light this year, owing no doubt to the excessive rainfall. Marie Baumann was splendid both here and in a superb box of twenty-four blooms which gained the first prize, and which were quite equal to Messrs. Curtis’s stand of the same variety at the Crystal Palace. Annie Wood, Marie Cointet, Elie Morel, Le Havre, Francois Michelon, and Etienne Leyet were all grand. Messrs. Davidson of White- cross Nurseries, Hereford, showed very finely and were placed second in this class. I have been much struck eyery time I have visited Hereford by the great improvement this firm is making in showing Roses. Each year they are better than the last, and on this occasion, if their great neighbour had been absent, they would have attracted great attention to their stands. Their best blooms were Marie Baumann, Madame Lacharme, Xavier Olibo, Eugénie Verdier, Madame Georges Schwartz, Etienne Levet (grand), Général Jacqueminot, and Abel Carriére. Mr. W. Lee of Kington was third. For forty-eight trebles Messrs. Cranston were first with marvel- lous good clusters, Mr. Davidson second, and Mr. Grove of Here- . ford third. For twenty-four singles Messrs. Cranston were again first ; Mr. Griffiths of Tillington, an old foreman at King’s Acre, second ; and Mr. Frettingham of Beeston third. For the close class of seventy-two (that is, excluding Hereford) Mr. George Panl was first, Mr. Turner of Slough second, and Mr. Frettingham third. Mr. G. Paul’s blooms were very fine in- deed considering the distance they had come, and so were Mr. Turner’s. The trebles and other classes were well filled with the exception of one class, that of eighteen trebles for nurserymen. We now come to the great amateur contest for the challenge cup given by Messrs. Cranston & Co. for the best thirty-six Roses, to be won twice. This cup was won in 1876 by Mr. Thos. Jowitt of The Old Weir, Hereford, and in 1877 Mr. Baker of Heavitree came in his might to Hereford and carried it off. It was now pretty certain that one or other of these giants would finally win the cup. The interest was very great. Mr. Jowitt perhaps a little weakened his chance by showing at Torquay the day before, where he carried off seyen first prizes. Mr. Baker wisely reserved all his strength for the great contest, where he should meet his noted rival on his own ground. In order to beas fresh as possible Mr. Baker followed the plan he has adopted of late years when showing at Hereford. He cut his blooms late the evening before the Show, took them as far as Gloucester by the mail train, and the next morning went on to Hereford, getting there just in time to stage. Mr. Jowitt had about nine hours’ more time in his favour and only a journey of three miles, so that the odds were apparently in favour of the Hereford champion. Close was the contest, severe the fight, and grand the triumph for the west when ae Baker in the long run carried the cup off for the last time to eter. The two stands were different in several points. Mr. Jowitt’s was more even, while Mr. Baker’s had many much finer and larger blooms. Mr. Jowitt’s had also more Teas, and his stands were more varied as to colour and the arrangement was a little better, but nothing could come up to the size and grandeur of Mr. Baker’s back row with the exception of two Roses. It was freely owned by most rosarians present that Mr. Baker spoilt his box by insert- ing in his back row a large but coarse bloom of that objectionable variety for exhibition, Madame Charles Wood. His Capitaine Christy also was by the time the public were admitted a little past, and three Roses in the front row were a little undersized. ‘When this has been said nothing remains that can be urged against his stand. His other blooms were perfection. He had a bloom of a Rose little known called Comte de Rainbold, a dark, full, somewhat cupped Rose, which created quite a sensation. Mx. Robert Veitch is one of the very few nurserymen, if not the only one, who possess this Rose, and the rush upon his plants will be very great next autumn. Once more Mr. Baker astonished the company with his blooms of Marie Baumann, Charles Lefebvre, and Marie Rady, and many others too numerous to name here, while his freshness and purity of colour were marvellous con- sidering the distance he had come. Mr. Jowitt’s thirty-six were also a great treat. He staged them in one box, and it was a perfect treat to see them. As I have said, a more even lot has seldom been seen. His best bloom was Thomas Mills, while his Comtesse d’Oxford, Louis Van Houtte, Triomphe de Rennes, and other Teas were also very good. Mr. Bulmer the energetic Secretary was third with, among others, I think the best bloom in the Show, and the only specimen I have seen of it this year. In his back row there was a bloom of Comtesse de Nadaillac which I shall never forget. This lovely Tea Rose is a very bad grower, and I have never yet seen it shown half the size of Mr. Bulmer’s. If there had been a fourth prize, or if a consolation prize is eventually given by the Society when they read this report, no doubt I shall win it. Meantime truth compels me to say that your correspondent was left out in the cold. The other amateur winners in other classes were for twenty-four, Mr. Baker first ; Mr. Jowitt and Mx. John Arkwright of Hampton Court equal second. I wo’n’t say who was third, but will leave it to the imagination of your readers. For eighteen trebles and for twelve singles Mr. Baker was again first. The Herefordshire amateurs in their close class showed uncom- monly well, particularly Miss Bulmer, and the whole Show was a good one. Mr. George Paul was first for Teas, but I am vain enough to think I ran him yery close. For twenty-four Roses of asort Mr. Cranston staged a marvellously good stand of Marie Baumann which was first, and the other prizes went to the same Rose. Jean Liabaud won the first prize for twelve blooms of one new Rose and again brought Mr. Cranston’s name to the front. There was no competition for the Veitch Memorial prize, and Mr. Cranston won Mr. Arkwright’s prize for twelve Teas and twelve H.P.’s shown in the same stand. The bouquets and table decora- tions were very good, and everything connected with the arrange- ments was not to be surpassed. a i The only drawback—the one crumpled Rose leaf which dis- turbed my comfort, wasthe band. Fancy, Messrs. Editors, instead of the string Rhine band which used to delight all lovers of music at this Show, twelve or thirteen brazen instruments without a reed or a string to mitigate their ferocity, went blaring and pounding away till they drove every lover of music to distraction, and effectually got rid of me. A militia band at the head of a regi- ment or in the open air is all very well, but in the Shire Hall, Hereford, it is something too terrible. Mr. John Cranston enter- tained the principal exhibitors in the most hospitable manner, and few of us will forget the stroll round his nursery in the cool of the evening, or the splendid entertainment he gave us ; but above all other things his genial welcome, his unmistakeable love for Roses and rosarians, the pleasure with which he greeted us as friends and guests, this will not be forgotten by us as long as the Rose continues to be the queen of flowers. It is with almost a sad heart that I thus bid farewell to the Hereford Rose Show for the year 1878 ; and were it not for the thought that, all bemg well, in another twelye months I shall be there again, I should hardly haye the courage to sign my name to this letter—W¥LD SAVAGE. SPIRHA ARUNCUS. I HAVE known this plant for fifty-one years, and last year I saw it great perfection at the gardens of A. Fletcher, Esq., Salton Hall, Hast Salton. I induced the gardener Mr. Barrie to measure it. The plant was 5} feet high and 18 feet in cir- cumference, There were ninety flower stems on it 18 inches July 11, 1878. } JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 33 to 2 feet long. There were four or five plants growing amongst | some dwarf shrubs, and it was a treat to see them. It occurs | to me this variety would be very suitable for forcing, but for | growing in the margin of a shrusbery I know nothing to sur- pass it. In my opinion it surpasses the shrubby sort S. aceri- folia,—J. ADDISON, Last Mains, Brovburn, Edinburgh, THE ROSE ELECTION. THE “exhibition” Rose election of 1877 was not altogether | a failure, indeed it appears to me to have originated a corre- spondence on the merits of an exhibition Rose which has per- fumed the pages of our Journal with the aroma of Roses throughout the damp wintry times and the cheerless spring, until “it is time of Roses” again. With the consent of our Editors, and strengthened with the experience of the last election, I propose this year to make it again an exhibition election, and I repeat the question for solution. It will save electors, and it will save myself much time (of which article I have less in stock), and trouble (the stock here being also low), if they would answer the question carefully and as soon as they conveniently can. Every elector must have taken a prize at the larger ex- hibitions, or several prizes in local competitions, and if adding the second forty-eight for Mr. Curtis’s suggestion, they must have taken a prize for at least forty-eight varieties in a stand. Name the best forty-eight exhibition Roses according to your experience in your soil. Mark the best twelve of these with a cross, the next best twelve with two crosses, or dis- tinguish these twelves in any simple but clear manner. Mr. Curtis suggested to me last year trying to arrive at the best ninety-six varieties. Any exhibitor qualified to vote on this will oblige by adding a second forty-eizht to the list. This will entail considerable additional labour. I will try to get out the first forty-eight as early in September as possible, and cannot receive lists for either after the 15th of August. In the case of nearly similar Roses up to forty-eight varieties, as, for instance, Lelia and Louise Peyronny equal ; Ferdinand de Lesseps, Exposition de Brie, and Maurice Bernardin equal ; Marie Finger and Hugénie Verdier equal; Mons. Boncenne and Baron de Bonstetten equal; please name only one in the forty-eight varieties, whichever is considered best. The poll will show the position of each, but they will be classed as one Rose.—JOSEPH HINTON, Warminster. NATIONAL ROSE SOCIETY’S PROVINCIAL SHOW. MANCHESTER, JuLy 67H. Tu National Society may be congratulated most heartily on the success of its first provincial Exhibition, for Manchester has neyer seen such Roses, and to many it must indeed have been a revelation of the queen of flowers. The local papers are full of praises (and what is more, the Botanical Society is full of money by its yenture), pronouncing it “as a whole one of the most suc- cessful, as well as one of the most enjoyable ever held at Old | Trafford, and that is saying a good deal.” I know not how many visitors there were, but the gardens were crowded, and as to the house where the Exhibition was held, it was hopeless to attempt to get near the Roses after the throng commenced to arrive. All this is very encouraging, but it must be recollected that it adds but little to the Society’s revenues to hold an Exhibition at which northern growers might compete formed part of its programme, and loyally and faithfully carried it out ; but if it is to be repeated there must be a large access of members north of the Trent, for surely if the Society is willing to give of its funds to meet the | claims of northern rosarians, they are bound to use their efforts for the welfare of the Society. Tt will be seen from the list of awards appended hereto that most of our great growers for sale were present in force. Messrs. Cranston, Cant, Paul, and Prince were there, while Davison of Hereford, Merryweather of Southwell, Frettingham of Notting- ham, and Francis & Arthur Dickson of Chester, also entered the lists; while amongst amateurs the well-known names of Jowitt, Hole, and Pochin figure. Mr. Soames, who is coming with strides to the front ; Messrs. Davenport, Hand, Brown, and others show that the north has won its share of honours, although we may hope another year that there will be a larger accession of exhibitors. JI am writing in the house of a friend whose Roses would, I am convinced, have won honours had not his modesty Kept him back. It is worthy of note that an amateur ventured in a stormy night to cross the Channel from Ireland ; and although his Roses suffered by the voyage, yet he was enabled to set up a yery creditable stand and take a third prize in forty-eights. Tn looking through the various stands one found that there are i certain varieties which figure in them all, and that therefore to give a full list of prizewinners would be merely to repeat those given of the Society’s Exhibition at the Crystal Palace, and I shall therefore content myself with singling-out a few of the more conspicuous blooms. I think the palm of merit for the premier Rose of the whole Exhibition must be given to the bloom of Reynolds Hole in Mr. Cranston’s stand. It was shown well by Mr. Cant and Mr. Win. Paul. But this bloom was a marvellous one ; for form, substance, and colour it left nothing to be desired. Indeed, in looking at the Rose shows of the year so far, it seems to me to be the most’ remarkable of the season, Frangois Michelon which so astonished us last .season being nowhere this year. Another grand bloom was his Duchesse de Morny, magnificent in its outline, and grand in substance and size ; then Comtesse de Serenye, Xavier Olibo, The Rey. J. B. M. Camm were also very fine. Im Mr. Cant’s stand, Reynolds Hole (already noticed), Souvenir d’Elise, Horace Vernet, La Boule d’Or, Niphetos, were very fine; and Messrs. Paul & Son’s, which ran Mr. Cant’s very close, contained grand specimens of Mrs. Laxton, Reynolds Hole, Marie Baumann, Duke of Edinburgh, Alba Rosea, and other well- known kinds. Amateurs’ stands contained some very excellent flowers. Canon Hole’s—Niphetos, Sophia Tropot, Capitaine Christy, and Comtesse de Nadaillac ; the Rey. E. N. Pochin’s—Lord Macaulay, Duke of Wellington, Alfred Colomb, and Marie Baumann ; Mr. Jowitt’s— Deyoniensis, Général Jacqueminot, and Marie Baumann; Mr. Coddington’s—Miss Ingram, Niphetos, Madame Schmidt, Marie Rady, Homére, and Triomphe de Rennes being amongst the most remarkable flowers shown. Mr. Soames’s stand of twelve con- tained some really grand blooms. Teas and Noisettes were well shown both by nurserymen and amateurs, Amongst the most telling flowers were Devoniensis, Caroline Kuster, Souvenir de Mons. Pernet, La Boule d’Or, Souve- nir d’Elise Vardon, Catherine Mermet, Jean Ducher, Comtesse de Nadaillac, Belle Lyonnaise, and Alba Rosea. In My. Paul’s stand of new Roses Jean Soupert, Sultan of Zanzibar, Marguerite Brassac, Mrs. Laxton, and Mons. Fournier were the most remark- able, and were really fine. The three winning stands of Marie Baumann contained some splendid blooms, although the colour in some had flown. Not so Charles Lefebvre, both stands being defective and in many instances showing the eye. The stands of La France were good, but I have seen better. Messrs. W. Paul and Son of Waltham Cross exhibited ten boxes of Roses contain- ing some fine blooms, and also a box of seedlings, to one of which, Countess of Rosebery, a first-class certificate was awarded, the same honour being given to Messrs. Paul & Son of Cheshunt for Mrs. Laxton. Thus must end my record of the National, Society’s Show. I should have liked it to be fuller, but after having bad to super- intend the whole arrangements of the Show on a very hot morning, and then to act as judge, it was very difficult for tired human nature, especially at threescore, to squeeze through a crowd to take notes, and had it not been for a mandate from head quarters. which I received at midday I should not haye made this; and so I hope the readers of our Journal, gentle or otherwise, will take the will for the deed. NURSERYMEN.—Seyenty-two distinct, single trusses.—First, Messrs. Cranston & Co., Hereford; second, Mr. B. R. Cant, Col- chester ; third, Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt; fourth, Mr. J. Davison, Hereford; extra, Mr. Henry Frettingham, Nottingham. Forty-eight distinct, three trusses of each.—First, Messrs. Cranston and Co.; equal second, Messrs. Panl & Son, and Mr. B. R. Cant. Twenty-four distinct, three trusses of each.—First Messrs. Cranston and Co.; second, Mr. B. R. Cant ; third, Mr. J. Davison. Twenty- four distinct, single trusses—First, Mr. J. Prince, Oxford ; second, Mr. W. Corp, Oxford; third, Mr. H. Merryweather, Southwell. Twelve Teas or Noisettes, distinct, single trusses —First, Messrs. Paul & Son ; second, Mr. B. R. Cant; third, Mr. J. Davison. AMATEURS.—Forty-eight distinct, single trusses.—First, Rev. Canon Hole, Newark; second, Mr. T. Jowitt, Hereford; third, Mr. D. H. Coddington, Drogheda, Ireland. Thirty-six distinct, single trusses.—First, Rey. E. N. Pochin, Leicester ; second, Rey. Canon Hole. Twenty-four distinct, single trusses—First, Mr. T. Jowitt ; second, Rey. HE. N. Pochin ; third, Rey. Canon Hole ; fourth, Mr. J. Mayo, Oxford. Twelve distinct, single trusses.— First, Mr. A. J. Soames, Bourne ; second, Mr. J. Lakin, Chipping Norton ; third, Mr. J. Davenport, Altrincham ; fourth, Mr. W- Hand, Newcastle-under-Lyme. ‘Six distinct, single trusses —First, Mr. A. J. Soames ; second, Mr. J. Lakin; third, Mr. J. Brown, Heaton Mersey. Six distinct, single trusses of district-grown Roses.—First, Mr. J. Brown ; second, Mr. W. H. Palfrey, Altrin- cham; third, Mr. J. Dayenport. Twelve Teas or Noisettes, dis- tinct, single trusses.—First, Rey. Canon Hole; second, Mr. T. Jowitt ; third, Rev. E. N. Pochin. OPEN CLASSES.—Twelvye new Roses, distinct, single trusses, must not have been in commerce before 1875.—First, Messrs. Paul and Son; second, Mr. J. Davison; third, Mr. H. Frettingham. Twelve single trusses of Marie Baumann.—First, Messrs. Cranston and Co., Hereford ; second, Messrs. Paul & Son; third, Mx. B. R. Cant. Twelve single trusses of Charles Lefebvre.—First, Messrs. 34 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { July 11, 1878. Paul & Son; second, Messrs. Cranston & Co. trusses of La France.—First, Messrs. Paul & Son; second, Mr. G. Davison ; third, Mr. H. Frettingham. Prizes were offered for twelve single trusses of Maréchal Niel, but there were no entvries. Messrs. W. Paul & Son were highly commended for a collection of ten boxes of Roses. First-class certificates were awarded.to Messrs. W. Paul & Son for Rose Countess of Rosebery, and Messrs. Paul & Son, Ches- hunt, for Rose Mrs. Laxton.—D., Deal. ORIGIN OF THE RIBSTON PIPPIN APPLE. WE have received the following from an esteemed corre- ‘spondent :— “On the Ist September, 1693, in the fifth year of King William and Queen Mary, Robert Clemesha of Goldsborough, brought his son Robert to be bound to the Honourable Robert Byerley of Metridge Grange, in the county of Durham, as a gardener. His master covenants to find him sufficient meat, drink, clothes, lodging, and washing suitable for an apprentice. When bound he signs with a cross ( x ), not being able to write. The Honourable Robert Byerley had land near Goldsborough I know from receipts of rent in my possession. Perhaps Cle- mesha lived at Ribston Park, in after life was chief gardener there, and had given him the pip of an Apple brought from France which he was desired to cultivate. This he succeeded in doing, and the fruit was much approved, and takes the name of the Ribston Pippin from the locality where it was first raised, This tree died in 1849. The indenture in my possession was ready to drop to pieces, so I had it glued to cartridge paper and have presented it to the Hull Philosophical Society, in whose museum it is now deposited.” We are very glad to be able to publish this information, and we print also the following for comparison from the last edition of Dr. Hogg’s “ Fruit Manual.” “There is no Apple in this country which is more generally cultivated than the Ribston Pippin. It did not become gene- rally known till the end of the last century, and it is not mentioned in any of the editions of Miller’s Dictionary or by any other author of that period, neither was it grown in the Brompton Park Nursery in 1770. .... The original tree was first discovered growing in the garden at Ribston Hall near Knaresborough, but how, when, or by what means it came there has not been satisfactorily ascertained. One account states that about the year 1688 some Apple pips were brought from Rouen and sown at Ribston Hall near Knaresborough ; the trees then produced from them were planted in the park, and one turned out to be the variety in question. -The original tree stood till 1810, when it was blown down by a violent gale of wind. Itwas afterwards supported by stakes in a horizontal position, and continued to produce fruit till it lingered and died in 1835. Since then a young shoot has been produced about 4 inches below the surface of the ground, which, with proper care, may become a tree, and thereby preserve the original of this favourite old dessert Apple. The gardener at Ribston Hall, by whom this Apple was raised, was the father of Lowe, who during the last century was the fruit-tree nur- seryman at Hampton Wick.” THE HORSHAM ROSE SHOW. AMONGST the many votaries of the queen of flowers Horsham holds a forward place, and her two-years-old Association bids fair to be very soon a very leading one in south-east England, not least through the liberal step taken by the Committee of throw- ing open to all England a twenty-four, twelve, and twelve-of-the same-kind class. On July 2nd the second annual Show was held in the Assembly Rooms, a place admirably adapted for the num- ber of Roses requiring to be staged, and the result was a show of very considerable merit. Not only in the all-England class, but aiso amongst the members’ boxes, fine Roses were exhibited. A magnificent triplet box of Mr. W. G. Sharp of Birchen Bridge was particularly noticeable. Finer blooms of Marie Rady and Annie Wood it is scarcely possible to imagine, immense size being attained without loss of colour or coarseness. In the all-England classes the first prize for twenty-four was taken by Mr. Prince of Oxford, the second by Mr. Ridout, gardener to J. B. Heywood, Esq., of Reigate; Mr. Piper of the Uckfield Nurseries being third, and J. H. Pemberton, Esq., fourth. In the twelve of any kind Messrs. Prince and Piper were an easy first and second with very large and fine blooms, the Rey. Alan Cheales being third, and J. Grayeley, Esq., Cowfold, fourth. Mr. Prince was also first with a mag- nificent dozen of Capitaine Christy, the Rey. R. Cox-Hales being s2cond with a very even box of Marie Rady. A fine box of Paul Twelve single | Verdier was also shown. This old Rose, though not a perpetual, is worthy of more attention than it receives. The arrangements of the Hon, Secretary, W. H. Saddler, Esq., were very complete and effective, but the unfavourable weather prevented the attendance which might have been anticipated, and it is to be feared operated unfavourably on the funds of the Society. This Society adopts the somewhat novel plan of letting all-England amateurs and nurserymen exhibit together. The former, of course, are somewhat overweighted ; the result is, how- ever, a large average of high-class flowers.—A. C. TORENIAS ASIATICA AND FOURNIERI. TORENIA ASIATICA is one of the most distinct and elegant of plants for the decoration of stoves in spring and green- houses in summer. As a basket plant it has few superiors, its elegant pendent growth and richly coloured flowers rendering it singularly attractive. As a prize plant for boxes and elevated stages, also for placing on isolated brackets, it is very suitable. It is further well adapted for cultivation in pots, its growth being loosely trained round sticks or wire trellises. It, however, shows to the greatest advantage when grown in baskets. Its cultivation is extremely easy, but its preservation through the winter is often somewhat difficult. Cuttings should be struck in late summer, and when rooted be potted in a rough compost such as nodules of peat, a little very turfy loam, and lumps of charcoal in equal proportions, the plants being wintered in small pots on the shelf of a light and well- heated stove. When fairly growing in the spring richer soil may be afforded them, and liberal supplies of water; they will then crow luxuriantly and flower with great freedom. Cuttings struck now will make attractive plants for flowering in late autumn and early winter. This is a good old plant somewhat too much neglected. T. FOURNIERI.—This is a most valuable acquisition for which British gardeners are indebted to the celebrated French firm of Vilmorin, who sent plants or seeds to Chiswick. These were well grown and flowered by Mr. Barron, and a first- class certificate was voted to the plant last year by the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society. This year plants haye been again exhibited at South Kensington by Mr. Barron in a manner which stamps this distinct Torenia as a plant of high excellence for summer decorative purposes. __ The plant is quite dissimilar in habit from T. asiatica, which is a trailer, the new introduction being suffruticose, and is very dwarf and stubby, especially when grown cool—that is, not drawn in a high stove temperature. It flowers with great fréedom and is richer in colour than its well-known prototype, inasmuch as each rich purplish violet flower has the addition of arich orange blotch. The plants exhibited last week did not greatly exceed 6 inches in height, and they were a complete mass of rich flowers set in bright green foliage. The sprays had no stakes or other supports, the short-jointed growth being sufficiently strong to retain their upright position and sustain the flowers without any extraneous aid. The plants referred to were grown from seed saved at Chiswick last year. It was sown in the spring, and the plants have been grown, after they were fairly established, in an un- heated house. They will no doubt flourish admirably in a cold frame during the summer months. For front rows in greenhouses and conservatories this Torenia is eminently suited. Tn the colour of its flowers it is distinct from all other plants ; indeed it combines richness with elegance in a remarkable manner. : } “All nurserymen should obtain a supply of seed of this beauti- ful summer-flowering greenhouse annual, and all gardeners should order a packet next spring. If they grow the plants as well as those which have been grown at Chiswick, and this they may do with ordinary care, they will have good reason to be satisfied with what is one of the most charming of the “ floral simplicities” of recent introduction. Torenia Fournieri is sure to become popular, and the sooner the better.—J. WRIGHT. WILKINSON'S REGISTERED PEA TRAINERS. WHEN travelling through the southern parts of Lanca- shire about eleven months ago I had the good fortune to visit a well-kept garden belonging to Captain J. H. Birley, called Brookside, in the village of Newton-le-Willows, three minutes’ walk from the Newton Bridge station of the London and North-Western Railway. While accompanying the SAT dener round this snug little spot I saw a novelty which especi- July 11, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 35 ally took my attention. It wasa row of Peas, which instead of a row of pea sticks appeared to be supported by two rows of espaliers, but which afterwards proved to be Wilkinson’s registered pea trainers. ‘The row seemed so neat and tidy that I was induced to take a good look at what I thought must prove a benefit to gardeners who have a difficulty in procur- ing pea sticks. So simple is this arrangement that a child might understand it. The strainers for the wire are so small that they can hardly be detected a few yards off, and with any- thing like ordinary care they will last twenty years.—S. W. 8. NOTES ON VILLA AND SUBURBAN GARDENING. KitcHen GARDEN.—After the recent heavy rains there is no kind of soil that will not be benefited by being stirred with a hoe. It is a most important operation for the well-being of every crop, and for killing the myriads of seedling weeds that so fre- quently put in an appearance at this period of the year. As soon as Peas have ceased bearing clear them off the ground and re- plant the vacant space with Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, or anything else of the Brassica tribe that will be required for winter supply. Dig Potatoes at present as they are wanted, for while unripe they are best dug fresh for cooking every day. Clear all loose haulm away and level the ground as the work of digging proceeds. This should also have another crop planted on it to fill-up close as the Potatoes are dug. The main crop of Celery must now be planted in well-manured trenches as previously advised. Where Spinach is in much request a sowing must be made very frequently, as at this season of the year it will not remain long before running into a flowering state. A sowing of Coleworts will be found useful to succeed those sown last month. Cauliflowers as they are cut should be pulled up by the roots, and the old stumps should be thrown into the refuse heap to decay. It is too often the case that if left on the ground both these and Cabbage leaves emit a most disagree- able smell. Make further sowings of Paris White Cos Lettuce, and give plenty of water to advancing crops. Frequent sowing, watering, and hoeing constitute the grand secret in procuring crisp and well-grown Lettuce. The round Cabbage varieties of Lettuce are sometimes required, especially with the chief of the cooking department. The most useful of all is undoubtedly All the Year Round. We have now for nearly a dozen years grown this Lettuce, and find our old friend as constant and true as ever. The present is most favourable for making new plantations of Strawberries, and perhaps after all the most economical way is to layer the plants in pots as if prepared for forcing. Procure some 60-size pots, fill them with soil of a light sandy nature, place the runner on the top of the soil in these pots, and either pin with a peg or lay a moderate-size stone on the rhizome of the runner, which will be sufficient to keep it in its place until it has emitted roots. As soon as the small roots have filled the pots the plants should be replanted in a deeply dug and richly manured piece of ground, Many cultivators plant them on ground which has previously been occupied with Potatoes. Plant them 2 feet be- tween the rows and 18 inches from plant to plant, and if esta- blished in this way early a very fair crop of the largest-sized fruit will be produced next season. There are also other methods of procuring runners which will not entail as much labour as the first one, such as allowing them to root around the parent plant, and subsequently lifting them with a fork and planting as before advised. Some cultivators plant them much closer than is here adyised, and after the first year lift every other plant. Sir Joseph Paxton and President are yet fayourite kinds with many, and are most prolific bearers. James Veitch, Lucas, and Her Majesty attain to a very large size, and are very good in quality. After planting should dry weather set in it will be necessary to give plenty of water in order that the plants emit roots deep into the ground and make good plump crowns by the autumn. In the flower garden and pleasure ground there are yet many little requisites to be completed before we can feel that we may have a season of rest. Rhododendrons, Kalmias, and other American plants which haye gone out of bloom require to have all the seed pods picked off. This, no doubt, is more important than it at first sight would appear, insomuch as allowing them to remain not only gives an unsightly appearance to the shrubs, but it has the effect of seriously impairing the production of bloom for next year. Hedges of Yew, Laurel, Holly, or Privet, &., now require clipping. The exuberant growth made will be the means of filling-up weak or hollow places. Where such is the case do not cut so close as where the hedge is matured. When the hedge is finished it should be quite level and of one continuous height. Holly, Yew, Thorn, or Privet can be cut with a pair of garden shears, but Laurel is best cut with a pruning kmife, as the leaves are large and are apt to be cut in half with the shears. In quite young hedges and which have not yet grown nearly to the required height we do not advise close clipping, only merely stopping any irregularities both on the sides and tops. We have Bpbeerved hedges, particularly Holly, which have had yearly q rely a judicious stopping and training make good impenetrable hedges in eight or ten years, whereas hedges that have been close shaven yearly haye not been nearly so good in the same time. Flower beds require the edges cutting neatly and the hoe lightly passed between the plants. All decayéd flowers must be picked off, and all plants of a straggling habit should be regu- lated and pegged out in order that in a very short time the flower garden may be at its gayest, and we may reap the reward of our labours. Ross have as a rule, considering the many disadvantages they have had to contend against, been particularly good. Heavy thunderstorms followed by a few days of real tropical weather have made very short work of all our cut-back plants. The supply has been abundant, and the new growths formed are indeed very promising for autumn supply. The light Roses have never perhaps been seen in better form. Capitaine Christy, Souvenir d’Hlise, and numerous others have been seen in their finest condition, but we hope to haye more to note on their qualities. Briar and other stocks are ready for budding, which may be performed now at any time at convenience; but as at present it appears there will be a difficulty in procuring buds to insert, as many varieties are making their new growths. Having your Briar stocks in readiness choose a plump shoot on which the leayes are large and perfect, and on which the side buds have not yet begun to grow. Make an incision on the shoot in which it is intended to insert the bud, using a cross cut in the form of a letter T, bind over the bud with some cotton or soft bast, and in a few weeks it will be seen that the shoot is getting firm under the tie, and before it begins to swell the ties must be cut. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. MAKE a sowing of Cabbage for use in spring. Hill’s Incom- parable, Wheeler’s Imperial, Carter’s Heartwell, and Wheeler’s Cocoa Nut are the best for this sowing. In the south and warm localities sowing should be deferred until the 20th to 24th of this month, but in cold localities sow forthwith. They form an ex- cellent succeeding crop to Onions. The seed should be sown rather thinly in not oyer-rich soil, and when the plants have a leaf or two in addition to the seed leaves prick them off 3 to 4 inches apart to keep the plants sturdy, transplanting finally early in September. A sowing may also be made of the Tripoli section of Onions, particularly for drawing early in spring, for which purpose White Lisbon is admirably adapted, being very hardy and mild in flavour. Giant Rocco, Giant Madeira, White Italian, and Neapolitan Marzagole are fine sorts. The ground should be in good heart, especially if large bulbs are required. Sow the seed in rows a foot apart. Except in cold localities and for early use sowing should be deferred until the early part of next month. A last sowing of French Beans should be made upon a warm border. Negro Long-podded, from its enduring cold and wet better than most others, is admirably suited for this sow- ing. Sow also a moderate breadth of Peas of the early kinds, such as William I. and First-and-Best. If the autumn be mild they afford acceptable crops. Do not omit sowing a good breadth of Turnips—Snowball, White Stone or Six-weeks, and Golden Ball—for use in late summer and autumn, To preserve the seed- lings from the rayages of the Turnip fly, dust them during the early morning with quicklime. Get cut a good breadth of Cauli- flower for use in early autumn. This is also the best time for planting the main crops of Broccoli, it being advisable in very rich soils to plant without digging the ground, merely pointing it over lightly with a fork to arrest the growth of weeds; in loose soils hoeing will be sufficient. Plant in rows 3 feet apart and 2 feet asunder in the rows. Continue to plant out the different descriptions of Greens for winter and spring use, the main crops of which should not longer be delayed. Plant out the late crop of Celery as soon as possible, selecting well-drained ground. Sow a good breadth of Lettuce—Hicks’ Hardy White Cos, Bath Cos Sugarloaf, All the Year Round, and Neapolitan Cabbage Lettuces —for late summer and early autumn supply. Maintain the supply of Radishes by sowings as required to meet the demand, also Spinach. Do not neglect the watering of Peas, Runner and Dwarf Kidney Beans, also Cauliflower, pouring the water along both sides of the rows, affording if possible liquid manure, and then mulch the surface. It is the only way to insure a succession of tender vegetables in hot weather. Attend well to the watering of Vegetable Marrows, ridge Cucumbers, and Tomatoes, keepins the latter, whether against walls or trained to stakes, well stopped: and when a sufficiency of fruit is set stop the leading shoots, not wasting the energies of the plant in needless growths, admitting air and light also to the fruit. HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. Strawberries—Runners that haye been layered in pots for forcing and planting purposes must be induced by attentive watering to fill the pots with roots speedily. If they have not yet been layered lose no time in doing so. The first runners are the strongest and best, and being rooted early time is afforded them to become well established and form good crowns. Plant the runners out as soon as the roots protrude from the pots, firm- 36 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, [ July 11, 1878, ing the soil well about the ball and giving a good watering. Those for potting stand in a shady place for a few days, then pot them into the fruiting pots. Six-inch are sufficiently large for those required for early forcing, and 7-inch for second early and late sorts—i.e., those of robust habit, such as Sir Joseph Paxton, Pre- sident, dc. The pots must be clean, placing one large crock over the hole, about three or four of lesser size, and over these a few half-inch bones, the drainage altogether being about an inch or little more. Turfy loam rather strong, adding a tenth of buffalo horn manure anda twentieth of bone dust, well mixed together but not sifted, forms an admirable compost, which should be mode- rately dry when used. If used wet it will shrink after potting, leaving the sides of the pot. Place the rougher parts of the com- post in the pot first, and pot very firmly, and so that the base of the crown is about half an inch below the rim. Stand the pots upon a hard bottom in an open sunny situation, with sufficient space between each to allow for the full exposure of the foliage. Water as required, and overhead for a few days after potting, and when the roots are working freely in the fresh soil copious supplies will be needed, not allowing the foliage to flag for want of this essential element. Remove all runners as they appear. Plants that have been forced are excellent for forming a plantation out of doors, and should be at once planted if not already done, making the soil firm about the balls, watering liberally until established. Plants that have been fruited in pots never fail to produce good crops during the following season, often two seasons, when they are no longer profitable, and should be succeeded by more recently formed plantations. Vines trained to walls in the open air should be kept closely nailed-in, the shoots well stopped, laterals kept very thin, stopping them at the first leaf beyond the bunch, and subsequent growths keep well pinched at each leaf as it is produced. Avoid over- crowding, training-in no more shoots than can have full exposure to light and air. This is necessary to afford any increased warmth the wall may give to the advantage of the fruit and wood in ripening. Extensions should be trained-in thinly with a view to thorough ripening. : Do not allow the shoots of Figs against walls to become over- crowded, it results only in unfruitfulness and prevents the fruit from attaining the size and quality it would otherwise attain. Stop the shoots at the sixth leaf and keep them secured to the wall, training-in extension shoots without stopping. Continue to attend to wall fruit trees in stopping or the removal of foreright and superfluous shoots, and the nailing or tying-in of the young shoots required for extension or for fillmg up space; and in the case of the Peach, Nectarine, and Morello Cherry shoots for next year’s bearing. Some outdoor fruits are approaching ripening, and should be protected by nets from the attacks of birds. FRUIT HOUSES. Vines.—It is hardly possible in forcing Vines to escape early attacks of red spider ; more especially is this the case when the Grapes are kept for any length of time upon the Vines after being ripe. On account of this liability of Vines to red spider we do not advise large houses with a motley assemblage of Vines for forcing, but houses only of such size as will admit of a supply of Grapes for the establishment for a period of not more than six to eight weeks. This admits of the foliage being afterwards cleansed with water from the syringe or engine; but with a house having Frontignans, Sweetwater, and Hamburgh Grapes ripe in May, Muscats in June, and late sorts in July, the dry warm air essential to the ripening of early kinds will cause red spider to increase upon the foliage of the Muscats and other late sorts before they are ripe. This is most disastrous to present and future crops of Grapes. Instead of having a mixed collection of Grapes that started in December to the new year will afford fruit from May to August, we would divide the house into two or three compart- ments, so that the respective kinds may have secured to them their proper treatment. In case of an attack of red spider paint the hot-water pipes with sulphur, heating them to near the boiling point. It will kill the spider, and often causes a brown spot upon the skin of Muscat and Frontignan Grapes ; sulphur, therefore, applied to heated surfaces should be done with great care. Muscats require to be ripened off with fire heat (indeed all Grapes haye a superior flavour and finish when ripened off in rather dry warm air), for under no other conditions will they attain to that golden hue characteristic of richly vinous flayour. The temperature where they are ripening should he 75° to 70° by night, and 85° to 90° or 95° by day, with abundance of air. Mus- cats of all Grapes require very plentiful supplies of water when swelling the fruit. No Grapes can be overdone with water at the roots after the leaves are full-sized until the fruit is ripe, the border having efficient drainage, therefore attend well to the watering of inside borders, and outside also in dry weather. Keep the laterals well stopped, except in the case of weakly Vines, when they may be allowed to extend, provided the principal leaves are not crowded thereby, and in the case of young Vines a free growth of the laterals may be allowed, as it tends to root-forma- tion and to increase the vigour of the canes. Peaches and Nectarines—To keep trees forced year after year in a healthy fruitful state requires considerable exactitude in the management of the trees, not so much when the fruit is swelling and up to its arriving at maturity as after the crop is gathered. The house should then be thoroughly cleansed of insects, fumi- gating against tarips if any, and frequently washing the foliage with the syringe or garden engine, sparing no pains to keep the foliage clean and healthy as long as possible. The borders must be well supplied with water, the ventilation very liberal, and if the roof lights are moveable remove them altogether, which will afford the foliage the influence of Nature’s refreshing dew and rains. Remove all shoots rendered useless by the removal of the fruit, keeping all gross shoots, as also side shoots, pinched or stopped to one leaf or joint, so as to equalise the sap and admit of sun and air haying free access to the principal foliage. If the fruit come in more quickly than is required it may be retarded by a slight shading of tiffany or other light material in the hottest part of the day. In the latest houses where the fruit is stoning strict attention must be given to watering, and fruit taking the second swelling will be benefited by copious waterings with weak liquid manure, or, what is better, by having the borders mulched with stable manure, which attracts the roots to the surface. Attend to tying-in the shoots, stopping any laterals to one joint, and keeping the trees well syringed morning and evening. Houses without artificial heat should have ventilation early and be closed early, so as to husband the sun heat. PLANT HOUSES. ; Greenhouse.—Zonal Pelargoniums for winter flowering should have attention in shifting into larger pots, presuming that cuttings or young stock were inserted as before advised. The chief point to aim at is vigorous plants well furnished for their size, keeping off all trusses of bloom as they show, stopping the plants so as to keep them in compact form. They should have 6-inch pots, be firmly potted in good turfy loam with about a fifth of well-decayed manure and a sixth of sand. They may be placed on ashes out- doors in the full sun, taking care that they do not root through the pots, and they must be well supplied with water. Vesuvius is still one of the best, also Nyanza, Jealousy, Fire King, Sir Charles Napier, and Malcolm in scarlets; Lucy Bosworth, pink; Irene, purple magenta ; Heather Bell, lilac pink ; Seraph, salmon pink ; and Madame Vaucher with White Clipper as whites. Of doubles— Wonderful and Dolabel in scarlets ; Charles Vogt, pink ; Madame Lemoine, rose ; Mont Blanc and Edelweiss of whites. Chrysanthemums when fairly rooted in the blooming pots may have liquid manure at every other watering, of which they must neyer need a supply without its being given, as if the plants want for water the foliage will suffer. Attend to tying out and pegging the shoots as they advance in growth. If aphis attack them dust in the evening with tobacco powder, and syringe well the follow- ing morning. If mildew is present dust with flowers of sulphur. Roses in pots should have every encouragement to make a good growth, plunging the pots in ashes in an open situation but sheltered from winds, allowing each plant plenty of room, so that the wood may be thoroughly matured. If the plants are in small pots shift them into larger, topdress with loam and cow dung in equal parts, with a “dash” of bone dust to those that have been forced, and water with liquid manure at every alternate watering, not allowing them to suffer for want of that element. Syringe to keep down red spider, dust with tobacco powder against aphis, applying it at night and washing off the following morning, and use sulphur freely if mildew appear. Cactuses.—Place the plants outdoors in front of a south wall on a hard bottom, and water themas required. Mesembryanthemums are best placed outside at this season ; they, with Echeverias, are the better for a little weak manure water. Hcheyerias retusa and fulgens should have encouragement, keeping them well sup- plied with water and weak liquid manure, shifting the plants inte larger pots if required. They are fine for winter flowering. Azaleas.—Plants that flowered late should have every encourage- ment afforded them to make growth, keeping them rather close, and supply them with moisture both in the atmosphere and at the roots, affording no more shade than will preyent scorching in bright weather, for the more light the leaves are exposed to the stouter they will be, and the more mature will be the wood and buds. Keep red spider under by syringing, which will also go a long way to keep down thrips, but they can only be fully eradi- cated by syringing the under side of the leaves with tobacco water not too strong; or fumigation may be resorted to, doing it very carefully, as the foliage is easily injured. Plants that have set their buds should be kept in a cool well ventilated house with all the light possible, the fierce rays of the sun broken in the hottest part of the day by a slight shade, or a house with an east aspect. will be a suitable structure, requiring no shading. Heaths.—Early-flowering kinds will since flowering haye made good growth, and may in warm localities be placed outdoors to ripen the wood, but in cold northerly districts they are best kept under glass, having very liberal ventilation and plenty of light. Those placed outdoors should, if the weather be bright, be placed in a shady position for a few days, such as the north side of a wall, or have a temporary screen of tiffany erected over them, as if the days be hot when they are first placed outdoors the leaves will be browned. Young plants of Heaths that were potted in July 11, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 37 spring will be free in growth, requiring attention in stopping and training. The strong growths should be tied down or out, and the weaker ones allowed to grow upright, stopping the strong shoots so as to induce well-furnished plants. Heaths having the roots close to the sides of the pots must have some canvas or other material placed on the sun side of the pots when they are placed outdoors to preserve the roots from injury. Withhold water from Pelargoniums past flowering, keeping them cool and airy. Cut down any plants required for early bloom, and keep them somewhat dry until they break into fresh growth. Insert cuttings, which strike freely in a close frame shaded from bright sun. Pot young plants of forcing Pinks, such as Mrs. Moore, Lady Blanche, Lord Lyons, Rubens, Newmarket, Anne Boleyn, immediately the pipings are well rooted, and grow them on, placing in frames until established, and then plunge them in ashes outdoors in an open situation, duly supplying them with water. Tree Carnations for winter blooming keep well supplied with water and liquid manure ; attend also to the tying-out of the growths. Sow herbaceous Calceolaria seed in pots or pans half Alled with drainage ; over that the siftings of the soil, turfy loam with a third of leaf soil or old cow dung, surfacing with very fine soil, half of which should be silver sand, making even ; water through a fine rose and afterwards sow the seed carefully, sprink- ling very lightly with silver sand. Place the seed pan in open ground in a shady situation, covering it with a handlight and Keeping it close. Nosun reaching the handlight water will seldom be required, but the surface must be kept constantly moist, apply- ing the water through a very fine rose. Seed of Intermediate Stock (East Lothian in scarlet, purple, and white are splendid) should now be sown in light rich soil in the open ground, shading until the seedlings appear and keeping moist. Pot in September, growing-on in frames through the winter. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* All correspondence should be directed either to “ The Editors,” or to “The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoidably. We request that no one will write privately to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and expense. Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, and should never send more than two or three questions at once. All articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the post. ADDRESS (C. C. A., Sussex).—Esdaile & Co., Wenlock Basin, Regent’s Canal, City Road. VINE LEAVES (G. McG.).—They are not diseased. The brown spots are the elevations that were produced by excessive vigour now drying up. MATURING THE GROWTH OF PELARGONIUMS (W. J. M.).—The system to which you refer is adopted by such celebrated cultivators as Mr, Turner and Mr. James, indeed by all who grow the plants successfully. After the plants are cut down and haye made a little fresh growth the whole of the old soil is shaken out, and the plants are divested of the withered roots made during the past season of growth; they are then potted in smaller pots than before, and fresh roots are emitted freely, and speedily fill the pots with zxoots. By no other means can such grand specimens be produced in such small pots. The fact of your plants dying is not the fault of the practice you criticise adversely, but your own fault in not carrying it out properly. We have grown thousands of plants on what you call the “ desiccating system,” and have certainly not lost one ina thousand. You “ desiccated” your plants too much, and perhaps permitted insects to aid you in the finish- ing-off process. GRAPES SHRIVELLED (Old Subscriber) —The evilis attributable to faulty ventilation, especially by air not being given sufficiently early in the morning. eave the top ventilators open about an inch all night, and increase the ventilation immediately the temperature of the house commences rising in the morning by sun heat. ROSES (KR. Baxter).—The varieties are far too numerous to be identified from single blooms. (Constant Reader).—There are some species which require the protection of a greenhouse. Whether yours were of those species we cannot tell without more particulars. DESTROYING WOODLICE (Baltimore).—There are various ways of destroy- ing these pests, the most wholesale plan being to place some pieces of boiled potatoes near to the plants they infest, and coyer with a little hay, and in the morning pour boiling water over the hay, so that the baits must be laid where no injury will accrue to the plants or their roots by the scalding water. Another plan is to wrap a boiled potato in a little hay very lightly, and place in a flower pot laid on its side near to where the woodlice con- gregate or commit their depredations, and the following morning shake the pests from the hay in which they will be secreted about the bait into a bucket of boiling water. Repeat for a time, and the pests will be reduced so as to do very little injury. In frames, pits, and houses much help is afforded by toads, they devouring great numbers; but they are not much use in houses having the plants upon shelyes and stages to which they have not access. ROSE CULTURE (Novice).—Mr. Reynolds Hole’s “Book about Roses” would suit you. INSECTS ON VERBENAS (Rus in Urbe)—They do not cause the disease, they feed on the decayed matter produced by the disease. NAMES OF PLANTS (Clough).—It is Gladiolus racemosus. (CC. P.)—We - annot read your nom de plume. Phytolacca decandra. (J. R. L.)—1, Do- ronicum sp.; 2, Thalictrum aquilegifolium ; 3, Centaurea montana; 4, Ran- unculus aconitifolius ; 5, Stanactispurpurea ; 6, Campanula persicifolia. (C. S.).—Armeria latifolia. (/ean).—1, Iberis amara; 2, Campanula rapun- culoides ; 8, Veronica spicata. (J. @.).—2, Lonicera Caprifolium ; 3, Trades- cantia virginica; 4, Clematis integrifolia; 5, Spireea salicifolia? (@. NV. V.) —AlI the same species, Spirzea filipendula. THE HOME FARM: POULTRY, PIGEON, AND BEE CHRONICLE. MEETING or tHe ROYAL COUNTIES (Hants & BERKs) AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY ar SOUTHAMPTON, THIS Meeting has been held during beautiful weather and was a great success, financially to the Society, and practically to those who attended with the view of ascertaining the value of lessons which such meetings ought to teach, both as regards the latest improvements in the breed of cattle and live animals as well as that of the newest and most economical designs for agricultural implements and other appliances available for the home farm. We intend our remarks to apply on the present occasion to the live stock only, leaving the implements, &c., as a subject for a future article. We will take the stock in rotation as they stand in the Society’s catalogue, and any criticisms which we may introduce will be based upon our own experience. The only object we have in view is to bring under notice of the managers of home farms, and incidentally to agriculturists generally, that which we think may tend to the improvement and practical economy of stock farming. In referring to the stock classes we shall not weary our readers by detailing the names of the whole of the exhibitors, our object being to refer only to those who have by obtaining certain prizes enlisted our attention to certain points in the breed of animals advantageous to the managers of the home farm and gentlemen interested in agricultural pursuits. Hampshire or West-country Downs head the list of prizes: Class 1, for the best shearling ram, first prize, Mr. A. Morrison, Fonthill House, Tisbury, Wilts ; second prize, Mr. R. Coles, War™ minster, Wilts. The sheep shown by Mr. Morrison in this class is so different in breed compared with second-prize sheep that we may well say there is no uniformity of type or style in these Hampshites and West-country Down sheep. The first prize is awarded to a sheep which is extremely fat, which was) no doubt, very much in its fayour as regards its general outline when run out of the pens to compare with others. We therefore make no doubt it would be advisable if the Judges could divest themselves of the fatness of the stock exhibited ; but the variation of type being great we can quite understand the difference of opinion which we heard expressed as to the award in this case. As far as our opinion is concerned we hold that the beau ideal of a West-country or Hampshire Down sheep is the type and style of those exhibited by the late Mr. Humphrey of Oak Ash, Chaddleworth, Berks, at the meetings of the Royal Agricultural Society at Salisbury 1857, Chester 1858, and Warwick in 1859. On each of these occasions we acted as one of the Judges of sheep in the class of short-woolled sheep not South Downs, and upon each occasion Mr. Humphrey received nearly all the principal prizes, and we believe that this blood has done more to improve the Hampshire and West-country Down breed than any other; and we regret exceedingly that it is so nearly obliterated, as we firmly believe that the use of this is now the only means in case defects exist in any of the flocks of Hampshire or West-country Downs whereby these defects can be removed, if a sufficiency of well- maintained blood of Mr. Humphrey’s stock can be obtained, In the case of Mr. Morrison’s first-prize ram we thought that, quite irrespective of its being overfat, the wool was too deep and hollow to withstand the climate of the chalk hill districts of Wilts, Hants, Berks, or Dorset, and we therefore preferred for stock purposes the second-prize animal, as haying closer wool and being firmer in flesh without being overfat, and well calcu- lated to withstand the climate of the hill districts, and furnish to the consumer a heavier weight of flesh without any wasteful fat. In Class 2 the decision of the Judges is altered, Mr. Coles 38 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( July 11, 1878, taking the first prize, and Mr. F. R. Moore the second prize,” although Mr. Morrison was an exhibitor in the class, and we thought that Mr. Coles’s ram was a splendid animal in every respect, whether of colour of countenance, wool, or completeness of outline, and particularly we noticed the short full neck. Class 3, For the best pen of five shearling ewes.—This was to our mind the most interesting and the most important class. The first prize, taken by Mr. J. Read of Hornington, Salisbury, was awarded to a pen of splendid ewes of great size, immense length, excellent colour and matching countenance, short good wool, not overfat but full of flesh ; in fact we could only find one fault, that of being long and thin in the neck, and we thought how difficult it would be to correct this defect without Mr. Humphrey’s stock was available in all its beauty and purity, it being so easy to correct one defect and establish another in the act of doing so. The second prize, given to Mr. Moore, we cannot object to, because they were certainly better than the commended pen belonging to Mr. T. C. Saunders of Watercombe, Dorset, who has been so successful on various occasions previously, but we thought that his sheep in this and other classes were not fed up to the mark, or perhaps he may be reserving his best fed animals for the Royal Society’s Meeting at Bnstol. We cannot, however, refrain from noticing the loose wool of the second-prize ewes which we have noticed in this stock at former meetings. Class 4, For the best five shearling ewes never to have been separated from the flock till one month before the day of exhi- bition.—This is indeed an important contest, because a breeder may select the very choicest animals, separate them from his flock, and feed them at a heavy cost, but here we have only selec- tions from the flock as they are, in all their native character and condition. Mr. James Read is here-again to the front with very choice animals, having no defect except that of the neck as stated in the former class ; and also commended for another pen. Class 5, For the best ram lamb.—First prize to Mr. Morrison, an exceedingly fine lamb, much better in our idea than the same exhibitor’s animal in class 1; second prize to Mr. A. Budd, Quid- hampton, for a lamb of really good style, but not fed up to the point to bring out its merits in full. The third prize and two commendations were given to capital stock, which tended to maintain the advantage of continuing prizes for ram lambs. Class 6, For the best five ram lambs.—First prize to Mr. Morri- son. These rams were a splendid lot, well worth the attention of breeders as contradistingnished from some other flocks, although they may have descended from the stock of the late Mr. Humphrey. Second prize to Mr. Bennett of Chilmark, Salis- bury ; third prize to Mr. F.R. Moore. Both these are very credit- able pens of animals, but the wool may be improved in both cases. Class 7.—First prize, for five ewe lambs, given to Mr. A. Budd; a fine lot, of good style and constitution but rather thin in the neck, yet of great sizeand weight. Second prize to Mr. Barton; a good pen of lambs, wool not like we wish to see it, colour of face unexceptionable, necks short, and the head well set on. Taking this breed altogether they may answer well for root-feeding on the home farm, but certainly not on the pasture and park lands. South Downs.—There were three classes (8, 9, and 10), and the exhibits were no improvement upon former shows ; yet the animals exhibited were highly creditable to the breeders, especially the shearling ewes shown by Major-General Fitzwigram, Bart., of Leigh Park, Havant, which were capital specimens of the breed, and well adapted for furnishing mutton of the highest quality to the owners of home farms generally in the southern and south- eastern counties. Oxford Downs.—These are the most important cross-bred animals—that is to say, of recent introduction ; and although in+ the western districts of the kingdom the Shropshire Downs may be better for that soil and climate, yet the Oxford Downs in the | midland counties are the most valuable of the black-faced stock and are much esteemed by the originators of the cross derived from the Cotswold and Hampshire. There are two classes of this breed exhibited. and they contain very large animals of excellent quality and yielding heavy fleeces of valuable wool, especially the shearling ewes, the first prize in each class being taken by Mr. Adams of Pidwell, Farringdon. These ewes are stock of great } merit, and we think far superior to the shearling rams ; they are | so matching for colour of face, size, and quality of wool, which we | have never seen surpassed as Oxford Downs. The second prize | for shearling ewes is taken by Mr. Wallis, an old nameas exhibitor | in former seasons, but his stock on this occasion is anything but | matching ; the difference in the wool is yery much against them, although they are heavy well-bred stock. | Long-woolled Sheep.—Class 14, for shearling rams. This was a grand class. The first-prize animal, belonging to Mr. R. Swan- wick, is a gigantic specimen of the Cotswold breed, with beautiful and abundant wool, and flesh of excellent quality for this sort of sheep. Messrs. Gillett’s second-prize sheep is but little behind the first-prize in merit. Class 15, Rams of any age.—Mr. R. Swanwick is again to the fore with a magnificent sheep of extraordinary weight for age. Second prize goes to Mr. Raynbird of Basingstoke for a grand | animal, and thereby being placed before the Messrs, Gillett, : Class 16, The best shearling ewes.—Messrs. Gillett take this prize with an admirable pen of ewes and worthy of their former fame. We, however, should like to see them with darker grey faces, as these sheep are now so much used for crossing with the Hampshire and other down breeds. This matter is of some im- portance, and by careful attention it may be obtained without depreciation of the breed in other respects. We have extended our remarks upon the long-woolled sheep desiring to callattention * to the long-woolled breeds generally, including not only Cotswolds but Leicesters and Lincolns. Each of them, being stock of a quiet habit of feeding, are admirably adapted to graze with the orna- mental cattle usually kept in the parks and home pastures of landed proprietors. (To be continued.) WORK ON THE HOME FARM. Horse Labour.—The mangold should now be horse-hoed the last time where early sown, but the season for drilling was so much delayed by wet weather in May and June that a large portion of the crop is now only being horse-hoed the first time. The early- sown Swedes may now be horse-hoed, also the cabbages and carrots. It is rather early for setting-out or hand-hoeing the carrots ; we prefer to hand-pull them where sufficient labour can be found, as the young-pulled plants furnish good food for stock. The horses are employed cultivating for turnips, and where there is any couch grass, instead of whole ploughing, we prefer to rafter or half plough. then scarify across the rafter two or three times ; this will keep the grass at top, which can be then more readily separated from the land in the act of rolling, harrowing, &c. The morning part of the day may be occupied by turnip tillage, the afternoon by hay-carting and stacking of the meadow or pasture produce. The horses may now, where the land has been cleared of the hay, be employed by carting dung and earthy composts on to the pasture ; and if the compost has been properly treated by turning and mixing this is the best time to dress the pastures, and a few days after the manure is spread it should be chain-harrowed, in order that it may be worked into the land. so that the grass may be immediately benefited by the dressing. The odd horse is stili constantly employed in carting materials for feeding the horses, the fatting cattle, the pigs, and the shepherd will also require hurdles removed on changing the pasiurage or in the feed- ing-off green crops, such as vetches. Hand Labour will now consist of hoeing and setting-out mangold, Swedes, &c. Trimming the hedges, too, will be going on when wet weather stops the hoeing, and it is important that the quick- set fences should be trimmed early before the shoots get hard, because if it is deferred until after the harvest we have found the hard points of the quick injure the feet of the sheep, and when these points enter the bottom of the foot it is a serious matter for sheep, as they often suffer and go lame for a long time. Farm labourers are more scarce than they used to be, and are more difficult to manage, requiring more pay and doing less work than formerly ; it is therefore an important arrangement to have as much of the work of the home farm done by the piece, such as hoeing at per acre, hedge-trimming at perscorerods, &c. Thatchine of ricks is more difficult than ever to get done at the time required, as thatchers are sort of journeymen going about here and there, and, as they are required, from farm to farm. It is, however, best to haye a man who can thatch as a constant workman on the farm ; this is easily done, or used to be. We have for many years put some of the most willing and industrious men to thatch the ricks. At first-we haye known them say they could not doit; as, however, thatchers receive good pay we have found that the prospect of extra wages has induced them to learn the work, and for a series of years we have instructed a number of young men, or at least put them to this work, and they have in various | instances become excellent rick-builders, thatchers, &c. There is, however, unfortunately, less disposition on the part of the labourer to remain in constant work on a farm than there ever was before, and it is this roaming disposition and desire for change which makes the labour question so difficult. We there- fore, in order to provide a sufficiency of men on the home farm, advise that enough cottages should be built to locate the men, and unless this is done serious impediments will occur in the labour of the farm,and at the most importanttime. The labourers, if possible, should be selected as well-conducted men with in- dustrious wives and families, so that women’s and boys’ labour may be available on the farm. If this matter is neglected, and no women or boys are ready for work on the home farm, where decency and the tidy appearance of everything about the premises is so important, it is almost impossible that it can be effected unless the necessary work be done by men at a heavy cost, and under such circumstances we haye found in home-farm manage- | ment it is impossible to show a profitable and economical account. MANAGEMENT OF YOUNG POULTRY IN SUMMER. WE have tried through the various seasons to follow the growth of young poultry, and to point ont the special difficulties or in- firmities to be guarded against in each stage, It is often thought July 11, 1878. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 39 and said that when the warm weather comes then the young stock will look after themselves, and that little further care need be taken. This is an error, which, like most other errors, contains a certain amount of truth. It is true, of course, that the hazards from damp and cold winds are past, the delicate season of feather- ing through which young birds are apt to be dainty and pine is generally over, and a period which should be one of constant . hearty appetite and rapid development has succeeded. There are, however, many little things to be attended to in hot weather such as we have had of late. Disease is most easily generated during heat and drought, and seems then peculiarly fatal and infectious. The most frequent and certain source of it is want of ventilation in poultry houses. We suspect that few people have an idea of the suffering endured by fowls through hot nights in ill-ventilated houses and coops. A closed coop with an air hole or two in front does well enough for a hen and brood in February or March (for our own part we should eyen then prefer a greater amount of ven- tilation), therefore it is thought the same coop must suit the half- grown brood in June or July. Only let the master or mistress open it some morning and investigate the state of the air within ! For old birds and young alike thorough ventilation is now abso- Iutely needed. If possible the doors of all houses should be left open all night. It is the nature of birds to rise early, and insect provender may be found through the early hours in dewy grass which is not procurable later. Where, however, it is impossible to pursue this plan—i.e., where thieves are feared, or the bird’s range is too extended for it to be safe for them to wander at large before people are about—there must be thorough ventila- tion through the houses over their heads. A large number of our own young poultry roost in trees through the summer, indeed our Turkeys do so at all seasons. Trees are their most natural abode, and we always find them do best there. Of course some risk is run, but we prefer now and then losing a bird through some accident to boxing all up in houses. They become very hardy, and by the autumn their numbers are so thinned by constant weedings that the select few are easily and comfortably accommodated in half the number of houses that would be required if all had to be housed at midsummer. Coops, too, must be ventilated—i.e., their fronts should never shut up to the top, or nearly so. If they are constructed with a weather board to protect the open part fresh air canalways getin, but wet cannot. In settled fine weather a piece of wire netting in front is even preferable to any boarding at night. They must, of course, be opened very early in the morning. We find small move- able houses, about six times the size of coops and without bottoms, capital contrivances to succeed coops. They are at first placed where the coop has last been with open door, and the broods soon take to them. They are moved from day to day, and need no cleaning, for grass land is immensely benefited by this gradual process of manuring. Diet, too, should be changed in heat. The fare of a native of Hindostan is very different from that of a Laplander, and for physical reasons ; we should for the same vary our own and our pird’s diet with the temperature. Rice (boiled) and the less sub- stantial meals will now make a good change, and for grain dari in lieu of wheat ; but above all cool water is of the greatest im- portance. Not only should all water vessels be emptied and refilled morning and evening, but they must be placed in the shade. Heated water is most prejudicial. It will be found to keep purer and cooler now in deep pans than in the shallow ones used for very young broods. We haye, of course, been speaking about the treatment of early- hatched birds now half grown. In establishments where a regular succession of chickens for the table is required there will still be young broods ; these, strange thoughit may seem, are by no means so easily reared now as earlier inthe season. Country people have an old saying about the delicacy of “ blackberry chickens ;” this probably means chickens hatched during the parching heat accom- panied by eastgwinds which we often have when blackberries are ripe. If similar weather comes in June or July the effects are like on newly-hatched chickens ; they seem to wither up, refuse their proper food, and rush with unnatural cravings at dried leaves aad bits ofsticks. We do not pretend entirely to account for this, but fancy it is due to exhaustion analogous to sunstroke, and to dryness of the ground, which does not afford insect food. The coops should, if possible, be. put in moist places among trees, and the soil round them watered ; a little meat chopped fine should be given to the broods, and some iron tonic mixed with their water. At times all remedies fail, and in yards where, as a tule, nineteen out of twenty April or May chickens are reared whole broods in the summer go off at from ten days to a fortnight old; this, however, generally happens where disease has begun before any care has been taken, and is rarely the case in well- ordered establishments.—C. VARIETIES. WE are informed that at the Royal Agricultural Society’s Show at Bristol this week Messrs. Sutton & Sons of Reading will exhibit their interesting museum of vegetable products, which will occupy a space of 130 feet in length. It will include, among many other objects, 250 dried specimens of natural grasses, models of their Champion Swede, collections of mangolds of the growth of 1877, showing its valuable keeping properties; models of different vegetables, collections of 1300 different kinds of vege- table and flower seeds, and an exhibition of valuable silver cups given as prizes, and of the value of £500. —— THE seed farms of Messrs. Webb at Kinver, Staffordshire, were visited on Tuesday, the 2nd inst., by the Midland Farmers’ Club, on the invitation of the proprietors. Messrs. Webb’s Royal Seed Establishment at Wordesley, Stonrbridge, is well known to agriculturists from the annual root shows held there each autumn ; but the extensive seed farms of the firm, lying more out of the line of general traffic, are perhaps less well known, except by repute, to those interested in farming matters. Mr. William G. Webb and Mr. Edward Webb received the party with unstinted hospitality. The farms the visitors had come out to see are the largest seed farms in the kingdom, being altogether 1100 acres in extent—Kinver Hill farm, 400 acres; Dunsley Manor farm, 250 acres; Kinyer Edge farm, 300 acres; and High Grove farm, 150 acres. Although this represents a large area for seed-growing purposes, it is in reality but a fractional part of the acreage Messrs. Webb employ. The Kinver Hill farm is in great part used only for trial and experimental purposes and for growing stock seeds of selected varieties, to be multiplied afterwards in different parts of the kingdom in quantity sufficient to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding business. —— THERE is one point in poultry management to which we wish to call especial attention, as but few persons who rear poultry for profit ever attach much importance, notwithstanding it has a great influence upon the profits. It is to keep your birds tame, whether they are kept up in suitable enclosure during the entire year, or permitted to have unlimited range, for it pays to do so in many ways. If you keep your birds tame, so they will come to you quickly at the call and eat out of your hand without any sign of fear or distrust ; they will always be quiet and content, and will fatten and thrive much better. This matter is well understood by breeders of the larger kinds of stock, such as cattle, horses, sheep, and swine, while there are a sensible few who apply the same principle with poultry. Many a fine nest of eggs has been destroyed by a wild and frightened hen, a hen which had early learned to fear her master or owner. If uniform kindness and gentleness had been resorted to, the hen would suffer herself to be handled while on the nest, and never once think c* leaving it in such a hurry as to endanger the eggs. If the poultry on the farm is kept tame, it is not a very difficult matter to catch one or more when wanted for table or other uses.—(American Poultry Journal.) —— THE Director of the mode] farm at Hubandiers, France, M. V. Nanquette, has published a communication on the subject of his experiments in feeding with Jerusalem artichokes. A twelve-years experience has convinced him of the great value of this yeyetable as food for horses and foals. Some 6 or 8 lbs. a day, in conjunction with oats and hay, form a most readily digestible ration, as shown by the results of the experiments, and they also improve the general health, while being of special service in promoting a brilliant coat. For the four weeks which ended on June 17th the beef supplies from America for British markets exceeded 5700 live bullocks and 8000 carcases, or 32,000 quarters. Mr. Timothy C. Eastman is said to have been the pioneer in this business. He began his first shipment of fresh beef from America to England in 1875, and the lot consisted of forty-five cattle and fifty sheep. At the close of 1876 and at the beginning of 1877 his shipments, mostly from New York, were from six hundred to a thousand head of cattle per week. He has shipped about sixty thousand head in all, having opened markets in London, Manchester, Liver- pool, Sheffield, Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle, Glasgow, Hdin- burgh, Dundee, and other towns in this country. ; PASTURAGE OF BEES. Asa sequel to the conversational letter on this subject which has appeared in the Journal, we shall now notice some of the bee flowers that are considered of secondary importance, and begin with those that flower in spring. The flowers of crocuses, osiers, and willows are much haunted by bees. These flowers yield much pollen and probably a smal portion of honey. Hyacinths that ornament and perfume our flower gardens in early spring contain much honey, and the bee s in taking it from them scratch and disfigure their petals. Single wallflowers, apricots, peach, and almond trees are excellent honey plants, but it is only in warm and protected places in this country that apricots and peaches are grown. Bilberry bushes that cover much of some moorland districts like heather, are honey plants in the highest grade, but as they flower early in districts where few bees are kept very little honey is gathered from them. guess the honey of bilberry flowers is strong-flayoured like that of heather. 40 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND. COTTAGE GARDENER. { July 11, 1878. All the cabbage, kale, and turnip tribe of plants have cruciform flowers, like those of ketlock or field mustard, and yield a great deal of honey and pollen. Probably the honey from the cabbage tribe is, like that of field mustard, not of the highest quality in flavour. Maples, laurels, gorse, broom, and snowberry are all honey plants ; but gorse and broom belong to the fourth or fifth grade of honey plants. However, they yield pollen enough to send our bees home besmeared with it yellow as soldiers. Lotus corniculatus, called yellow clover in Scotland, is a capital plant for honey. It is found in some districts of poor soil, and on roadsides in great abundance. It continues a long time in flower, and is very attractive to bees. J imagine the honey from this is superexcellent. Amongst the garden annuals that yield honey a place and good name are given to borage, poppy, Centaurea cyanus (bluebottle), and mignonette, especially mignonette. Wild thyme which grows plentifully in some parts of some southern counties of England, North Wales, and Wigtonshire in Scotland, is a grand plant for bees, for it yields the highest quality of honey. Buckwheat is sometimes sown in patches about the woods of noblemen’s places in England for pheasants. It is extensively grown in America, and in the apiarian world there it takes the place of our heather. Bees are fond of it everywhere, but the honey from it is said to be strong-tasted. The American willow (Epilobium angustifolium), which is often seen in cottage gardens and in shrubberies about gentlemen’s gardens, is one of the best honey plants known. An acre of it would be a “Lake Superior” indeed for bees. Many more honey and pollen plants could be named, but as they are scarce in some districts, unknown in others, not plentiful anywhere, their enumeration here is un- necessary. I haye seen bees working on the hawthorn, the field daisy, the common buttercup, the dock, and the dandelion, but I date not say that honey can be found in the flowers of these plants. No two kinds of plants yield honey alike in flayour, or pollen alike in colour. Let me now congratulate the bee-keepers of Great Britain on the favourable change that has taken place in the weather. Since the 22nd of last month both wind and weather have been very favourable for honey-gathering. If this weather continue for two or three weeks the year 1878 will be a remarkable one for heavy hives. Let all the empty supers be put in use, and all the honey jars be got ready —A. PETTIGREW, BEES IN THE NORTH. Mr. PETTIGREW’S contributions are interesting, but I should like to see letters from other parts of England giving the ex- perience of those who use large hives, I mentioned in a former letter that I started in the spring of 1877 with three very small hives. I had three first swarms which I put into 18-inch hives, and two second swarms which I put into 12-inch skeps. All my hives lived through the winter, but one, a small old one, died m May with 14 tbs. of honey in the hive. The three top swarms in the 18-inch hives were not filled ; one which was swarmed on the 27th June, 1877, was not half full, but strange to say it weighs now 56 lbs., after having sent offa swarm on the 26th. The others are quite full, but as I am going from home and it is late I am trying to prevent swarming. I have put on ekes and supers,in which they are working as only large stocks in large hives can do. I want more particularly to let Mr. Pettigrew and others know about an 18-inch hive which last September I populated with the bees of two or three people who intended to “smoor” (suffocate) | them with brimstone. These were six small swarms; I fed with syrup according to instructions, but they only about one-quarter filled the hive, and I was afraid they would not winter, and as this spring has been very unfavourable I have fed frequently but not largely with this result :—Hive, board, honey, and small super weigh 65 tbs., and as I write they will be 70 Ibs., for I weighed it last evening. I weighed it first on the 18th of June, when it was 34 lbs., hive and board included ; 19th, 36 lbs. ; 20th, 87 ibs. ; 28rd, 43 tbs. ; 25th, 49 Ibs. ; 29th, 65 tbs. I put an eke on last night to prevent, if possible, swarming ; not that I object to swarms if they come before the 15th of June, but my hives not being full to begin with, and a wretched wet spring, they have had little chance with small hives ; but even those in this part haye in few cases thrown off swarms till within a week or so. Our honey season is only commencing. I have done some artificial swarming with small stocks with complete success. Tf some of your correspondents would give results of large hives well managed I feel sure many others would be glad besides— HARDY OF THE HILis, Northumberland. OUR LETTER BOX. HENS UNMATED (7. M/.).—Hens lay perfectly well if kept without a cock, almost as well as with one. We know many amateurs who live in towns who never keep one, but when the opportunity occurs they borrow one for a few hours. This is easily done, and where it is not intended to hatch chickens the breed is unimportant. Any will do. We do not think it any advantage to keep the cock between this and the middle of December. We speak, of course, of eggs intended only for the table. FULL HIvE (Comber).—As your hive has filled a large eke and is very strong it should be either supered or swarmed at once. If you resolve to super it first, cut a good large piece of white comb out of the side of the hive and fasten it in the super before it is put on. The piece of comb will tempt the bees to enter the super and commence work. The super should be large enough to give room for the bees and hold 20 ibs. of honeycomb. If you resolve to take a swarm instead of using a super, put the swarm in a small or 16-inch hive, which will be easily filled and made into a good stock. If you want honey this year your better way will be to super. If you want an in- crease of stocks swarm the hive artificially, and encourage both swarm and stock to breed well at the end of this season. WAX-PRODUCING BEES (Mrs. D.).—The white scales or flakes seen on the bodies of the bees you have sent are pure wax, produced and excreted in the natural way, but in far greater abundance than we haye ever seen before. Bees building combs secrete wax, and the secretion is excreted and appears on the under sides of their bellies. Two flakes at a time are usually pro- duced by a bee, and are extruded at one of the rings of the abdomen; but in your case four and six flakes appear at the same time, all apparently per- fect, though some of them are extruded at the last ring of the abdomen, even up to the point. This superabundant production of wax is certainly abnormal and wonderful, but as the bees are quite healthy you have nothing to fear. The other hives will not be affected or hurt in any way by the wax- producing hive. The fact that the board of the hive is covered with flakes of wax is not to be wondered at, for bees that produce two flakes only at a time drop many on their boards, but where six are produced instead of two - many more will be lost in the process of comb-building. Weare obliged by your interesting letter. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. CAMDEN SQUARE, LONDON. Lat, 51° 32’ 40" N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0” W.; Altitude, 111 feet. DATE. 9 AM, IN THE DAY. 1 one | Hygrome-| §,; |‘S.:../Shade Tem-| Radiation a 1878. B23 3 ter. Ee 3 2=8| perature. |Temperature, é Sates a, | pay] eee =p ho )) Rene ts |S July. [2553 ] SE |ges In | On RSa™! Dry.| Wet.| Q'S | Max.| Min.| sun. | grass deg. deg.| In. v. 60.8 50.4 | 0.040 N.W. | 59.6 41.1 _— S.W. | 60.8 50.5 _— S.-W. | 618 55.2 _ N.W. |. 62.2 52.2, _ 30.073 N.N.W.| 63.1 51.3 —_ 30.106 AG 62.9 50.4 | 0.028 Means | 30.068 61.6 | 73.5 52.8 | 122.5 50.2 | 0.068 REMARKS. 8rd.—Dull showery morning ; fine and bright after 3P.M.; cool evening. 4th.—Fine day ; heavy clouds and stormy-looking evening ; starlight night. 5th.—Dull morning; fine afternoon and evening. 6th.—Fair but dull morning, bright sunny afternoon; cloudy evening. 7th.—Fine day with pleasant breeze, at times stormy-looking ; dull evening, few drops of rain at 8 P.M. 8th.—Fine pleasant day ; moonlight evening. 9th.—Fine sunny morning, gusty wind ; very clondy afternoon; slight rain in evening. Cold in night between 3rd and 4th, otherwise an uneventful week—G. J. SYMONS. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—JULY 10. OuR market has been very lively this last week. FRUIT. Se. Cere Sone Sg. d. is: @ tsieve 0 Oto0 O| Melons.......... each 4 Otol0 0 Apricots dozen 1 0 3 0} Nectarines dozen 4 0 12 0 Cherries .. ~ tb 0 6 1 6G| Oranges....... %100 3 0 10 0 Chestnuts bushel 10 0 20 0} Peaches....... dozen 4 0 18 0 Currants 0 0 O 0} Pears, kitchen dozen 00 00 00 00 dessert .. 00 00 6 0 12 0} Pine Apples 30 60 0 0 © 0} Piums...... 00 00 E B 0 0 0 0} Raspberries th. 00 00 Gooseberries .. mart 0 6 0 9 | Strawberries . eT. 06 10 Grapes,hothouse tb 2 0 8 0| Walnuts ....... bushel 5 0 8 0 Lemons ........ 100 6 0 10 0 ittonreemte c ~100 00 00 VEGETABLES. s. d. s. d. sd. s.d Artichokes 2 Oto4 0|Mushrooms.... pottle 1 6to2 0 Asparagus 2 0 6 0} Mustard & Cress punnet 0 2 0 4 Beans,Kidney forced P100 0 6 2 0] Onions ........ ushel 26 $8 0 Beet, Red ...... dozen 1 6 8 O|_ pickling..... -. quart 0 4 06 Broccoli .......- bundle 0 9 1 6] Parsley.... doz.bunches 2 0 0 0 Brussels Sprouts 3sieve 0 0 0 0/| Parsnips........ dozen 00 06 Cabbage '::...... ozen 1 0 2 0} Peas... quart 0 9 10 Carrots bunch 0 6 0 9) Potatoes.. bushel 3 6 7 0 Capsicums. . #100 16 20 USGHAY osasce bushel 5 0 7 0 Cauliflowers.... dozen 3 0 6 0} Radishes.. doz. bunches 1 0 1 6 Celery, ........5- bundle 1 6 2 0| Rhubarb........ bundle 0 6 0 9 Coleworts..doz.bunches 2 0 4 0|Salsafy .... bundle 0 9 10 Cucumbers .... each 0 4 1 0] Scorzonera bundle 10 00 Endive ........ dozen 1 0 2 0|Seakale ., basket 0 0 0 0 Fennel.. bunch 0 8 0 0| Shallots .. Plb 08 406 Garlic tb. 0 6 O O| Spinach.. bushel 2 6 1 0 Herbs bunch 0 2 O 0| Turnips......... bunch 0 6 0 9 Leeks . bunch 0 2 0 4) Veg. Marrows.. each 0 0 0 0 Lettuce . dozen 10 2 0 July 18, 1878. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 41 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Average Day | Day a Sun sun | Moon | Moon | Moon’s| Clock | Day aA oO JULY 18—24, 1878. em peribte Dean Rigest lessees Rises. Sets Ag peor noi Day. |Night.)Mean.| h. m.| h. m.| h. m.| h. m.! Days. | m. s 18 | TH | Newcastle and Luton Shows. 74.6 | 60.4 | 625 | 4 6/ 8 6 36 | 8 28 18 5 56 | 199 19 |F Helensburgh Rose Show. 72.8 | 50.7 | 61.8 EAT SIN: SVQ AES | 337 19 6 1] 200 20 1S Cleckheaton Show. 72.5 | 50.6 | 61.6 4) 8) Sep 4nip 9585) 10), 46 20 6 5 | 201 21 | SUN | 5SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 73.2 | 50.6 | 61.9 4-10/ 8 2/10 11) 11 55 20 6 8 | 202 22 M 73.1 | 51.5 | 62.3 4 11 8 1/10 26 laé (6 6 10} 203 23 Tu Royal Horticultural Society—Fruit and Floral Com- | 73.8 | 52.1 | 63.0 4 12 8 0} 10 47 oy 19 23 6 13 | 204 24 | W {mittees at 11 at. National Carnation Society’s | 72.5 | 52.0 | 62.2 4 14 7 59] 11 14 3 33 24 6 14 | 205 Southern Show. Leicester Show. From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 73.2°; and its night temperature 51.19. HINTS ON LANDSCAPE GARDENING.—No. 6. THE SITE OF A HOUSE. PSC AIS) LANTING is so much interwoven with almost : every part of landscape gardening, that be- fore proceeding to treat of the formation and arrangement of trees and shrubs in clumps, belts, and beds, some common start- ing point should be chosen. Oey, The residence suggests itself as the most ~ <5 suitable object for our purpose, and we will first (F turn our attention to the selection of its site. In doing so we must not forget the importance of shelter, of an abundant supply of pure water, of a pleasant view of rich natural scenery, and of access to the house. Fondness of a fine view frequently induces forgetfulness of the water supply and shelter till the building is finished and it is too late. I will give an example by way of illustration. Upon a range of hills some 600 or 700 feet above the sea level, commanding a pleasant landscape, widespreading, and with another still more lofty range of hills broken into numerous peaks and undulating ridges in the distance, two gentlemen decided to build their houses; one placed his out upon the topmost plateau exposed to every wind that blows, overlooking miles of country, with all the distant hills fully in view, and with a water supply entirely de- pendant upon wells and pumps: The other gentleman, with sound judgment and excellent taste, chose a site upon the side of a sunny slope open to the south, but with high land sweeping boldly upwards upon either hand from the south-west and south-east to the northern ridge behind in the form of an irregular semicircle, affording shelter from cold winds in spring and from south-western gales at all seasons of the year, to which advantages subsequent plant- ing gave a complete finish, and formed a snug, cosy, home- like air, which the more exposed house never could possess. Thus the house was shut in on every side but the south, where there lay before it a view of great beauty and rich- ness—just a choice bit of the more extensive scenery to be enjoyed by climbing the hill behind the house, and with only a few hill peaks and ridges in sight, but which un- doubtedly gained in effect from their isolation. An abundant supply cf pure water was obtained from a spring flowing from the north hill about 100 feet above the level of the site of the house, so that by means of a reservoir and piping it was comveyed to cisterns at the top of the house and distributed about the garden and among the outbuildings without artificial force of any kind. Fountains, too, were introduced at various points at a comparatively trifling cost, and thus every natural advantage was seized upon and turned to account. In a hilly country such situations are by no means scarce. Many a fine position for a house have I seen lying waste in various parts of England, notably in the home counties of Kent, Sussex, and Surrey ; and also in Derbyshire, Devon- shire, and Cornwall, and, oddly enough, it is not uncommon to find such positions overlooked and houses built in all NO, 903.—VOL. XXXV., NEW SERIES. sorts of incongruous positions. Three examples occur to me now. The first is an estate near the east coast, with a very undulating surface forming an irregular series of hills and valleys, one central eminence commanding the estuary of a river alive with shipping on one side and a picturesque wooded valley running inland on another, and yet the house is built in a low, damp, unwholesome situa- tion shut in by trees, and with its principal front facing the north! The house is an old one, and one can only account for its odd situation by supposing that its builders sought shelter and proximity to a public road, the making of good private roads being then a matter of greater diffi- culty than it is now. The second house, a large massive structure, illustrates another extreme, for it has no shelter of any kind, but crowns an eminence in the centre of a park, and certainly commands views of some of the best park scenery in England; yet it is undoubtedly a mistake, the park con- taining a much finer situation, more elevated, and near the upper end of a valley, turf-clad, and with gentle widespread slopes ascending gradually to well-timbered heights, where magnificent old Oaks cluster together in clumps and stretch their gigantic arms alongside cool fernery glades. Majestic trees of uncommon size also shut in the head of the valley, and from thence one has a view of singular richness— downwards over wide sweeps of turf agreeably broken by equally fine masses of timber, across the waters of a lake with glimpses of its winding shores half hidden among the trees at other points, onwards over some miles of well- timbered country beyond the park to a lofty range of hills in the distance. My third example is an equally fine structure upon an elevated and tolerably well sheltered position in a park which it overlooks to its farthest boundaries, with just a glimpse of water and a winding shore which invites us to explore, and upon doing so we come upon a sunny sheltered slope commanding a view of an estuary with winding shores densely wooded to the water’s edge, so beautiful that we are lost in wonder that advantage had not been taken of so fine a site, infinitely superior in every way to that whereon the house stands. When there are no uplands, and the surrounding country is flat and monotonous, we should select a site overlooking fine timber, or a space which may be made ornamental by judicious planting as well as by breaking up certain por- tions of the surface, not for the formation of a series of trivial mounds and ridges as for the production of a bold and picturesque effect, such as we have in an excavation for a piece of water with high-raised banks, and with a miniature dell leading down to it, also formed by excaya- tions. Let it not be supposed, however, that I wish to imply that level spaces cannot be rendered ornamental without being broken up. There is so much beauty in the soft fresh turf of this country, that one desires few more pleasant sights from the windows of a house than a turfy expanse well timbered with clumps, glades, and solitary specimens of ornamental trees. Combined with the repose of such a scene we have dignity, refinement, and ample life and variety ; for it is idle to talk of tameness in the NO. 1555 VOL. LX. OLD SERIES. = = 42 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDHNER. [ July 18, 1878. presence of fine trees when they are arranged with skill and taste.—HD WARD LUCKHURST. WINDOW GARDENING AND WINDOW PLANTS. (Concluded from page 3.) Sorn.—Seedlings, such as annuals hardy and half-hardy, once started may be, andare generally, grown in the open beds or borders, and will grow in almost any soil except it is wet and undrained or too sandy or peaty, in which case nothing will thrive. Most people have a bit of garden of some kind, and if in towns a patch often before their doors, for a small border or flower bed. In all such cases a few barrows of prepared soil would be most desirable. The prepared soil might consist of loam. In towns it would be worth the cost, if you are not experienced, to procure it from a nurseryman, as loam is indis- pensable for general potting purposes also ; the best substi- tutes for good loam is dry cow manure procured in summer in cakes and torn asunder, or leaf mould one or two years old. With a sufficient quantity of these three to mix as may be desirable, some peat for the use of fine-rooted plants, some sand for general purposes (to be used cautiously, as it is cold, and most soils contain a sufficiency of silica for early elaboration), some lime to strew in the way of slugs, &c.; some soot to use with the watering when a deep rich tint is desirable. The proportion in which those soils should be mixed for different plants and how used can be readily ascertained by a cursory jook through the “ Garden Manual”’ or the ‘‘ Window Garden- ing” handbook, published at the office of the Jowrnal of Hor- ticulture and obtained for a few pence, and into which the limits of those observations do not permit me further to enter. PotrinG.—lIf the pots are new steep them until they cease to effervesce, and then put them to dry. If they are old they should be thoroughly washed, and to make them look like new take a piece of a pot and in the washing scrape the sides of dirt or green slimy formation with it. Speaking generally broken potsherds are best for drainage covered by moss, short straws, or the fibre of loam to prevent sand or clay being washed through. Instead of potsherds, and often more con- venient, you can use small granulated, not too small, charcoal, which the roots may be often observed twined around, and from which they take in carbonates; over these the coarser part of your soil, and the finer portions for the surface; but for a growing plant, seedling or cutting, the moze open the soil is, especially with amateurs, the greater the certainty of success. Any soil in which a sufficiency of water does not readily pass away is unsuitable, and will but bring disappointment. Next in order, and first in importance, towards success is WATERING.—If you have reason to think the soil is mode- rately moist, and that your plant is not thoroughly established as a young seedling, if the flagging occurs through sun heat, shade rather than water. If an old plant watering will not do harm at any time, but in most cases in summer the evening or early morning is more desirable. In winter little watering is necessary as arule for window plants at any time, as in most cases, except bulbs and essentially winter plants, growth should not be encouraged. Nothing is more undesirable than watering by routine. You may examine your plants morning, noon, or night, but you must not water by any means so sys- tematically. The necessity for watering at all depends very much on the action of the sun. Well, during the month of June, up to the 18th we had not one day’s warm sun- shine, and instead of the thermometer standing at 80° it did not, as I remember, once exceed 60° in the shade. During the past week alone the rainfall exceeded 24 inches. Need I say for outdoor plants watering was wholly unnecessary, and owing to the humid state of the atmosphere, and consequent non-evaporation, watering for window plants was also almost undesirable? Now, if this is so in June, the same principle of atmospheric observation must very much guide you at other times in your waterings. Great heat will produce evaporation or perspiration from your flower pots or flower leaves, and this must be returned some way. Watering is not always the best way to do it. Syringing the plants, the glass, or the flagging of the floors produces a moist atmosphere in a greenhouse in hot weather, and the more nearly window gardeners can imitate this the better. 1 have grown Balsams beautifully shrubby and healthy in a window by closing during warm sunshine and taking a bunch of feathers and some soft rain water and lightly showering it on the leaves and around, thus creating a moist atmosphere around the plants, which, owing to having plenty of air and their dry situation, were prevented from being shanky or drawn. I mention this as an illustration. There is less necessity for a moist atmosphere in most other cases, as this moist atmosphere, uninterrupted growth, and plenty of hot room is for them a necessity for success. A few words how one may generally know when their plants want watering: For small plants after a little experience you can absolutely know by the weight of the pot. Generally you know by appearances, but to this there are many exceptions; for instance, a dry March north-east wind will leave the surface as dry as ashes in one half hour, but the roots may want no water—in fact if cold it would be injurious. By striking the knuckles against the side of the pot—this is the plan adopted with large pots that cannot easily be raised or weighed on the hand; and lastly, even though the surface may appear dry, should the soil effervesce on the application of water nothing but a regular plunging in a vessel of water will be sufficient. As to what water is most desirable—Soft water is much to be preferred ; chills are avoided, and a French savant published some experiments to show that in absorption hard water had a caustic effect on the spongioles and minute rootlets, while rain water exposed to the sun appeared to have a soothing effect as well as an evident stimulus to elaboration. This seems reason- able, and were plants treated as living organisms, subject to many of the climatic vicissitudes that affect human beings, and were it remembered they are circulated by sap as our frames are by blood, and with many other peculiarities in common, it might be hoped a more intelligent interest would be taken in their welfare, errors in the treatment of which often arise from a want of knowledge to do better. To those who love plants— and who will not plead guilty to the soft impeachment ?— there is no sorrier sight than a dying waterlogged beautiful plant incapable of effecting its own cure. Therefore keep a vessel for rain water, and expose it to the sun and air to make it warm and soft. Little watering is necessary except in a warm sitting room during the winter months, and then use water of the temperature of your room by leaving it one side of a fire or on a boiler until the cold is gone out of it. If you cannot have rain water you can soften spring water, by boiling and subsequent cooling, by the addition of carbonate of soda or potash, though I must confess my dislike of those latter means as compared with the other. Manure Waterings.—I have always been of the opinion this is too little resorted to. Window gardeners must generally use small plants and small pots. This is principally because their space is limited and because they love variety, and it can hardly be denied that a neat, compact, well-grown little plant is much more to be preferred than an unduly forced and conse- quent short-lived larger one. This can be even better done by an intelligent study of how liquid manure can be adyan- tageously applied and used in preference to a large body of earth with loss of space and loss of variety. As a rule sheep droppings, cow manure, guanos, or phosphates, &c., can be had inexpensively—and the two first in the country for gathering —and must be used weak and clear. It should, however, be frequently used for plants in robust health in small pots, and still more so towards the time of the expansion of the flower blooms. An intelligent use of manure waterings will save much trouble in repotting, will keep your plants in rude health, and if soot is sparingly used with it will give a tint and finish to the foliage and bloom that well repays the trouble. A sponge to wipe up what passes through as surplus, and some dry dust as a deodoriser, will facilitate its use in the costliest of drawing-rooms, and render it unobjectionable either to the olfactory nerves or superior taste. A small tank in the ground that takes up little space, and that may be furnished with a coyer, and into which you may throw slops occasionally, with the horse, cow, or sheep droppings to be often had for nothing, is all that is necessary ; only when the supply begins to fail should it be stirred. , Iysects.—I grow hundreds of plants, most of them suitable _ for windows, and rarely ever see an insect. I attribute this to providing them with a suitable atmosphere both as to air and temperature, and cautious and careful watering—I say cautious watering, for invariably a water-sodden sickly plant will be covered with green fly and communicate them to its neigh- hours. When one appears immediately remove it and syringe or wash. Some have small conveniences for fumigation, but remember precaution is better than cure. A healthy well- grown plant will seldom give any trouble that way ; if it does a syringing with a diluted solution of tobacco water will effect a perfect cure either of green fly, thrip, red spider (which I haye never seen on a window plant), &c. Calceolarias, Cine- July 18, 1878, } JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 43 varias, Primulas, and Pelargoniums are the gems of window plants, and subject to green fly. To avoid the possibility of this grow them. slowly onwards to a certain stage in moist pits or frames, and insects will give you no trouble. Mice and other vermin care little for plants, and will disappear if nothing is left in their way upon which they usually feed. Were the limits of this article not already exceeded I should feel bound to separately notice such necessary operations to be borne in mind as cleanliness, washing and syringing ; respira- tion, perspiration, or evaporation ; shifting, light and shade, &c. ; but there is the less necessity for this, as the several points have been cursorily referred to in connection with other points as we proceeded. It now remains to mention some window plants, which with very limited means I have myself success- fully grown and flowered during the past twelve months with- out the use of any extra appliance but a pit with some hotbed manure to start seeds and cuttings in early spring :— 1, Indispensable Window Plants.—Calceolarias, Cinerarias, Fuchsias, Primula sinensis, Petunia, and Verbena. 2, Very Desirable Plants—Abutilon, Acacias, Ageratum, Amaryllis, Balsams, Bouvardias, Cuphea, Coronilla, Camellias, and Citrus family, Daphnes, Deutzia gracilis and the double variety, Dielytra, Epacris and Ericas, Gazania, Hydrangeas, Heliotropes, Justicia (I have one in flower at present in a window), Lilies, Myrtles, Richardias or the Nile Lily, Salvias red and blue, Tree Carnations, &c. 3, Plants that with Care do better Outside—Antirrhinum, Auricula, Asters, Anemones, Chrysanthemum, double Primroses and double Rockets, Marigolds, Mimulus, Polyanthus, Portulaca, Pentstemon, Phloxes, Ranunculus, Sweet William, Stocks, Zinnias, &c. 4, Creepers and Climbers.—These are for sides of windows or trailing along sides of boxes.—Cobcea scandens, Dianthus Heddewigii, Ipomeas or Convolvulus major, Lobelias, Sweet Peas, Tropzeolums, while Saponaria and Nemophila insignis make nice edgings, 5, Sweet-smelling.—Musk, Mignonette, Violets, Wallflowers, &e. 6, Bulbs—Crocus, Hyacinths, Gladiolus, Ixias, Sparaxis, and Tritonias, Tulips, with such handsome things as Tigridia, Scilla, Babiana, &c. 7, Succulents.—Aloes, Cactus, Crassula, Sedums, &c. 8, Zender Plants—With a little bottom heat to start with you can readily, as I have at present, tuberous Begonias, Ce- losias, Achimenes, Gesneras, and Gloxinias. If the three last mentioned never flowered the foliage would be “a thing of beauty ” itself, which Shakespeare calls “a joy for ever.” —W. J. M., Clonmel. GRAPES WITHOUT FIRE HEAT. THIS subject, mooted by “A KITCHEN GARDENER,” criticised by Mr. David Thomson, and reviewed by “ NortH LINCOLN,” is one of very great importance. Gardeners know tolerably well that excellent Grapes can be ripened without fire heat over the greater portion of England. In the extreme north of the island it is not expected they will so ripen, but let not this fact deter those residing in more sunny and favoured districts from erecting vineries from the fear of incurring after and permanent cost by the purchase of fuel. I can confirm what has been said by your correspondent, on page 22, as to Grapes ripening in Lincolnshire without fire heat. I have seen splendid Grapes produced in that county where the heat has been wholly supplied by the sun. The means of heating a vinery is, as has been suggested, undoubtedly valuable, especially for protecting plants in winter. But even that is not always an advantage in the case of ama- teurs, who are sometimes rather fond of “playing with fire.” An amateur of my acquaintance grew Grapes of superior quality without any fire heat, such Grapes that held their own at autumn exhibitions. Thinking to achieve still greater results he at considerable cost heated his vinery, and never afterwards produced Grapes of such fine quality as before when the sun did all the heating. I believe that Grapes may be satisfactorily grown without a shoyelful of coals in any sheltered situation south of the 53° of latitude, except, perhaps, in the dull western counties ; on the more sunny east coast as far as Yorkshire I know they may be so grown in sheltered gardens. deners residing further north than the locality indicated would state their experience on this question. I have seen very fine Grapes grown in Nottinghamshire without any fire heat having It would be instructive if gar- | been applied. Will they not succeed also in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Staffordshire under the same conditions? and what about Shropshire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, and other of the inland counties ? If evidence can be afforded that Grapes can be produced in the counties alluded to under the simple conditions suggested a great impetus will be given to the erection of plain vine- ries as adjuncts of the homes of many who otherwise cannot obtain Grapes either for their own families or for distributing amongst their sick neighbours. Vineries and icehouses in country districts are far more beneficial than alehouses, and every encouragement should be given for the erection at least of the inexpensive and enjoyable structure first mentioned, —A LINCOLNSHIRE GARDENER. SECURING GRAFTS AND BUDS. A LETTER from a correspondent detailing the loss of some much-cherished grafts by their not having been properly secured reminds us that many grafts and buds are annually broken off by the wind. Remedies are often submitted just too late to be of use, and warnings circulated after evil has been Fig. 6. done. Grafts are now growing rapidly, and buds of Roses and of fruit trees are many of them in danger of being blown out by the storms and gales. In many cases the stocks themselves may form the means of support; all that in such a case is required is the securing of the graft to the stock as represented in the engraving from the excellent work of M. Baltet, the stock being shortened at the winter’s pruning at the point D. In other cases stakes affixed in the ground and reaching a sufficient height to afford the requisite support are necessary, or in the case of standard trees and Roses stakes must be affixed to the stems of the trees in such a manner tkat the new and as yet insecure growths can be fastened to them, Whatever means are adopted for securing the grafts let them be adopted in good time, or injury may be done in an hour that cannot be repaired ina year. Be the grafts or buds few or many, it is important that they be made safe at this period of the year—hence this reminder, suggested by a loss that has caused much regret. ROSES. CouLD not prizes be offered for Roses which were cut a certain number of hours before the time fixed for judging ? This would place those competitors coming from a distance on an equal footing with those who live on the spot. Of course 44 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { July 18, 1878. the judges would haye to trust in the honour of competitors, but I hope that there are not many true Rose lovers who are not men of honour. LT have noticed that soft soap has a very bad effect on light- coloured Roses ; for instance, John Hopper and similar sorts, turning the edges of the petals a bluish purple and withering them.—C. C. GRAPES SCALDING. WE are approaching the time when late Grapes will be passing through the stoning process, and “scalding” is likely to occur, as it often does, owing to the false economy of dis- pensing with fires, which results in a low night temperature and consequent deposition of moisture during the night, which, from the powerful rays of the sun drying up the moisture, causes the destruction of the skin of the berry so acted upon. Scalding may also have its cause in too scant foliage, as in the case of Muscats, which, unless the foliage is good, not infre- quently scald, or rather scorch, when they are hurried into ripening early in the season. This may be entirely prevented by hexagon netting drawn over the roof for a few hours in the hottest part of hot days. ‘The best preventive of scalding is admitting air early and plentifully by day, and providing a night temperature of 70°, not omitting to maintain that tem- perature by day in a dull moist period, for in a hot time following a cold and moist one, and no fire heat being em- ployed to supply the deficiency of natural heat, scalding is almost always prevalent.—PRACTICALIST. THE ROCK GARDEN AT ST. ALBAN’S COURT, WINGHAM, THE RESIDENCE OF W. 0. HAMMOND, ESQ. WHEN my friend Mr. Hammond wrote, ‘ Will you come and see my rockery next week?” I felt glad to be able to fulfil an engagement long since made, as I was sure from all that I had heard that I should have a real treat, and hoped also to be able to let the readers of our Journal know something con- cerning it; for although a florist I am not by any means insensible to the charms of Alpine and herbaceous plants, and do, indeed, endeavour in my own small way to grow them. There are gradations in all these things, corresponding to the tastes and capacities of the owners, and ruled more or less by that very important factor the purse; and although after seeing such a rockery as this my own sinks into insignificance, it is some consolation to think that Mr. Backhouse has reached an eminence no amateur is likely to attain. St. Alban’s Court is situated close to the village of Nonning- ton in Kent, about four miles from the Adisham station of the London, Chatham, and Dover Railway, in the midst of the chalk downs which give their character to the whole neigh- bourhood. The house, which is a very old one, is coming down, and Mr. Hammond is now building in a more elevated position a hous» which will be when completed a very perfect specimen of Tudor architecture, for no trouble has been spared to obtain accurate models for it throughout; and its owner’s consum- mate taste, which is never at fault, will, I feel confident, make it what it professes to be, and no modern sham of “ architects’ improved Tudor.” The gardens present no special object of interest, but the Rock Garden is, next to Mr. Backhouse’s, the best that I haye seen. It is made in the form of an amphitheatre. The red sandstone rocks of which it is composed have been obtained from Tunbridge Wells and Hawkhurst, and are well adapted for the purpose. They are very naturally arranged, and placed go as to afford suitable houses for the various tribes of plants cultivated. On the more elevated portions Saxifrages, Sedums, &c., grow in profusion; others are placed on the face of the rocks, while there are boggy places in which Cypripediums, Pinguiculas, &c., find their home. In all the earlier months of the year such a garden affords a continual source of interest and pleasure, and for months a succession is kept up. When I went the Primulas, Gentians, &c., were over, but they were succeeded by many equally interesting. Take for example the well-known Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum), dear to all who have travelled in Switzerland as a memento beautiful in itself of many enjoyable days. This, the result of Mr. Ham- mond’s own wanderings, is to be found growing quite at home in various places in the rockery. And here let me say that the owner’s interest in this garden is not that merely of one who likes these plants, but of one who makes frequent expe- ditions in search of them, and many of them haye a personal history. Here, for example, are splendid groups of the lovely Ramondia pyrenaica in far greater abundance and beauty than I have ever seen it before. ‘This,’ says Mr. Hammond, “ first made me a lover of Alpines. I was travelling in the Pyrenees and saw it growing above me on the face of arock. I marked the spot, and on my return mounted on my friend’s shoulders and secured it.’ It is grown here in the shade of the rocks with comparatively little soil, and seedsabundantly. Amongst the Saxifrages were to be found S. longifolia, undoubtedly the queen of Saxifrages ; but no plant here was equal to one which Mr. Hammond had some time ago, which measured 14 inches across. I have a very fine one myself, now, alas! in flower, the stem quite 2} feet high, but killing itself, I fear, with the effect. §. Burseriana, with its silvery compact tufts; S. caly- ciflora, with stiff, cylindrical, silver-edged rosettes; 8. oppo- sitiflora, of course now past, but evidently thriving, and earlier must be a thing of beauty. Some of the mossy section were also very luxuriant, forming dense cushions of velvety green and covering the surface of the rocks. In a deep boggy piece to which a supply of water can be let on were found a quantity of the Butterwort (Pinguicula), which had been brought from Scotland. Cypripedium spectabile, the beautiful North Ame- rican species, was doing well, as was also our pretty English one C. calceolus. The Androsaces, as all lovers of Alpines know, are difficult to manage, but one of them at least— A. lanuginosa with its woolly foliage—is grown well here, having been raised from seed, as also does Saponaria czespitosa. Geranium cinereum is one of the prettiest of an extensive genus, bearing large and handsome pink flowers veined with red on plants 2 to 6 inches high. Geranium argenteum is another low-growing, almost prostrate species. Of the Drabas glacialis, cuspidata, and gigas were in full vigour, as were also the Soldanellas and Globularias. Then the lovely little Lychnis alpina, delicate enough for a fairy’s bouquet, was in flower. There were also large masses of the beautiful Silene acaulis, which forms so lovely a contrast to the brilliant blue of Gen- tiana verna, but these had past. The latter had been success- fully grown by placing it amongst some minute-growing Alpine, as it has done with me amongst Arenaria balearica. However, it is needless to run through the names of the Alpines to be found here. Suffice it to say that whatever is really good is sure to find its way to this garden, and whoever really loves flowers for their own sake ought to try and extend such a taste as this. If a man be strong and young, then the records of many an expedition will bring to his mind as he goes through his garden many pleasant memories and afford unceasing pleasure, as I know they do to the owner of St. Alban’s Court.—D., Deal. MY CHRYSANTHEMUM HOUSE IN SUMMER. THE winter bloom of Chrysanthemums past I prepare the borders by trenching and working into them a quantity of good rotten dung for a summer display of Fuchsias which I have ready for planting. They are struck in a cold frame in June the previous year, and are nice little plants about a foot in height. I plant three rows in each border, keeping free growers in the back rows, mixing the colours, and planting - them alternately about 16 inches from plant to plant. When planted and the borders well watered I pot off all bedding Geraniums and any other small plants requiring potting and place them on the surface of the border, taking care not to smother the Fuchsias. Of course the Fuchsias would be as well without them ; but space under glass is valuable, and the treatment required for young Fuchsias just suits the newly potted plants, such as keeping the house pretty close and sprinkling often. In April I remove all the bedding plants to cold frames. The Fuchsias by this time are growing pretty freely, so I hoe and clean the border, pinch and stake any that are inclined to run away from their friends, fumigate if required, and give the borders a good watering. In regard to water, the Fuchsia, like the Chrysanthemum, must get plenty, and occasionally manure water, besides sprinkling overhead, The planting-out system reduces this labour one-half, besides saying pots and the time taken up by the different pottings, prolongs the time of flowering, gives finer blooms, and is altogether the most natural. Last season the Chrysanthemums were bloomed in another house as I wanted to renew the borders of this one, and instead of being thrown out in the autumn were left for a time, and at Christmas there was still a good show of Fuchsias. I keep the flowers picked off till July 18, 1878, J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 45 the plants get established in the borders, and during the summer remoye all seed pods. About the middle of June I prepare a cold frame with about 6 inches of light soil, such as equal parts of loam, leaf mould, and sand, pressed pretty firmly ; select as many cuttings as are required, dibble them in, give a good watering, shade from bright sunshine, and keep the sash close till rooted, when they get air gradually, and the sash is removed altogether as soon as the young plants can bear full exposure. ‘There they remain till autumn, and all they require is a good watering with a rose if the weather be dry. Free growers are pinched and all blooms picked off. Before winter sets in I pot them off, using a light rich soil, and from 3 to 5-inch pots, according to size of plant. Most of them keep growing all winter, so they must not suffer for want of water, and must be kept clear from green fly. I store them in a cool greenhouse along with bedding plants.— ALEX. M’MILLAN (in Vhe Gardener). ROSE MELANIE WILLERMOZ. NEVER before have I seen this Rose so beautifulas it has been this summer ; and it is not improbable that I might have re- mained ignorant of its full yalue if I had seen it, as in other years, under its ordinary guise of a bush trained to awall. The plant was vigorous and healthy enough, but with its flowers so pendant that the interiors are not visible unless turned up to sight with the hand. This year, however, it has been my good fortune to see an unusually large plant of it that had thrown its stout rampant shoots over the top of a wall buttress and in that position put forth flowers abundantly—nothing could be more charming. At a little distance off one was attracted by the mass of large snowy blossom—some nestling among the large, deep green, handsome foliage, and others testing upon it and upon each other, drawing one on inyolun- tarily to a closer inspection, which was well rewarded by a full view of the interior of so many fine blooms tinged in the most exquisite manner with a soft yet bright pink tint, each petal teceiving and imparting beauty from the others. This fine Tea-scented Rose should be associated with Maré- chal Niel, the pendant flowers of both requiring a high wall or building to show their full beauty, both being as well worthy of an extra amount of space as they are adapted for it natur- ally by their free strong growth._ EDWARD LUCKHURST, THE LATE SHOW AT PRESTON. SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT. Ow1NG to the celerity with which our report of the Royal Horti- cultural Society’s Show was transmitted by electric telegraph one or two slight errors crept in; they were so few, however, and generally unimportant that we readily bestow a word of praise on the telegraphic operators engaged at Preston. A few corrections necessary to be made are the following :— Messrs. Rollisson & Sons, not Mr. Robinson, had the first prize for six Orchids ; Mr. Mackellar, gardener to Sir James Watts, Bart., Abney Hall, and Mr. Cowan had the second and third prizes respectively in the class for baskets of Grapes. Mr. Harris, gardener to Mrs. Vivian, Singleton Abbey, had the first prize for the best Queen Pine Apple, which was credited to Mr. Gretton ; and for three Pine Apples Mr. Hepper, gardener to C. O. Led- ward, Esq., not Mr. Coldward, had the first prize. J. Dodds, Esq., Penwortham, had the chief, indeed the only, prize awarded for Fuchsias ; Mr. Barron, Elyaston, had the first prize for a hundred hardy plants—not hardy, and stove, and greenhouse plants, as stated in the report; and Mr. Harding, not Mr, Hardy, had the third prize for Draczenas. An official list, however, of the prizes awarded appears in our advertising columns, and to this we refer our readers. A few of the prominent honours granted after we left the Show may be referred to, also some of the more notable plants and col- lections, with a fuller reference to the other sections of the Show than it was possible to give last week. To the marvellous collec- tion of specimen plants exhibited by Mr. Shuttleworth a gold Lindley medal was worthily awarded: The collections comprised about forty ornamental-foliaged plants and Ferns, and eighteen flowering specimens. Amongst the latter the good old Plumbago capensis was admirably grown ; it was a delicate blue floral mass about 5 feet by 3. Lapageria alba was remarkably fine, and Statices were quite splendid. Dipladenia Brearleyana was remark- able by its large richly coloured flowers, and Allamanda Hender- sonii, [xora Colei, Orchids, and Heaths were all exhibited in excel- lent style. The flowerless section included Gleichenias, grand in Size and symmetry, brightened by splendid Crotons and a fine specimen of Yucca filamentosa variegata, which is quite one of the most effective of variegated plants. Dayallia Mooreana was very fine, and still finer was Nephrolepis dayallioides. One of the finest specimens extant of the true Cordyline indivisa attracted much notice, and Palms and Cycads were admirably represented. The collection as a whole was such as we have never before seen arranged by any exhibitor. A gold Lindley medal was also awarded to Messrs. James Veitch & Sons for their remarkable miscellaneous group of plants —remarkable alike by its richness, variety, and admirable arrange- ment. Than the noble Alocasias—Veitchii, with its handsome cor- rugated leaves nearly 3 feet long, Thibautiana and Warroqueana with their massive foliage and ivory-like veins—no plants in the Show were more striking. Gorgeous Orchids, curious Pitcher and insectivorous plants, brilliant-coloured Crotons, elegant Ferns, fine Gloxinias and Begonias, &c., were represented in this singularly beautiful and diversified collection, Mr. B. S. Williams was awarded a large gold medal for a smaller but very beautiful group composed of plants of great value. Orchids, Draczenas, Nepenthes, Crotons, &c., were of such quality and arranged in such a manner as to well merit the award granted. The same remark applies to the adjoining collection of Messrs. Rollisson and Sons, for which a gold medal was also awarded. Besides the Ericas in this group which were referred to last week, remarkably, fine Dracenas, Orchids, and Crotons commanded much notice. The collections of plants referred to, taken in the aggregate, and arranged as they were near the entrance of the tent, constituted one of the most imposing and most admired features of the Ex- hibition. Silver medals—a Flora to Messrs. Cranston & Co., and Banksians to Mr. Prince and Mr. Davison—were granted for Roses. First-class certificates were awarded to Mr. J. R. Pearson, Chil- well, for a beautiful trio of Cape Pelargoniums—Beauty, rosy pink, maroon blotch, white centre; Pixie, dark rose, chocolate blotch, pale centre ; and Ariel, rosy crimson maroon blotch and feather, and pale centre. The blotches are on all the five petals of the above varieties, and the plants are dwarf in habit and floriferous. Microstylis Josephiana, Reichd. f., ‘‘ Bot. Mag.” 6325; Muscari (Botryanthus) conicum, Baker; Szovitsianum, Baker; Pedi- cularis Hookeriana, Wall.; Phenosperma, (gen. n.) globosa, Munro ; Piaranthus pullus, Mass.; Pitcairnea, sp. n.; Rhipsalis penduliflora, V. 2. By.; Silene Baldwini, Vutt ; Stapelia comata, Jacq., var.; 5. (Gonostemon) erectiflora, V. #. Br.; 8. (G.) glan- dulifera, Wass.; 8. (Orbea) namaquensis, V. #. B7., var.; 8. gran- diflora, var. lineata, V. #. G7.; Tillandsia usneoides, Z., “ Bot. Mag.” 6309; Tovaria oleracea, Baker, “ Bot. Mag.” 6313; Tulipa undulatifolia, Boiss., “Bot. Mag.” 6308; Xanthorrhea minor, Br., “Bot. Mag.” 6297. CHAPTERS ON INSECTS FOR GARDENERS. No. 22. On seeking a definition of a “moth” from ordinary persons not particularly observant of Nature (but avoiding those who apprehend that a “moth” can only be some such insect as that well known for its attacks upon clothes), we find that we get very various replies. A tolerably common one would be to the effect that a moth is a duller-coloured insect than is a butterfly, with a stout body and a propensity for hiding by day, taking excursions after darkness has set in, on what object intent, however, opinions will greatly differ. Viewed as a general idea of the moth tribe this is not a particularly suc- cessful attempt, yet it would apply tolerably well to the family of the Noctuina, a large group in Britain, embracing about three hundred species, though we are thrown into the shade by the enormous array that the Continent of Hurope presents to view, where Guerée has described nearly nineteen hundred species ! In this family are found some caterpillars that are exceed- ingly troublesome in gardens, attacking culinary plants chiefly, but it does not follow from the figures just given that foreign horticulturists have six times as many of these pests to contend with, because the vast majority of these Noctuas feed, when caterpillars, on the roots, stems, or leaves of plants and trees that are not of special importance to mankind. Yet it is the case that in such countries as France and Italy insects pass through their transformations more rapidly than they do in lou He JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 18, 1878. these islands, and where we should have but one annual brood of a species, abroad there may be twoor three broods. Gardeners in the course of their digging during the winter destroy often, without being aware of it, a goodly number of the pupz of the Noctuina, for a great many species live from autumn to spring in that stage at a depth of from 2 to 6 inches in the earth, and therefore are liable to injuries from the spade or fork. Some, however, have the caution to place themselves close to a fence or in the angles formed by roots, or in other positions of partial shelter. Thousands of these pupz furnish an agreeable article of food to ants and to the predacious lary of certain beetles ; indeed, in the case of any caterpillar that we may notice in the act of going down for his change to pupa the chances are considerable against his making a re-appearance as moth. From the Geometrine group, already commented upon, the Noctuinz are distinguished not only by their stout bodies but by the circumstance that when the moths are reposing the fore wings, which are narrow usually, cover the hind wings by these folding-up under them. The fore wings do not resemble the hind wings, and they have in their centre two spots of an eye- like appearance, varying much in size and tint, one being called the “orbicular discoidal spot,” the other the “reniform dis- coidal spot.” All these moths are provided with a stout tongue er maxilla, which coils up spirally, and which at night enables the insects to feast on the nectar of flowers. Attracted by their perfumes many of the Noctuine fly from the fields and woods into our gardens. As they hover above the blossoms their eyes frequently shine like tiny stars, the cause of which may be phosphorescence, but we do not precisely know. The cater- pillars are mostly smooth-skinned and of dull colours. The Acronyctas, however, or “ Dagger Moths” have caterpillars as thickly clothed with hairs as are those very familiar Arctias in the Bombycina family, and which are commonly called *‘ Woolly Bears.” A few species, among which is the Gamma Moth or Silver Y (Plusia Gamma), have not the full comple- ment of legs in the caterpillar state, in consequence of that fact they move when crawling somewhat in the Luper fashion. To enumerate even a tithe of the common species amongst the Noctuine would occupy too much space here, and it will be in accordance with our design in this series to indicate those species merely which to gardeners seem the more important from the rapacious habits of the caterpillars. Obviously we have few friends amongst them ; we cannot say we have none, for the caterpillar of the Dun Bar (Cosmia trapezina), though it can eat the leaves of trees, is fond of devouring the troublesome caterpillars of the Winter Moth (Cheimatobia brumata), that also of the Satellite (Scopelosoma satellitia) has similar tendencies, but it is not quite so ferocious. We have not yet heard it recommended that these cannibals should be encouraged in gardens, where they occasionally appear, though more common in woods or lanes, These ex- cepted, Noctuine caterpillars feed on vegetable substances. Some attack specially roots or the subterranean stems, and do a great deal of mischief ere it is observed. This large group is again subdivided. In some families few or none interfere with horticulture ; the numerous species called “ Wainscots,”’ for instance, mostly live while in the caterpillar state upon Grasses or Sedges, but the moths may fly some distance from the place where they were bred. On many garden walls scores of the pretty little moth, the Marbled Beauty (Bryophila perla), may be seen in July or August, but they have never had to do with deaf or flower; the caterpillars thrive on the small lichens which commonly cover old brick or stonework. The hairy caterpillar of Acromycta Psi (rather absurdly ealled the Grey Dagger, for several of its brethren are just as grey) feeds on fruit trees as well as on the Limes and Elms in our shrubberies. It is easily recognised by the yellow stripe down the back and the straight lump on the fifth segment. Like the rest of the Acromyctas it spins a cocoon when adult, choosing a crevice in the bark of a tree or a crack in some paling. Another species feeding on the Alder (A. Alni), and haying a caterpillar with curious appendages on each side like flattened horsehairs, is so rare that specimens haye fetched 15s. each. A very determined hunter after sweets either natural or artificial is the Moth of the Dark Arches (Xylo- phasia polyodon), and when swarming about gardens these insects have occasioned needless apprehensions, for they do not deposit eggs in such situations ; the caterpillars are indeed subterranean deyourers, but they attack plants in fields and waste places. The caterpillar of the Anther (Charzas gra- minis) is noteworthy, because in France and Sweden it has in some seasons laid waste much of the grass land; it has not» however, as yet proved a serious enemy to our farmers. But the caterpillars of the Rustic Shoulderknot (Apamea basilinea) do destroy when they are young more of the grain of Wheat than is agreeable to those who have stored it ready for thrash- ing, the moths laying their eggs in June on the ears. Of all the Noctuine it is likely none is as well known and as sincerely disliked as is the Cabbage Moth (Mamestra Brassicz), which in activity and artifice excels the Cabbage Butterfly by far, and by no device can it be excluded from our gardens. There appears to be but one yearly brood, the moths emerging 12 succession, so that we find in our plants caterpillars of different ages in the same month. Not satisfied with the revels they have amongst the Brassicaceous plants of the kitchen garden, many of these wander insidiously into the flower garden, hiding by day to regale by night on Geraniums, Dahlias, and a variety of plants, Near akin to this, yet less common, is the Dot (Mamestra Persicarie), the greenish-brown caterpillar with V-shaped markings, feeding openly, is a frequent mark for the birds, and also readily found by the gardener. It occurs in both the kitchen and flower garden, and at times upon Lilacs, Elders, and other shrubs. Oddly enough it is un- known in Ireland, where M. Brassice is as abundant as in Britain. ed f A near competitor to the preceding in its powers of doing damage to vegetation is the caterpillar of the Turnip Moth (Agrotis Segetum), nor may we presume from the name that it confines itself to that esculent, for the juvenile individuals have a penchant for attacking young Cabbages and Carrots just at the surface of the ground ; moreover beds of China ‘Asters have exhibited hundreds of drooping plants, a testimony to the “deeds of darkness” of which the insects have been capable. “It is tedious work,” says Mr. Newman, “looking for the mischief-maker at night with a lantern, and awkward to dig between the plants; some gardeners therefore sprinkle lime, or sawdust, or soot, or ashes, or salt, or ammoniacal liquor on the ground, but the result is far from certain, and therefore unsatisfactory.” The species was particularly com- mon in 1864, and it was then pointed out by this same ento- mologist that by our foolish discouragement of several birds, especially the rook and the starling, we had increased the numbers of the detested “Turnip grub.” Also common and injurious to similar plants is the caterpillar of the Heart and Dart (A. exclamationis), which doubtless causes not a few gar- deners to utter exclamations of disgust. The dingy brown caterpillars of the two species are so much alike that even entomologists are puzzled to distinguish them. A larger species than the preceding, and which in the moth state often enters houses and public buildings, dashing at the lights, is the Yellow Underwing (Tryphena pronuba). It has a caterpillar very variable in colour, of velvety texture, and which conceals itself during the day to feed on Cabbages, Lettuces, and other plants after dark. As the caterpillar life is continued from autumn to spring this species does damage at a time when many of its brethren are in a state of quiescence. — Passing by a host of Darts, Rustics, Clays, Quakers, and allied species, some of which are handsome and rare, we stop at that striking moth the Angle-Shades (Phlogophora meticu- losa), noticeable on fences in May or September, the rather leech-like green-and-white caterpillar of which feeds on several garden flowers in summer, and in winter contents itself with such wild plants as the Groundsel. It is not so prolific as to be specially injurious. Then there is a Noctua that is par- ticularly attached to the common Brake Fern, though named from the Broom (Hadena Pisi). I have seen Ferns nearly stripped in the vicinity of London by the beautifully striped caterpillar of the species. The Early Grey (Xylocampe lithorhiza) has a fancy for the Honeysuckle, on which the caterpillars occur from June to August. Amongst other species bearing the mark which is compared either to the letter Y or the Greek gamma, the Silver Y (Plusia Gamma) is remarkable for its habit of flying in the daytime ; nor does it appear to require rest at night, for specimens will assemble at sugar spread upon trees. The moth is as much at home on an extensive common as within the walled precincts of a garden, and the caterpillar is not critical with regard to food, though preferring plants of low growth. ‘ Y : An oddly named moth, the Gothic (Nania typica), has a caterpillar whose habit it is to feed in small companies of from ten to twenty upon the leaves of fruit trees. I have also ob- served them on the Chrysanthemum. In about a month they descend to feed on Lettuces, Mint, and various herbaceous July 18, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, oH ou plants, hybernating to re-appear in the spring. One of the Jargest of our Noctuinz, and one of very dull tint, is called the Old Lady (Nania maura). The caterpillar, which is neces- sarily of good size, is reported to feed on fruit trees, also on the Strawberry, but it is seldom seen. The moth is partial to outhouses, where, large as it is, it sometimes falls a prey to spiders. The last species that we can specify is the Mouse (Amphipyra Tragopogonis), so styled from its mode of shuf- fling along when alarmed, the caterpillars of which occasionally feed on Larkspurs, more generally upon the Whitethorn— J.BR.S. C, WORK FOR THE WEEK. FLOWER GARDEN. FLOWER beds require frequent looking over for the removal of decayed leaves and flowers, and for pinching-in the growths so as to keep the marginal and divisional lines of the various patterns clear and distinct. Seed pods of Pelargoniums, Verbenas, Violas, and all plants employed for bedding should be removed immediately the petals fall, as the production of seed tends to weaken the plant and impedes its continuous flowering. Verbenas and Violas should not only have the seed vessels removed frequently, but have the branches moderately thinned and pinched back so as to induce young growth, thereby securing continuity of flowering. Calceo- larias, Violas, Verbenas, and all plants delighting in moisture should have water abundantly in dry weather, avoiding giving it overhead, as it impairs the beauty of the flowers, especially those of Calceolarias, which from their form fill with water and fall off. Carpet-bedding plants of free growth must be kept pinched, so that the lines forming the various designs be kept clear and dis- tinct, as these beds owe much of their effect to their trimness. Dahlias, Hollyhocks, and all plants having a large leaf-surface should be timely staked and have their growths well secured, so as to prevent them from being broken or damaged by winds. Similar remarks apply to subtropical plants, which with Dahlias, Hollyhocks, &c., should have liberal supplies of liquid manure, especially in dry weather. Asters, Phlox Drummondi, and other annuals should also receive copious supplies of liquid manure, and if extra large flowers are wanted the flower buds must be freely thinned. Gladioluses should have copious waterings in dry weather, and have a mulch over the surface of the soil of short manure, which will not only have an invigorating tendency, but will keep the soil cool and moist, which is of no little consequence in light open soils ; in heavy soils the mulching keeps the surface from cracking. Roses will be greatly benefited by free application of liquid manure and thorough mulching, which will help them to push fresh growth and keep up a good successional bloom. Continue removing the faded flowers, and check any straggling rampant shoots by cutting back, so as to retain order and regularity in the form of the heads, and to equalise the sap, preventing undue vigour in one part and weakness in another. Push on the budding whilst the stocks are in good condition, and continne inserting cuttings under handlights on a north border, or in a gentle hotbed, Seeds may yet be sown of biennials and perennials, paying atten- tion to pricking off plants produced by a former sowing as they kecome large enough to handle, for they do not have a chance to become stout and well furnished when allowed to remain thickly together in the seed beds. In “dressed” grounds a variety of trees and shrubs enter into the arrangement, which without free use of the knife are not in keeping with the trimness that pervades the surroundings. To keep such evergreens as common and Portugal Laurel, «c., in anything like presentable form severe spring pruning is not more important than a judicious removal at this season of irregularities of growth, so as to afford the desired shape of the specimens or outline of the groups of which they form part, but any stiffness, such as that likely to result from clipping with the shears (which greatly disfigures the leaves by severing them), should be avoided. There can be no doubt that the present is much the most pre- ferable time of year to operate upon choice trees and shrubs needing assistance in the formation of symmetrical heads by the shortening back of straggling branches or removing altogether those that cross each other, for at this season the wounds caused by cutting off the branches heal much more quickly than at any other period of the year. Many fanciers of fine trees, notably coni- ferous trees, are averse to the knife or saw being employed upon them, alleging that trees left to assume their own natural forms are preferable to those receiving aid from man, to which we cordi- ally subscribe, except always when two leaders start away and contend for chief place it is of importance that one of them be removed, also that irregularities of growth be checked, so as to aid Nature to produce the finest specimens of her works. FRUIT HOUSES. Pines.—Plants started early in the year for fruiting will now in the case of early sorts have ripened-off the fruit, and the later kinds will be so advanced in ripeness as to admit of their being removed to a vinery or other house rather cool and dry, to finish off, which will have the advantage of prolonging the season and admit of the successional plants being afforded more room, it being impossible to have fine fruit unless the plants have plenty of room and light to induce sturdy habit. Let there be no delay in getting in the suckers from the early-fruited plants, potting them in fibrous loam rammed firmly into the pots and around the base of the suckers, watering at once, having in readiness a bed of fermenting materials at a temperature of about 90° at the base of the pots to plunge themin. They root best in a close moist pit. In plunging bring the material over the surface of the pots so as to prevent the soil becoming dry near the top; the soil will then have sufficient moisture until the suckers have rooted, they doing so more quickly if shaded from bright sun and ventilated a little at 85°. Care must be had in not subjecting the suckers to too strong bottom heat. Beds that had a supply of fresh material in spring will not require any now. They may, however, with ad- vantage be turned over to a depth of 20 to 24 inches, but those that had not a renewal of the material in spring should have an addition of about a foot of new tan mixed with the old to a depth of 18 inches, avoiding if possible the making of new beds, but if it be necessary 24 inches in depth of new tan wlll afford all the heat necessary for the suckers. Figs.—Those ripening-off the fruit must have a circulation con- stantly of dry warm air to produce it in the highest perfection, which can be secured at this time of year without resorting to artificial heat except in dull cold weather. The second crop will be advanced in size; and if the fruit be too thick it must be thinned if not already done, remembering that this crop must not tax the energies of the trees too severely if the trees are expected to afford early fruit next season. Attend to stopping and tying- in the shoots, watering the borders copiously, especially those of limited area, and syringing forcibly twice a day to keep red spider under. Do not neglect to syringe trees in pots intended for early forcing at least once a day, in hot weather twice, affording liquid manure at the roots, and pinching to induce fruitfulness in young plants. Stopping must be regulated by the vigour of the plants and kind. Vigorous growers will need to be more closely pinched than those of moderate growth. Such kinds as Early Violet, Black Ischia, Bordeaux, Negro Largo, White Ischia, Cuil de Perdrix, and White Marseilles are of good habit and do not require such close stopping as Angelique, Brown Turkey, and others of more vigorous growth. It is important that the trees have plenty of light, are not crowded, and are well ventilated to solidify the growth as it is made. Melons—Plant without further delay in the Melon house for producing fruit in October, and sow seed at once to raise plants to ripen a crop of fruit in November. In Melon houses artificial heat may now be dispensed with, except when dull cold weather prevails when the fruit is setting or ripening. Syringe growing plants freely in the afternoon at about 4 P.M. or earlier, allowing the temperature to rise, but not above 85° to 90° after closing. Afford a plentiful supply of water at the roots, when shading of the foliage will seldom be needed. The latest plants in pits and frames will now be setting or far advanced to setting their fruit, it being important that the fruit be set at the close of this or early part of next month to allow time for its swelling and ripening. Give a good watering before the flowers open, line the sides of the beds with some hot dung or short grass, and leave about three- quarters of an inch of air on constantly at the back of the lights until the fruit is set and commences swelling, then keep the growths well stopped and maintain a warm moist temperature by early closing with sun heat, and sprinkling the foliage, and water ing in bright weather twice a week. Cucumbers.—Pot off the plants for autumn fruiting, pinching out the growing point beyond the second rough leaf, and complete the preparation of the dung for affording bottom heat, presuming fermenting material to be employed, and have the soil in readiness for planting in due time. The house must havea thorough cleans- ing after the old plants and soil have been removed. Although fire heat is at this time of year in bright weather unnecessary, yet in a prolonged period of damp dull weather the nights are cold, and the low temperature induces yellow fruits, canker at the collar of the plants, and mildew on the foliage. In such weather employ gentle fire heat by night, and day also if cold, Against mildew flowers of sulphur dusted freely about the foliage is an infallible remedy, and against canker there is nothing better than tubbing the infested parts until dry with freshly slaked lime. Upon a return to bright weather after a dull period shade from bright sun to prevent flagging, which if allowed wastes the energies of the plants, resulting in ill-shapen stunted fruits, and offers a strong inducement to red spider. PLANT HOUSES. Orchids.—Many of the Masdeyallias and Odontoglossums will now require a shift, especially those that are growing strongly and have filled the pots with roots. Keep the temperature in the Odontoglossum house cool by sprinkling plenty of water about the floors, and ventilate freely. The bottom ventilators should be left open all night, using the syringe freely. This is a good time to pot Cattleya Mossie and Lelia purpurata, as these will have 56 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 18, 1878, started into growth. Cattleyas when growing freely require plenty of moisture, which will enable them to make good plump pseudobulbs. Ventilate the houses at about seven in the morning, closing at about four in the afternoon. As many plants will have completed their growth they should be removed to a cooler house with an average temperature of about 60° without sun heat, it being less charged with moisture and heat than that in which the growths were made. When continued in their growing quarters a majority of the plants start into second growth, which, as a rule, does not become properly matured. Afford weak liquid manure to Calanthes and keep the leaves freed of red spider, thrips, and scale by sponging with soapy water and afterwards with clear soft water. Thunia Bensoniz and Thunia albus come in about this time when flowering plants are waning, and are therefore the more valuable, and being of easy culture should be grown in every collection. They require similar treatment during growth as Calanthe vestita. Sobralias are subject to red spider, and should be frequently sponged and syringed. Syringe all blocks and plants overhead, especially after a hot day, giving plenty of air to all pseudobulbous plants to enable the growths to become ripe and solid. Anzectochiluses when growing and in good health should have plenty of water; those under bellglasses should have a crock placed so as to tilt the glass to admit air, which if not attended to the plants are liable to damp off. It is a good plan to remove the glasses eyery morning early for two or three hours. Stove.—Plants of Eucharis amazonica that flowered early will now have made a good growth, and should have water withheld until the leaves commence flagging, then give a little to restore the foliage, keeping the plants in a light cool airy house for about five or six weeks, when if returned to heat and moisture they will soon throw up the flowers. Anthurium Schertzerianum atter it has ceased flowering should, if required, be shifted into larger pots. Being a surface-rooting plant it does not require a great depth of compost to grow in, but must have very liberal drainage, as the waterings require to be abundant. Good fibrous peat in lumps as large as eggs, some sphagnum and charcoal or crocks moderately small and a free admixture of sand, removing all the earthy portion from the peat by shaking ina sieve, form a suitable compost. Attend to climbers with water and liquid manure, especially those planted out, as when the borders are dry red spider thrives famo usly upon the foliage notwithstanding that it be syringed. Fires may for the most part be dispensed with, but in a dull cold period they should be called into requisition ; for notwithstanding that the plants may not immediately show any of the effects of cold, they will do so all the more markedly when subjected to warmth again, whether it be natural or artificial. TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Jules de Cock, Faubourg St. Lievin, Ghent, Belgium.—Cata- logue of Specialities of Hardy and Tender Ornamental Plants and Trees. George Brunning, St. Kilda Nurseries, Brighton Road, near Melbourne.—General Catalogue of Plants, Flowers, and Trees. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* All correspondence should be directed either to‘ The Editors,” or to “The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoidably. We request that no one will write privately to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and expense. Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, and should never send more than two or three questions at once. All articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the post. CARNATIONS BURSTING (Amatewr).—They are too well fed. soil and less water would enable all the parts to develope equally. ROSES (A Lover of Rose Shows).—There would-be no difference in the hardiness of the plants. BEAUTY OF TROWBRIDGE FUCHSIA.—We are informed that it was raised by Mr. J. Smith of Trowbridge. GREENHOUSE ASPECT (7. K.).—Facing the south with one end open to the east will not be objectionable for your greenhouse. BEGONIAS (7. B.).—The varieties are a legion and not nameable. SOWING SEED OF ECHEYERIA SECUNDA GLAUCA (Cif. B. S. D.)—Sow the seed immediately upon fine well-watered soil in large pans, which cover with some opaque substance to exclude light, and place in a pit or green- house. Inspect the pans occasionally, and as the seed vegetates admit light, and prick-out the seedlings thinly in other pans as soon as they are large enough. You do quite right to shade your Geraniums sent by post. The loss of the foliage is attributable to the exhaustive effects of such a method of transit, VINES FOR A SMALL VINERY (IV. C. B.).—According to the common method of procedure three Vines would be planted in a house 12 feet long’; but as your house is only 8 feet wide we advise you to rest content with your one Vine of Black Hamburgh, planting it in the centre of the front of the house, and training three rods or canes from it up under the roof, and A poorer thus secure a much more vigorous root-action than you could do if more Vines were planted. If your light, rich, friable loam is well drained, you may plant your Vine in it next November without any other preparation than a dressing of manure to be forked-in just as for a crop of Cabbages. Afterwards when the Vine is established and its roots have traversed the border from back to front, as they are quite certain to do in a year or two, apply surface dressings of manure, but avoid forking the border or the roots will sustain serious injury. TRANSPLANTING RASPBERRY CANES (Jdem).—Do not attempt to trans- plant your old Raspberry stools, but select stout young offsets in the autumn, cutting them back to 2 feet and planting them about 2 feet apart in well- manured soil. Retain the old bed till the young plants throw up strong canes, which they will do the first season in very rich soil. Plentiful water- ings of sewage or liquid manure tend materially to promote that early strong growth which is so desirable. YOUNG GRAPES WITHERING (J. Williams).—Remove 3 or 4 inches of the surface soi], then apply mulch, keep it on during the growing season, and water so as to keep the soil moderately moist. Your object must_be to encourage by every possible means the emission of surface roots, and when you achieve this your Vines will improve. Perhaps your Vine border requires draining. KITCHEN GARDEN FOR A SMALL FAMILY (S. S.).—Under good culture a dozen square perches of ground would afford you the quantity of Potatoes you require. Figures may be made to prove anything. Here are some for you. Ailantus glandulosa, from 40 to 50 feet; indeed, we never re- member having seen better specimens of trees and shrubs of all kinds than are to be found here. We measured one large tree of Platanus orientalis, 70 feet high and 76 yards in cir- cumference, furnished to the ground with branches, and in perfect health. Hydrangeas grow from 8 to 9 feet high, and some of the plants are no less than 18 feet in diameter, and produce from two to three hundred trusses of bloom in the season. A Camellia (Double Red) growing outside is 18 feet high and 20 yards in circumference, and produces hundreds of flowers yearly. The spaces between the shrubs afford extensive outlooks through the pleasure grounds. The eye is soon attracted, how- ever, by portions of old ecclesiastical ruins in beautiful preser- vation, There are portions remaining and carefully preserved of the old abbey of Margam, which dates from about the twelfth century. Parts of the walls, containing beautiful specimens of the old windows and pillars, and portions of Gothic arches are scattered over a considerable extent of ground, showing the large space the abbey must have covered in the days of old when the monks inhabited it. Nearly the entire shell of the chapter house still stands, forming one of the most elegant remains in England. It is nearly circular in August 8, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. IIL form, and about 50 feet in diameter. The windows are fine specimens of pure Gothic. The carved pillars which once supported the roof still stand comparatively little injured, but “the roof itself has fallen in. A number of crosses and mural tablets, which are supposed to have originally recorded the names and qualities of deceased abbots or other dignitaries, now rest against the wall. The carvings and inscriptions on them are almost completely obliterated. Much labour has been judiciously expended in restoring portions of the old walls and preserving them from further decay ; and well deserving are they of such care, for it is rare that ruins are to be found amid surroundings that lend to them such grace and charms. The parish church, which stands in close contiguity to the old abbey, originally formed a part of its nave. It is a good specimen of old Norman architecture. The west front and massive pillars are twelfth-century work, built of stone brought from a quarry near St. Donat’s, upon which age and weather seem to have little effect. In the church stand some very handsome tombs with recumbent figures, in memory of the. Mansel family. It was rescued from decay by the present Mr. Talbot’s father, and is now regularly used for public worship. It appeals strongly to one’s sense of the beautiful to stand at a little distance and view the ruins of the abbey with the Orange house and church in the front, relieved against a pyramidal-shaped hill of about 600 or 700 feet in height, clothed to the very summit with the sober-tinted foliage of the. thickly clustered Oak trees. Turning to the right a view of a different but not less ex- quisite kind of beauty meets the eye. At the further end of a vista amongst the lovely trees is seen the noble and graceful end of the mansion, with its lofty tower standing in sharp relief against the sky. The approach to it is up an inclined plane, broken here and there by flights of steps extending the whole width of the roadway, some 30 feet. We have rarely Fig. 17,_MARGAM PARK. seen a more charming architectural object than the view of the house as seen from this point. Ascending the approach we find that the house is of grand as well as of elegant pro- portions. Its site has been skilfully chosen on a plateau be- tween the hills above and the lower grounds where the gardens and orangery are situated. It would be difficult to conceive a more beautiful situation, sheltered as it is by the well-wooded hills which lie behind it from the northerly and easterly winds ; while to the south and west are far-reaching views, embracing a picturesque stretch of Glamorganshire in the foreground, with the wide expanse of the Bristol Channel behind, and the hills of Somerset and Devon in the distance closing-in the prospect. A small but tastefully laid-out geometrical flower garden occupies a portion of the plateau on which the house stands. It is bedded-out in the usual way with Geraniums, Calceolarias, Verbenas, Coleuses, dwarf Candytufts, Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum, Violas of different colours, and other plants all neatly arranged in the different beds, which for in- dividual and general effect it would be difficult to surpass. The building was, as we have stated, designed by Mr. Talbot the present proprictor, and erected under his superintendence about forty years ago. We do not pretend to furnish an archi- tectural description of it, but the engraving which accompanies this notice will convey better than words a conception of its: elegant proportions. We should estimate the height of the tower at about 100 feet. The view from the summit of it on the hill, or sheltered side, reminds us of that from Drummond Castle in Perthshire; but the far-reaching panorama on the. lower side supplies a variety and interest that are wanting in that celebrated highland castle. It would be an intrusion on privacy to seek to carry the reader through the interior of this fine mansion. Suffice it to say that the Gothic entrance. hall and staircase we have not seen excelled in domestic archi- tecture, while the treasures of art which the rooms contain, and the style in which they are furnished and ornamented, bespeak limitless wealth expended under the guidance of refined artistic taste. It may not be inappropriate to finish our present sketch by stating that Mr. Talbot, the proprietor, is the father of the House of Commons, having represented Glamorganshire for the long period of forty-nine years. He has been several times opposed, but never defeated. He was in parliament when the present premier was struggling into fame as a novelist and. long before he had entered the arena of politics, and also before the present Queen was crowned. He has been twice offered a peerage, but declined it. He received much sympathy two years ago on the occasion of the death of his only son at 112 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 8, 1878. the age of thirty-three years. Mr. Talbot has three daughters, the second of whom is married to J. Fletcher, Esq.. of Salton Hall near Edinburgh.—A. PETTIGREW, Castle Gardens, Cardiff. DISBUDDING ROSES. In the Journal of Horticulture you most kindly admit letters upon all subjects. As an old Rose-grower I am, of course, most interested in those that are written on the subject of the queen of flowers. Everyone has, of course, a right to his own opinion—chacun a son gotit; but I hope that it will not be thought very presumptuous in a poor old fogey if he takes the liberty of disagreeing with your correspondent “"A.C.” on the subject of disbudding Roses. He states in his letter, published by you August Ist, that “Since the Rose show month my Roses have been doing exactly as they like.” So have mine, and a jolly time they seem to have had of it. I do not like only to write what my experience of letting my beauties alone is, but beg to enclose you, for the advantage of your numerous visitors, two trusses that I cut off one plant of Mrs. C. Wood (one has eighteen, the other twenty-one buds), also a single truss of La France with twenty-nine buds. I send them (as samples of what a Rose show might be if carried on under the suggestion of “A. C.” _ Though very near the threescore years and ten I still look with much pleasure on the lovely forms around me, and confess that the Lesbias of the present day are, perhaps, sometimes a little tightly laced, but I think that the Norah fashion (of course I only compare them in the way of Roses) gives rather a confused idea (vide trusses sent), of what beauty is ; but if the world at large would consent to an exhibition of Lesbias and Norahs I would willingly agree, if considered com- petent, to be one of the judges, and a friend of mine whois reading this over my shoulder says he will also be a judge, and if we do not agree can call in some other old woman to give her casting yote—AN OLD RosE-GROWnR, 7. F. Not too frequently nor too plainly has “A. ©.” denounced the plan of disbudding Roses that is now so common. To produce the grand blooms that win cups: at exhibitions dis- joudding is imperative, as the prizes are awarded to the most perfect individual blooms that can be produced, and not to _ “trusses,” as the blooms are anomalously and officially de- scribed in the schedules, ; It is rare indeed to see a naturally grown and beautiful truss of Roses ata Rose show. Grandeur of isolated blooms prevails there, but it is a formal artificial kind of beauty that does not display the Rose in its natural state of loveliness. The present system of Rose exhibiting must continue, no other plan can supersede it ; but it would be just as well to call the blooms by their right names. Yet, as so timely suggested by “A. C.,” cannot supplementary classes: be made for exhibiting Roses in trusses—that is, a stem containing as many blooms and buds as the exhibitor chooses to stage? Boxes thus filled would afford a delightful change from the present monotonous —grandly monotonous if you like, but still monotonous—aspect of Rose shows ; and the trusses, real trusses, would afford by far more truthful and correct ideas being formed of the several varieties than does the present system of exhibiting only highly fed and isolated blooms. In regard to Roses and Rose-showing it is well to bear in mind that by far the greater number of visitors who are admirers and growers of the flower are those who wish to see the varieties exhibited so as to show their natural characters. Not one grower of Roses in ten grows them on the disbudding system so as to produce a few grand blooms for exhibition, but they grow them for producing trusses for beautifying their gar- dens and adorning their homes. The two systems referred to are essentially distinct, and the blooms produced by one mode and the trusses by the other cannot compete in the same class. Let blooms be called blooms and trusses trusses, and let classes be formed accordingly, and Rose shows will be more varied, interesting, and instructive. —OCCASIONAL EXHIBITOR. THE FLORA OF CYPRUS. SPEAKING of the flora of Cyprus Drs. Unger and Kotschy, in their work “ Die Insel Cypern,” say :-— “Tn Cyprus prairie or meadow land does not exist; the “Ackerland’ takes the place of it. After the rains, but only for a short time, cereals give a satin-like green to the land- scape ; and among them grow a profusion of flowers ; but these artificial rather than natural fields fade more quickly than the flowers, and scarcely last a few weeks beyond the last spring rain. There is only one small corner of the island where the vegetation resembles ours. The great heat of the summer destroys all the tender plants ; only those plants survive which- through their anatomical construction or hard substance, or in consequence of growing near water, can resist the effects of the heat. “There is great resemblance in the vegetation throughout the island to the Mediterranean. In February and March there is on all the river edges a profusion of Lilies; in April and May on the land side is one carpet of flowers. During the heat, however, the land assumes a yeHow tint. Pine forests abound, Olives, Myrtles, and Laurel trees. As far as the island has as yet been explored we know that there are a thousand different sorts of plants. No eastern island can show such a rich forest growth as Cyprus. “The Pinus maritima in Cyprus covers the hills and moun- tain regions to the height of 4000 feet as one of the commonest trees. The Pinus Laricio, which covers all the heights to 4000 feet above the sea, rises on the western mountains of the island to 6000 feet, and gives it a dark appearance from the sea. The wild Cypress (Cupressus horizontalis) is the third tree which grows commonly in the eastern part of the island and in some places forms by itself entire woods. On the whole of the northern chain of mountains this wild Cypress grows often to the height of from 2000 to 3000 feet above the sea. Great forests of wild Cypresses must also have covered the whole of the south of the island, as also a shrub, the Juniperus phoenicea, In the north several varieties of Oak are found, and throughout the island the Arbutus abounds; the Carob tree and Olive flourish on the banks of all the rivers and up to an elevation of 1000 feet above the sea.” HAMPTON COURT GARDENS. THE floral embellishments of the public parks in the vicinity of the metropolis constitute an important feature of their attractions: Artistic merit of the highest order is exemplified in those parks, and skill both in the culture and arrangement of plants and flowers is strikingly displayed by the several managers. Although situated at some: distance from the metropolis, yet Hampton Court may be said to belong to the Londoners ; it really belongs to all, for the palace and gardens are free to all comers on six days out of the seven. The gardens:indeed are open on seven days, but the State apartments are closed on Fridays, a fact that visitors occasionally overlook and con- sequently. experience some disappointment whem they arrive at this celebrated place of public resort on that “unlucky day.” Such: disappointment, however, as that experienced by some visitors on Friday last is, it is hoped, not common. A gentle- man from Australia had been hoping to see the State rooms all his life and that day afforded him the only opportunity for doing so, as he had to sail the next day for the Antipodes. But the rule was inexorable; the apartments were “closed for cleaning,” and the journey of sixteen thousand miles ended by an outside view. ‘The visitor bore his disappointment philo- sophically and did not fall into the vulgar error of abusing the porter. It was slightly different with an American visitor who was placed in the same predicament, and who with cha- racteristic cuteness “guessed his house was cleaned every morning slick, and was always ready for visitors, and guessed if that house was in his country it would be ready too.” It is well, therefore, that gardeners and others whose primary mission is to inspect the grounds and flowers should not deprive themselyes of a rich supplementary treat by commit- ting the same error of selecting Friday for a visit. Yet while visitors arrive from all countries, it is naturally the Londoners who are represented in the greatest numbers, the attendance last year numbering upwards of 200,000. Although somewhat early in the season the flower beds are about in full beauty. The plants were good to begin with, were planted closely, and have grown freely: hence their present satisfactory condition. The aspect of the grounds from the west front of the palace is one of unmistakeable erandeur. The three splendid avenues of Elms converging to the centre of the terrace; the fountain in the centre in its bason 130 yards in circumference and its 120 jets ; the smooth expanse of lawn with lines of yenerable Yews and Hollies, some of them enshrouded in Iyy; and the large, numerous, and August 8, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 113 excellently filled flower beds, produce a picture of art and nature balanced and blended in a manner that commands general admiration. The general view is admirable, and a closer inspection of the flower beds proves that they are admirable too. Flowers old and new are provided, and arrangements old and new are represented. It will be fashionable to look at the new flowers first, and these are Dr. DENNY’S GERANIUMS.—A considerable number of the new varieties of that celebrated raiser are bedded out, the plants having been supplied by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons. They are in round beds, but as the plants had been cut rather severely for cuttings they were not seen in their most favourable aspect. The following are the varieties represented :— Cleopatra.—A distinct and novel colour (carmine magenta), and a remarkably fine and well-formed flower: a tolerably free bloomer, but not particularly effective from a distance ; the habit of growth, too, is a little irregular. Better for pots than for beds. Amazon.—A grand rich scarlet suffused with crimson ; flowers large, of great smoothness and substance, and freely produced. A strong grower, and fine for large beds and for pots. Heather Bell.—A distinct and lovely colour, bluish pink ; flowers of the finest form and of great substance of petal. One of the best for pots, but not a good bedder. Nyanza.—Scarlet, a rich glowing mass. merit for pots, and promising as a bedder. Atlanta.—A distinct and novel colour, purplish crimson ; a finé flower, but the plant rather too strong in growth for ordinary bedding purposes. Globosa Major.—Semi-nosegay, crimson, fine bold trusses, but growth of plant rather unleyel. Requires a large bed to show it to advantage. The above have separate small beds, but the following are selected from several varieties planted in rows in a large bed’ :— Gnome, glowing scarlet, dwarf and free; one of the best of all for small beds. Isis, brilliant scarlet; a stronger grower, and would probably show to advantage in a large bed. Zuleika, a rich and distinct colour ; finer for pots than for beds. Irene, purplish crimson, with a rich orange-rayed blotch on upper petals ; it is dwarf and free, but forms seed pods too freely for a bedder ; fine for pots. As seen at Hampton Court under disadvantageous circumstances, and possibly grown from spring-struck cuttings, the varieties, with one or two exceptions, do not afford evidence of being superior bedders. As an on- looker remarked, ‘They are too good for beds and must be grown in pots.” They are generally too robust in habit, and do not possess sufficiently dark green foliage to render them effective for outdoor display. Some other beds—large oblongs alternating with the circles —are extremely fine. The most pleasing are perhaps those where the central mass consists of two distinct colours. For instance, Geranium Bijou carpeted with Viola Blue Perfection, broadly banded with Iresine Lindeni and edged with Golden Stellaria, is a charming combination and worthy of imitation. Viola The Tory intermixed with variegated Geraniums, and the same Viola with Centaurea candidissima, produce a pleasing effect. Particularly attractive are the Centaurea and Verbena venosa in mixture, and Abutilon Thompsoni variegatum car- peted with blue Violas. Pelargoniums Mrs. Pollock and Sophia Dumaresque carpeted with blue Lobelia produce a cheerful and lively effect, and so also do other combinations of the same nature. This mode of planting the beds is admirably adapted for producing fine floral masses in early summer. The beds probably show to advantage on account of their size, many of them being 40 feet long and 12 wide. Several beds about 12 feet square are simply but effectively filled, such as Geranium Amaranth, which is splendid, edged with Geranium Manglesii, and the same Geranium banded with Bijou and Blue Violas, and edged with Iresine Lindeni and Koniga variegata ; also Ageratum Imperial Dwarf broadly banded with Gera- nium Manglesii. A bed of Geranium Happy Thought, broadly banded with Geranium Golden Harry Hieoyer, is very novel and good. Many other beds are effective, but it is not neces- sary to particularise them. Calceolaria Prince of Orange is literally a “dead failure,’ for most of the plants are actually dead—the one failure in a fine flower garden. The best beds of scarlet Geraniums are those of Vesuvius, closely followed, however, by George Natchett. The best crimson is Waltham Seedling. By far the best pink is Amaranth, but a bed of Mrs. Haliburton is very promising. This yariety is deeper in colour than Christine which it resembles in habit of growth. Carpet bedding is also excellently represented, the designs A variety of great being of a free pleasing character, and planted with much taste. Cheerful colours and neutral tints are well balanced and the beds are decidedly good; a few of them perhaps have seldom been surpassed in this particular style of garden decoration. Other features of Hampton Court merit attention: the old Dutch garden with its Yews and hardy flowers; the Agayves and Oranges on the terrace, probably centenarians (one of the Aloes will shortly be in flower), a wonderfully fine example of the Wistaria sinensis, and the grand old Vine, which is this year carrying 1200 bunches, small but very regular, the foliage being healthy and clean, All these are points worthy the inspection of the visitor, who when he has examinec them will say that the gardens at Hampton Court are highly deserving of patron- age, and that their condition reflects much credit on Mr. Graham, the Superintendent. THE OLD MARKET GARDENS AND NURSERIES OF LONDON.—No. 21. “BROMPTON,” observes Mr. Brewer, writing concerning the place fifty years ago, “‘has lately experienced a considerable increase of buildings, and is now nominally divided into two parts, termed Old and New Brompton. ‘The latter division of the hamlet chiefly consists of rows of houses, which are of a crowded but usually respectable character. Old Brompton still retains a similitude of rural aspect, and is yet celebrated. for well cultivated nursery and garden grounds.” Since the “Great Exhibition year* Brompton has undergone an ‘“in- crease of buildings” which throws the Georgian increase into the shade, and if it has a ‘“‘similitude of rural aspect,” this has now become yery shadowy indeed. The nurseries have under- gone rapid diminution. The market gardens probably do not cover more than a third of the space they occupied at the be- ginning of this century. The outlying districts belonging to Fulham and Hammersmith may, however, give us some imper- fect idea of what Brompton was in the olden time ; now a part of it is called South Kensington, not without a tinge of ab- surdity, the name pretty nearly representing New Brompton, but not quite with exactness. A portion of Old Brompton was known formerly by the rather absurd name of “ Little Chelsea,” so that the past generation can hardly afford to laugh at the present one; it was along the line of the Fulham Road, just beyond Brompton Heath and Chelsea Park, but formed no. part, as I understand, of Chelsea parish. The etymologists, it appears, have not exercised their ingenuity in discovering or inventing an explanation of the word “Brompton ;” of course the final “ton ’’ represents “ town,” as in many names of places. I would suggest it may have been designated from some owner of the land, or possibly it was originally “ Broom town,’ from the Broom which once flourished in the open ground, such as Brompton Heath. And the by-passer along the Fulham Road may survey with interest the condition of a. part of this heath (so-called) not yet built upon, but which was cleared for that purpose many years ago—it must be nearly twenty I think. Before that the land was in the hands of market gardeners. Though lines of road were traced out and cellars built matters went no farther from some cause, and now there grows a curious commingling of plants and shrubs on this neglected property, and amongst these may be noticed. specimens of the Broom, the seeds of which had probably laid dormant in the earth. An excuse for the application of the name “South Kensing- ton’’ to northern districts of Brompton lies in the fact that these belong to the parish of St. Mary Abbott, Kensington ; but though we commonly speak of the gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society as situate in Kensington, I fancy they micht have been claimed for Brompton, certainly they occupy some of the land that belonged to the renowned Brompton Park Nursery ; and, before speaking of that historic and ex- tensive establishment, it should be noted that the Society (destined, I trust, to retain its Kensington property for a lone time to come) before the Chiswick Gardens were planned had asmall space at Kensington, on which experimental culture was carried on, chiefly in the open air it seems. This was commenced early in 1818, but closed in a few years; it was situate to the west of Harl’s Court Road, not farfrom Edwardes Square. It was only open to visitors from two o'clock to six. ‘A number of authors, in describing Brompton Park Nursery, have referred to this establishment as if it was solely entitled to the name of Brompton Park. Though the greater portion of the park was absorbed into the nursery at first (to undergo 114 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 8, 1878. various reductions as time went on) there was a residence Park House, near Prince’s Gate, only removed in 1856, to which was attached a small section of the domain. In an ancient house on this estate was born Philip Percival in 1603, tthe friend of John Pym; and the Percivals owned Brompton Park till near the end of the reign of Charles II. Originally ‘containing possibly 100 acres, it was divided, and the larger half, about 67 acres, was formed into a nursery garden in 1680 -or $1 by a firm styling itself Lukar, Field, Cooke, & London. Lukar was gardener to the Queen Dowager at Somerset House in the Strand ; Field held a similar situation with the Earl of Bedford at Bedford House, also in the Strand ; Cooke was gardener to the Earl of Essex at Cashiobury ; and London* to Bishop Compton at Fulham. As the first establishment of any pretensions, if not actually the first London nursery, much interest centred in it, and it was frequently visited by gardeners as well as botanists. The two senior partners died about 1686, and in 1689 Cooke disposed of his share to Henry Wise, and the firm became London & Wise. Wise had chiefly to do with the laying-out of Hampton Court, and the partners were employed in the planting of Kensington Gardens. During “the winter for some years it was usual to remove choice plants from Kensington Palace to their nursery. A literary fruit of their association was an English version of a French book, “ The Complete Gardener,” which Messrs. London & Wise, published in 1701. The learned and somewhat prosy author of “Sylva,” John Evelyn—who did, however, undoubtedly feel a genuine satisfac- tion in all that tended to promote the advancement of botanical science—displays unwonted enthusiasm in his description of Brompton Park Nursery. One sentence of his, in reference to a visit he made to the establishment, I must quote, as a curious ‘specimen of intricate English. His style is very different from the curt expressive manner that another noted man of that day, Samuel Pepys, adopted in putting down his jottings. He ‘observes :—‘‘ Of all I have hitherto seen, either at home or abroad, or found by reading many books published on the sub- ‘ject, pretending to speak of nurseries and plantations for store and variety, directions for the designing as they term it, the skilful making, plotting, laying-out, and disposing of a ground ‘to the best advantage—in a word, for whatever were desirable for the furniture of such a ground with the most excellent and warrantable fruit, I say warrantable because it is peculiarly due to their honest industry and so rarely to be met with else- ~where, and other accessories to gardens of all denominations as in that vast ample collection which I have lately seen and well ‘considered at Brompton Park.” Then he proceeds still further to commend Messrs. London & Wise, who in reading their eulogium must surely have been amused at the confused sen- tence by which it was introduced; and he further adds that “they have a large and noble assembly of the flowering and ‘other trees, perennial and variegated evergreens and shrubs fittest for our climate, and understand what best to plant the humbler boscage, wilderness, or taller groves with—for which purpose, and for walks or avenues, they have store of Elms, Limes, Platans, Constantinople Chestnuts, and Black Cherry trees!” Then in a bit of slang, which he had picked up in ‘nis studies of French books, Evelyn further praises these gardeners for their management of the “ potagere, meloniere, ‘and culinarie’’ domain. The fame of the nursery steadily increased, for Bowack, writing of it in 1705, remarks that the “proprietors sent plants and trees tonoblemen and gentlemen in every part of England. “It hasbeen affirmed,” sayshe, “that af the plants in it were valued at but ld. a piece they would ‘amount to above £40,000.” As £1 contains 240 pennies the sum here stated would represent nearly ten millions of plants, ‘evidencing the romantic character of the estimate. The ‘plants, moreover, might well have been taken at a higher sum at a rough guess—say even ls. each, excluding seedlings. Apart from such conjectures there is abundant evidence of ‘the large business carried on by this establishment both in the eighteenth and in the first half of the nineteenth century. ‘This was not confined to Britain, for many plants were sent to the Continent from Brompton Park ; but as London grew other nurseries sprang up, and to some extent affected the older nursery, which was, owing to the number of persons it employed, not merely a plant nursery—it was also a training place for gardeners. An injurious influence was exercised upon some of the plants by the growth of the metropolis, but the land attached to the nursery did not undergo great diminu- * A fullaceount of the life of this remarkable man will be found in vol. xx. page 195. tion until after the reign of George ITI., for according to Faulk- ner, when he wrote in 1820, Brompton Park Nursery contained 56 acres, at which it remained at the period when this and adjacent properties were purchased by the Commissioners of the Exhibition of 1851.—C. TREE-PLANTING IN WASHINGTON. In the American Agriculturist Mr. Peter Henderson pays a merited tribute to the skill, taste, and judgment of Messrs. William Saunders of the Experimental Garden of the Depart- ment of Agriculture, William R. Smith of the Botanic Gardens, and John Saul, the nurseryman and florist, who compose the “Parking Commission,” and whose work in planting the fine avenues and streets of the City of Washington with handsome and appropriate trees has produced, as he says, results that probably no other city can equal. ‘ 1 Already 40,000 trees have been planted, some thirty kinds being used, the bulk, however, being of ten kinds. These, named in the order they are valued by the Commission, are the following :—Silver or White Maple (Acer dasycarpum), then American Linden (Tilia americana), American Elm (Ulmus americana), Scarlet Maple (Acer rubrum), Box Elder (Negundo aceroides), Sugar Maple (Acer saccharinum), American White Ash (Fraxinus americana), English Sycamore (Acer Pseudo- Platanus), English Button Ball (Platanus occidentalis), Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), Honey Locust (Gleditschia triacanthos), and Norway Maple (Acer platanoides). These and the other sorts are set 20 to 25 feet apart, and there are miles and miles of streets in which not one dead or diseased tree can be seen, which shows that the planting must have been done in the best possible manner. The trees were transplanted as the first necessity : and the Commissioners, fre- quently receiving from distant parts trees which were not in a satisfactory condition as to their roots, planted them out in their own grounds one season before risking them in the streets. The trees when planted averaged 1} inch in diaraeter and 12 feet in height. The hole for the roots is dug about 5 feet across and 2 feet deep. When the natural soil is unsuitable good soil is brought fromelsewhere. Every tree when planted is surrounded by a plain but substantial sparred tree guard 6 feet high, which serves the double purpose of protecting the tree from injury by cattle, &c., and of shading the stem from the sun—an important precaution, since trees grown in masses, either in nursery or forest, shade each other and suffer greatly when remoyed and exposed singly to the blazing sun. The great success in planting the avenues at Washington is no doubt due to the persistent use of this precaution, which is never omitted. When this work, which has been going on for five years, is complete, one may then drive for two hundred miles through the broad and ample shaded avenues of the American capital, and imagine they are passing along the rides of a great park, —(Journal of Forestry.) WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Sow the principal crop of Tripoli Onions and Winter Spinach, sowing the latter in rows 15 inches to 18 inches apart, and about an inch deep. Cabbage for the main crop ought to be sown. Enfield Market, Hill’s Dwarf Incomparable, Nonpareil Improved, Wheeler’s Imperial, Heartwell Early Marrow, and Battersea or Fulham, are all excellent; for small gardens, or for taking up little space, Little Pixie and Atkins’ Matchless are of superior quality, and may be planted a foot apart. Red Dutch is the best sort for pickling. A sowing of Lettuce should be made for winter or early spring use. The best sorts for this sowing are Early Paris Market for lifting into frames in autumn; Hicks’s Hardy White and Brownor Black-seeded Bath Cos; Stanstead Park and Lee’s Immense Hardy Green in Cabbage varieties. Make a last sowing of Turnips. White Stone or Six-weeks, Golden Ball, and Chirk Castle Black Stone, are all good keepers and of excellent quality. Continue sowing Radishes as required, and the sorts for winter use—viz., Black Spanish, China Rose, and Californian Mammoth; they must be afforded rich light soil and an open situation. Carrots sown at this time are often useful in spring. Select Harly Nantes, which is excellent, and James’s Intermediate Scarlet for this sowing; sowing the first in drills about 6 inches apart, and the last 10 inches, choosing a sheltered situation and soil of a friable nature, affording a liberal dressing of soot or wood ashes with a view to check wireworms and grubs. ° Complete as soon as possible the planting of Broccoli and Greens of every description for spring use, also Cauliflower and August 8, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 115 Cape Broccoli for autumn or early winter supply. Early-sown Cabbage prick off so soon as the plants are large enough in order to keep them sturdy and to enable them to better withstand cold. Attend to earthing early Celery and to watering the later crops liberally. Plants may yet be planted for a late spring supply. The trenches need not be deep now, well-drained light soil being made choice of, and a sheltered situation. Incomparable (San- dringham) Dwarf White and Williams’s Matchless Red are hardy and remain a long time fit for use. Any late plants required for using green after the blanched supply is exhausted may be planted in beds 4 feet wide, placing the plants 9 inches apart in rows a foot asunder crosswise of the beds. _ Ifavery late crop of Peas be wanted seed should now be sown in a pit in rows 2 to 2 feet 6 inches apart, affording them from 10 to 12 inches depth of moderately rich light soil, and a distance from the glass for such kinds as Little Gem and Blue Peter of about 2 feet; but Unique, which is a fine Pea for this purpose, should have more head room, or eight or nine peas may be sown in 10-inch pots and then placed in a warm situation outdoors, re- moving them to a light airy house in October, or before frosts occur likely to injure them. A pit should be sown at once with French Beans for a late supply, and it must be heated so as to maintain a night temperature of 55°, and 65° by day when required, but the lights need not be employed until the weather becomes cold in September. Negro Long-podded is excellent for this sowing, also Osborn’s Forcing. HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. Wasp nests are numerous and should be destroyed. We make a squib by moistening gunpowder with water, adding about a fourth of flowers of sulphur to the powder, and forming the mixture into a paste, wrapping it in brown paper, tying one end up, and drying so as to have the squibs in the right condition for burning slowly. After dark, the nest being marked during the day, one of the squibs is lighted and pushed well into the hole. A sod is placed over it and rammed down so as to confine the fumes, and about a minute after the squib is spent the nest is dug out and the grubs crushed with the back of the spade, filling up the hole, and the work is done. If the nest is suspended tie the squib on a stick, light and apply to the entrance, holding it there steadily. The fumes will kill every wasp, and all that is wanted further is to take down the nest and bury it. Most under gardeners like this sort of work ; there is danger of being stung by stragglers, which makes the work enticing. The squibs require to be about half an inch in diameter and 3 inches long. It is an old system and better than many new notions for destroying wasps. Mildew, owing to the dry weather, appears upon the fruit of ‘Vines against walls, and should be met by dusting with flowers of sulphur. All laterals should be closely stopped or removed, as well as superfluous shoots, so as to admit light and air to the fruit, which should be gone over to see that there has been no neglect in thinning the berries, for they do not attain so good a Size nor ripen so well as when they are thinned just sufficiently to prevent the berries wedging. Plums on trained trees against walls are swelling off well. Keep the leading shoots closely nailed or tied-in, pinching back superfluous shoots to one or two leaves, and remove or stop forerights ; if the shoots have not previously been stopped, stop them at the third leaf. Pyramid trees of Plums have cast most of the fruit. Rivers’s Early Prolific is now ripe, and valuable it | is on account of its earliness. Red spider is in many instances infesting fruit trees trained to walls, particularly the Peach and Nectarine, probably owing to the hot weather and the dryness of the borders. Give the roots a thorough watering, and when the trees are carrying a heavy crop afford them liquid manure to assist in swelling off the fruit and to help the plumping of the buds for future bearing. Syringe well in the evening, but not after the fruit commences ripening. Lay-in the young wood as it advances in growth, and secure the extensions by nailing or tying, keeping the shoots rather thin so as to secure the benefit of sun and air to ripen them. Any leaves overhanging the fruit may be shortened or drawn aside, but leave at least a portion of the leaf to mature the bud or buds at its base. In gathering the fruit of Apricots, Peaches, and Nectarines great care must be exercised, as the tender tissue is sooninjured by pressure or the least fall, and when either occurs decay soon sets in, whereas if it is handled carefully and laid on padded shelves in a well-venti- lated fruit room it will keep several days, manifestly improving ithe quality, as it is hardly possible to gather fruit from trees of sufficient ripeness for table without great risk of its receiving injury in handling, A few bushes of Goeseberries should be closely netted to exclude small birds, and if need be wasps, by hexagon netting, which is far preferable to mats, which should never be used unless the after consequences are unimportant. Red Warrington is one of the best Gooseberries for late use; but some of the Lancashire kinds are good for this purpose, such as in Reds—Kcho, Overall, and Top Sawyer; Whites—White Lion, Wandering Girl, and Tallyho ; Greens—Thumper, Jolly Cutler, and Profit ; Yellows— Husbandman, Teazer, and Viper: nor must Red and White Cur- rants be neglected covering-up to preserve the fruit until a late period. Morello Cherries must have thorough protection from birds, or hexagon netting if wasps are voracious. Continue to plant out Strawberries as the ground becomes vacant and the runners well rooted, which has been somewhat retarded by the late droughty weather. ‘Those already planted and growing away freely will put out runners, which must be removed as they appear, and the ground kept free of weeds by hoeing as required. FRUIT HOUSES. Vines.—Muscats and Lady Downe’s cannot stand the direct rays of the sun through large panes of glass; but there is this differ- ence—Muscats must have plenty of light to put on the golden colour that denotes high finish, Lady Downe’s finishing well under a canopy of foliage ; indeed black Grapes colour in proportion to the ample foliage, and white Grapes appear to require more light and the shoots thinner. A night temperature of 70° should be maintained with a chink of air on at the upper part of the house, and very free ventilation by day until all danger from scalding is past ; and when colouring commences (as it ought by this time if the late kinds are expected to keep fresh and plump through the winter) have fire heat to insure a minimum temperature of 70°, and maximum by sun of 85°, with moderate ventilation night and day in dull weather, proportionately increased in bright days. The roots must not be neglected for water ; but if they have been too dry during the swelling period Vines carrying heavy crops will afford a plentiful harvest of shanked berries. See that the laterals are kept well stopped, and everything likely to contribute to good finish attended to promptly. Late Vines in some localities were badly ripened last year both in fruit and wood ; and unless well attended to with water at the roots both inside and outside the house, and carefully fired through this season of successive dull weather and scorching days, may if kept close show indica- tions of mildew, which should be met by painting the pipes with sulphur, putting on brisker fires, maintaming a rather higher temperature with liberal ventilation. Red spider must be kept under by similarly painting the pipes, but the temperature need not be raised nor freer ventilation be given for it. Let the border inside and outside have a good soaking with water at 90° if at all dry, for the roots will require to send up a supply of nutriment in quantity for some time yet, and a healthy growing state of the soil does not retard but assist in the perfecting of the crop, insuring well-swelled berries and high finish. Peaches and Nectarines.—As the trees in the succession houses become freed of the fruit all the bearing wood of this season should be cut out unless forming part of the extensions, and the shoots where too thick should be thinned out to admit light and air to help to ripen the wood, afterwards giving the trees a tho- rough washing with the garden engine. See that the borders inside and outside do not want for water, especially in the case of late houses where the trees are now swelling off the fruit, such trees being assisted by liquid manure and mulching the surface with short manure. Continue the syringing morning and evening until the fruit is wel! advanced for ripening, admitting air freely, in fact full ventilation day and night except in the case of high winds and an unusual low temperature at night. Peach scale attacks the trees sometimes when the fruit is advanced for ripen- ing or just afterwards. If prior to ripening, we do not advise any measures to be taken against it other than picking and sponging ; but immediately the fruit is gathered syringe the trees thoroughly with paraffin a wineglassful to four gallons of water, mixing the- roughly with the water and keeping mixed by alternate squirts of the syringe into the watering pot and trees. If this be not done it is better left alone, as some parts of the trees will be smeared | with paraffin purely and other parts with water only, doing more harm than good, whereas properly used it destroys the scale and does not in the least injure the trees. It is also effectual against thrips and red spider, indeed every kind of insect. In the earliest forced house some of the leaves will be beginning to change and drop off, in which case the lights if removed may be put on, but admitting all the ventilation practical, as if heavy rains set in some of the buds may start into growth, but by putting on the lights the inside borders will be kept drier. PLANT HOUSES. Greenhouse—Young Fuchsias are every way better than old plants. Cuttings should now be taken of free-growing shoots (blooming shoots though they strike freely never make good plants), they strike freely in a cold frame kept close and moist, shaded from bright sun. When rooted pot off singly in small pots (3 or 4 inches), and keep them near the glass in a genial tempera- ture, shifting them into 6-inch pots about six weeks afterwards. They do well in turfy loam, and a fifth part each of well-decayed manure and leaf soil and a sixth of sand. Any plants of these that flowered early will, if now cut-in slightly and thoroughly washed with a solution of soft soap, 20zs. to the gallon, to cleanse them from thrips and red spider, removing an inch or so of the surface soil, replacing with fresh and rich, placing them in a rather close house or pit and syringing freely, they will break freely and show flower plentifully, coming in towards the close of September, and with a temperature of about 50° from artificial means will continue for a long time if assisted with weak liquid manure. They are very valuable for cutting from. 116 [ August 8, 1878. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. Pelargoniums.—Barly-flowered plants of the Show, Spotted, Regal, and Fancy kinds will be ready to be cut down, the soil being moderately dry, otherwise the roots will suffer. Old plants should be cut back to two or at most three eyes, young plants to three or four. Place them in a cold pit or frame, tilting the lights to admit plenty of air, and in fine weather they may remain off, but over the plants tilted during rain. In bright weather syringe lightly every afternoon, giving no more water than to keep moist. Zonals showing signs of exhaustion feed with liquid manure, and they will bloom until late in autumn. Azaleas if placed out of doors must be stood upon a bed of ashes or other bottom impervious to worms, and the plants during heavy rains be placed on their sides, or, what is better, erect a wood framework over the plants to carry a roller and canvas covering to let down during very bright weather for two or three hours after placing outside for about a week, and during heavy rains, but do not allow it to remain over the plants longer than is absolutely necessary. The pots must be protected by canvas from the powerful rays of the sun, or they will be so heated as to destroy the roots. Kalosanthes—Cuttings may now be struck, taking cuttings of about 6 inches in length, stripping off the leaves one-third their length, and inserting singly in small pots in a cold frame fully exposed to sun, where they will soon root. Vallota purpurea should haye a light airy situation, and manure water after the scapes appear and until the flowers expand. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* All correspondence should be directed either to‘ The Editors,” or to “The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoidably. We request that no one will write privately to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and expense. GLASTONBURY THORN.—* £bba” wishes to know where he can obtain the Glastonbury Thorn and the green-flowered China Rose. Labour REQUIRED FOR GARDEN (An Irish Subscriber)—Three men with a working gardener would be sufficient to keep what you name in good order and high cultivation. GAS-HEATED BOILERS (7. K.)—We have heard that they are sufficient to exclude frost from small greenhouses. PARSLEY COLOURED (£. B.).—We think the pink tinge ornamental, and should not try to remove it. The addition of a little manure to the soil and plentiful watering would soon restore the green colour. FORCING AND INTERMEDIATE HOUSE (S. S.).—The cheapest and best description of house is a span or half-span, both of which are shown by Sections at page 274, vol. vii.. New Series. We should prefer the half-span With the ends east and west, front wall 3 feet high above ground, back wall 5 feet, height of house from floor to ridge 7 feet 6 inches, length of back light 5 feet, front lights 9 feet 6 inches long, lights for ventilation on the south side of the house 2 feet 6 inches wide, opening the whole length of the house by rod, crank, and lever apparatus. Pathway directly ander the ridge 2 feet wide, affording a bed in front 5 feet 6 inches wide, and one at back a little over 2 feet wide. The forcing house should have two rows of 4-inch pipes beneath the front bed, and one at the back to afford bottom heat, surrounded by and covered with rubble to a depth of about 6 inches, and upon this 9 to 12 inches depth of plunging material. No bottom heat will be required in the intermediate house. Three rows of 4-inch pipes will be required for top heat in both houses—i.e., two along the front and one along- side the pathway, but as there is no saying in pinching for piping we should have four pipes in the forcing end, and three in the intermediate house. A fair proportion would be 16 feet length of forcing house, and 20 feet inter- mediate house, but all depends upon the requirements. PEAS DISEASED (0.,.A Subscriber).—The pods enclosed to us by you are in- fested with thrips, there being traces also of mildew. The remedy is to afford copious supplies of water in dry weather, pouring the water along the sides of the rows, and mulching with short manure. The pests may be destroyed by syringing the plants with a solution of soft soap, 2 ozs. to the gallon of water, after the Peas have slatted. Liming will improve the staple of the soil } by liberating its pent-up organic substances, but it will not keep crops from the ravages of thrips. PLANTING IVY UNDER TREES (A Constant Reader) —Ivy may be planted any time in mild weather from September to April inclusive, and all the year if the plants are from pots. We should plant in February or March, and sufficiently close so as to cover the ground quickly, pegging the shoots oyer the surface in all directions, and keeping the soil moist until the plants are established. Cuttings will not be likely to answer, as the soil will be too dry to ensure their speedy growth, but they may be inserted now in a shady border in rather poor light soil, where they will root freely if kept moist. ERUIT TREES FOR SLOPING GROUND (G. Holme).—It is of primary im- portance in fruit culture that water does not ledge in the subsoil. If the ground be wet superfluous water must be carried off by drains placed 6 to 7 yards apart, and not less than 3 feet deep, having proper falls and outlets. With this and trenching the ground 2 feet deep we do not think you need fear forming a fruit garden with a variety of fruits. But you do not say whether you intend to form it into an orchard, keeping in grass or breaking- up the sward ; but as you mention half-standards we presume it is to be kept in grass; therefore our answer to your queries, as tabulated, is—l, We should not plant Apples only. 2, Standards or half-standard trees should be planted 24 feet apart. 3, Plums, Pears, and Cherries would be likely to succeed, but Apples and Plums are most likely. 4, The failure of the Black Currant bushes is probably due to excessive moisture, probably a sour soil induced by stagnant water, or it may be poverty of soil. Destroy the old bushes and plant fresh ones in new ground of such kinds as Black Naples and Lee’s Prolific. 5, Standard trees do not require any lifting, but root-pruning if they are growing too vigorously is occasionally necessary. 6, As to kinds of Apples—Kitchen : Cox’s Pomona, Bedfordshire Foundling, Dumelow’s Seed- ling, Warner’s King, Lord Suffield,and Northern Greening. Dessert : Dutch Mignonne, Sturmer Pippin, Blenheim Pippin, Irish Peach, Cox’s Orange Pippin, and King of the Pippins. Plums: Early Prolific, Orleans, Diamond, Prince Englebert, Victoria, Wyedale, and Crittenden or Cluster Damson ; those for culinary purposes. Dessert: Oullins Golden Gage, Green Gage, Jefferson, and Kirke’s. Cherries : Downton, Empress Eugénie, May Duke, Bigarreau Napoleon, and Morello. Pears: Jargonelle, Williams’s Bon Chrétien, Beurré de Capiaumont, Marie Louise, Beurré Diel, and Jules d’Airolles, with Catillac for stewing. CULTURE OF FILBERTS (C. A.).—The Kentish Cobs raised from seed and now 4 feet high will bear heavy crops of nuts in due course, but you must be content to wait three or four years till the branches have become suffi- ciently large to yield fruit. When the leaves fall cut down the seedling plants to within a foot from the ground. Next spring young shoots will cluster thickly upon the stem. Rub all off but four or five of the strongest, and when these are a couple of feet in length nip off the tops of each to induce a-lateral growth of side shoots, all of which except a couple of top shoots must be pruned to form spurs when the leaves fall, the two upper shoots. being shortened slightly for a new lateral growth in the following season. The best form for each tree is that of a basin very wide and shallow. This form may be imparted to some sorts by judicious pruning, but most kinds require some slight training by pulling down the young branches and fastening them in the right position with string to pegs driven in the ground. Be sure and keep the centre of each tree open, or you will only have nuts upon the upper branches instead of right down to the bottom of the tree. We have tried several varieties of Nuts and Filberts, and find Kentish Cob the most robuss and prolific of them all; not a summer passes without some nuts being had, and in most seasons we have a full crop. GRAPES SCALDING IN LATE VINERY (Jdem).—The best remedy is to afford full ventilation for a week or two till all risk of injury is past. Remove tall plants from the house, thin crowded growth, and see that there is not the slightest obstruction to a free circulation of air. Take care also that the roof ventilation is thorough. You will find fuller notes on scalding in another column. CABBAGE LEAVES EATEN BY INSECTS (Alexander Boyle)—The Turnip fiy (Athalia spirarum) eats the succulent green part of the leaves, and leaves the membrane of veins; but then it usually makes clean work, and as you say the mischief is done at night we are inclined to attribute it to some nocturnal weevil—which we cannot say out of the five hundred known British species of these destructive insects, and probably many more un- known. RAISING CLEMATISES FROM SEED (Amateur).—If Clematis seed is sown early in the year and the pots plunged in gentle heat it germinates freely. Tf your seed had no heat and the pots were placed in a cold pit or frame the soil may have become sodden with moisture at some time and the seed has decayed. If it is still sound the seedlings will probably soon appear, and if so encourage the growth by keeping them in gentle heat after they are potted, so as to have them as strong as possible by winter, when the growth will very likely die. Place them then in a cool pit or greenhouse, keep the soil moist but not sodden, and in spring you will be rewarded by a strong vigorous shoot pushing up through the soil, and by attention to the necessary repotting and watering the plants will soon gain sufficient size to yield flowers. SEEDS AND BULBS FROM SOUTH AFRICA (Stirling)—The bulbs will probably thrive in warm sheltered borders in the open air, but it will be well to pot most of them immediately, as spring time at the Cape is fast approaching, or rather may be said to have come. The Aponogeton and Richardia which we haye established in the open air are both now in full activity, putting forth new foliage abundantly, and the seed of Aponogeton is germinating by hundreds. Pot the bulbs and place them in a cold pit, removing them to the greenhouse for winter; water them regularly after the blossom fades until the foliage is perfected, in order to impart full vigour to the new bulb ; then gradually withhold water, and repot the bulbs after a period of a few weeks’ rest. If you have plenty of duplicates by all means try some in open borders, protecting with ashes in winter. The seed should be sown now, and the seedlings be repotted from time to time and kept in full growth during winter in a greenhouse, or better still an inter— mediate house if you have one, but if you cannot afford space under glass it will be better not to'sow till spring. NAMES OF PLANTS (W. J. B.).—We cannot name plants from their leaves only. (A Constant Subscriber) —1, Lysimachia vulgaris ; 2, Lysimachia sp. > 3, Clerodendron. (W. H. F.).—1, Clematis sp.; 2,Sagina nodosa; 3, Much too young to determine; 4, Lomaria alpina. (Young Gardener)—t, Lysi- machia vulgaris; 2, Geranium sanguineum; 3, Aster puniceus; 4, Aster levis; 5, Bupthalmum salicifolium; 6, Centaurea montana. , (7y70).— 3, Ginothera biennis; 4, Hypericum perforatum; 5, Lopezia racemosa > 6, Heemanthus puniceus. THE HOME FARM: POULTRY, PIGEON, AND BEE CHRONICLE. HARVESTING OF OATS. Ir is often said that oats being an inferior grain compared with either wheat or barley, the harvesting of the crop is not of so much consequence, and that we need not be so particular as to the condition at harvest as for other crops. This idea used to prevail formerly much more than at the present time, as we haye known parties carting oats to the rick when the straw was yery damp and eyen when it rained; but the straw is now so valuable that we are, as it were, bound to have the straw in good condition, and thereby we save the grain in a valuable state. Although the oat crop may be inferior in comparison, yet in some of the northern and western counties, in the hill August 8, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 117 districts and in exposed situations along the coast, it is the only grain crop grown, and this circumstance, together with the diffi_ culties of harvesting on the elevated lands and backward climates | makes it desirable to select such varieties of oats as will not readily shed or whip-out by the wind. On the other hand, it is desir- able to grow a forward sort of grain in order to its early harvest- ing in the most unfavourable districts. The winter-sown in the autumn will come earliest to harvest, and this sort, as well as the Potato Oat, the Hopetown, the Poland, and Black Siberian, each of these kinds is adapted in some respects for a backward climate, Still they are open-hawed, and in exposed situations it is very difficult to secure the crop without loss by shaking. Under these circumstances they should be cut very early and tied into sheaves. These are, however, sorts which recommend them- selves to our notice by the fact that, being close and cluster- hawed, they will stand almost any amount of wind without loss of the grain. These are the Black and White Tartarian varieties, and they are capital croppers ; but the white sort is rather late and not quite so well adapted for the northern climate. It is) however, invaluable for growth in elevated and exposed districts for we have never known it shed the grain, and it has been lately very much improved as a pedigree oat by careful selection» and the gain is now much superior to what it used to be, and the straw of this sort is excellent food for cattle. The oat crop is rarely ever cut soon enough, and it may be said as a rule, that when the straw is tuned yellow the sooner the crop is cut the better both as regards the value of the grain and straw as fodder, because a portion of sap will then be in the straw, and when properly dried before harvesting contributes greatly to its feeding value. If the crop is allowed to stand until fully ripe of all the open-hulled sorts, such as the White Canadian, the Winter Oat, and the other sorts before named; they can scarcely be harvested without serious loss, even when cut and tied, for the grain will fall out greatly even in the act of cutting and tying. The Tartarian varieties, both Black and White, are now very much in favour even on the best lands and superior climates of the southern and eastern counties, for they will not only yield an abundant crop both of straw and grain, but they may be allowed to remain uncut for a consider- able time if other more urgent work requires immediate at- tention. They will also when cut, tied, and stood up in shock, remain without serious injury in case of a showery or wet harvest- We haye found the White sort in good condition after standing in shock for a month; but there is a point to be considered in all cases where the crop is sheayed and allowed to stand a con- siderable time in shock. It will perish the clover plants under the shocks; and as it is a common practice to sow clover in the oat crop this is an important consideration, and there is no way of saying the clover except by constantly, or every three or four days, removal of the shocks on to fresh ground. The reaping machine and self-binder is as well adapted for cutting and tying the oat crop as for wheat. But in case of wire being used for binding the sheaves it will prove very difficult to deal with unless the wire is removed from the sheaves at the time of thrashing, which will prove not only expensive but cause delay. On the other hand, if the wire is passed through the thrashing machine with the straw it proves a serious evil, being mixed up with the straw when used for fodder, whether the straw is giyen to the cattle whole and loose, or whether it is eut into chaff; in fact, it cannot be cut into chaff without great difficulty, and if it could be accomplished there is still the liability of injury to cattle swallowing the small pieces of wire with the chaff. The tying of the fodder crops either of oats or barley with wire must be abandoned, and the sheaves tied by hand with Straw bonds, until some further improvement and discovery is made as to binding materials. Tying with yar has been at- tempted but has failed, and even if it had succeeded as a tying material it would be very objectionable to be cut up with straw as food for cattle. We have sometimes found that when the crops of oats are very abundant, that the straw will be much ‘to the working of oxen for tillage. laid and twisted. In that case it will be often advisable to resort to the use of the fagging hook for cutting, as the means of saying the most grain and straw, more particularly of the tender and delicate sorts of white oats. It is also desirable that the sheaves should not be tied very large, say from 14 to 15 inches through at the bond, for in case the sheaves get wet outside by rain,.or tied-up when wet, they will not get dry so quickly as wheat. Oats have so much more leaf attached to the straw, and it entails so much labour and loss to untie the sheaves, that there is always more liability to heating in a rick of oats than of wheat, especi- ally when the crop is seeded with clover. In this case the crop will be required to stand much longer in shock. Cutting oats with the scythe and carting to rick as loose corn is still practised where the crop is light, and no doubt it becomes fit for the stack sooner, but in case of rain the turning of swathes and the changes from wet to sunny weather bleach the straw and seriously injure the fodder. Should, however, the weather prove fine, the loose crop soon becomes fit to harvest. In stacking the loose corn there is always more waste than when tied, and the rick of loose corn will require to be carefully thrashed with sticks on the outside, or some corn will be taken by small birds ; whereas when the oats are tied the butts of the sheaves furnish an outside to the rick without loss. We also like the ricks made round, and if required to stand for a considerable time the ricks should be placed upon a stand, as rats and mice are both especially fond of oats. WORK ON THE HOME FARM. Horse Labour is now most important, particularly when it is a common practice to turn the horses out to grass during the first few days of the harvest month, and set the teamsmen to work in the harvest field. We, however, have always demurred to this plan, believing that the labour of horses is too valuable to be thus thrown away. We usually have ploughing and sowing turnips for them to do after peas, winter oats, early white oats, or wheat. In case we do not sow stubble turnips we always take care to keep the horses at work in fallow-ploughing or scarifying, whichever may be best, often between the shocks of corn, other- wise after the corn is cleared. We hold the working of horses continually to be sound practice, for it must be admitted by any person with experience that horses to be in good health and equal to their work when called on at all times should be fed well and worked with regularity. We must also bear in mind that horse labour upon the land is valuable in proportion as the weather is favourable and the land dry. Some horses, too, will be required in working the reaping and mowing machines, and this is severe work even for powerful and active animals. It is advisable, therefore, to haye this work done by relays of horses, so that the reaping should be done without any hindrance; and by taking fresh horses every four hours the animals will not be overworked nor the reaping retarded. As soon as the stacking or housing of corn commences one of the horses will be required to work the gear of the elevator in making the ricks, whether of wheat or sheaved oats, or of loose corn, such as peas, oats, or barley. When the cultivation of a farm is of a mixed character the horses are enabled in autumn to till all the land required for early root crops, such as potatoes, mangold, carrots, &e., without the aid of steam power. Upon this system of tillage we are nearly always busy with our horses without being subject to heavy pressure of horse labour, which often occurs upon farms tilled or sown upon the four-course rotation, and it often happens that extraordinary pressure takes place twice a year—viz., pre- paring for wheat out of lea and preparing for turnips after a winter fallow ; whilst at other times of the year the horses are comparatively idle, or employed in some unimportant work. In many cases the question of supplementary animal power is a matter worth more consideration than it usually obtains, particu- larly since the introduction of steam culture, and which is not always available for the home farm, even by hiring. We allude We will not here, however, enlarge upon this matter, preferring’at a future time to take up the subject for a special article. In securing corn we do not advocate its being housed in the barns, except such portions of the crop as may be required for thrashing immediately after harvest, because the damage by such vermin as rats and mice is often very serious when corn is kept in the barns during the winter months. i Hand Labour will now be required for tying the corn behind the reaping machine, at least upon those farms where the combined reaping and binding machine is not yet in use, and also hand lahour will be required in assisting to stack the corn. In most cases, however, the elevator is now used on the home farm, and the labourers ought certainly to appreciate its use, taking off the men, as it does, the severest manual labour which they can be 118 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 8, 1878, called upon to do during the harvest. Women also should be en- couraged to do work during the harvest month, for many of them have been accustomed to tie the corn reaped by their husbands. Some of them are, therefore, as capable of tying behind the reaper as the men, and this work should be let by the acre to men who have wives and families, which not only forwards the work but enables the people to earn good wages. The management of pigs must not be overlooked, it being part of the work on the home farm to see that the swine of all ages are well cared for, so that not only the animals themselves may be in good health and condition, but that the breeding sows should be carefully attended and properly fed, in order that they may bring their young in due course, and both mother and off- spring be maintained in good health. It, however, must not be forgotten that these animals are not very profitable in breeding and rearing if their dung and droppings are left out of the calcu- lation. It is in consequence very desirable that the store pigs and also breeding sows should be fed daily in part with vegetable food the produce of the land, such as clover, vetches, rape, tri- folium, Swedes, or turnips, whichever may be in season, with a small allowance of Indian corn or barleymeal, and the animals accommodated with pens such as will be described on a future occasion, HEDGES AND THEIR ENEMIES. FENCES interest everyone who occupies a rood of land, and yet how rarely one sees a farm properly fenced! The expense of maintaining a bad fence is so onerous that it is worth while doing the work thoroughly well when the fence is first formed. The main thing requisite is to have the land clean and im good heart, so as to get the young plants well started. ~Plant in double rows in zigzag line, and cut them back within 4inches of the ground in the third year. Never plant them ona raised bank, a very com- mon practice, and have them pruned by a skilful workman with the sharpest of bills every year, aiming at a wedge shape, thus—A. Holly is the only powerful ally of the hawthorn ; but unluckily rabbits, the bane of the planter, are fonder of that beautiful shrub than almost of any other. And coming to the pests which destroy our best efforts when rearing a young fence, I ask your opinion of the specimen I forward of one which during the last three weeks has attacked a thriving young quickset fence which I had cut down last spring. Three weeks ago it was looking as well as possible, and when I again saw it yesterday I fancied that some | urchins had been firing the grass and had scorched the fence (as one often sees along railway slopes portions of the fence scorched by fire ignited by sparks from the engine), the leaves and shoots being brown and crisp, with no sap whatever left in them. I could find no living grub on any of the portions that were quite brown, but on some shoots just beginning to change colour I found the minute orange-coloured maggots, some of which I for- ward, and which I presume to be the destroyers of my beautiful young fence. I hope that this scourge is not common in the country, for on a large scale it would be a most serious evil. I have also found a wooded rayine, where oaks form the princi- pal growth, overrun withcaterpillar. My notice was first attracted by minute black specks on the light sandstone road, which for two miles looked as if black pepper had been strewn from a castor upon it. Isoon discovered, however, that these specks were the excreta Of countless multitudes of caterpillars, which since my previous visit had attacked the oaks. How disheartening these visitations are, and how inscrutable ! A check in the free circulation of the sap arising from inclement weather, and thus weakening the vitality of the tree, is nearly sure to be followed by an attack of this hateful pest. Should this occur in two successive years many trees will succumb under the attack. How does this devouring host suddenly acquire vitality by reason of the weakened condition of the tree growth ? The invasion of the quickset by the grub I have referred to occurred during the recent hot weather, so that the cases are not parallel, and I am utterly at sea with regard to the origin of both in- flictions—W. Lipscoms, Heath, Wakefield (in Journal of Forestry). FORTHCOMING POULTRY SHOWS. _ WE have before us the schedules of several shows, which will be interesting, as likely to bring out many of the best early chickens of the year, and so to give us some idea of the quality of the year’s produce. We have before commented on the Winchester scnednle, the first show, we believe, of the season for chickens alone. Bath, as usual, has a most attractive programme. We regret to hear that the former shows held there haye resulted in consider- able loss to the Committee, and that this show is a kind of test as to whether there is a real desire among fanciers for a continuation of the meetings. There are twenty-one cups and special prizes, besides two point cups. The poultry classes are forty-three, with three prizes in each of 30s., 10s., and 5s. Save in the case of Silkies, Bantams, and Ducks, which are shown in pairs, the classes are for single birds, chickens of the year. In these specially excepted classes and the Selling classes birds of any age are ad- missible. Pigeons are for the first time at Bath shown singly, and have twenty-seven classes with prizes of 15s.,10s.,and 5s. Cage birds have nineteen classes and Rabbits eleven. The Rey. Gren- ville Hodson is as usual Judge, but will this year have a colleague not yet appointed. The Show days are Sept. 4th and 5th. The Central Bucks Agricultural Association will this year hold its meeting on September 11th at Wycombe Abbey, High Wy- combe, in lieu of at Aylesbury. The poultry classes, twenty-eight in number, are for birds of any age, for the most part shown singly, with three prizes in each of 25s.,10s.,and 5s. There are twelve cups, one of five guineas, the rest of three and two guineas. Pigeons have eight classes, with prizes of 10s. and ds. and a two-guinea point cup. Canaries, three classes, with prizes of 15s., 7s. 6d., and 5s. Mr. Hewitt is appointed Judge—C. RABBIT COURTS. As soon as the young Rabbits are large enough to be removed from the parent exercise will be found very necessary to keep them in good health. They may be kept in large hutches and occasionally put down to run. This gives some trouble, and does notalways answer. What is most suitable under the circumstances is a place where they can constantly run about and gambol; an@ where they can keep dry and warm. A properly constructed Rabbit court will answer all these requirements and pay well. If the soil is dry and solid there will be every chance of success. The best place for a Rabbit court is in a yard with a hard well- trodden-down bottom. The best part of the yard is a corner made by two houses, or, failing this, a house and a yard. These will greatly diminish the cost of making the court, and the building will keep off wind and cold. Regulate the size according to the number of Rabbits that are going to be kept init. Suppose you are not going to put more than fifty young Rabbits in at a time, and that you will weed them off as they grow older, about 60 square feet will be plenty. Each wall should be at least 6 feet high, or the place will not be healthy. If the two sides already erected are very strong a single course of bricks may be sufficient for the extra ones ; but if the thickness is only 44 inches, a couple of buttresses double that thickness should be placed so as to act asa support for each wall. A roof should be added to keep off the wet—at any rate the worst of it. To effect this a lean-to of 2-inch boards will be found handy, and these should be screwed tightly together by means of cross pieces. They should be put up in hot weather when the wood is dry, and then the wood will swell with the wet and effectually keep out any rain. If put up in the winter the wood will shrink with the heat and leave crevices of as much as half an inch in the summer. The whole should be thickly tarred on the outside. If the wood is old and not likely to be quite watertight, it can be made equally effective by nailing along it a piece of felt and then having it well asphalted. New timber is the cheapest and most effective. The part against the wall may be7 feet from the ground, and the other extremity only 6 ; but if the length is much the slope should be increased, the top to be 8 feet from the ground and the bottom still 6. There will then be a small space left open between the roof and the top of the walls. This may safely be left for light and ventilation, and to prevent the wet beating in the roof may be made to project a few inches. A door must be made in one of the sides. This can- not be made very easily, as itis necessary to make it strong or the whole side is likely tofallin. For economy’s sake many make the doorway very low, so as to make creeping in almost necessary. This is very unsatisfactory. On the other hand, if the door is high, say about 5 feet, and a few inches more is an advantage, a dodge may be resorted to to prevent the Rabbits from running out when the door is opened. Two grooves may be fixed on either door- post and a plank slipped down, as is often done in country cottages to keep the children in. If it is not more than a foot high it will not be much trouble to step over, and it will prevent many a chase after a delinquent. A better plan is to make an entry in two doors, as is done in the case of aviaries, but this is very much trouble and will add to the expense. The floor should be care- fully prepared. If the ground is gravelly or sandy and pretty hard the best floor will be an inch layer of cement and sand mixed. up very wet, poured on, rubbed smooth, and left to dry. If the soil is at all damp, 2 or 3 inches of sand or gravel should be laid down and the cement on the top of it. In either case the result will be a floor of great hardness and durability. For the purpose of draining it should be allowed to slope a little towards one corner or side, and if possible connection should be made with some drain. In the centre of the floor a couple of bushels of soil quite dry and clean should be placed so that the Rabbits can sport on it and perhaps burrow a little. As it is liable to fall in and cause suffocation it is best not to pile it too high. Along one side of the court a trough something like a pig trough, but about a third the size, should be fixed. Wires should be fixed along the top to prevent the Rabbits from gettingin. It should be made of metal, or if of wood a piece of wire should be fixed along the top so as to keep the Rabbits’ teeth from destroying it. Especially during cold weather, and at all times, the little August 8, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 119 Rabbits will require some place of warmth to go into at night. Along another side a place 2 feet wide, with a top to open on hinges, will be sufficient. Half a dozen holes should be cut in it to allow the Rabbits to run in and out, If wished two or three partitions can be placed on the outside, but they are not needed. They keep the place a little warmer. This must be kept well filled with straw ; a little hay may be given, but as the Rabbits will eat this it should not be relied on for bedding. Such a place as this will be very useful for young Rabbits in the summer and autumn, but it will be found cold in winter, when it may be used as a rabbitry for varieties not requiring heat.— ‘GETA. VARIETIES. Ow1neG to the heavy rains that have fallen harvest operations are suspended in some districts, and injury has been done to the grain by the extreme violence of the storms, With the storms a high temperature has generally prevailed; a continuance of those conditions can scarcely fail to promote the sprouting of grain and to accelerate the spread of the potato disease. The showers, except where they have been excessively heavy, have much benefited the root crops, which, and also weeds, are now growing rapidly, —— Ata large and influential meeting of the members of the Highland and Agricultural Society recently held in Edinburgh, his Grace the Duke of Buccleuch presiding, Mr. Fletcher Norton Menzies, the Secretary of the Society, was presented with a cheque for the handsome sum of £1225 19s, 2d. and a massive silver tan- Eard as a mark of the high appreciation entertained by the mem- bers of the Society of his services as Secretary during the last twelve years, and of his successful exertions and devotion to duty in promoting the usefulness and interests of the Society. Thesub- scriptions were limited to five guineas, and the list contained the names of 671 members, the total amount subscribed being £1320 11s., which, after purchasing the silver tankard and deducting all ex- penses, left the handsome balance of £1225 19s. 2d., for which a cheque was handed to him by the Duke of Buccleuch, who in making the presentation paid a merited tribute to the careful assiduity and managing ability of Mr. Menzies. —— WE hear that considerable interest in poultry has of late been aroused in South Germany. Some of the best specimens of Dark Dorkings in the Early Wood yards have lately gone to more than one fancier in the neighbourhood of Dresden. — ArT the Council Meeting of the Bath and West of England Society, held on the 30th ult. at the Grand Hotel, Bristol, the Chairman feelingly referred to the great loss sustained by the Society by the death of Mr. Charles Gordon, who for many years had rendered efficient service as Member of the Council and Stew- ard of one of the principal departments of the Society’s Exhi- bition ; of Mr. Herbert Williams, who as Chairman of Finance, and in other prominent capacities, had served the Society with indefatigable zeal ; and of Mr. Bremridge, whose munificent hos- pitality on the occasion of the Barnstaple meeting would be ever memorable in the history of the Society. The Finance Committee brought up their quarterly statement of accounts, and payments to the amount of £5719 0s. 8d. were sanctioned by the Council. It transpired that considerable loss had been incurred by the recent Oxford Meeting, and the Finance Committee were autho- rised, should they find it necessary, to sell out £1000 India bonds. The Committee appointed to visit Exeter and make arrangements for the Meeting of 1879 presented their report, and it was resolved that the site opposite the Barracks on the Topsham road be accepted, and power was given to the Committee to conclude arrangements with the local authorities. The Council having at a previous meeting received an invitation from the authorities of Southampton for the Society to hold its meeting in that impor- tant town in 1880, a further communication from the authorities of Southampton was now presented by the Hon. and Rey. J. T. Boscawen, and a deputation was appointed to visit Southampton on an early day to inspect the proposed site and make other arrangements preparatory to the next meeting of Council. On the motion of Colonel Luttrell the sum of £2070 was placed at the disposal of the Stock Prize Sheet Committee for the Exeter meeting ; this amount, being £70 in excess of that offered at any previous meeting, having special reference to the claims of breeders of Channel Islands stock. Owing to the large amount of business to be transacted the consideration of the prizes to be offered for poultry and in other departments was deferred until the August meeting. .—— SINCE we are so greatly indebted to America both for fari- maceous and animal food, the following extracts referring to the future supply possess interest :—The present wheat crop will be grown on an area increased to make up more than the deficiency of the last. Its extent is not yet fully determined, but the in- erease will probably reach four million bushels, and the entire field will comprise not much less than 30,000,000 of acres. Nearly every winter-wheat State shows an enlargement of area, small in the eastern and middle, variable in the south, reaching 22 per cent. in Texas and 18 in Tennessee. In the eastern half of the Ohio Valley (Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky) the increase appears to be about 500,000 acres, and in Indiana and Illinois more than 700,000 acres. There will be an increase of nearly 400,000 acres in Kansas, and 300,000 or more in Missouri. In round numbers the increase in the spring-wheat States may be placed at 2,400,000 acres. In the four spring-wheat States of the north-west there is a large increase, as well as upon the Pacific coast, the extent of which is not yet determined, but it will be likely to approximate 1,506,000 acres. Of condition both of winter and spring wheat little need be said, except that it is fine, not to say extraordinary, with very few exceptions as drawbacks as yet in any part of the country. If the yield shall prove an average one the crop must be as large as that of the past year, equal to a liberal supply of home wants and export demand somewhat larger than the average, —(New York Tribune.) Ir may be interesting to those poultry fanciers who have not received their Paris prize money in full, or who have received bronze medals in lieu of medals of a superior metal, to know that one of the English jurors has addressed a remonstrance on this (as he conceives) departure from the promises of the published schedule, to the authorities, and has been promised that the Minister of Agriculture and Commerce will have the matter inquired into at once. The English jurors on the conclusion of their labours in Paris were given to understand that gold medals would be given to them as little souvenirs of the great Interna- tional Exhibition. They are now informed that this was purely an error on the part of the President of their section, as no such medals were ever cast or decreed to them ! —— In an interesting paper on dairy farming recently read by Professor Sheldon, it is stated that the enormously increased de- mand for fresh milk, coupled with facility of railway transit, is rapidly changing the character of dairy farming, and it is well for the dairy farmer that it should be so, for it is far more profitable and satisfactory in many ways that he should sell his milk as milk, and not convert it into cheese and butter—as much of it, that is, as he can arrange to sell in that manner. This system, however, is making us as a nation more and more dependant each successive year on foreign cheese and butter ; and it is more than probable that we shall soon become almost wholly dependant on them for these most useful and valuable articles of food. Owing to the greatly increased consumption of milk the production of cheese and butter in this country is annually decreasing, and this is also the reason, the chief if not the only reason, why cheese factories have not gone on multiplying in number in the midland counties. —— As showing the importance of sheep husbandry in various countries of the globe, the Prairie Farmer states that Great Britain has one sheep to each two acres of land; Germany, France, and Spain one to each five acres; the United States one to each fifty- six acres. There is no farm animal that with proper care will do more for a worn country than sheep. So well known is this that their tread has been called golden. It is so, inasmuch that while paying well for the care bestowed on them they are constantly enriching the soil on which they feed by their droppings. It has also been said that sheep pay twice—once in the fleece and once in carcase. —— Tue American Minister for Agriculture has recently stated that in the extensive caverns of Texas enormous masses of guano are deposited. The quantity is estimated at 20,000 tons, and the quality is said to be superior to that of fish guano. Its origin must be looked for in the immense numbers of bats which inhabit these caverns. It is also reported that in the Indian Ocean several guano islands have been discovered, so that the threatened exhaustion of guano deposits need not be feared for some time to come, BEES IN BRITTANY. WHILE recently travelling in Brittany we noticed as far as we could the local peculiarity of bee management. Hives were large, made of straw, shaped like our old-fashioned bellglass supers—i.e., narrowing at the base. As many as forty-nine were counted in one small field by the roadside, arranged in a double row, each upon its separate slab of stone laid flat upon the ground and covered with a sod ofearth. In other places we saw the hives ranged one on the top of the other very close, with a bank behind them. The entrances were very large, shaped much like an egg when lying on its side, allowing free egress and ingress. About 20 Ibs. of honey was stated as a very fair yield in good years. Brittany is generally a poor half-cultivated country, but it ought to yield at times an abundance of honey from the prevalent crops of buckwheat. If broom is a honey-yielding flower much ought to be gathered from it, as it too is found everywhere in great abun- dance. Like all hungry soils lying on a substratum of granite there is no lack of heather in places, which in fine seasons must also be productive. The present season appears to have been very similar in character hitherto to that experienced by ourselves, The people spoke of a wretched spring and a wet early summer. which was followed, as in England, by great heat and heavy 120 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 8, 1878. thunderstorms; accordingly we found swarming going on quite late in July—so too we found it in Jersey, nor did it seem to be thought an unusual circumstance. Owing to the Bretons being rarely able to understand French, as they talk a language of their own akin to the Welsh and Gaelic tongues, it was difficult to get any more precise informa- tion from the peasant bee-keepers, who alone appeared to keep bees.—B. & W. FERTILE WORKERS. A BETTER illustration could not be found as to how the deeper mysteries of apiarian science are to the skepist a sealed book, while to the bar-framer these are laid naked and bare for inspec- tion, than in the case of fertile workers. Years ago in these pages while, the late Mr. Woodbury, the “ RENFREWSHIRE BEE- KEEPER,” and myself were discussing that interesting but by no means yery rare phenomenon, Mr. Pettigrew in the columns of the “Scottish Gardener,” treated the subject as follows :— “Both ancient and modern writers on bees since the days of M. Huber have said a great deal about fertile workers. They tell us that some working bees lay eggs; they tell us how these fertile workers are produced, and describe their size and colour. IT wish here to move an amendment, and to meet the statements of these writers on this point with a direct and positive contradic- tion. I fearlessly affirm that there never was and never will be a fertile working bee ; and let me here cast the burden of proving their existence on the shoulders of those who write about them. Tf there should be one fertile worker in all England or Scotland this year I will here offer £10 to the owner if he will send her to me; and if he does not want to part with her I will give him £10 for the poor of his parish if he will send me a dozen of her eggs. ‘And let me hope that these writers will hold their tongue about fertile workers till they honestly meet my challenge and offer and produce one of what they write about.” i There at present stands in my apiary remains of a stock of black bees, now thirteen months old, which this season failed to raise a queen wvorker—as usual in such circumstances, took her place. She, her treatment by her unfertile sisters, her eggs, and Italian drone progeny hatched therefrom, are freely open to the inspection of all bee-keepers interested on the point at my apiary, Auchenraith, Blantyre, Lanarkshire, and it is my intention, should no accident befall in the interim, to exhibit the same in a small observatory at the Caledonian Apiarian and Entomological Society’s Exhibi- tion in connection with the Highland and Agricultural Society’s Meeting at Dumfries on 30th July—A LANARKSHIRE BEE- ‘KEEPER. HONEY HARVEST OBTAINED FROM STEWARTON HIVES. Juy 29TH.—I have removed the supers from my two Stewarton colonies, and the results, if not equal to those I have formerly re- corded, are I think, if the character of the season is taken into consideration, highly satisfactory. Up to the 2Ist of June I do not think that there was a single sealed cell of this year’s honey in my apiary. a Only eae stocks were storified ; of these one has yielded 56 ibs. 12 ozs., the other 53 ibs. of pure virgin honeycomb. 4 third colony established last summer in a neighbour’s garden has completely filled and sealed three supers containing fully 60 lbs. of beautiful honeycomb. In all these supers (ten in number) there is not a single cell which has been polluted by the presence of either prood or pollen. As an experiment I have had a set of Stewarton boxes con- structed of a larger sizethan usual. Thestock boxes are 16 inches jn diameter and 7 inches deep inside measure. The supers are of the same diameter, but only 4inches deep. Three stock boxes make up the set. A swarm was introduced into one of these poxes on the 15th of June, a second box was shortly placed under the first, and a super was placed on the top. Both of the stock boxes are now fully occupied, and the super which was removed yesterday contained 17 tbs. Sozs. of beautifully white honey- comb.—J. E. BRISCOE, Albrighton. OUR LETTER BOX. SUPERS NOT FINISHED (J. C:).—In order to prevent your bees from swarming you put a super on the hive on the 6th of June, which was filled swith combs in a few days, when a second super was placed beneath the first. n the course of a few days the second super was filled with bees and combs, when you put another beneath the first andsecond ones. These three supers you say are filled with combs, but not with honey. Your management has been good, only the season has been unfavourable for honey-gathering. Tf jt had been a honey season you would doubtless have got three supers full and finished from one hive. If the bees were on Bagshot Moors they would soon finish the supers. If you do not take them to the heather we advise the removal of the supers. Probably you will find several pounds of honey- comb in the topmost super. If the combs in the others are white they could be preserved for use next year. If the stock hive weighs beyond 40 ths. the bees could be driven and fed and its honey taken. from Italian eggs supplied. A substitute—a fertile |. MAKING CAPONS (S. Zangdale):\—The operation of caponising is so cruel and unnecessary that we cannot recommend it. Fowls properly fattened will attain a:sufficiently large size without being converted into capons. DRIVING BEES (Wovice)—Your bees may be driven from their hives by anybody who has courage enough to blow some smoke from fustian rags into their hives amongst them, turn the hives on the crowns (upside down) and place empty hives on them mouth to mouth, and roll tablecloths round the junctions to keep the bees in. When this is done commence at once to drum on the bottom hives with both hands, or two books, or two pieces of wood, and continue this work for fifteen or twenty minutes. This drumming disturbs the bees so much that they run up into the empty hives. If you will only try it in earnest you will be astonished at your success. WEIGHT OF HIVES FOR WINTER (Yom Tower).—From September till March an 18-inch hive well filled with bees will require from 15 to 20 ibs. of food, either good honey or syrup. Less of course will do for a smaller hive. Forty thousand bees (8tbs. weight of them) are population enough for an 18-inch hive in September, and thirty thousand will be a fair population for a 16-inch hive. The more numerous the population the more food is required, and if the weather in autumn and winter be mild the more food is consumed. The estimate of 15 or 20 ibs. of food includes nothing but honey or good syrup at the end of August when the stores haye all been laid up.. When bees are working or being fed they consume a great deal of honey. Bees are now eating a great deal of honey and gathering very little. Every bee- keeper should know the weight,or about the weight, of hives and boards before they are put to use. DEPRIVING BEES OF THEIR HONEY (ZLeicester).—We can give you no directions as we do not know what hive they arein. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. CAMDEN SQUARE, LONDON. Lat. 51° 32’ 40" N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet. DATE. 9 A.M. IN THE Day. 1878. |2h2 .| Hygrome-| Es |Ss.,|Shade Tem-| Radiation | 4 July. |eind ter. SS |255)| perature. |Temperature,) ¢ and |Sfz¢ = | So=| al ae a = SEA 2 1504 August|" 3 ¢ AS OR Min. | deg. NW. 547 N. 54.0 N.W. 54.6 IN: 57.3 Sia3)| 56.6 S-E. 57.3 S.E. 58.1 63.8) 59.7 63.3 56.7 REMARKS 3lst.—Fine morning, dull and oppressive from 11 A.M. till 2 P.Af.; sunny afternoon ; cloudless evening; bright starlight night. 1st.—Dull morning, followed by very fine weather rest of the day; cool breeze- 2nd.—Dull morning, slight drizzling rain, bright and sunny from 11 A.M. till4P.M.; cool breeze; cloudy from 4 till 6P.M.; very fine evening. 3rd.—Fair morning, at’ 10.30 A.M. heavy rain with lightning and thunder ; showery afternoon. 4th.—Thunderstorm at midnight with heavy rain, constant thunder from 1 to 3P.M., and from 4.15 to 6.30 P.M. occasional showers; very heavy rain 6.33 P.M. 5th—Rather damp morning, bright and sunny day, lightning from 8 P.-L, heavy rain at intervals from 9 P.M. till 2 A.M. 6th.—Damp morning, warm and close; bright and sunny after 0.15, clouded over from 6 P.M. Allthe means of maximum and minimum temperatures are about one degree above those of last week; but the dry-bulb temperature is nearly a degree lower. The barometer readings are rather higher than those of last, week. Remarkablyheavy rain on night of August 3rd—4+th—G. J. SYMONS. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—AUGUST 7. OUR market dces not recover its activity, as owing to the bank holiday and the recent heavy rains we have had very little to sell the last three days- FRUIT. s.d. s. d. s. d. s. d Apples... dsieve 2 Otot 0 | Melons.......... 4 0told 0 Apric dozen 1 0 3 O| Nectarines 4020 Cherries ib 0 6 1 6| Oranges § 016 0 Chestnw bushel 10 0 20 0| Peaches........ 202 0 Currants . 3 6 4 6} Pears, kitchen.. 00 00 60 6 6 dessert 00 00 2 0 + 0} Pine Apple 30 60 00 60 jams... 36 56 0 0 O 0} Raspberries .. 06 10 0 6 © 9 | Strawberries ib 00 00 10 6 0} Walnuts . bushel 5 0 8 O 6 0 10 0 ditto... P1000 00 VEGETABLES. s. d. s. d. sd sd Artichokes...... dozen 2 Oto4 0|Mushrooms.... pottle 1 6to2 0 Asparagus...... bundle 0 0 O O/| Mustard & Cress punnet 0 2 0 # Beans,Kidneyforced? Ib 0 3 O 6| Onions ........ ushel 2 6 3 0 Beet; Red -2= 2 dozen 1 6 8 0} pickling...... quart 0 4 06 Broccoli ........ bundie 0 9 1 6 acc 20 00 Brussels Sprouts 3sieve 0 0 0 0 i 00 06 Cabbage ....... dozen 10 2 0 OSs rt “0 Carrots bunch 0 4 0 8 So Abaee 0 Capsicums. #10016 20 560 7090 Cauliflower: dozen 3 0 6 0 TOME <6. Celery ....... bundle 16 2 0 06 09 Coleworts mnches 20 4 0 Ciey at) Cucumbers . each 0 4 1 0} Scorzonera . 10 00 Endive ... dozen 1 0 2 0/Seakale ... too 00 Fennel... bunch 0 3 0 0} Shallots... Pith 038 0 4 Garlic . ~tb. 0 6 9O O| Spinach........ 26 40 Herbs . bunch 0 2 O 0|Turnips........ bunch 0 6 0 9 Leeks . bunch 0 2 4/Veg.Marrows.. each 0 2 0 4 Lettuce dozen 10 2 0 ’ August 15, 1878, ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. — 121 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Average | Ciock | Day f 52 78. St Sun Moon | Moon | Moon’s fi 2 ucts AUGUST 15—21, 1878 HEGSRAES: near | Rises: | Sets Rises Sets. |“ Age: igor wk } Day. Night. Mean.| h. m.| h. m.| h. m.} h. m | Days. | Mm. s. TH Shrewsbury Show closes. 73.0 0.1 | 61.6 | 4 47 |} 7 21 7 55 (OE Day 4 18} 227 EF 73.2 a 5 62.8 4 49 eels) 8 6 8 32) 18 4 6 | 228 s 73.1 | 50.4 | 61.7 4 50} 7 17 8 18 9 41 | 19 3 53 | 229 SUN | 9 SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 73.3 | 51.6 | 62.5 4 52) 7 16] 8 32} 10 51 20 3 40 | 230 2 : 70.3 | 51.6 | 62.3 4 53| 7 14] 8 50} Oa3 21 3 27 | 231 TU Royal Horticultural Society—Fruit and Floral Com- | 72.5 | 50.8 | 62.6 4 55) 7 12 9 14] 1 15 22 3 13 | 232 W Burton-on-Trent Show. [ mittees at 11 A.M. | 72.4 | 49.7 | 61.0 | 4 57|/ 7 9] 9 47 | 2 27 r¢ 2 58 | 233 From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 72.5° ; and its night temperature AUTUMN PROPAGATION OF BEDDING PLANTS. aequied the autumn propagation of ite aun for the following season always requires con- siderable attention at this time of the year. Provided good cuttings can be had they should be inserted as soon after the beginning of August as possible, and the whole should be finished by the end of this month at the latest to give the young plants a fair chance of wintering well. In a good autumn many kinds of cuttings will root freely and establish themselves during September, but this cannot always be depended We generally begin our autumn propagation about the on. 12th of August, and finish it all by the end of the month. During September the cuttings form plenty of roots, and at the same time they are fully exposed to the sun and air to @harden them so as to withstand the winter without injury. Some people prefer lifting and keeping old plants through- out the winter to propagating young plants: especially is this the case with Geraniums, but half a dozen old plants are not worth two autumn-rooted cuttings the following spring, as the old plants are always scraggy and rough- looking ; and although they bloom well for a time the following season I have found they do not bloom so long as healthy young growing plants. Unless it is some kind we are very scarce of we never keep an old bedding Gera- nium over the winter, but we propagate considerable quan- tities of young plants. We root and winter them all in boxes 24 feet long, 14 inches wide, and 3 inches deep. About a dozen holes are bored in the bottom of each box, a crock is placed over each of them, a little rough mushroom dung is placed over the whole, and then the box is filled up nearly level with a mixture of loam, sand, and leaf soil, or mushroom dung in a half-decayed state. Fifty cuttings are placed in each of the boxes, and at this rate the space required to winter boxes containing two or three thousand cuttings is small indeed. As soon as the cuttings are in- serted the boxes are watered and stood at once in the open air fully exposed to the sun. Here they remain until early winter rains or frost demand their removal under glass, then they are shifted into a cool house, such as a vinery with the fruit newly cut, and no artificial heat is applied to them unless it is actually necessary. When they are shifted it is on a dry day, when the leaves are quite dry, and during the winter they-are watered without ever damping the leaves. Treated like this we do not lose one per cent. of them during the winter. But to return. In taking off the cuttings care should be taken not to disfigure the plants any more tham can be avoided. The cuttings must not be all taken from one spot, but select them here and there over the whole bed, so as just to thin out the tallest of the shoots. No Geranium ~ should be much longer than 8 inches or shorter than 6 inches. Where Geraniums are growing thickly many growths that look as if they would make good cuttings will be found close to the base of the plants out of sight of the surface altogether. Some might be inclined to select these as cut- NO. 907.—VOL. XXXYV., NEW SERIES. tings, as in taking them they would never be missed or distigure the bed; but these undergrowths do not make good rooting cuttings, as they are too “tender. Hardy points are the kind of cuttings to which preference should always be given, and this not only applies to Geraniums but to all other plants. In making Geranium cuttings it serves no good purpose to leave a lot of leaves on the points, as they only decay before the cuttings are rooted, and very often cause the cuttings to decay. All the leaves should be taken off but two or three of the very youngest at the points. These will grow into large leaves and form the principal part of the plants during the winter. When Geranium cuttings have been in about a fortnight they should be gone over, and all the dead and decaying leaves taken from amongst them. This operation must be repeated again when necessary. In dry weather, when the plants are beginning to root, they must be liberally supplied with water. We do not strike Verbenas in boxes, but they are put closely together in 6 and 8-inch pots amongst a mixture of leaf soil, a little loam, and plenty of silver “sand. As soon as they are inserted the pots are placed in a cold frame, and until they are rooted little or no air is admitted. On hot afternoons they are syringed and on sunny days they are shaded, but this is only until they are rooted, and after that air and sun is admitted in abundance to harden them off for the winter. Ivesines, Alternantheras, Coleuses, and everything of this kind are rooted in the same way, and the results are always satisfactory. None of the last-named plants are propagated in large quantities at the present time, as a hundred plants in spring will give two or three thousand cuttings. The variegated Alyssum is another most effective plant that has risen very high in our estimation this season which requires to be rooted like Verbenas. It is time enough to put in cuttings of Calceolarias by the middle of September, and then they need only be dibbled thickly in a cold frame. Pansies and Violas should be done in the same way; and when they are covered over with glass while they are rooting it should be removed immediately they commence growing, and they do best when they are aired very freely ¢ during 1 the winter. —A KircHEN GARDENER. HARDY PERENNIALS. SIGNS are not wanting that hardy perennials are gaining favour, slowly it is true, but surely, and it is certain that when next they do get a firm hold of our hearts and gardens they will become a permanent feature. Let no one suppose that because they are hardy they require less attention than tender plants, for the very reverse is the case, and it is ina great measure this very demand for attention which endears them to the enthusiastic grower, as it forces him to know them better and to become more acquainted with their in- dividual peculiarities. There are certainly many beautiful things among them which will take care of themselves, and such as will do so are perhaps seen to the best advantage when allowed to assume a semi-natural habit by the margin of shrubberies, lakes, or whatever position seems to suit them No. 1559.—Vou. LX., OLD SERIES. 122 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 15, 1878. best. In such cases one kind of plant should be allowed to predominate in one place, or the weaker-growing or less hardy kinds would be speedily overrun. It is not, however, semi- wild gardening, enticing as the subject is, that I wish to speak of at present, but herbaceous, or, more properly, perennial borders, and these when once established will always afford ample material for the semi-wild spots. Those who contemplate growing hardy perennials should be taking notes and making preparation at the present time. Such books and catalogues as I have had access to are of very little assistance in this matter, as so many plants are always enumerated which are only of secondary quality; nor are botanical gardens any great help, for although many valuable plants may be found there, there is such a mass of botanical and other curiosities to wade through, and when we do find a plant among them worth growing for its beauty the chances are that we cannot find the name in any nurseryman’s cata- logue at all, although the identical plant may be in several nurseries under another name. The best plan I have found for picking-up the necessary information, is by looking through nurseries with competent guides where such things are made a speciality and are planted out to show their natural habits, the said guides only giving us the correct nomenclature, and allowing us to take our own notes and form our own opinion. It is of no use to see plants in small pots, for although it is necessary to have most of them so grown to ensure safe re- moval, we cannot then judée of their habit. As a rule hardy perennials do not look well in beds. A border from 4 to 8 feet wide and backed with shrubs is the place for them. If the boundary lines are irregular so much the better, but it is quite possible to make them look well against straight lines, and even in close proximity to a formal garden, but not forming a part of it. The borders I have charge of are in such a position, and although the formal gar- den comes in for the first share of applause it is soon over. You can see it all in a minute, and then comes the turn for the mixed borders, and I can assure your readers that in the majority of cases the longer people examine collections of hardy plants lovingly cared for the better they like them. It is stipulated that I grow nothing which does not flower after June, so that probably the best half of the hardy plants are denied a home here; but that leaves ample material to form a very interesting collection, and it makes a much better display at the time it is required than could be made if plants were used which flower at all seasons. I should always advise planting this class of plants according to their season of flowering, dividing them at least into spring and autumn sections, the spring arrangement being placed where it need not be seen by ordinary visitors after its principal flowering season is over. Of course plant lovers, who invariably live a good deal on imagination, would enjoy it at any time, but we haye to please the many. A well-drained soil is of the greatest importance, and on the whole the staple ought to be light rather than heavy. Peat, where it can be had sufficiently cheap, is a great boon, as it does not harbour slugs, it does not readily become sour, and it lasts a lone time without decaying. The greater part of the plants will flourish in peat alone, and for those which will not it is an easy matter to place other soil round them at planting zime. Most of the plants, however. are very accommodating, and can be grown perfectly well without peat; but it is ab- solutely necessary to have the border rather light, and it is advisable to have it a little above the ordinary level, for many more plants die from damp and sour soil than are killed by frost. The best time for planting (a very few plants excepted) is October and the beginning of November, whether the plants are old established ones to be divided, or are bought from the nursery in pots, they then make a few roots before winter without growing visibly at the top. Many plants supposed to be rather tender will, if shifted at that time, bear the winter better than if left alone. The reason is they just receive a sufficient check to prevent them making late growth which they cannot mature. The strictly herbaceous plants—7.c., those which die back to the ground after flowering, if at all tender should not have their stems cut down till the spring ; the dead flowers should merely be cut off the tops. I am only a beginner with this class of plants. I think this is my fourth year, but I have already a beautiful selection ; two-thirds of them have still to flower, and some new arrivals are not sufficiently strong to flower at all this season ; never- theless, the appended list. every plant of which was actually flowering on the 3rd of August, is a very interesting one, and I challenge any person to find a single plant named therein which is not worth growing. I cannot finish these notes without recording how much I owe to my dear departed old friend George Wheeler, who made this class of plants a speciality for the greater part of his life, carefully saving many a good thing which would otherwise have been lost to Europe. Would that he had lived to see the great objects of his attention again become popular; but he has done his work well, he has saved them for us, and there is now no immediate danger of losing them. He, however, leayes a great yoid ; Warminster is not Warminster to gar- deners without him. We could a short time back cail in and chat, as it were, with a bygone age, and feel quite sure that everything he told us was as perfectly true as if we had seen it ourselves. Old age had not made him childish, and his memory was remarkable; he would name almost any old- fashioned plant at sight and tell some interesting tale about it into the bargain. Only a few months ago, too, he told me how he walked home from Bowood to Warminster for his Christmas dinner in 1813, remarking that it had been mild weather to that time, but that he had to go back through a deep snow, and that very severe weather followed. Hardy perennials in flower August 3rd :— Lilium tigrinum Linum flayum Lithospermum prostratum Lobelia syphilitica L. cardinalis Lychnis yespertina alba plena Malva lateracea Mimulus moschatus Harrisoni Achillea ageratoides A. aurea A. Ptarmica plena A. Millefolinm rosea Aconitum versicolor Actinomeris helianthoides Alstrémeria psittacina Anchusa capensis A. italica Anemone Honorine Jobers A. japonica hybrida Armeria alpina grandiflora Asclepias incarnata Aster rosmarinifolius Bocconia cordata Campanula alliarifolia C. carpatica C. celtidifolia C. lactiflora C. Portenschlageana C. pulla C. pumila Centranthus angustifolius C, roseus Centrocarpha grandiflora Chelone Lyoni Clematis integrifolia Coreopsis preecox C. lanceolata Crucianella stylosa Cyananthus lobata Erodium manescavia Eryngium alpinum Monarda didyma M. mollis . M. fistulosa M. purpurea Nepeta ceerulea WN. macrantha (Enothera Fraseri . riparia CE. speciosa G:. taraxacifolia . Youngi Gthionema saxatile Papaver nudicaule Parnassia palustris Patrinia scabiosefolia Pentstemon heterophylla P. various Phlox in variety Phygelius capensis Platycodon grandiflora P. grandiflora alba Polygonum Brunoni P. viviparum Potentilla Hopwoodiana Pyrethrum in variety Sangnisorba media Scutellaria macrantha Scrophularia nodosa variegata Solidago refiexa Spirea filipendula plena S. venusta Statice latifolia S.spathulata _ Stevia mexicana Sylphium trifoliatum Tradescantia virginica Tritoma Uvaria glaucescens Verbascum phceniceum roseum Verbena yenosa Veronica virginica Viola in variety E. Bourgati E. falcatum E. tricuspidatum Funkia ovata Gaillardia Amblyodon G. grandifiora Geranium striatum Geum coccineum G. coccineum plenum Helianthus multifiorus Hieracium aurantiacum Hypericum Androsemum Hypoxis villosa Liatris spicata Lilium auratum L. chaleedonicum L. superbum —WILLIAM TAYLOR. THE DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH GRAPE. I Am sorry that I was unable to be at the last Committee meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society at South Kensing- ton, for then I should have had the great pleasure of seeing the above noble Grape well done by. It is years since I first saw and tasted it at the Kelso Show, and I have never ceased to think wellof it. I have four young Vines now planted ; one has two small bunches which are ripening now, though the cane was only put in this year. My own opinion is that it will make a good outdoor wall Grape in the south, and I have given a friend of mine a plant.to try it under these conditions. I find it does not like artificial heat. It was very well shown at both Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge Flower Shows by Mr. Johnston of the Gardens at Bayham, the beautiful seat of the Marquis of Camden, where I had the pleasure of seeing the Vine in excellent growth. It has been planted three years; the rod is about 14 to 16 feet long, and there has been a crop of August 15, 1878. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 123 thirteen large bunches, though there are but three left. Ifound the berries larger than any others in the same house, though Mr. Johnston’s Muscats were very fine, as indeed were all the other sorts, and I have seldom seen houses in better trim. The flayour was delicious, though with no stones as far as I could find. I hoped to have tasted it again at lunch, to which some of the bunches were sent, but it appeared to be so much a favourite that I lost the chance, and I had some of the Auvergne Frontignan, which were excellent and rich though rather small. I am still of the same mind as regards the Duke, and that is that it is a noble fine-flavoured Grape and well worthy of a little trouble, and certainhy of a trial. The Madresfield Court, I was told, cracks in the Bayham vineries, as also with other growers about here and also with me. If it does this year I shall graft another kind on it. My Muscat Champion and Venn’s Muscat both continue to give me entire satisfaction.— HARRISON WEIR. FRAGRANT ROSES. ONcE Mr. Hinton asked for a return of fragrant Roses at the yearly election of Roses which he is good enough to take. He met with a poor response, Mr. Curtis, I believe, being the only person who gaye any good return ; but he certainly made up for the shortcomings of others by sending in a most elabo- rate return, classifying the various scents, and giving a really valuable essay upon Rose fragrance. I do not pretend for one moment to be able to do this, but I have lately taken a great deal of trouble and spent many days at the nursery of Mr. Walters at Exeter in investigating the fragrance of the lead- ing varieties of Roses. I had a double object in doing this. I was anxious not only to send you a report, but for my own private reasons I wished to find out the most fragrant Roses. LT have a friend and neighbour who is blind, and throughout the Rose season I try to send her the most lovely Roses I can find, but above all others the most fragrant. I went four mornings and four evenings to the nursery I have named, and went carefully through the lines on each occasion and noted down my opinions, which are given to your readers for what they are worth. Perhaps some may not agree with me in some cases, and others may supplement the list. Ihad not the opportunity of investigating many of ._ the newer varieties, as my friend prefers to know something about a new Rose before he buys it. Of all Roses I unhesitatingly place La France first as the most fragrant Rose in existence. There,is something also quite distinct about this Rose which makes it particularly agreeable. I have lately had to visit a little girl who has been ill for a quarter of a year, and each time I have taken her a basket of Roses. She would take out the blooms one by one and inhale their perfumes, but she never made any remark, except about their beauty, till she came to La France, when on each occasion she said, ‘‘ How sweet !’’ Charles Lefebvre comes next in sweetness, and Madame Victor Verdier is equally good. Abel Grand has quite another kind of fragrance which is particularly grateful. Marie Baumann, besides being one of the most beautiful, is also one of the sweetest Roses. Lord Macaulay also is a very fragrant Rose, and Duke of Welling- ton and Xavier Olibo. Dr. Andry also can claim to be a good all-rounder, having form, colour, healthy growth, and fragrance. The Victor Verdier race are deficient in fragrance. To this family belong Comtesse d’Oxford, Président Thiers, Eugenie Verdier, Marie Finger, and Hippolyte Jamain. Of the very dark Roses Pierre Notting is exceedingly fragrant ; and Auguste Neumann, Camille de Rohan, Louis Van Houtte, and Reynolds Hole are all very good in this respect. Itisa little difficult to go on through the catalogue and name all the most fragrant, but I am confident that those I have named, besides being the créme de la créme of Roses, are also most fragrant. Of the light Roses Madame Knorr is very sweet. We now come to Teas and Noisettes, and of this lovely family it will be hard to select any which are not fragrant. The most fragrant of all in my opinion is one which I am very fond of—Madame Bravy or Madame Sertot. Some people think this is the same Rose as Alba Rosea, or as Mr. Mitchell of Piltdown has it, Joséphine Malton, but they are, though near relatives, quite distinct. Madame Bravy curls her locks to the very crown of her lovely head, Alba Rosea is content with merely curling the lower part of her head ; but both are of equal excellence’ when fragrance is concerned. Next to this I place another of my favourites, Catherine Mermet. Her fragrance partakes somewhat of ripe fruit, such as Apples, but hers is a most distinct perfume, Then next for fragrance is the old favourite climber Lamarque. This has a pure lemon scent, quite distinct from all others. The pure Tea scent I should give to Maréchal Niel and Souvenir d’un Ami. Gloire de Dijon also possesses this fragrance, and her numerous family possess the same distinguishing mark. Cloth of Gold is also fragrant, and Solfaterre and Devoniensis are both good in this respect. I could go on through the whole family and find something to say of their fragrance, but your space will not admit of more on this subject just at the present. Before concluding I wish to notice one thing. Iwas quite startled with the beauty of two of Mr. George Paul's children, I mean Roses—viz., Reynolds Hole and Sultan of Zanzibar. The former, of course, is well known, but I doubt if it has ever been so fine as this season. I went again and again to see blooms of this Rose at Mount Radford. Sultan of Zanzi- bar is a very great acquisition. It is an immense gain to the velvety dark varieties. It appears to be a very good grower on the maiden and also on the cut-backs, and it is infinitely superior to either Prince Camille de Rohan or Louis Van Houtte, taking the average of blooms from these varieties. One or two of Mr. Charles Turner’s seedlings have mucle pleased me, particularly Penelope Mayo. Wmily Laxton, another seedling sent out by the Cheshunt firm, is also a very good Rose. It is rather like Monsieur Noman, but with greater strength to endure wet, and a later bloomer. Of comparatively new French Roses I was highly delighted with Souvenir de Louis Van Houtte, which is quite as dark as: his namesake, and large and of good form. Duchesse de Chartres is also a fine dark Rose, but a little wanting in sub-: stance, the form somewhat like Prince Camille de Rohan when in bud. I formed a very good opinion of Earl of Beaconsfield, which was raised by Captain Christy, and is to be sent out by Mr. George Paul. Of the French Roses of this year I know nothing personally, but am assured by very good judges that there is nothing worthy of notice ; but of course it is early to judge of then yet. E The more I live the more am I convinced that the prizes come from English and not from French growers. Hardly a year elapses but Mr. Turner and both the Waltham Cross and Ches- hunt firms give us Roses which are not only good at the time sent out, but also improve on acquaintance. And in this matter, as in all others, I cannot but echo the remark of the- British tar who, when listening to a fervid description of the delights of another world, replied, “It is all very well, sir, but old England for me.’”—WyYLD SAVAGE. THE FRUIT CROP. NEVER was the uncertainty of our climate more strongly exemplified than during the present year. From all parts of the country glowing reports of the prospects of a heavy fruit crop came to hand. We, however, were congratulating our- selves too soon it proved, as soon after the next thing to be heard was the mysterious wholesale and very general disap- pearance of the young fruit. Various reasons, according to local circumstances, are given as to the cause of this disap- pearance. The solution offered by Mr. Thomson (page 465) does not, I think, fully meet the case, although no doubt in his case materially contributing towards the failure—viz., as being another striking illustration of the importance of well- ripened wood in autumn. “AMATEUR” is, I think, much nearer the true solution when he says (page 449), “The cause of failure was the continued rains, the sodden state of the soil, and the absence of sun.” ‘This is fully corroborated from what I have seen and heard both in this county (Hssex) and Shropshire, two counties widely dissimilar yet in one respect analogous. Both with few exceptions have a moderate rain-- fall, this part of Essex in particular. In both instances well- ripened growth of the best description, calculated to produce an abundance of healthy well-formed bloom, was made. This: with a few exceptions was the case, and we and others were justified in anticipating an abundant crop, more especially as: there had been light crops the two preceding years. In Shrop- shire on the whole they have, and have had. a fair ayerage- crop, the only exception apparently being Apples. This is not the case, however, in this neighbourhood, asin the orchards the common varieties of Plums only are bearing heavy crops. This difference I ascribe to the totally different character of the country and nature of soil. Both counties experienced’ similar dull, wet. and cold weather after blooming time; we, unfortunately being in a very flat district, the soil rich and 124 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 15, 1878. heavy resting on a cold and imperfectly drained subsoil in every respect different to Shropshire, got much the worst of it. The more elevated the garden the better the crops this season, and this, of course, tends to prove “ AMATEUR’S” theory the correct one. For the sake of comparison and the benefit of intending planters I append a list of the most prolific varieties of fruit personally obtained in both counties and also com- municated by friends, taking Shropshire first. Apples are below the average: the varieties bearing heavy crops are Keswick and Manks Codlins, Early Hawthornden, Besspool, Cox’s Pomona, Sturmer Pippin, Scarlet Nonpareil, Wyken Pippin, Golden Noble, and Northern Greening. The following are carrying average crops—Ladyton Codlin, Lord Suffield, Court-pendu-Plat, Golden Reinette, Orange Pearmain, Nectarine Apple, Fearns Pippin, Dumelow’s Seedling, and Bedfordshire Foundling. Pears both on walls and as standards are a fair average crop. Pyramids on the Quince stock are also bearing well ; those on the Pear stock, on the other hand, are carrying very small crops, and the fruit apparently of a very inferior description. The following are the most prolific both on walls and in the open—Williams’ Bon Chrétien, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Glou Morceau, Joséphine de Malines, Easter Beurré, Beurré d’Aman- lis, Brown Beurré, Beurré de Capiaumont, Beurré Rance, Ne Plus Meuris, Winter Nelis, Seckle, Marie Louise, Chaumontel, Uvedale’s St. Germain, and Beurré Diel. Plums are bearing a heavy crop, especially the following— Angelina Burdett, Coe’s Golden Drop, Diamond, Green Gage. Transparent Gage, Reine Claude de Bavay, Orleans, Jefferson, Ickworth Impératrice, Washington, Magnum Bonum red and white, Prince Englebert, Victoria, Kirke’s, and Pond’s Seed- ling. Damsons are a very heavy crop, and the trees are as plentiful in the hedgerows and small gardens as Apple trees are in Herefordshire. The fruit is usually bought up and sent to Manchester and is there used in the manufacture of a dye. There is also a fair crop of bullaces. Peaches gave promise of being a heayy crop, but many fruits dropped. ‘he trees, however. are still bearing a fair average erop. The Noblesse, Royal George, and a variety known as Neal’s Purple are the best. I have seen this variety doing well in two different gardens, where it is considered the best variety grown, as it is very robust and fruitful and the quality excellent. Nectarines are also a fair crop, Elruge and Violette Hative being the best. Apricots are an average crop, Hemskirk and Moor Park carrying good crops of nice clean ruit. Gooseberries where protected from the bullfinches bore well, also Red and Black Currants, especially the latter. *» Raspberries were very prolific and Strawberries remarkably so, some old growers being of the opinion that they had never previously seen such heavy crops of fine well-flavoured fruit. All the following varieties were grown—Keens’ Seedling, Sir J. Paxton, President, Sir C. Napier, Dr. Hogg, British Queen, and Elton Pine. Figs are plentiful, and also Filberts. Wal- nuts are below the average. Cherries of all sorts were very fruitful, the Morellos remarkably so. In this neighbourhood the Cherry orchards at blooming time were a sheet of bloom, but the old trees produced so little fruit that it was found: inadvisable to go to the expense of keeping the birds off. Bigarreaus, Hlton, and Morellos on the walls, and Flemish, Kentish, and Morello as standards, bore very fair crops, especially the latter. Apples generally are a very poor crop, the few exceptions being New Hawthornden, Keswick and Manks Codlins. Lord Suflield, Dumelow’s Seedling, Blenheim Orange, Golden Reinette, Old Nonpareil, Northern Greening, Scarlet Pearmain, Golden Noble, Norfolk Beefing, Devonshire Quarrenden, and Winter Codlin. Pears also are rather scarce. especially on the walls. Williams’ Bon Chrétien, Duchesse d’Angouléme, Ne Plus Meuris, Beurré Diel, Beurré de Capiaumont, Beurré d’Amanlis, Bishop’s Thumb, Winter Crasanne, Marie Louise, Swan’s Weg, Vicar of Winkfield, and Bergamot Hsperen are carrying fair crops, especially the first mentioned. Peaches are bearing 2 yery good crop. notably Royal George, Padley’s Seedling, Grosse Mignonne, and Belle- garde. The same remark applies to the Elruge, Hunt’s Tawny, and Violette Hative Nectarines. Plums on the whole are carry- ing a very light crop, the exceptions being the Orleans, Mit- chelson’s, Pond’s Seedling, Prince of Wales, Green and Trans- parent Gages, Magnum Bonum white, Harly Prolific, Coe’s Golden Drop, and Victoria. Some trees of the latter variety are carrying yery heavy crops, oye grower thinning out and sending toa merchant for bottling one ton of fruit. A very remunerative price was obtained, and the value of the crop will be enhanced by the judicious thinning. Damsons are rather scarce, and also the Winesours. Gooseberries were a complete failure. This was caused by the frosts experienced after the fruit was set. Black Currants bore a very heavy crop, the Red a very moderate one. The same. remark applies to Raspberries, the dry weather during June and July being very much against them. The Strawberry crop—and there are many acres deyoted to them in this locality—was much below the ayerage. The quantity and quality of bloom was good, but the wet dull weather was very injurious to the early varieties, and the extremely dry and hot weather experienced later on was equally bad for the late ones. Quinces are rather scarce, and have been for three consecutive seasons. Filberts are fairly prolific, especially where the precaution had been taken of shaking branches of the common Hazel bearing cat- kins among them at blooming time. Figs and Walnuts are bearing a thin crop, and the Mulberries are lighter crops than usual. Blight of every description seems very prevalent on nearly all kinds of fruit trees this season, Plums and Apples suffering the most. The American blight, hitherto almost unknown, is very bad in this district ; but the late thunderstorms have greatly im- proved the appearance of the trees, cleaning by hand being out of the question. Birds, too, seem to be unusually destruc- tive, fruit of all descriptions being attacked before it is half ripe. The small birds are the most troublesome.—W. IGGULDEN, Orsett Hall. SHOW PELARGONIUMS.—No. 1. For a few years after Zonal varieties increased so rapidly, and when so many superior sorts were distributed, Show Pelargoniums appeared to be in some measure neglected. Flowers, however, so beautiful as these are could not long remain in any sort of obscurity, and more attention is now being devoted to them than was the case a few years ago. This section of Pelargoniums cannot with any justice and fairness be placed in comparison with Zonals. The two types are so thoroughly distinct that the merits of each must be judged separately. Zonals are valuable for their continuous- blooming properties, their fine trusses, varied colours, and easi- ness of culture. Show varieties, on the contrary, have a limited season of beauty, somewhat short it may be, yet long enough, and for the time incomparable. Their bold yet refined flowers, with their unique colours arranged in the most correct and artistic manner, are simply wnapproached by flowers of any other section of this great and important genus of plants. The Show varieties, too, are of easy culture, yet require more care in their general treatment than do the Zonals. The latter if neglected occasionally do not show the effects of it so markedly as the former; but then, on the other hand, the Show varieties give a splendid return for amy special attention that is ac- corded to them, and always when well grown reflect credit on the cultivator. These beautiful flowers are alluded to now because the present time is about the best period of the year for purchasing plants. A much better plant of established varieties can usually be obtained at this season for the money than is disposable in early spring. In the spring young plants only can be expected that will produce at the most only a truss or two of bloom the same season; but a stout plant obtained now will, if well grown, make a decided display the first time it flowers with its new owner. Plants sent from a nursery now will not have an attractive appearance. If they have not been cut down they will resemble a bundle of semi-dried sticks, while if they haye been pruned they consist of so many leafless stumps. They will, however, not long remain in this state, but will improve daily. Those who prefer having plants in free growth and thoroughly established after being cut down will defer their purchases until September or October ; indeed, it is better to do so than to order plants when they are just breaking into growth, as in this state they are susceptible of injury during transit. Still, nurserymen are admirable packers, and generally ensure the safe and sound arrival of their consignments. If the plants arrive with their summer growth intact they must be cut down at once quite closely, leaving only an eye or two of the wood made during the current season of growth, If they are already cut down they must remain for a time in the soil and pots in which they arrive, being watered mode- rately until they have made fresh growth from half an inch to an inch in length, this growth being made in the open air. August 15, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 125 The plants must then be shaken out of the pots, most or all of the old soil being removed, and the fibrous roots, which will be “dead or dying,” be cut off with a sharp knife, the plants being potted in smaller pots than before, placed in a frame, watered, kept close for a week, and slightly shaded if need be, and new roots will speedily be emitted, and the plants will commence growing vigorously, and will more than make up for the little lost time incurred by the slight check attendant on the cutting-down and disrooting process. A short time ago a correspondent questioned the soundness of what he termed the desiccating and disrooting practice ; he had tried the system and lost many plants. No doubt the practice of drying the growths of Pelargoniums can be carried to extremes, and the work of cutting down and repotting can be wrongly conducted; and it is certain that there is some- thing wrong in the treatment and manipulation given if many of the plants die under the operation. On a moderate calcu- lation the writer has assisted in cutting down and potting quite a hundred plants a year for the past thirty years, and certainly not one per cent. of the plants so treated has failed to flourish satisfactorily, notwithstanding that the disrooting was done in a very thorough manner. There is a difference between maturing the growths of Pelar- goniums and desiccating the plants. If a plant immediately it has ceased flowering is placed outdoors in the full sun, and water is suddenly and entirely withheld, and the foliage is permitted to be burnt up and shrivelled in a week, while at the same time the flower trusses are allowed to remain and seed form, as it will do under such circumstances, the growth of that plant is indeed desiccated but not matured, and we have no right to expect it to prosper. But if, on the other hand, the flower trusses are removed as the flowers fade, insects are kept from infesting the foliage, water is intelligently given in graduated supplies so as to sustain the foliage fresh for a reasonable time, yet to permit its gradual change to its early advancing autumn rest, the stems will store up abundant nutriment for the nurture of the forthcoming new growths until such time that fresh roots are formed to appropriate the fresh food supply given in potting to carry on the plant to maturity. Now to disrooting. That has also been questioned. Disroot- ing as recommended under the above circumstances is an ab- solute gain to the plants—first, because the new roots issuing are far more vigorous than the old fibres; and secondly, be- cause the restricting of the roots in bulk affords space for stor- ing a much greater amount of food for the plant than would otherwise be the case unless pots of unwieldy size were em- ployed, and in which the plants, while they might grow freely, would not grow compactly nor flower profusely. Thus ripen- ing of the wood of the plants, cutting them down and greatly disrooting them, are necessities of culture, but those operations must be intelligently performed. The cutting-down and potting must not be done simultaneously, for the old roots are | necessary to give a start to the new growth, and then new roots are equally necessary to sustain it. All plants of Show Pelargoniums that have been cut down and haye made some fresh growth should be disrooted freely ; and be repotted in clean well-drained pots. It is often well to wash the roots clean, and while wet to dash them with silver sand when the plants are being potted ; new roots are then emitted from the old speedily, and the plants grow freely and healthily—A NORTHERN GARDENER. ODONTOGLOSSUM LINDENT. Iy your notice of the exhibits at the Royal Horticultural Society’s meeting on the 6th inst. you allude to Odontoglossum Lindeni being exhibited by Mr. Buchanan, your reporter haying incorrectly copied my name. As tomy gardener belongs the credit of having first flowered this plant in England, I wil’, for the information of your readers who may haye a similar plant in their collections, state it was purchased by me about six years ago at Messrs. Stevens’, and was kept in a temperature the same as Cattleyas and Vandas for about four years. Finding it did not flower, I had it placed two years ago with the Oncidiums and Odontoglos- sums and subjected to a very low temperature, my house not exceeding 55° all last winter, and since the early part of May no fire heat whatever has been used. I think this proves O. Lindeni to be a specially cool Orchid, and I make no doubt if similarly treated other plants might annually throw flower spikes. Its flowers are of a cinnamon colour, and they will j remain more than two months in perfection.—H. J. BUCHAN, Wilton House, Southampton. AN AMATEUR’S VINERY. MR. WITHERSPOON’S, CHESTER-LE-STREET. WHEN an accomplished Grape-grower like Mr. Johnston of Glamis Castle states that a vinery is ‘*‘ worth going a thousand miles to see,” that is suflicient testimony of its being worthy of notice in these pages. It was in company with Mr. Johnston, and Mr. Hunter of Lambton that I had the privilege of in- specting Mr. Witherspoon’s Grapes at Chester-le-Street when, the above verdict was given. Mr. Hunter is, of course, equally impressed with the excellency of the Grapes, but for a reason. sufficiently obvious he is not in a position to express himself so freely as his confréve. It is in a great degree Mr, Hunter’s success as a grower of Grapes that encouraged Mr. Wither- spoon to commence their culture, and now that the Chester-le- Street amateur has succeeded so well he does not hesitate to acknowledge the value of the advice given by his Lambton friend, and not advice only, but substantial assistance. Mr. Witherspoon is in the strict sense of the word an amateur. Throughout a long period of life as a practical builder he has devoted his spare hours to the pursuit of gar- dening, to which he was attached from boyhood, and now he is in a position, achieved by industry and frugality, to have a garden of his own, and to spend his whole time in developing its resources. He has taken up the special culture of flower after flower, ending with Roses and Gladioluses ; and with the last-named flower has won high honours, not at local shows only, but at some of the chief exhibitions in England and Ive- land. Fruit culture has, however, supplanted the flowers, few of which remain except Roses, and Roses and Vines now give a title to his home, which is designated the “ Red Rose Vineries.”’ Chester-le-Street is a long straggling village, venerable in appearance, and haying a bold ruggedness, which renders it in some degree picturesque. The houses were built, or most of them, before Boards of Works were invented, and no arbitrary rules as to frontages interfered with the growth of a gable end where it happened to spring up a few feet higher than its neighbour or several yards out of line; indeed, lines, levels, and laws of uniformity appear to have been systematically ignored in the architecture of this quaint place, for quaint it appears when viewed from the railway station above it, for the houses are clustered in a yalley, along the bottom of which an open stream threads its tortuous course. At the opposite end of the village, about a mile from the station, we find a place of more modern aspect—the Red Rose Vineries. The district is one of meadows and pasture lands, the fields being almost wholly devoted to the growing of fodder for the great numbers of horses which live and labour in the coal seams below the surface. The soil, which has this year produced wonderful hay crops, is a brownish loam, rather heavy but not clayey, and generally rests on a substratum of sand—at least that 1s its character in the field purchased by Mr. Witherspoon for the growing of Grapes, Peaches, &c., under glass, and hardy fruits in the open air. The position is also sheltered, being in a valley, and the atmosphere appears clear, there being no out- lets in the immediate locality from the mines below. Thus both soil and position are peculiarly favourable for Grape cul- ture, and another important local advantage bearing directly on the subject is that coals are cheap. In the trenching of the ground for hardy fruit trees and vegetables the top spit of the pasture was reserved for the Vine borders. Of this fertile twfy loam the borders consist without any admixture except a few stones and lime rubbish in one house, and resting on sand perhaps no artificial drainage was required. The only other necessary was water, which Mr. Witherspcon, like Mr. Hunter, uses in large quan- tities, not to the foliage, but to the roots of the Vines. The water employed is rain water, which is conveyed from the surrounding hills and stored in a large cemented open cistern at a point in the garden sufticiently. high to afford the requisite pressure for drenching the borders, and if need be the Vines too, through metal pipes and hose. The system of water- storing is precisely the same as that adoptec by Mr. Cannell in his nursery at Swanley. Another matter reminding of Swanley is that Cannell’s boiler is employed as the heating medium for the vineries. Two houses are devoted to Grape culture, but only one de- mands special notice—the large lean-to house, 150 feet long 126 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 15, 1878. with a 23 feet length of rafter. The Vines were planted in March, 1876, and the crop now hanging is altogether splendid. The permanent Vines trained up the roof were planted 2 feet Sinches apart. They have made wonderful growth and quite cover the roof, save a few feet left for the advantage of the fruit on the back wall, but are only cropped about one-third of the way up. Lach Vine iscarrying from six to twelve bunches, which for size, shape, and regularity of berries are worthy, at least a hundred of them are, of being staged at any exhibition of Grapes in the kingdom, while not one inferior bunch is to be seen inthe vinery. It is not somuch a few fine bunches as the high average excellence of the whole that impresses on the minds of visitors the superiority of the crop. The lower part of this fine roof, covered from end to end with noble bunches, is nothing less than a grand sight ; but not less striking is the crop on the back wall. This wallis 14 feet high, forty Vines are planted at its base, and the whole wall is covered from top to bottom with bunches that would be a credit to any man if they were hanging from the roof. Knowing that when the roof is covered densely the Vines on the back wall will deteriorate, their owner is acting accordingly by cropping the wall Vines heavily ; and those on the roof what many would call heavily too, but, con- sidering their great vigour and extensive terminal growth, lightly. Such is the crop on the back wall and the character of the bunches, that there can be little doubt in one year the commercial value of the Grapes will equal the entire cost of the structure. As an instance of the crop on the wall let us take one Vine of Dr. Hogg, carrying seventeen buaches, which will certainly average 25 tbs. in weight, or upwards of 40 tbs. on one Vine. Another “nursing” Vine of Black Alicante has still a much heavier crop, having twenty-nine splendid bunches; but this is one of six Vines planted at intervals along the centre of the house, and trained with two rodstothetop. The total num- ber of Vines in the houseis ninety-nine. Almostall the popular varieties of Grapes are trained both to the roof and the back wall, the best for the last-named position being, in Mr. Wither- spoon’s opinion, Black Alicante, the vigour of this Vine and its free-cropping and good-colouring qualities being its recom- mendations for such a position. Gros Colman both on the wall and the roof is bearing noble ‘ounches freely, the berries measuring 33 to 33 inches round. Some of the bunches will weigh from 4 to 5 tbs. Dr. Hoge on the roof has seven bunches 15 to 19 inches long, and berries 1$ inch in circumference before showing colour. Golden ‘Champion on the wall has six bunches, which will weigh from 3 to 34 Tbs. each, the berries being fine and clear. This Vine happens to be in the most moist position in the house—near the tank, and it is to that circumstance that its satisfactory condi- tion is attributed. Black Prince is bearing handsome bunches 13 inches long, and Syrian has three bunches weighing in the ageregate about 20tbs. Black Alicante on the roof is in every instance splendid. Mrs. Pince very good, and Black Ham- burgh fine. Golden Queen has made a grand cane, and so has ‘Waltham Cross, the latter bearing fine but rot full bunches. The berries of this and another Vine or two near it not having set well owing to having been shaded by a large tree, which impeded the ripening of the wood last year. The bunches in this house are not more remarkable for their size and shape than for the regularity of their berries. They have been carefully and admirably thinned. At the first glance the crop on the permanent Vines appears a heavy one, fout when the system of thinning is considered the crop is not so exhaustive as it looks. Mr. Witherspoon’s mode of lighten- ing a crop is by the removal of berries from the bunches rather than cutting off the bunches themselves. The berries in the dark crowded centre of a large bunch cannot, he assumes, be of such high quality as those exposed to light and air, conse- quently all the interior berries are cut out, and only those are Zeft which can have full exposure ; the result is fine berries symmetrically arranged and highly finished. Great care is taken never at any time to touch the berries either with the hand or with water from the syringe, in order that they may ripen in the best condition as to bloom. The Vines are never syringed. The borders are heavily watered periodically, and are regularly sprinkled two or three times a day according to the weather, so as to prevent any dust rising ; thus both Grapes and foliage are fresh and clean. It may be stated that, anticipating the failure of the Vines that are now carrying such a remarkable crop on the back wall, Camellias are planted at intervals. The Vines will be cut away as the Camellias grow, and eventually the latter will cover the wall, Although comparatively slow-growing shrubs Camellias are specially suitable for the back walls of vineries, and eventually are about the most satisfactory and profitable plants that can be grown in such positions. The Vines on the wall will produce valuable crops for two or three years longer, and by that time the Camellias, now well established, will have covered much space. It is not difficult to cover the back walls of vineries in a profitable manner, provided the same plan is adopted as above described—that is, by planting for covering the wall the moment the roof is glazed and the border made ; but on the contrary, if the roof is first allowed to. be covered, then it is a most difficult matter to furnish the darkened back wall satisfactorily. The other vinery is a small structure, and was planted in July last with Vines presented by Mr. Hunter, anda good crop is now ripe. They demand no further notice, but a plan for protecting the Grapes from nocturnal visitors may be alluded to. It is rather novel. Stout wires are affixed to the back walls of the vinery at both ends of the house; the wires are taken along the front near the outer edge of the Vine border, where they lie on the ground. Every night two savage dogs are looped to the wires by rings in their collars, and these two sentinels traverse the wires from end to end, so that it is im- possible for anyone to approach the Grapes without Mr. Witherspoon being apprised of the fact, his residence being close to the vinery. Besides the above vineries Mr. Witherspoon has erected a Peach house and vinery combined. This structure is 200 feet long, has a great length of rafter facing south, and a short roof admitting light to the back wall from the north. Vines have been planted along the front this spring and are making excel- lent growth; Peaches being planted and trained to the back wall, and are also thriving in the best manner. The varieties are Royal George, Condor, Magdala, Goshawk, Large Early Mignonne, and Merlin. They were selected by Mr. Rivers, and were obtained from, as indeed most of them were raised at, Sawbridgeworth. The purchased Vines, which are doing so well in the house first referred to, were chiefly procured from Mr. W. Thomson of the Tweed Vineyard, Galashiels. Mr. Wither- spoon also grows several fruit trees in tubs, and grows them well—Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Apples, Pears, Figs, and Mulberries—as those for which he obtained a special prize at the late Newcastle Show bear witness. The “field’’ outside, as Mrs. Witherspoon will persist in calling it, but in reality a highly cultivated garden, will even- tually be a garden of fruit. Bush and pyramid trees of the best sorts have been planted liberally, and will in time occupy almost the whole space. At present much of the ground is cropped with vegetables, of which the owner prides himself in having carefully selected strains. Certainly the bed of Red Cabbages both for dwarf growth and high colour is an excel- lent one, the plants being true, even, and very fine. Tt should be mentioned that Mr. Witherspoon has himself made and erected the extensive glazed structures, which are light, plain, durable, and well ventilated. But the work was not done without an obstacle. A tornado during the progress of the work lifted off half of the vinery roof after it was glazed and smashed a ton and a half of glass—a valuable hint, the owner coolly observed, that he must build more securely in future, and now the houses are safe. He has also erected a convenient and substantial house pleasantly situated. It over- looks the picturesque valley of the Wear, has a full view of Lumley Castle in the immediate foreground, and the woods of Lambton crest the distant hills. It is a real pleasure to visit the home of one who has worked to such a good purpose and succeeded so well, and one who has taught as well as worked. The owner of the Red Rose Vineries has occasionally enriched the pages of this Journal, and his writings on horticulture generally, and on fruit and Grape culture particularly, must in future be accepted as those of one who has done more than he is ever likely to tell, yet one whose works entitle him to be listened to with that confi- dence which success inspires—J. WRIGHT. EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS AT MUCKROSS. Ir is truly encouraging to notice how this tree thrives at Muckross Abbey. The progress it has made since my last remarks in the columns of this Journal is most satisfactory. We have some fine specimens of the above, and it may interest some of your numerous readers to give the dimensions of it. One specimen, a very fine plant, has attained the height of 45 feet; girth 1 foot from the ground, 26} inches; at 3 feet August 15, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 127 high the girth is 25 inches. This tree wears the most flourish- ing appearance at present. On a former occasion I gaye my opinion of the manner in which it should be sown—viz., to sow the seed where the plant is intended to remain, as the tendency of the Eucalyptus is to send down a strong tap root, which is the main support of the plant afterwards. If raised in pots the tap root assumes a spiral attitude, which it retains, and is therefore liable to be disturbed by every breeze and ultimately upset, whereas if sown where intended to remain the roots naturally assume their proper shape and direction for the future stay and sup- port of the plant. Seeds of the above sown here on June 9th, 1876, in patches in the open ground have made rapid progress. IT have treated them thus: As soon as the plants attained the height of 9 inches I remoyed all but the most promising, which are now 14 feet high and of the most perfect form and healthy appearance. In my opinion also the side shoots of the Hucalyptus require when young constant stopping as a young Fuchsia, which has the effect of strengthening the plant and giving it ability to stand unsupported—A. CAMPBELL, Suchross Gardens. THE TRANSFUSION OF ESSENCES. WE have had many instances of what may be called the transfusion of the essences of plants; one of these is familiar to everyone in Cytisus Adami, and we some years ago fur- nished another, where the essence of Doyenné Defais Pear was so transfused by the pollen into a tree of Beurré Superfin that the fruit of the latter actually produced fruit of Doyenné Defais, which we ourselves saw. The case which has now come under our observation is that of the Madresfield Court Vine, the essence of which has been transfused by grafting Aas in the case of Cytisus Adami) into a plant of the Vine called Sarbelle Frontignan. The former produces a large handsome Grape and the latter a small and insignificant one ; yet, through the operation of grafting, the essence and indivi- duality of the former have so perfectly passed into the latter that it has produced a fine bunch of Madresfield Court fruit, which is now lying before us. We cannot do better than to print the communication which our esteemed correspondent Mr. Barrell has sent us :— “A freak of Nature (if that be the proper term for such a case) has occurred in my vinery, which I am told by some eminent hor- ticulturists is so remarkable that I send youa description. About eight. years ago I planted three houses, each 20 feet square, with several varieties of Grapes. One of them, which has been appro- priated as a stove, was planted with Muscat of Alexandria and Muscat Hamburgh. The next year one of the Muscat of Alex- andria failed, and I replaced it by one of which at that time I knew nothing—yviz., Muscat Sarbelle. This I have fruited for the last four. years, and have found it as Dr. Hogg describes in his ‘Fruit Manual, ‘hardly worth a vinery, and therefore last year I inarched Madresfield Court upon it froma Vine ina pot. “The scion duly united and was cut from its parent, after which it con- tinued to grow for some time. At the usual time of dressing and pruning I was about to cut back the stock to the inarch, when it (the inarch) came completely off; leaving not a trace behind. I told my gardener to leave the stock alone after that, as a few bunches of Muscat Sarbelle would be better than a blank space, and we would again inarch or graft it this year. Can you judge of my surprise at finding that the fruit the old cane of Muscat Sarbelle has brought forth very closely resembles the Madresfield Oourt, and is certainly as unlike the former Muscat Sarbelle as it well could be? “I send you (by rail, carriage paid) the last bunch I have that you may see it for yourself, and although it is much smaller and im worse condition than the others, it will be sufficient to demon- strate the curious sport. I regret that I did not think of it sooner so that you might have had a perfect bunch. I have left a lateral this year below the place of inarching, which I purpose fruiting next year to see if the same influence has in any degree been transmitted downwards as well as upwards.” The fruit sent is certainly that of Madresfield Court, rich in flavour, and with a more decided flayour of the Frontignan than is found in the normal form. This is another instance which confirms our observations made at Culford Hall, and which have been so much discussed and questioned, and we can relate others. The following, observed at Dr. Newington’s, are cases where the scion has exercised an influence on the stock. The tip of a shoot of a Madresfield Court Vine was grafted _ on a shoot of Black Hamburgh, and produced at 6 feet below the junction a bunch of Grapes haying the round berries of Black Hamburgh, the normal form of the Madresfield Court being oval. A Madresfield Court Vine had a White Muscadine grafted on it, and then it produced round Grapes; but when the Mus- cadine was removed it recovered its normal form and produced oval Grapes.—H. GHUM COCCINEUM FLORE-PLENO. A CORRESPONDENT, “LL. L. D.,” quoting the remarks relative to this plant which appear on page 398, vol. xxxiv.—namely, that it is one of the ‘earliest, brightest, and finest” of hardy border plants, adds that it is not only early but late, because it flowers with him continuously from early spring to late summer. He sends us flowers, such as he is in the habit of cutting for decorative purposes throughout the season, and Fig. 18.—Geum coccineum flore-pleno. urges the advisability of others having a similar supply. The flowers are well represented in the accompanying engraving, and it is only necessary to add that they are a brilliant deep scarlet in colour. The plants, we are informed, which flower so profusely are raised from seed, which is sown at the same time and in the same manner as Sweet William seed, and the plants have the same treatment as Sweet Williams. A bed of this fine old semi-double Geum should be in every garden where a supply of scarlet flowers is required for vase decora- tion. Young plants produce finer flowers and produce them more continuously than old plants, and hence it is advisable to sow a little seed annually so as to ensure a stock of vigorous plants. Plants raised from seed sown now would in all pro- bability yield some flowers next year, and would certainly produce an abundant supply the year following. It is a border flower of the first order of merit, but to see it to the best advantage it should be grown in large masses. OUR BORDER FLOWERS—POLEMONIUMS. WERE I intending to form a collection of hardy herbaceous- foliaged plants I should most certainly turn my attention to 128 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, { August 15, 1878. the Polemonium probably better known by the more homely name of “Jacob’s Ladder.” Why plants possessed of such merits for border and other decorative purposes are so neglected Iam at a loss to conceive. We do occasionally see what is said to be a native of our land, but I entertain a doubt as to its citizenship. I allude to Polemonium ceruleum. It is a handsome spring and summer border flower, is of charming habit, having somewhat the appearance of a Fern while ina young state. It is also known by the name of Greek Valerian. Polemoniums perpetuate themselves by seed, often becoming as troublesome as weeds. The seed may be sown as soon as ripe, or in the spring, in light soil on a rather sheltered border, or where they are intended to remain, and be thinned out as they require. They need a good space to develope themselves, for when left too thick they sometimes damp off. They are also increased by division in the autumn or spring, which is much the best mode when any variety is intended to be retained. The variegated form is one of the most useful as well as one of the handsomest of hardy plants we possess. As an edging and ribbon-border plant for graceful appearance it cannot be surpassed. To keep the stock superior it requires constant care in keeping up a supply of young plants. When neglected they often run back to the original, especially if planted in moist situations. To have it in prime condition it should not be allowed to flower. They are not an extensive family. Most of the varieties in cultivation have much the same habit and appearance ; blue and white are the preponderating colours of their flowers. There are a few named varieties but seldom met with. They are not particular as to soil or situation provided it is not too heavy. A free loam suits them with efficient drainage.— VERITAS. THE ROSE ELECTION. I FEEL very grateful to Mr. Hinton for the friendly way in which he has met my criticisms on the subject of the Rose election. Iam so interested in all that concerns the Rose that I can- not forbear putting in my oar in every boat that is rowed ; but I can assure my friend that Ido not represent my own opinions only, but those of a large number of the best and largest Rose growers. If I were but to mention the remarks made at Hereford at a meeting of the best rosarians I have had the pleasure of being present at for a long time, Mr. Hinton would see that it is not the opinion of a mere Savage, but that the Wyld man was but the mouthpiece of a most influential body. Only yesterday I received a letter from one of the largest pro- fessional cultivators of the Rose saying, “I was glad to see your remarks in the Journal about the Rose election, in which I cordially concur.’”—WYLD SAVAGE. “THE result will be what I do not hesitate to declare last year’s was, ‘a delusion, a mockery, and a snare.’’’ What, then, are we young amateurs to do? Here is “* WYLD SAVAGE” making it out in the plainest manner that all our anxiety last autumn was in vain, that the Rose election is no better a guide to a grower for exhibition than would be a list of the Roses growing in an ordinary old-fashioned garden. I have had great delight the last two seasons in reading all that ““ WYLD SAVAGE” has said on his favourite subject ; but I confess that his letter this week has quite upset me. After the election was published I quite beggared myself in order to complete my set, and now, at budding time, I am told pretty straight that I have been foiled and snared, and must I be foiled again? Is it “ WyLp SAVAGE’S ” tum to enter the ring? Is it the old game over again, the patient dying because the doctors differ? ‘“ WYLD SAVAGE” has driven me back to the details of the Rose election ; I have chosen out seven of the best known amateurs that appear in the copies I can find, and this is the result. Out of the forty-eight Roses selected, “ D., Deal,” names 34, Canon Hole 34, Rev. J. B. M. Camm 36, Mr. Curtis 33, Rey. EH. N. Pochin 37, Rey. A. Cheales 40, and Mr. Parsons 30. I would suppose that these figures are a great tribute to the caution Mr. Hinton displayed in his selection of votes. When I compare the lists of the two champion antagonists at the National Rose Show in June last, I find that Mr. Jowitt had in his forty-eight twenty-nine Roses not in Mr. Baker’s box. Fancy these two giants in their great struggle for the cup with their hundred of Roses of every kind having but nineteen in common! Yet “WYLD SAVAGE” says that these men, and such as they only, are to be our guide, I think he is very severe on Mr. Hinton, and as one of the young and cevoted lovers of our floral queen I could not help saying so— CURATE or HOWDEN. RETARDING AND PREPARING FORCED FLOWERS FOR TRAVELLING. [WE cannot give a fuller and better reply to “W. T. K.” and “A YOUNG GARDENER” than by citing the following on this subject. ] Iy following the ruling fashion of the times, and gaugeing the tastes of its wire-pullers, it is of some importance to keep a close watch upon the annual progress of recent innovations- We must judge for ourselves whether these are likely to pass safely through the ordeal of criticism and to establish a claim upon public attention for any length of time, or whether their recognition is not temporary, and due to some passing mania. for novelty which is attracted by mere plated mediocrity, while it overlooks qualities that are of a more genuine and permanent character. The subject before us is not an inquiry into certain fashions: either retrospective or prospective ; but our programme legiti- mately embraces the study of anticipated changes, and of schemes for working out the fulfilment of ideas that are best calculated to meet coming demands, and that are most in accord with the spirit of the times. Glancing for a moment on the past, there were signs of the foliage element taking the: place of cut flowers to a considerable extent ; but things have: taken another turn, as the unquestionable increase in the demand for cut flowers very plainly confirms. The season wherein there is the greatest demand for cut flowers is from February to July, and there are many intervening periods: which ought to be studied on individual grounds. In the first: place, there is the growing of the plants and their peculiar adaptation for yielding supplies at certain times. There are: individual fancies to be pleased in peculiar colours and even shades of colour, and there are certain times at which certain things are more welcome than others; but perhaps the most important thing to be studied is a proper selection of such sub- jects as will stand the oscillation of a luggage van without. falling to pieces. It is in a way simple to grow and force flowers, but not so simple always to “hit the proper time *” and transmit them to their destination in proper condition. Amongst a chain of complications there are features of varied import which, if exercised and applied with forethought, will be the redeeming features of the case; for instance, flowers that travel well should be kept in reserve for the hot weather, others of more intricate formation will answer quite as well earlier, and travel better in cold weather. All flowers can be: hardened more or less gradually, and kept shaded from strong sun. The choice element—such as Orchids, Lilies of the Valley, Gardenias, Eucharis, Pancratiums, &c.—should be handled according to individual means to last over the season, so that every tray of flowers sent off shall have its fair contingent of choice things. Camellias will last from November till May. All efforts at retarding after the plants are pushing vigorously _ will only end in failure, therefore they should be kept as cold as is consistent with safety after the buds are set, and shading” resorted to early in the season. The cooler the plants are kept the better the flowers will travel. Suppose the roof of the Camellia house is occupied with other creepers that would be injured by shade, they are a poor lot if they are not worth some special attention in the way of shade, which may be temporarily constructed inside the house and removed after the flowering season is over. Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissus, and other bulbous plants are easily managed by rotation and hardened off according to coming demands from the warmest forcing house to the coolest frame behind a north wall. Cine- rarias, Calceolarias. Prunuses, Deutzias, Spirzeas, and other things may be handled in the same way, and later sowings of the two first-named may be turned out of doors altogether, and occupy similar places with little or no protection, except some: slight covering, to be kept at hand in case it is required. This: style of keeping your showy things out of public sight may be open to comment, but the writer never gives a pin for the critic or satirist so long as the only parties legitimately inter- ested are satisfied. When there is any probability of a glut of Camellias or of Maréchal Niel or Gloire de Dijon Roses being caused by a sudden change of genial weather, and the flowers are situated so as to be beyond ordinary control, then numbers of other things that are more under command may be retarded in proportion by any of the means suggested elsewhere, August 15, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 129 Rhododendrons that are forced in a high temperature had better be removed to cooler quarters before half the flower truss is expanded ; indeed, for safe travelling all trusses should be despatched to their final destination before the centre flowers are open. Coming to other sections of plants that are forced under high pressure, it were better to work on some well-con- sidered principle beforehand. If a small house can be spared which is conveniently situated in a cool aspect, with just a flow and return hot-water pipe round it that might be used in ease of emergency—this house might be utilised as the centre of concentration or depét for receiving plants in various stages of flower from other houses. The house should have a proper shading in good working order and be well ventilated, so that the flowers could be shaded from the sun and kept cool prepa- zatory to travelling. We are, of course, now assuming that the reader has followed our suggestions with the advancing season, and has not confounded our hints with very early forcing, in which case every bed must be open before the plant—whatever it may be—leayes the forcing house, or the sudden change will produce temporary stagnation, till the natural warmth excites a reaction. Roses in pots, Azaleas, and all other portable subjects, either ‘Stove or greenhouse, will have their flowers greatly improved for travelling by this simple method of preparation ; even ‘stove climbers, and other large plants that cannot be carried about, may be materially assisted by lowering the temperature .a few degrees, and by admitting more air during the time the plants are flowering at their best. East Indian and Mexican Orchids are none the worse of being hardenedin company with other things, provided they are not exposed to draughts or sudden chills, which can be avoided with ordinary precaution ; and it is no small advantage to have a spray or two of choice Orchid over as long a period as possible. I think it was Mr. Harrison of Knowsley I once heard make the shrewd remark, ‘“‘ You cannot finish off a box of choice flowers with- out a spray or two of Orchid.” Denbrobium nobile is still the best of that large and interesting species, and is everybody's plant for cutting purposes. It stands packing better than most other Orchids, and is accommodating as to the time of flowering, either early or late. For particular occasions, and in order to meet extra de- mands, we have kept plants, both stove and greenhouse, for days together in a Mushroom house. “Nothing tothe advantage of the plants,” the reader may retort, which we do not dispute, except to reply that “the end justifies the means.” The indis- criminate adoption of such a principle would be generally condemned as extreme, except in the sense referred to. _ There are many other plants of a commoner type that are indispensable for trayelling purposes during the hotter months of the season. Amongst their number we would place pink and scarlet double Geraniums at the head of the list; their , Prizes awarded June 18th as per statement. Se Gan, », Balance in hand. Gal £151 10 8 Examined and found correct, { CHARLES NOBLER, July 2nd, 1878. ( Epmunp B. Fostrr. The officers for the year ensuing were appointed as follows : —Chairman, James McIntosh, Hsq., Duneevan, Oatlands Park ; Vice-Chairman, . B. Foster, Esq., Clewer Manor, Windsor ; Hon. Treasurer. Dr. Denny; Hon. Secretary, Mr. T. Moore, F.L.S. Committee—Messrs. Browse, Cannell, Catlin, Fraser, George, Henderson, Hibberd, Hogg, James, Kellock, Kinghorn, Laing, Llewelyn, Masters, Peach, Pearson, Postans, Sisley, G. Smith (Hornsey), G, Smith (Edmonton), Turner, H. J. Veitch, Webb, West, and Wilson. The schedule of prizes for next year under- if went discussion and amendment, and it was unanimously agreed that the Society should award certificates of merit to deserving novelties exhibited at its shows. INTERMEDIATE STOCKS. Asa rule the sweet and attractive spring-flowering plants are not grown in private gardens to the extent that their merits deserve. From March to June they form a delightful feature in the decoration of greenhouse, conservatory, window-sill, and garden. Nowhere are these Stocks seen finer than in Covent Garden Market, where they are sold by thousands for the decoration of metropolitan homes. The growers of the plants have special facilities for cultivating them, and have probably special strains of their own; at any rate the market plants are remarkable for their dwarf sturdy habit, rich colour, and early-flowering qualities. Be this as it may, it is certain that the principal seedsmen can supply Intermediate Stock seed that will produce plants of good habit and which will yield a large per-centage of double, sweet, rich flowers. The scarlet, or rather crimson, variety is the best; if whites and other coloured dwarf Stocks are desired early in spring they can be had by sowing seeds of the Ten-week Stocks in September. Lothian Stocks are probably the finest of all for winter and spring flowering, but they require a much longer period of growth than the varieties above named, and it is too late to sow the Lothians now for producing early spring-flowering plants: it is, however, just the time for sowing seed of the Intermediate varieties. ; Let it be sown at once if possible, and not next week or the week after, or the plants will not become large enough before winter to produce stout spikes early in the spring. Sow very thinly in rich light soil in the open garden. If the soil of the garden is naturally heavy prepare a compost of light loam and very much decayed manure or leaf soil in equal parts, and make a bed of this about 3 inches thick in which to sow the seed. If the seed bed can be so formed as to be covered with handlights or other glass protectors so much the better, as if drenching rains occur when the seedlings are in a small state much injury may be done; still the young plants must not be coddled, but should be encouraged to assume a sturdy habit of growth from the very beginning of their career. When they are large enough to be handled, and before they are in the slightest degree crowded in the seed beds, pot them singly in 60-sized pots, place them in a frame and keep them close for a week, and shaded if the weather is sunny, but the moment they can endure the sun they must have it, also all the air possible, even to the extent of removing the lights en- tirely night and day during settled weather, and dwarf vigor- ous plants will be produced before winter. They must be wintered close to the glass in very light frames, and must have protection in severe weather. They will require little water during the dull days, yet must have sufficient to keep them in a fresh growing state, but decay of the foliage must be specially guarded against. If very dwarf plants are required let them remain in the small pots until they produce flower buds, and the moment it can be ascertained which will be double and which single shift the former into their blooming pots, using very rich turfy soil, and in a few weeks attractive plants will be produced which cannot fail to be generally admired. It is customary in private gardens to place three plants in a 48-sized pot, and there leave them to flower; but this is not often satisfactory, as one of the plants may prove single, and it may happen two, and a plant never looks well growing close to the side of a pot. It is far better to pot them singly, as the plants, if well grown, assume a natural dwarf pyramidal habit, which can never be so well displayed as when the plant is placed in the centre of its pot. But although double flowers are naturally the most admired, yet the singles are by no means to be despised in early spring. Pot three or five of the single plants in 7 or 8-inch pots, and large floriferous bushes will be produced, which will be found very valuable for affording cut flowers for vase decoration and bouquets, the singles being as good or even better for those purposes than the doubles.— A CONSERVATORY FOREMAN. THE POTATO CROP IN SOUTH WALES. As the Potato crop is always an important one, perhaps it may be interesting to state that about here the crop is excel- —a August 22, 1878. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 147 lent this year. Last year the disease was fearfully bad, about 80 per cent. of the tubers in both gardens and farms being destroyed ; but this year it is the very reverse, not 20 per cent. being diseased, and the tubers are both larger in size and more numerous than they were last season. We have not a rain gauge here, but I should imagine that six times as much vain fell during the latter part of May and throughout June, July, and the early part of August last year, as has fallen during that time this season, and I think it is to the dryness of the weather that we have experienced during the last three months that the goodness of the Potato crop may be attributed. A variety named Harly Mealy and Prince of Wales are two that are the most subject to disease amongst all the varieties we grow. Paterson’s Albert, Paterson’s Blues, and in fact all of Paterson’s varieties, are excellent Potatoes both for abun- dance of crop, resisting the disease, and quality. Although many of the American sorts have the reputation of possessing all these qualities I do not consider any of them equal to Paterson’s. The American Snowflake, however, is a very hand- some Potato, and for exhibition it has few equals. Sutton’s new Magnum Bonum is a Potato which I think will soon be much grown. Here Gloucestershire Kidney is the best of its class, and I would advise any of your readers who do not possess it to try a few of it next year.—J. Muir, Margam. STRIKING ROSE CUTTINGS—DISBUDDING. No time of the year is more suitable for the insertion of Rose cuttings than the present, and there are very few Roses that will not thrive as well on their own roots as when budded on the Briar or Manetti. In some soils, and probably the majority, a better growth and finer blooms are produced by Roses grown from cuttings than by any other mode of in- crease. I am not now writing of Roses for exhibition, but Roses for making the garden gay and sweet, and rooms gay and sweet too, for I like to see Roses grown so that they can be cut by the bushel and yet not be missed from the bushes. Like many more, I haye never been able to buy Roses by the hundred, but I am thankful to say I have had the privilege of growing them by the thousand. A dozen or two at most are all that have been purchased annually, and then the object has been to increase those that were esteemed good, so as to have them in abundance. To this end Briars have been ob- tained and Manetti cuttings struck and eventually budded, and the same practice continues, but the most satisfactory mode of increase is by striking cuttings of the Roses them- selves. It is not the quickest mode, but it is the safest, and in the end affords the best supply of blooms and buds. Blooms and buds! I cannot refrain from repeating the words in the hope that something will be done to encourage Roses being exhibited in a less starchy, formal, and artificial manner than is the fashion at the Roseshows. Let the buds— the fresh, sweet, beautiful, half-expanded buds—have a better place than the rubbish heap, to which so many basketfuls are consigned in obedience to the law of exhibiting. Those buds are considered as robbers, but I consider those who pluck them so mercilessly greater robbers still. ‘“D., Deal,’ has written strongly against dressing Carnations and in favour of the flowers being staged in a natural manner, and I hope he will on the same principle do something to encourage the natural beauty of the Rose being preserved and exhibited at the shows. But to return to the cuttings. Let them be taken off and inserted at once. That is the principal point in connection with the work. If they are severed from the trees, and per- mitted to flag and become partially shrivelled before insertion, they will not emit roots so quickly as if they are kept fresh and moist. The cuttings cannot be inserted too quickly after they are made. If the wound is permitted to dry up in the air it is slow to form a callus in the earth. That is a point worth remembering when Rose cuttings are inserted in summer. Select shoots that are tolerably firm. Soft succulent growth is of no use ; on the other hand, hard stunted wood seldom strikes freely and grows vigorously. The lower portions of the shoots produced this year make excellent cuttings—such shoots that are cut off for having their buds extracted. Make the cuttings the same as Geranium cuttings—that is, cut them across close under a joint and remove the leaves fora leneth of 4 or 5 inches. Leave one pair of leaves at the top and insert the cuttings firmly up to the leaves, leaving two eyes only above ground. The soil should be light and moist, and the position shaded. If the weather is not showery they must be sprinkled fre- quently so as to preserve the foliage fresh, and roots will form so much the quicker. They should be inserted in rows a foot apart, the cuttings being 3 or + inches asunder in the rows, and there they should remain for about eighteen months. Only a small per-centage will fail to strike. Most varieties strike fully as well as cuttings of the Manetti; in fact, the cuttings will form plants quicker than can be produced by budding on Manettis, counting from the time (which is quite fair) when the Manetti cuttings were inserted. I have struck hundreds—I may say thousands—of Rose cuttings in August, and it is rare indeed that blooms cannot be cut from April to September, commencing with the old Monthly China Rose growing against the south wall of the garden, and finishing with that and such sorts as Gloire de Dijon and Souvenir de la Malmaison on the north border. I had almost made up my mind not to write about Roses again since the Editors were troubled with forwarding so many letters to me, but I have ventured to write on a point of prac- tice which is not likely to give rise to after correspondence.— A PARSON’S GARDENER, FRUIT CULTURE IN KENT. On the invitation of Mr. L. Killick of Mount Pleasant, Langley, Maidstone, the proprietor of extensive orchards and Hop grounds, some members of the Fruit Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society visited Maidstone on Friday last, and inspected some of the fruit-growing establishments in the vicinity of that town. After partaking of a preliminary luncheon at the Star Hotel two waggonettes conveyed the visitors to Barham Court. The route selected was a most pic- turesque one, the road passing through the village of Tovil, and overlooked almost along its whole course the beautiful valley of the Medway and the gently undulated rising ground beyond. Orchards old and new of Cherries, Plums, and Apples, some having an undergrowth of grass, others of Currants, &c., formed next to the Hop grounds the principal feature of the landscape, and as a change from the Hops and the fruit trees was here and there a Raspberry field. Hops were on all sides and everywhere, the crops varying extremely according to the state of the soil and the absence of insects and mildew. Many of the stools and poles were almost destitute of inflorescence ; others were producing only large clusters at the top ; and a few, but only comparatively a few, were well furnished almost to the ground, and bearing really good crops; and unfortu- nately some that were producing the finest hops in the greatest profusion appeared to be the most seriously affected with mildew. Yet although a full average crop is not expected, the appearance of the grounds, while the foliage is yet green and the hops are just approaching maturity, is imposing to such visitors who are not accustomed to the Kentish mode of ground cultivation. Tostin bridge was reached and crossed after a drive of about three miles ; and another mile traversed, the first halting place was reached at Barham Court, and Mr. Roger Leigh’s unique garden was inspected. The fine trees on the lawn were greatly admired, especially a magnificent example of the Cedar of Lebanon with more than a dozen leaders, each of them of tree size, the head being about 250 feet in circumference. Two trees of Magnolia gran- diflora on the open lawn attracted notice, as also did a hand- some pair of the Willow-leaved Oak. Passing rapidly through the plant houses near the mansion and noting the health and cleanliness of the specimens, especially luxuriant and highly coloured plants of Adiantum farleyense, 2nd onwards round the mansion and through a small flower garden—a charming dell- like enclosure, containing an admirable example of Pulham’s rockwork, also subtropical plants and carpet beds—the fruit gardens werereached. These, as has been previously mentioned in the Journal, are arranged on the French system. An ex- tensive collection of fruit trees is admirably managed by Mr. Haycock, but this year, as a rule, the trees are not producing anything like freely ; yet to the rule there are some pleasant exceptions. Notably is this the case with the following Pears grown as diagonal cordons on a wall having a west aspect— namely, Winter Nelis, Jos¢phine de Malines, Beurré Hardy, Beurré d’Anjou, General Todtleben, Beurré Bachelier, Doyenné du Comice, Durondeau, and Louise Bonne of Jersey. The above are bearing excellent crops of fine and highly coloured fruit, but several trees on the same wali of Easter Beurré are in very indifferent health, their condition being attributable to the French stocks on which the trees are worked. Peaches on the south wall are also bearing full crops, and a row of diagonal cordon-trained Calyille Blanche Apples at the foot of 148 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 22, 1878. the wall is also bearing a good sprinkling of fruit. Apples are grown in great numbers and in various forms, as diagonal, vertical, and horizontal cordons on wires ; also as bushes and pyramids. A few trees of the pretty Lady Apple are wreathed with small scarlet fruit; and also bearing well are Reinette d@’Espagne, Fall Pippin, Royale Angleterre, Forge Apple, Golden Spire, New Hawthornden, Emperor Alexander, Kerry Pippin, and some others, one of which named Maltster attracted much notice. It is a large, smooth, solid Apple of much promise, and the tree is a healthy grower ‘and forms fruit spurs freely. The trees constituting this fine collection were mostly obtained from France, and some trouble has been given by the incorrect nomenclature of several of them. Mr. Haycock’s intimate knowledge of hardy fruits enables him to correct mistakes as the trees come into bearing, and shortly the entire collection will be correctly named. This, however, is work that ought to be done in nurseries, and, in fact, is done in all English esta- blishments of repute, where the trees would be unhesitatingly burnt if any doubt existed as to their right names. Many trees are also grown and fruited in pots at Barham, some in a large orchard house, and others plunged in beds enclosed by low brick walls, the blossoms being protected by canvas. Most of these trees are producing good crops, especially the Plums. Besides inspecting the fruits outside several ranges of glass were passed through. From the Peach houses all the fruit had been gathered, but good crops of Grapes, especially Madres- field Court and Muscat of Alexandria, were hanging on the Vines. In some pitsexcellent crops of Cucumbers and Melons were hanging, the latter being especially fine, the varieties being Eastnor Castle Green Flesh, Cox’s Golden Gem, and Golden Queen. These pits are three-quarter spans, and the path through them is close to the back wall under the short lights facing the north; over this path from end to end, and also through the Pine pit, Vines in pots are trained in the form of an arch, which forms a shady arcade of foliage, attractive in appearance and conducive to the ripening of the canes. These Vines are very fine, and are certain to produce heavy crops next year. Leaving Mr. Leigh’s garden the next halting place was at Mr. Lency’s, The Orpines, Wateringbury. This place, though not a garden, was too celebrated to be passed, on account of its world-famed shorthorns—the renowned Wateringbury herd. An animal was shown which £5000 would not buy, and amongst many others of great value a cow (The Duchess), whose last two calves realised upwards of £5500 when they were six months old. Such animals were worth seeing, and they can be appropriately mentioned in this Journal, where agriculture is allied with its twin sister horticulture. The visit to Orpines will be remembered by the visitors, not only for the shelter they obtained from a drenching and somewhat protracted shower, but also on account of the hearty welcome and hospit- able reception accorded to them by Mr. Leney. Along drive being yet in the programme and time flying a short cut of five or six miles was determined on to Boughton Monchelsea. The route was through the village of East Far- leigh, where the Crittenden Damson originated, that is so highly and deservedly esteemed by the Kentish fruit-growers. It can be said with truth of this Damson that no other variety of fruit tree in the Kentish orchards is this year bearing so constantly, regularly, and freely as this Damson. Wherever trees are seen they are crowded with purple fruit, and all the trees are on their own roots—i.c., they are raised from suckers, or, to use the local term, ‘spawn,’ and are not grafted or budded on other stocks. Shortly after leaving Farleigh, Linton Park with its neat entrance lodge was passed on the right, and on the left the home of one who is held in high esteem by all who know him, and who is respected by thousands of others to whom his name is familiar—John Robson. Mr. Robson’s home consists of a commodious house, termed Stone House, and, what must make it emphatically a “home” to him, a very large garden. Long borders of bright flowers skirt the path to the house, and behind the flowers are hundreds of fruit bushes and trees. It was welcome to hear his name so pleasantly mentioned and his works as a gardener and a writer so highly appreciated. Mr. Robson’s is a pleasant home, and congenial ; long may the yeteran live to enjoy it. Rain threatening, luncheon waiting, and the guests behind time, the horses were perforce urged swiftly on to Jack Stonham’s, at least that was the name boldly inscribed on the sign of the roadside inn at Boughton Monchelsea. On Mr. Jack Stonham’s house the good old Gloire de Dijon Rose luxuriates. In a building contiguous to | respects excellent. the inna luncheon was provided at the instance of Mr. Killick —a spread that places Mr. Stonham in an honourable position on the list of caterers. It was bountiful to a fault, and in all Mr. Killick presided at the luncheon, and Mr. Skinner, another extensive Kentish fruit-grower, occupied the vice chair. After the repast Mr. Killick proposed the toast of the Royal Horticultural Society, and expressed the pleasure it gave him to see its representatives present. He coupled the toast with the name of Mr. Henry Webb, a Vice-President of the Society and Chairman of the Fruit Committee. The volleys of “ Kentish fire’? having subsided Mr. Webb replied, expressing the pleasure that he and his colleagues had ex- perienced by the visit. He referred to the useful work, so far as related to practical horticulture, that the Society had done and continued doing, especially at the periodical meetings of the Society and the experiments conducted at Chiswick. He looked hopefully towards the future, and offered a welcome to all fruit-growers, horticulturists, and gardeners who were dis- posed to enter the ranks of the old and honourable Society. Mr. William Paul in felicitous terms proposed the health of Mr. Killick, who, after more “ Kentish fire,’ briefly replied by expressing a hope that this was only the first of a series of annual visits that he would be honoured with by his friends. A flying visit was next made to a portion of the fruit grounds of Mr. Skinner, not a tithe, however, of which were seen, for night was creeping on. The grounds can only be fittingly described as a forest of fruit trees with an under- growth of Kentish Cob Nuts and Filberts. The trees appear to be left very much to Nature, and afew of them are of great size, especially some Golden Knob Apples carrying good crops. Very many trees are barren, but not so the Loddington Seed- ling or Stone’s Apple. This variety is naturally a medium grower, but every tree had a good sprinkling of fine fruit. King of the Pippins was bearing heavily, as also was Yellow Ingestrie, while Lord Suffield, Blenheim Pippin, and Cox’s Orange Pippin were producing moderate crops ; but the Nuts, perhaps, attracted more attention than the Apples. If the bushes are not centenarians they are not far from being so, for their trunks not more than 2 feet high are as thick as a man’s body. From these stems from six to twelve branches have been trained almost horizontally. These main branches are now old, gnarled, and moss-covered, yet from them issues luxuriant growth, and in good seasons abundance of fine Cobs. Many of the bushes are upwards of 15 feet in diameter, and are about 5 feet high. They are quite openin the centres—are trained in fact, in the shape of saucers. They had just undez- gone their summer pruning by having had all the luxuriant young wood broken off a little distance from the base of the shoots and scattered on the ground. There appear to be acres, perhaps miles, of such bushes as those described, but this year the crop of nuts is a scant one. From Mr. Skinner’s grounds to Mr. Killick’s is only a short drive, and Mount Pleasant, Langley, was reached just as the shades of evening were approaching, and some of the visitors had to rush off in hot haste to secure the train before half of the place had been seen. Hop grounds fringed with Crittenden Damsons, orchards old and young on grass, and a large young plantation of Apples carefully tended in well-cultivated ground were rapidly passed through. The most striking of all the fruits was the Damson above noticed. Trees, hundreds of them, only five years old, have heads as many feet in diameter and are masses of purple fruit. Of Plums few appear to be bearing well except Victoria and a variety designated the Bush Plum. Of Pears the Hessle is about the only sort carry- ing a good crop. Many Apple trees are barren, a few fruitful. Among the latter Loddington Seedling was conspicuous. Others which attracted notice were the Hanwell Souring, a free grower and good bearer ; Tower of Glamis, a variety of great promise ; Ecklinyille, free and fine ; Golden Spire, a free-bearing, early, cone-shaped Apple somewhat resembling Lord Suffield ; Malt- ster, very fine; Emperor Napoleon, a deep, rich red Apple of fine appearance; and Early Julian, one of the best of the early sorts. This young plantation of Apples will be highly worthy of inspection in future years. Old trees cannot be re- ferred to except to notice an instance of grafting which is common in Kent. Instead of the trees being headed-down to the trunk and half a dozen grafts being inserted the branches are cut off at 5 or 6 feet from their base, where the wood is comparatively young and the bark smooth. They are then grafted, fifty or more grafts being inserted on one tree. Large heads are speedily formed and the head is soon in a bearing state, the tree instanced, Loddington Seedling, grafted on an i Angust 22, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 149 old stock having produced five bushels of fruit the third year after the grafts were inserted. Mount Pleasant is indeed a pleasant place, pleasant by the splendid scenery in the distance and by the fruit and flowers immediately surrounding the house. It was made pleasant also, very pleasant, to the visitors by the genial welcome they received and the manner in which their wants were antici- pated and gracefully supplied by Mrs. Killick. Amongst those who accepted Mr. Killick’s invitation were Mr. Henry Webb, Mr. John Lee, Hammersmith; Mr. Lane, Great Berkhampstead ; Mr. William Paul, Waltham Cross ; Mr. Dancer, Chiswick ; Mr. Harrison Weir, Mr. Haycock, Mr. Record, Mr. West, and other local gentlemen, and your obedient servant—J. WRIGHT. SCHIZANTHUSES FOR SPRING DECORATION. ALL, I think, who have seen these beautiful annuals well ‘grown will admit their beauty. There is no mode that I am aware of at all comparable for bringing out the full beauty of these plants equal to that of sowing the seed towards the end of the present month, and growing and flowering the plants in pots in the greenhouse or conservatory. The finest examples of culture that I ever remember having seen were grown by your veteran apiarian contributor Mr. Pettigrew. It is nearly thirty years since I saw the plants in the excellently furnished conservatory at Cheetham Hill near Manchester, and they haunt my memory still. They were dazzling masses of beauty some 4 feet high and 3 feet through, and were produced in fruiting Pine pots. For elegance com- bined with brilliancy I have never seen plants to equal those. i have grown plants frequently after the same fashion, but specimens of equal size to those referred to I have never been required to produce. I have been in the habit of flowering the plants in 7 and 8-inch pots, which have been fully large enough for the structure in which they were arranged. Other plants were wintered in 5-inch pots and planted out in the mixed borders of the flower garden, and during the months of vune and July few, if any, plants in the garden were more admired. The plants are of easy culture. The treatment usually given to Mignonette suits them admirably. The great point is to sow the seed thinly and never at any time to permit the plants to become drawn. Before they touch each other in the seed pots they should be thinned. If only small plants are re- quired to flower in 48-sized pots the seed should be sown in 60-sized pots, allowing three or four plants to remain in each pot. If large brilliant bushes are required sow the seed in 5-inch pots, and leave from seven to nine plants in each accord- ing to the size of pots the plants are to be flowered in. One shift before winter is usually sufficient, or, if necessary, the plants may be wintered in the seed pots. After sowing the ‘pots should be placed in cold frames, but the lights should be drawn off on every favourable moment, and especially at nicht when the weather is settled. The best mode of wintering them is to plunge the pots in ashes in a pit or frame haying a southern aspect, the plants being close to the glass and pro- tected from frost. Early in the spring, when fresh growth commences, they require shifting and to be placed in the lightest and best ventilated position at command, yet must be secure from severe frosts, which at that period of the year are often pre- valent. They thrive best in soil that is rather light but rich, and after the blooming pots become filled with roots clear weak liquid manure given twice or thrice a week is highly beneficial ; copious supplies of water are imperative. If the plants are neglected in this respect the foliage assumes a sickly hue, and not only mars the beauty of the plants, but impairs the size and colour and shortens the duration of the flowers. Given the treatment required, and it is simple enough, few plants will be more attractive in May and June than these gay yet chaste and too-seldom-seen annuals. All the varieties are worthy of culture, a few of the most effective being retusus and its white variety albus ; papiliona- ceus, quite butterfly-like ; pinnatus grandiflorus, and Walkeri. a aamere growing only one variety I should choose retusus.— ST. SWITHIN PEAR. To the many achievements in the way of raising new fruits the Sawbridgeworth Nurseries haye added a new early Pear which will add to their well-won reputation. The earliest of all Pears is Doyenné d’Eté, a small kind which decays as fast as it ripens, and which if not gathered rather before it ripens on the tree is little better than worthless. The new Pear, which has been called St. Swithin from its ripening in the middle of July about St. Swithin’s day, is superior to Doyenné d’Eté in every respect. It is larger, it keeps longer after being gathered, and it is of superior flavour. Fig. 20.—St. Swithin Pear. The fruit is rather below medium size, obovate or pyriform the two forms being shown in the accompanying illustration. Skin smooth, grass green, thickly dotted and mottled with tusset and sometimes with a faint brown blush on the side next the sun. Eye small and closed, with incurved tooth-like segments set even with the surface without depression. Stalk | from half an inch to an inch in length, inserted without de- pression. Flesh yellowish white with a greenish tinge, tender, Juicy, and sweet, with a fine brisk flavour. St. Swithin Pear was raised from the Calebasse Tougard, a remarkably prolific Pear. The seedling has the same character- istic. It ripened in an early summer by the 16th of July, but this year it was later. The growth of the tree is not vigorous, but it forms a compact pyramid. The flavour of the fruit is more sprightly and brisk than the Doyenné @Eté. Altogether it will be found a pleasant addition to the summer garden Pears, A VISIT TO THE EXETER NURSERIES. For some time I haye been intending to write an account of a visit I paid to the extensive nurseries of Messrs. Lucombe and Pince at Exeter, but the pressure upon your space has of late been very great, and I have been very busy ; but now that the great shows are over, and that autumn flowers alone attract attention, a few notes upon the subject of my visit may be acceptable. As many of your readers are aware the sole proprietor of these nurseries is Dr. Woodman. There is no Lucombe and no Pince, though on one occasion Dr. Woodman averred the contrary. On the evening of one of the most successful Rose shows ever held, whether at Exeter or elsewhere, Dr. Woodman was return- ing home from the hospitable abode of “ Hercules”’ when he suddenly became convinced that a fire of some magnitude was raging near his place. He asked a bystander where the fire was. ‘ They say it is at Pince’s,’ was the reply. “ Pince’s! What do you mean by Pince’s? I am Pince.” His stables 150 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 22, 1878. fortunately alone suffered on that occasion, and his extensive collection of plants was saved. This is indeed a grand assortment of Flora’s gifts. Itextends to nearly every species of flower, beginning with stove and greenhouse plants and ending with hardy Alpines and her- baceous plants. He has a great amount of glass, all constructed in a plain useful manner, which says, as plainly as if it spoke, “We mean business, not show.” On my arrival I was joined by that enthusiastic florist the proprietor, who took me round everywhele, and in the evening drove me to his distant nursery at Exminster. It would take up too much of your space were I to attempt to describe to you half of what I saw. I can only give you a few details as to the most striking features of the place. : First, the houses are full of young plants in a most flourish- ing state, but the grand specimens which took London by storm at the Westminster Aquarium no longer grace their old home. They had become too big for theirhome. The children had outgrown their cradles and required rocking chairs. Dr. Woodman would have had to build new houses for them, and this he did not feel inclined to do, so he sold them, and at the Crystal Palace and Kensington I have recognised old favourites that once smiled down on the fair lasses of Devon at Northern- hay. But though the giants have sought new hunting grounds, yet their children remain to keep up the reputation of their old home, and a nicer cleaner lot of young stuff I never saw. I need not dilate on Allamandas with their golden flowers, or Bougainvilleas with their sheen of dewy pink, or seek to tickle your readers’ ears with descriptions of Dipladenias and Ixoras. I can leave the charms of the virgin Eucharis unsung, or the pure waxen blooms of the bridal Stephanotis uncele- brated. I can simply say that all the flowers, the names of which are household words among florists, were there in all their beauty. And now let me go outside and tell your readers of the rock garden. This was to me a perfect wonder. It exceeds all I have ever seen. It is finer than the one in the Battersea Park, and could not in my opinion be excelled. How any man could | go to the expense and trouble of making that maze of rocks and winding paths when there was nothing in a trade point of view to be gained by it passes the comprehension of many who see it. But the late Mr. Pince had a soulabove such a low con- sideration ; he was a true horticulturist at heart, and lavished his money and labour upon what was to him a work of love. You may wander in that rock garden in the noon heat of a summer day, and you will be as cool as if you were sitting by | the sad sea waves ; you may stroll about and admire the | Alpine plants, and Ferns, and Lycopodiums which abound, and forget altogether that within 20 yards of where you are is the great high road to Exeter; you may bend down and see your ugly face reflected in a pool of limpid water where the Water Lily and other aquatic plants, like the mermaids or syrens, seem to woo you to kiss them, and within two miles of you is the metropolis of the west, the lovely city of Exeter. The botanical student may spend hours and days, and yet find plenty to learn when he had done. The Editors of this Journal would be enchanted with it if they would but come so far, and would be the better for a few hours or even minutes spent there. In the general nursery the most prominent features are the pinetum and the Italian garden. The numbers of fine Pinuses —nobilis, insignis, austriaca, and excelsa—would delight the lover of these grand Conifers, while the numerous specimens of Golden Yew and Arbor-Vitz would enchant the painter with their rich colour and shapely form. Dr. Woodman is also a cultivator of the Rose upon (I hope he will forgive me, but I am trying to describe truthfully what I say) a small scale. He has evidently the wish to grow good plants, but up to the present he seems to have had bad iuck. His rows contain more failures than are usually seen in first- class nurseries, but he intends to persevere, and no doubt will soon succeed, and be in this, as in many other departments, nulli secundus. He has, however, a fine collection of Niphetos, which he finds so useful for bridal bouquets and cut flowers. While I was there Sisters of Mercy were wandering through the houses collecting flowers for the altar vases of their chapel, and they find Niphetos a most valuable Rose. A small space in the nursery is devoted to hardy herbaceous plants. Here may be seen excellent specimens of Delphinium, Dianthus in its various species and varieties, Phlox, Pentste- mons, &c., and the proprietor is commencing to form a good collection of Pansies. Here, as elsewhere, I met with the greatest kindness and hospitality from the owner, and I shall hope before the winter to pay him another visit—WYLD SAVAGE. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. AUGUST 20TH. ALTHOUGH fruit, plants, and cut flowers were exhibited they were not represented in large numbers, and the meeting on the whole was not a large one; yet several of the exhibits were of great merit, and first-class certificates were awarded accordingly. Frvuir CoMMITTEE.—Mr. W. Paulin the chair. The following fruits were brought from the Society’s garden at Chiswieck—LHarly Silver Peach from a wall, one of Mr. Rivers’s seedlings. The fruit. was large and more highly coloured than usual. It was of fine flayour, and as an early variety one of the most desirable. Au- guste Jurie Pear, an early variety ripening in the middle of August > a crisp-fleshed, juicy, sweet, and finely perfumed variety, coming into use at the same time as Beurré Giffard. Mr. Francis Dancer, Little Sutton, exhibited dishes of Rivers’s Sultan Plum raised by Mr. Rivers. It is a valuable early Plum, excellent bearer, and vigorous grower. It was awarded a first-class certificate. Also a good dish of Victoria Plum. A letter of thanks was awarded for the collection. A collection of Russian Apples was sent from the garden at Chiswick, none of which was worthy of cultivation. Messrs. William Paul & Son of Waltham Cross sent fourteen dishes of early Apples, to which a letter of thanks was awarded. Mr. Coleman, Eastnor Castle, sent a red-fleshed seedling Melon called Dr. Hogg, raised by Mr. R. Gilbert, Burghley, but it was. not of sufficient merit to warrant a certificate. Mr. Henry Prinsep, The Gardens, Buxted Park, Uckfield, sent a seedling Melon called Beswick’s Hybrid, but it was not equal to others in cultivation. He also sent another called Buxted Hybrid which was not ripe. Mr. Osman, South Metropolitan Distriet Schools, Sutton, Surrey, sent two seedling Melons which were not good. Mr. Fraser, The Gardens, Ashby Hall, Sleaford, sent four seedling Melons, all of which were inferior in flavour. Mr. Hinds, gardener to Sir Thomas Edwardes Moss, Otterspool, sent a fine bunch of Golden Champion Grape which was completely spoiled in the carriage. Mr. J. G. Cheek, gardener to G. D. Clapham, Esq., Great Dunmow, sent a seedling Cucumber called Lord Beacons= field, which was not better than othersin cultivation. Mr. Young of the Milford Nurseries sent jam made of Elaagnus edulis, which was considered deficient in pulp. FLoRAL COMMITTEE.—Dr. Denny in the chair. Prominent amongst the plants submitted to the Committee was the grand new Orchid raised by Mr. Dominy, and which has recently flowered in the collection of Messrs. Veitch & Sons. This re- markable variety was alluded to on page 132, and it is only neces- sary to say now that in addition to its remarkable colour the flowers are deliciously perfumed. The growth of the plant is free and upright, the pseudobulbs being somewhat slender and 5 to 6 inches long, the leaves being 8 or 9 inches in length and 13 inch in diameter. It is a grand acquisition, and has been named Cattleya Veitchiana. A first-class certificate was unanimously awarded for this fine plant. Sir Trevor Laurence, Bart., Burford Lodge, Dorking, sent a fine plant of Odontoglossum Reichenheimii. The pseudobulbs are: large, and the flower spike about 5 feet long. The upper half contained the flowers, which are produced on short branchlets and are beautifully marked. The sepals are chestnut coloar marked with buff, and the lip purplish mauve tipped with pinkish white. From the same collection came Dendrobium McCarthie. The flowers are very large and drooping; sepals very pale lavender, the margin of the lip being a deeper shade of the same colour ; throat violet with a dark bar, and surrounded by a zone oF creamy white. A vote of thanks was awarded. Mr. Mitchell, gardener to Dr. Ainsworth, Manchester, sent a seedling Cattleya named Mitchellii, the result of a cross between C. Eldorado and C. Leopoldi. The sepals and petals of the uew variety are purplish salmon in colour, the lip, which is rather small, being violet mauve, and the throat orange. The flower is distinct alike in form and colour, and was awarded a first-class certificate. Mr. B. 8. Williams, Holloway, exhibited a small collection of plants, to one of which, Croton Williamsii, a first-class certificate was awarded. The plant is a strong grower, with smooth, large, lanrel-shaped foliage 8 to 9inches long and2 broad. The ground colour is very dark green heavily veined and mottled with crimson. It will make a fine companion plant to C. undulatus, but is brighter in colour than that good old variety. dark place, and both heated in some way. Hot dung and hot water both serve good purposes. Asparagus may be forced with either ; we do it with both with equal success. The hot- bed is that which could be most used as a rule, because there are few people who have a kitchen garden of any extent but who have something or other with which to make a hotbed, and there are many good gardeners with no hot-water-heated forcing house. j Where the hotbed will be resorted to during the coming winter no time should now be lost in preparing the bed if very early Asparagus is wanted. As the leaves are beginning to fall off the trees vow all the best of them should be secured and placed in a heap. Grass cuttings should be secured in the same way ; and just when the Asparagus growths are beginning to assume a withered appearance a quantity of stable litter and manure should be added to the leaves and grass, the whole being well mixed together and then made into a bed to suit any sized frame thut it is desired to place on it. The bed should be made very firm, and the less of it exposed to wet the better. Indeed the margin of it outside the frame should be closely covered over with boards to throw off rain, as the heat of all hotbeds declines too fast when exposed to the cold winter rains. A one-light frame will hold as many roots as will supply several dishes, and where the demand is small no more than this should be put in at once. The bed may be made up about a week before the roots are lifted, and about 2 inches of soil should be spread over the surface inside the frame. When the roots are lifted they are simply packed close together on the top of this soil and covered over with about 2 inches more of light soil; they are then watered, the lights put on, and further than putting the lights down a little to let the steam escape on a fine day they require no further attention. The produce may be had ready for cutting in a month after the roots have been placed intheframe. We have cut in November twelve days after lifting the roots, but then they were in the bed of a Cucumber pit with hot-water pipes underneath them. In forcing the roots in this structure they are treated in all respects as in the hotbed, only they require more water, as the bottom soil is spread over the dry stones at the bottom of the bed. Some vegetables do not give so much produce when forced in autumn and winter as they do when the days are lengthening in spring; but the Asparagus is not one of them, as it yields just as much in Noyember and December as in March and April. This was our experience of it last November and in previous years. Good roots from four to twelve years old force readily, but we do not prefer them either younger or much older than that. We never make use of any roots after they have been forced, as we do not think it is profitable ; and considering the ease with which Asparagus plants can be raised from seed, the best ee October 10, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 273 way is to sow a quantity of seed every other year, and always have a nice batch of strong young roots coming forward.— A KITCHEN GARDENER. THE ROSE ELECTION.—No. 3. I THANK “WyYLD SAVAGE” for his kindly notice of the election. However galling to him, the Rose, it is satisfactory that to him, the man, the table and contents are of interest ; if they are so to him, they are still more likely to be to those who are not so well up in the subject, and for whose special benefit I consider they are meant. Catherine Mermet is not, however, this year in the first twenty-four, seeing she is No. 28, and I, with “ WYLD SAVAGE,” wonder she is as low; but the election of last year, ‘‘delusive’”’ as it was, placed her No. 20, so that I am rather at a loss to gather the source of his comfort. Can it be that he rejoices that that lovely Rose is eight pegs lower this year in an election that “ is neither a delusion nor a snare tohim?’” As to Gloire de Dijon, I may say that I do not consider this glorious and kindly Rose has fair play for exhibition purposes. It loves to give us quantities of bloom at all seasons of the year ; thus treated, is it likely to furnish exhibition blooms? Yet, even thus, a stray bloom shows us occasionally the metal it is made of. Shaded and prevented bearing more than half a dozen blooms (and it has in bygone days to my knowledge contributed to catch the judge’s eye and bring the stand into the premier rank), I believe it would do so again; but grown as it usually is, No. 59 may probably represent its fair position. By mistake the heading of the lists last week was that the Roses are in “order of merit.” This was not asked for this year, though some of them are approximate. Though numbered, this has rather been to insure the correctness of the number of Roses named than to express their relative merits—JOSEPH HINTON, Weomunster. VOTES IN ELECTION. In the following returns the Roses are placed as the first best twelve, second best twelve, and next best twenty-four exhibition varieties. Mr. J. GRAVELY, Cowfold, Sussex. 1." Maréchal Niel 7. Baronne de Rothschild! 2. La France 8. Marquise de Castellane 3. Marie Baumann 9. Louis Van Houtte 4, Marie Rady 10. Monsieur E. Y. Teas 5. Alfred Colomb 11. Madame Victor Verdier 6. Charles Lefebyre 12. Etienne Levet 13. Baronne Hausmann 19. Monsieur Noman 14. Comtesse d’Oxford 20. John Hopper 15. Duchesse de Vallombrosa 21. Pierre Notting 16. Due de Wellington 22. Star of Waltham 17. Francois Louvat 23. Beauty of Waltham 18. Frangois Michelon 24, Jean Liabaud 25. Abel Grand 37. Madame Thérése Levet 26. Annie Wood 38. Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier 27. Antoine Ducher 39. Marie Cointet 28. Camille Bernardin 40, Marguerite de St. Amand 29, Capitaine Christy 41. Madame Charles Wood 30. Comtesse de Serenye 42. Olivier Delhomme 31. Duchesse de Caylus 43. Royal Standard 32. Duke of Edinburgh 44, Sénateur Vaisse 33. Edouard Morren 45. Sultan of Zanzibar 34, Exposition de Brie 46. Catherine Mermet 35. Duchesse de Morny 47. Comte Alphonse de Serenye 36, Le Havre 48. Hippolyte Jamain Mr. R. W. Buacuey, Fluders, Kingskerswell, Torquay. 1, Maréchal Niel 7. Marguerite de St. Amand 2. Marie Baumann 8. Charles Lefebyre 3. Alfred Colomb 9. Comtesse de Serenye 4. Marquise de Castellane 10. Camille Bernardin 5. Francois Michelon 11. Louis Van Houtte 6. Etienne Levet 12. La France 13. Monsieur E. Y. Teas 19. Catherine Mermet 14. Baronne de Rothschild 20. Madame Victor Verdier 15. Le Havre 21. Marie Finger b 16. Duke of Edinburgh 22. Princess Mary of Cambridge 17. Dr. Andry 23. Dupuy Jamain 18. Deyoniensis 24, Xavier Olibo 25. Souvenir d’Elise 37. Victor Verdier 26. Duc de Wellington 38. Comtesse d’Oxford 27, Fisher Holmes 39. Cheshunt Hybrid 28. Général Jacqueminot 40. Prince Camille de Rohan 29. Horace Vernet 41. Lelia 30. John Hopper 42. Duchesse de Vallombrosa 31. Madame C. Joigneaux 43. Capitaine Christy 32. Marie Van Houtte 44. Baron de Bonstetten 33. Marie Rady 45. Antoine Ducher 34, Miss Hassard 46. Thomas Mills 35. Reynolds Hole 47. Pierre Notting 36. Souvenir d’un Ami 48, Gloire de Dijon Mr. JAmres Brown, Longfield, Heaton Mersey. . La France . Marie Baumann . Baronne de Rothschild . Xavier Olibo . Capitaine Christy . Pierre Notting . Marquise de Castellane . Comtesse d’Oxford . Duke of Edinburgh . Mdlle. Eugenie Verdier . Madame Lacharme . Fisher Holmes . Marguerite de St. Amand 26. Reynolds Hole 27. Madame Victor Verdier . Ferdinand de Lesseps . Mdlle. Marie Rady . Emilie Hausburg . Horace Vernet . Gloire de Dijon . Star of Waltham . Comte de Serenye . Monsieur E, Y. Teas 6. La Rosiére Dimer a oo Hee DAA Panche and on the Rio Dagna, Columbia. The specimens which had served Dr. Lindley for the description and the naming the species (“ Bot. Reg.’ xxx., 1844, p. 21) came from the Guayra. Afterwards Wagener on his tour in Ocana came across them again, as well as other travellers who sent living plants to Europe; yet for all that Schomburgkia undulata remains a comparatively rare plant. Fig. 54.—GATHERING SCHOMBURGEKIA UNDULATA. The general complaint is that it does not bloom very freely. I firmly believe that the chief cause is improper cultivation, and that with suitable treatment it can be made to flower as freely as in its native habitat. All the plants I sent to M. Linden, which are now in perfect health, I got from the schis- tose rocks of Quetame, and very often endangered my life to reach them. The plants attach themselves with their strong roots tenaciously on the surface of the rock exposed to the full blaze of the sun. The altitude on measurement I found to be 6300 feet above the level of the sea, consequently quite a tem- perate region (terra templada). Not a single drop of rain ever reaches them during the dry season. The only other vegetation to be found are a few puny Thibandias, some plants of Marcgravias, and an Anthurium resembling acaule, all tenaciously hooking themselves on to the dreary rocks. I found the plants in January, consequently in the middle of summer (verano). The flowers of this grand Orchid displayed their full beauty without suffering in the least from the effects of the long-continuing dry season. The foregoing will give an idea of what is required for the Schomburgkias. During their period of rest, which is generally between September and January, they must be kept perfectly dry, and even be allowed to flag, in a dry temperature of 65° to 78°. The blooming season being over, about March, they should then be subjected 334 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDINER. { October 31, 1878. for about five or six months to. a humid atmosphere, so as to produce vigorous pseudobulbs and leaves. I am certain that if the above treatment is followed out plants of Schomburgkia undulata clothed with fine foliage and surmounted with mag- nificent flowers will be the result, proving a valuable addition to our Orchid houses. I shall feel happy if by these remarks I have contributed to the better cultivation of those plants.—EpD. ANDRE (in Ldlus- tration Horticole). WOODWARDIA RADICANS. I HAVE a Woodwardia radicans in my hardy fernery which is greatly admired. It has been planted out four years, and is protected during the winter months by a large bellglass, the fronds being wound closely round the crown. This year it has thrown up four fronds of the following dimensions—4 feet linch by 2 feet 4 inches, 4 feet 2 inches by 1 foot 11 inches, 3 feet 9 inches by 1 foot 11 inches, and 4 feet 10 inches by 2 feet 3 inches, also two others not yet fully developed. The tops of last year’s fronds, four in number, were pegged down some time since and have formed nice young plants.—C. T. H., Osmangton, Weymouth. [The growth recorded is yery good.—EDs. | GRAPES AT THE RED ROSE VINERIES. THE Grapes at this place—so graphically described by Mr. Wright some time since, are just now well worthy of seeing. When the extraordinary weight of the crop is taken into con- sideration, the great wonder is that the fruit ripened at all, but on the contrary, both fruit and wood are attaining perfect maturity. At the time of our visit (October 14th) the sight of so many splendid Grapes in one house was simply magnificent, among the most noticeable being Gros Colman, which is colouring splendidly, and with a fine, deep, rich bloom that betokens an excellent finish. Lady Downe’s also looks fairly well, but this variety would appear to have got out of favour there, seeing that Mr. Witherspoon has not planted a single cane of it in his new house. The best and finest looking Grape there is certainly Black Alicante ; its noble appearance combined with excellent colour and great size of berry makes it the best of all market Grapes. Another.good property that ought not to be.lost sight of is its good keeping quality. Among Grapes that have not done well there, and indeed they are the only ones, are Dr. Hogg and Mrs. Pince. - The former has certainly kept its reputation for not shanking, but has displayed a constitutional weakness that has prevented it from maturing its fruit, and the berries have shrivelled-up to one-half their original size. As to Mrs. Pince I should think that there has been an insufficiency of heat, as it, too, has not effected the desired maturation. The great average excellence of the fruit is equalled by the superb, condition in which we found the wood of the Vines, which is assuming that fine brown tint, hard firm appearance, and, what is of most importance, full plump eyes, so indicative of perfect maturation, and so full of promise for another year. This is to our thinking a matter of more import than the pro- duce of a heavy crop, for let the next season be ever so fayour- able if the wood has not been perfectly ripened the previous year all our labour is lost, and the condition in which we found Mr. Witherspoon’s Vines certify that he is fully alive to this important fact. Just a word about the house referred to above. The young Vines in this house, planted this spring, have already reached the top of a 14-feet rafter, while a very great number of spring-struck eyes are noticeable for their vigorous growth. On inquiry Mr. Witherspoon informed us that these young canes were grown in pure turf, and watered with pure water, not a stimulant of any kind being used, and the healthy con- dition of both canes and roots which we examined bears out Mr. Witherspoon’s assertion that nothing more is needed.— PETER FERGUSON, Gandencr, Weardale. BROWN & TAIT’S ECLIPSE CAULIFLOWER. I HAVE been cutting heads of this variety for nearly a month from the same sowing, and I consider it the best Cauliflower for autumn use I ever grew. Itis dwarf, compact, and the heads until too large for the table are well protected by the leaves; the quality is also good. I sowed in March on a slight heat with a little protection, pricked out the plants as soon as large enough, and planted them out before they became stunted. They received one watering, but the ground was in good condition, it having been bastard-trenched in March after a crop of Coleworts, trenching-in stems, leaves, and all rubbish to hand. J intend growing this Cauliflower more extensively next season, as, having a large establishment to supply, it is essential that the best should be grown and in great quantities, —J. GADD, Thorndon Hall. {The Cauliflower received was extremely fine, large, white. close, and of superior quality.—EDs. ] TURKEY COURT, MAIDSTONE, THE RESIDENCE OF JOHN HOLLINGWORTH, ESQ. Many readers of the Journal have perhaps found out, like myself, that there is no paper preferable for writing on to the original Turkey mill (I say “original,” because it has had many imitators, but they have fallen far short of the copy) ; but probably few know that the mills where itis manufactured are the property of one of our veteran Rose-growers, who has this year taken a new lease of power, and has astonished the natives by the beauty of his Teas. As long as I have known anything of Rose shows I have known “honest John Hollingworth.” Many Rose-growers have met him, and will not perhaps be sorry to know something of the quaint old place which so exactly corresponds to its owner, or rather I should say its owners, for he and his brother alike take an interest in the place; and as I recently paid him a visit I will endeavour to give some idea of the place. Turkey Court, the residence attached to the mills, is situated in a valley about a mile from Maidstone on the small river Len, which takes its rise at Lenham between Charing and Maidstone, and flows into the Medway a little further on. The Stour also takes its rise in the same parish, the one running east and the other west. I have been told the streams issue from the same field, but of this I cannot speak with certainty ; the Stour at any rate has other sources, one of them being a remarkably strong spring in the parish of Westwell. Why these mills ever received the name they bear there is nothing to show. They have been in existence for many years, but in the writings connected with them there is no mention why the name was given to them. The place borders on the park of the Harl of Romney, the wall of the park being the boundary of the place on one side, and it is on this wall that the Teas are chiefly grown. ButI anticipate. Let no one imagine that they are to see here a trimly kept rosery. The whole place is delightfully negligé. I do not mean neglected, far from it; but it is mixed up, Roses, and Conifers, and herbaceous plants, without any attempt at order. Some years ago a landslip oceurred close by the mills, which threatened to destroy them altogether and created great doubt as to how they were to be dealt with. Engineers were brought down from London, and various plans devised. As in such cases doctors differ as well as in others it was finally determined to cart it away and fill up a pond, and this constitutes the larger portion of the present garden. Here are planted in different places Conifers which ‘have encroached by degrees on the paths, which are all grass. Here isa fine specimen of Thujopsis dolabrata, here another of Cryptomeria japonica, and here some well-grown Cedars of Lebanon. Then again we come on a mound over which the variegated Vinca is rambling at leisure, and another equally well covered with the Japanese variegated Honeysuckle. Amongst these we find beds of Roses, and notably in a lower part of the ground near the house, but the soil does not suit them. Like my own it is too light and rich, will grow most things to perfection but not Roses, except in a part of the garden where they would be quite out of sight. Many of the plants, too, are past their best, and I doubt not there will be a grand renewal this autumn, but Mr. Hollingworth has hit on a Californian mine of wealth for his Roses. J have mentioned the wall of Lord Romney’s park. From it there is a bank sloping down to the garden composed of rich unctuous loam; this, which was pasture, Mr. Hollingworth has turned up. On this bank the Roses are and will be more extensively planted ; and I very much suspect that, good an exhibitor as he has been, he will yet, if his life be spared, surpass himself. His is anotherinstance of the undying love of flowers when once it is encouraged. He was a keen sportsman, but he is now obliged to leave the partridges and pheasants to other hands; and although he has frequently said that he would give up exhibiting he has not found it in his heart to October 31, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 335 do so, and is about as keen atitasever. He has many amusing stories to tell of his exhibition days, now extending over a period of five and twenty years, some of them against himself ; as for example, how shortly after the rule was introduced that addition of foliage would disqualify, he took up a splendid stand of twenty-four to the Crystal Palace beautifully encased in foliage of the best quality which he had carefully selected from his healthiest trees. As he looked down the stands in competition he came to the conclusion that he was an easy first. Imagine his consternation, when he came in to see his victory, to find his beautiful foliage rudely scattered on the box and “disqualified ” written on his card. ‘“ Didn’t I look down the other boxes to see if there were not others in the same predicament as myself! but alas! no. Iwas the only one who had not noticed the rule, and consequently the only one who had to bear the punishment.” Nor does he grudge to see the victory snatched from his hand by another. How enthusiastic he was over the “dark horse” from Lincolnshire who came down to Maidstone this year and carried off the prize, Mr. A. G. Soames. ‘‘It was,” he said, “a pleasure to see such an eighteen ; and although several of our local men said it was too bad, I was heartily glad to see such Roses go in and win.” Adjoining his own property he rents land from Lord Romney, a large pond wherein Water Lilies, Reeds, and other aquatics grow in wild profusion, and where is one of the most beautiful examples of the lovely deciduous Cypress I have for a long while seen. As I looked over these grounds in various directions I could not but think, What a good opportunity for a grower of herbaceous plants, what fine bors might be made, and how grandly almost everything would grow in one or another position in the garden ! Nor must I omit one other feature of the garden, a range of vineries 100 feet long, and filled with some of our best descriptions of Grapes. The Muscats were very fine, and I do not think that I ever tasted such Grapes as the Canon Hall Muscats grown there. Madresfield Court was also very good, and assuredly it was Grape-growing made easy. No nasty stokehole to descend into, no need of watching fires; there was simply a connecting link between the pipes of the house and the mills, and the stream flowed on night and day; the temperature once arranged never altered, and all risks were avoided. What more delightful for a gardener than such an arrangement as this? It is quite in accordance with the character of our good friend that he never sends a pound of Grapes to market, but distributes them amongst his friends, costing him, as he says, a little fortune in baskets. Need I add, for he is a true rosarian, that nothing could be more hospitable than his reception, and I am sure all who love his favourites would meet with the same kindness that I did? May he long exhibit amongst us—one of the very “ straightest ’ of all our exhibitors.—D., Deal. DRESSING CARNATIONS. AFTER all that has been written on this subject there yet Temains a point or two that requires clearing up, especially as regards the legitimacy of one fancier growing the flowers and another fancier dressing them. Mr. Douglas has given direct evidence that dressing is all-powerful in winning prizes, for he has stated on page 242, in reference to some Hyacinths that he dressed for another exhibitor, that “they would have found no place in the prize list if they had been exhibited as grown,” and further adds, “but I dressed them for him, and they ob- tained the first prize,’ and then asks ‘Who ought to have received it?” Most people, I think, who weigh the matter fairly will consider that the prize ought to have been shared between the grower and the dresser. Subsequently it was suggested by “WyLp SAVAGE” that Mr. Douglas himself, who wins so many prizes, “does not dress all his own flowers.” I quite thought that Mr. Douglas would have denied the imputation ; indeed, I rather expected that he would have galloped in on the donkey he introduced on the page quoted and trampled the poor “SAVAGE” to death. Neither donkey nor rider have, however, since shown them- selyes in the arena. Instead of doing so your excellent corre- spondent ‘“GILLYFLOWER,” on page 311, answers for him, admits the truth of “WyLpD SAVAGE’S” utterances, and makes an excuse for his friend Mr. Douglas. That excuse as put is a reasonable one ; but the question is, Was it a matter of press- ing anyone who happened to be present at the show to assist him in staging his flowers in time? I have been a grower of Carnations in a small way for many years, growing about a hundred pairs. I have exhibited at local shows, and have been fairly successful in obtaining prizes ; but I have not ventured to exhibit in London, neither am I likely to do so, for I feel that I should not be exhibiting under equal conditions if the practice prevails of allowing a grower to obtain the services of an expert dresser—dressing being, as Mr. Douglas has afforded evidence, of such primary importance. For the purpose of judging of the quality of the blooms staged in London, and comparing them with my own, I made a long journey to see one of the National Carnation and Picotee Society’s shows. 1 confess that many blooms sur-, prised me, especially by the high quality of their dressing ; but I was equally astonished to find an overwhelmingly greater number of inferior or inferiorly dressed flowers. While in the exhibition I entered freely into conversation with those sur- rounding the boxes. “Douglas first again,” was the general buzz, and was responded to in various ways, one of which fairly startled me—it was, “ Yes, and always likely to be when he gets Ben Simonite to go to Loxford to dress his blooms for him!” Thinking that a mere grumble of a disappointed exhibitor I took but little notice of it at the time, but now I think it fair to all who are interested that we should know whether the rumour which is evidently afloat is anything more than a rumour. Is it a fact? I do not for a moment suppose that Mr. Douglas would do anything that he considered wrong or unfair; he has the repu- tation of being an honest exhibitor, as he is undoubtedly a good grower. It is evident that he does not think it unfair to dress another exhibitor’s flowers and so win a prize for him, and it is therefore unlikely that he (Mr. D.) would object to another doing a like favour for him. But I, and I know others think with me, do not think the practice right. If I grow and dress my own flowers as well as I can I feel that I am seriously handicapped if I enter the lists against the best grower in England, who calls in the aid of perhaps the best dresser before he places his flowers in the stands. If that is nota “two-to- one’ system of exhibiting I should like to know what is. Your correspondent “GILLYFLOWER” writes admirably, also consistently, on dressing, and would “‘recommend that a prize be given for the best dressed flower, the dressing to be done at the exhibition, limiting the time of dressing to ten minutes,” the object being, and an excellent one it is, to afford instruc- tion to beginners in the art. Mr. Douglas must excuse me if I deem him less consistent. When “*D., Deal.” adduced his evidence against the excessive dressing of flowers Mr. Douglas was “down upon him” immediately, yet in a cutting from a paper that has been sent to me (not sent by anyone who has taken part in the present discussion) Mr. Douglas’s name is attached to the following statement: “It is certainly better that the public should see and judge of the flowers in a natural state than when art has been employed to assist nature.” That cannot be regarded as a youthful notion—an old opinion since departed from—for it was written in March of the present year. How does Mr. Douglas reconcile that statement with his acts of exhibiting flowers “dressed in the highest style of art?” —A STAFFORDSHIRE GROWER. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. THE haulm of Asparagus being ripe it shouid be cut off level with the surface, and after clearing off weeds, &c., dress the beds with salt, which will destroy slugs, &c., and at the same time act as a manure, applying it at the rate of half a peck perrod. If sea- weed can be had it forms the best of dressings for Asparagus beds, and may be applied to the depth of an inch and covered witha little soil from the alleys, or a dressing 1 to 2 inches thick of rich manure may be employed, leaving it on all winter, forking it in carefully in the spring. Asparagus intended to be taken up for forcing should be covered with litter, so as to admit of its being lifted irrespective of frost. The leaves and stalks, if any are yet remaining, should be removed from Rhubarb and Seakale. For forcing those crops select roots which have not been cut or plucked, as those which have made an early and unchecked growth will have stronger crowns, and, ripening earlier, will start more freely into growth than those having received a check from cut- ting off the heads or plucking the stalks. Similar remarks apply to Asparagus. Seakale not intended to be lifted for forcing may be covered with about half an inch of ashes, and if a sprinkling of salt—about half the quantity given to Asparagus prior to putting on the ashes—is given it will do much in the way of slug destruc- tion. Seakale intended for forcing under cover may be taken up 3 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 31, 1878. at once and be laid-in in a sheltered spot and be covered with litter, so that the roots may be readily removed as required. Rhubarb should have the surface soil removed from about the crowns with a fork, and a dressing of rich manure applied and covered with a little soil, the spaces between the rows and plants being well manured and forked in. That intended for forcing off the ground should be covered with litter, or it may be lifted and stored in sand or other material in a sheltered spot, and covered with some protecting material in readiness for draughting to heat as required. A few roots of Rhubarb and Seakale may be placed in the Mushroom or other house haying a temperature of 55° to 60°, the roots being placed in moist rich soil, and no water given until growth takes place, then applying liquid manure. A bed may be made up of prepared dung and leaves duly fermented, and when the heat has risen and is found not to be too violent it may be planted with Asparagus, and managed as recently detailed by “ A KITCHEN GARDENER.” Ona dry day take up Cauliflowers fit for use and store them in a pit where they can be protected from frost. Autumn Broccoli must also be attended to, or the heads now ready for use may be damaged by-frost. Lettuces and Endives fit for use should be transferred to frames or pits without delay, having in readiness the requisite protecting material. Endive tied up may be sufficiently protected by an inverted flower pot, but the principal winter supply must be lifted forthwith. Canuli- flowers, Lettuces, Radishes, or Parsley in frames or under hand- lights should have thorough exposure, employing the lights only in case of frost and during heavy rains, in the latter case tilting the lights. French Beans or Peas in frames should be matted up on cold nights and when frost prevails. Keep all autumn-sown or planted crops free of weeds, and in gathering Winter Spinach pick only the largest leaves, not cropping the plants too closely. If Chicory be wanted as an ingredient of salads roots may be placed in the Mushroom house. Pot a few roots of Tarragon and place them in a light airy position where forcing is or will shortly be commenced. HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. Autumn or early winter planting is preferable for all descrip- tions of deciduous trees, also Gooseberries, Currants, &c., there- fore push forward the preparation of the ground for their recep- tion. Good varieties of Pears for orchard planting are Lammas or Crawford, Caillot Rosat, Jargonelle, Windsor, Williams’ Bon Chré- tien, Hessle, Autumn Bergamot, Beurré de Capiaumont, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Aston Town, Marie Louise, and Swan’s Egg. Stewing Pears.—Gilogil, Black Worcester, and Catillac. Standard trees in orchards should be planted 24 feet apart. Gooseberries, for affording quantity for tarts and market pur- poses.—Reds : Crown Bob, Farmer’s Glory, Keens’ Seedling, and Red Warrington. Yellow.—Broom Girl, Leader, Leveller, and Moreton Hero. White.—Antagonist, Queen of Trumps, Snow- drop, and Whitesmith. Green—Green Overall, Hebburn Prolific. Random Green, and Heart of Oak. For bottling—Rumbullon. For preserving.—Ironmonger, Red Champagne, Keens’ Seedling, and Red Warrington. For dessert—Red Champagne, Keens’ Seedling,and Red Warrington. White—LEarly White, White Cham- pagne, and Crystal. Yellow.—Early Sulphur, Yellow Champagne, and Yellow Warrington. Green.—Green Walnut, Green Gascoigne, and Pitmaston Green Gage. Most of those are small and good, but the following dozen are large and of excellent flavour :—Red.— Companion, Speedwell, and Talfourd. Yellow—Broom Girl, Leader, and Leveller. Green.—Heart of Oak, General Markham, Keepsake,and Thumper. White.—Lady Leicester, Snowdrop, and Mayor of Oldham. In rich soil Gooseberries should be planted in rows 6 feet apart and 5 feet in the rows; in soils not rich or heavily manured 5 feet, and 4 feet in the rows. Black and Red Currants should be planted 6 feet apart every way, a foot less for White Currants. Black Currants.—Black Naples and Lee’s Pro- lific ; Red.—Cherry, Red Dutch, and Raby Castle ; White Dutch. Raspberries.—Plant in rows 6 feet apart and 5 feet in the rows in rich soil, and a foot less every way if the soil be only moderately fertile, Fastolf, Carter’s Prolific, Prince of Wales, Red Antwerp, and Sweet Yellow Antwerp. Autumn kinds.—Yellow and Red October. Strawberries in Pots—The earliest potted plants will now have completed their growth, and the earliest varieties will have the crowns fully developed and ripened. The pots should be plunged to the rim in ashes or cocoa refuse in cold frames, employing the lights only to ward off heavy rains, exposing the plants fully whenever the weather is fayourable. Drying-off does the plants no good, but, on the contrary, causes the roots to become brown in appearance, whereas those plants kept moist have the roots white and fresh; therefore look over the plants caretully, and apply water whenever required. Those not required for early forcing should be plunged outdoors in a sheltered situation, and this before the pots become frozen, which is equally destructive of the roots as dryness. FLOWER GARDEN. The herbaceous or mixed border is a very suitable place in which to grow bulbous plants, as they are not disturbed there, and can ripen off the growth without being objectionable. Mixed borders, as they are mostly backed by shrubs, have shelter, which renders them very suitable for the different varieties of Liliums, the planting of which is very often deferred until spring ; autumn is, however, very much the best time for planting them. Hya- cinths, Narcissuses, Anemones, and the bulbous Irises are very beautiful, and should be planted extensively. From 2 to 3 mches deep will be sufficient for Anemones, but the Lilies should be planted 4 to 6 inches deep, and other bulbs in proportion to their size, placing a handful of sharp sand over the bulbs before cover- ing them with soil. Alstrémerias should be planted 6 inches deep. Ranunculuses of the Turban varieties and Pansies should be planted now, but choice varieties may be preserved in cold frames ; prick off seedling Pansies in a sheltered border, or in pans or boxes. Pinks and Carnations must be planted out where they are to bloom, choice sorts being potted and wintered in a cold frame. In making up the beds for Pinks, Carnations, Picotees, and Pansies it is desirable to dig in a good dressing of soot and lime with a view of driving away wireworm. Gladioluses that have ripened their growth should be taken up and be gradually dried, as dry- ing them too quickly and wintering them in a dry and warm atmosphere causes the corms to shrivel. Any strong-growing herbaceous plants that have outgrown the spaces allotted to them should, when the growth is ripened, be reduced to proper dimensions. Good cultivation is as essential for herbaceous plants as the pets of the garden. Any that have stood long in the same situation will be greatly benefited by an entire removal and replanting. This should be attended to early in the season, so that the plants may have time to become re-established before winter. The border should be trenched, working-in plenty of short manure and leaf soil before replanting. PLANT HOUSES. Stove-—Although shade is necessary in summer to prevent scorching there is no question of the importance of admitting all the light practicable when the sun is absent. More especially is this the case during the winter half of the year; for though there is very little growth made in winter as compared with summer, yet some plants will be more or less on the move during winter, hence the necessity of cleaning the glass inside and out- side at this time of year so as to admit all the light practicable. This washing of the glass should be done more frequently than once a year, especially in smoky localities ; indeed it should be done whenever the glass becomes clouded with dirt if the plants beneath are expected to be healthful. Summer-flowering plants will be going or gone, and the winter plants coming in, which being mostly of moderate growth associate well with still smaller- growing fine-coloured plants, such as Fittonias, Peperomias, Ber- tolonias, Tillandsias, the smaller-leayed Marantas, &c. Fittonias succeed admirably in either peat or loam, employed rather lumpy so as to admit of the water passing away freely. Cuttings root in a few days under a bellglass. F.argyroneura and F. Verschaf- felti are suitable for growing in small pots. If the crowns are divided of Peperomias and potted in sandy peat they will root and become established in a few weeks. P. argentea and P. argyrea are most desirable. Bertolonias grow well in peat and sand with a little leaf soil, cuttings striking freely in sand under a bellglass. B. Van Houttei, B. splendens, and B. superbissima are very beautiful. Marantas with several crowns may be divided, potted in small pots, and kept close, when they will soon become estab- lished. M. albo-lineata, illustris, Lindeni, regalis, roseo-lineata, fasciata, and Mackoyana are of moderate growth and suitable. Tillandsias zebrina, tessellata, and musaica thrive in sandy peat in 6-inch pots. The preceding with many others—such as Crotons Johannis and Weismanni, Curculigo recurvata variegata, Aralia elegantissima, Veitchii and var. gracillima, Pandanus Veitchii. Nidularia Innocenti and pictum in small pots—make a grand display with the flowering plants that come in at the dull season. Gesneras of the zebrina section will soon be coming in. They must have plenty of water, but not too much, or the roots will perish, and if in small pots give them liquid manure occasionally, affording them also plenty of light. Perhaps no plants are so beautiful in late summer as Scarborough, Belladonna, and Guernsey Lilies in the greenhouse ; and Eucharis, Urceolinas, and Griffinias in the stove, the latter being seldom seen, but their delicate white and blue striped flowers produced in succession for at least six weeks render them very desirable. Being evergreen they require to be kept moist at all seasons, watering copiously during growth ; indeed the treatment given to Eucharis will suit them admir-bly. Keep a sharp look-out for mealy bug, scale, and at once destroy them; also thrips and aphis, subduing these by fumigation and sponging with soapy solutions. The temperature should be main- tained at 65° to 60° at night, 5° less on frosty nights, 65° to 70° day by artificial means, admitting a little air at 75°, running up to 80° or 85°, closing at 75°. Syringing need only be practised in the morning and early in the afternoon; lightly if the weather be bright, but if dull damping the pathways will mostly be sufficient. Water only to prevent flagging, unless for any plants in growth, which supply according to their requirements. TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. James Smith, Darley Dale, Matlock.—Wholesale List of Trees, Shrubs, and Conifers. October 31, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 337 William Montgomery, Glen Nurseries, Cardross.—Catalogue of Roses, Dahlias, Hollyhocks, 5c. P. Sebire, Ussy, near Falaise (Calvados), France —Catalogue of Trees and Shrubs. J. B. A. Deleuil, Marseilles —List of Plants and Seeds. Fréres Simon-Louis, 4 Plantiéres, Metz (Lorraine) —Catalogue of Fruit and Ornamental Trees, Roses, §c. Sonpert et Notting, Luxembourg.—General Catalogue of Roses. TO CORRESPONDENTS. correspondenceshould be directed either to “‘ The Editors” to “The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoidably. We request that no one will write privately to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and expense. ERRATA.—* Herefordshire Incumbent” writes in reference to his notes on Tea and Noisette Roses on page 308, that instead of the words “I have included in my list Souvenir de Paul Neyron,” it should have run, “I have excluded from my list Souvenir de Madame Paul Neyron, as I consider Com- tesse Riza du Pare a far superior Rose where they differ at all in depth of colour and substance.” The date for the exhibition of the National Rose Society to be held at Manchester should be Saturday, July 12th, not 14th. Books (Paddy Carey).—If you require cultural instructions you will find them in the “ Garden Manual,” published at this office, post free ls. 9@. The best moderately priced book on British and exotic Ferns is “ Select Ferns and Lycopods,” by B. S. Williams. It can be had from this office, post free, for 5s. 5d. ROSE (H. 7. H.).—The dark-coloured varieties being so numerous we can- not be certain of the name of your Rose, but we think it is Marie Baumann, one of the very best dark Roses in cultivation. Moss ON TOMBSTONE (G. S.).—Dust it well with hot lime, and in a fort- night or three weeks wash it clean with hot water and soft soap, using a brush for the letters—J. G. DAISIES ON LAWN (WW. ZL. C.).—The Daisies were introduced with the turf, and they cannot be removed without expense being incurred. The only real remedy is to employ boys or women to dig them out with small forks. We haye known large lawns cleared and kept clear by that practice. Where Daisies abound it is preferable to clean the ground and sow grass Seeds than to form a lawn by laying turf. DUMELOW’S SEEDLING APPLE (James Beeley)—The Apple mentioned in the catalogue you quote is the same as that referred to by “C. M.” It is one of the most useful of late-keeping Kitchen Apples. It is known in the south by the name of Wellington, and in the north as Normanton Wonder. MILDEW ON FERNS (df. £. R.).—Mildew is generally caused by a close } moist atmosphere, and especially when the roots of the plants are at the same time too dry. Your plants were probably affected with the parasite before they were placed in the hall. The remedy is dusting the fronds with flowers of sulphur, letting it remain on for a few days, then washing it off With a syringe. GLOXINIAS IN GREENHOUSE (Y.).—The corms should be started in a heated frame about April, such as is employed for growing Cucumbers. By the time the Gloxinias have made some growth your greenhouse will be sufficiently warm, placing the plants in the warmest position, for the growth being continued and flowers produced.. If you have no frame you had better defer starting the corms into growth until early in May; if started earlier the house will be too cold for them. Starting consists in watering the soil in which the corms are potted with tepid water. So long as the soil is kept dry the corms will remain dormant. ROSES ON SOUTH BORDER (J/dem).—The leaves falling from the trees which form the boundary of the border would not injure the Roses and other flowers nearly so much as would the roots of the trees by impoverish- _ ing the soil of the border. Such a border will require much water in sum- __ immer, and also mulching with manure, to induce the plants to thrive. TRANSPLANTING GOOSEBERRY BUSHES (Vovice).—Enrich the soil in which you intend planting with plenty of manure. Lift the bushes care- fully forthwith, retaining if possible slight balls of earth about the roots, retaining as many roots as possible, and in replanting take especial care to press the soil firmly but gently about them. The bushes should be 5 feet apart. BED FOR BOG PLANTS (Somerset) —Slightly puddle the sides and bottom of the bed before putting in the bog earth,and let there be a constant flow of water through it all the year round. If you can clothe your bog earth with living tufts of sphagnum do so, and then plant among it your plants. Some of the best are Asphodels, Drosera rotundifolia, Crinum capense, the Water Amaryllis, Gunnera scabra, Saxifraga aquatica, Grass of Parnassus, - Loosestrife, Mimuluses, Myosotises, Moneywort, and Menyanthes trifoliata. Tt will require no shade. A gravel path !near or around it is advisable to enable you to visit it in damp weather. UTILISING A VINERY IN WINTER (E. G. J.).—When you turn your Vines outside cover them with fern or straw to keep off frost, and take especial care to reinstate them in the house before the buds commence swelling in spring. Kidney Beans would answer very well in such a house during the winter months, and so would Cucumbers if you can afford them a bottom heat of 75°, and a top heat of 70° at night, rising 5° to 10° in the day. Do not try Mushrooms in so high a temperature, but you could force some Strawberries in pots, and also have some Rhubarb, Asparagus, and Sea- kale, which latter can be bleached very well by inverting flower pots over it and stopping the holes to exclude light. Bulbs, Lily of the Valley, Roses, and flowering shrubs might also be introduced if there is any available space. PROPAGATING ARBUTUS (G. C.)—You can propagate the shrub by layering, which should be done forthwith, giving the shoots a twist and pegging them firmly in the soil. CALCEOLARIAS DAMPING (7. Jf).—We think with careful watering and judicious ventilation that both Calceolarias and Cinerarias will do well in your span-roofed house without any fire heat, at any rate at present, and tauch better than they would do in an airy verandah. Dry air, and especi- ally when fire heat is employed, is very pernicious to those p! We have frequently wintered the former successfully in cold frames, cove cr th gla: Ss With mats and straw, and lining the sides of the frames to exciut frost. Provided the temperature of your house does not fall below 30° your plants will be safe. We do not know the price of the stove you name, it varies ac- cording to size. Write to the maker, whose address you will have seen in our advertising columns. INSECT ON GLOXINIA CoRMS (J. C., Ambleside).—The larvee forwarded are those of that troublesome weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus. From their size it appears they have grown more rapidly in the autumn than is usual, but they would continue to feed during the winter, becoming pup in the spring. It is one of the species difficult to deal with, except by keeping a sharp look-out for the parent beetles in summer, when they will be found frequenting various succulent plants. A solution of ammonia has been applied by some of such strength as not to injure the plants, but usually the mischief is not discovered until the plants are beyond preservation.—J. R.S. C. / SCARLET GERANIUMS FOR WALL (C.J. B.)—For a low wall V esuvius is one of the most floriferous, and when planted-out in good soil grows freely. Tor covering a high wall Warrior is good. Both are bright in colour and keep as well when cut as any other varieties. TREES FOR ORCHARD HOUSE (ZH. W.).—With a pathway up the centre 2 feet 6 inches wide, you will have beds or borders on both sides of it a little over 6 feet wide. Apricots succeed best in the pyramid or bush form. Peaches and Nectarines succeed either in the bush, pyramid, or standard form. Bushes and pyramids for such a house as that shown in your sketch would be most suitable, as you will not haye height for standard trees. Of Apricots: Oullins Early, New Large Early, Peach, and Moor Park. Peaches: Hale's Early, Early Grosse Mignonne, Grosse’ Mignonne, Royal George, Violette Hative, Noblesse, and Barrington. Nectarines: Lord Napier, ay wick Elruge, Rivers’s Orange, and Balgowan. You may have a Vine traine over the pathway—Black Hamburgh or Foster’s Seedling. BLIGHT ON APPLE TREES (Subscriber)—From your description we think the trees are infested with American blight, which may be destroy ed by dressing the parts affected with paraffin, diluted with about four times the quantity of water, keeping it well stirred; apply it with a brush, keeping it from the roots. If any insects appear next year during growth repeat the application, not wetting the foliage more than can be helped. SHRUBS AND CLIMBERS FOR SOUTHWARK (Flora).—Ot shrubs take Rhododendrons, Japanese Privet, Holly, Lilacs, Box, Escallonia macrantha, Double Gorse, and Portuguese Laurel. Of climbers take such Honeysuckles as flexuosa and brachypoda; try also the lovely Ampelopsis Veitchii, and Ne think Berberidopsis would answer; also Crategus Pyracantha, and the white and yellow-flowered Jasmines. Escallonia macrantha forms an equally good trailer and climber, and you could have no better substitute for Ivy in your Devon garden. The plants to which you refer are probably Helianthuses , of which there are many perennial species. CROWN IMPERIALS (Old Subscriber)—Leave the Crown Imperials un- disturbed, enrich the soil about them, and in due course as they gain strength they will flower. GLOBE ARTICHOKES (Jdem).—The produce of Globe Artichokes is pretty much in proportion to the number of crowns to each stool and their strength. Plant in spring in tolerably rich deep soil, dig-in about them an annual dressing of manure, and you will find the number of “ Globes in- creasing yearly. We do not know where the “Sussex Anchor Hook” can be obtained. TRANSPLANTING ONIONS (G. V. R.).—It depends entirely on the season as to whether your Tripoli Onions would be benefited by being transplanted before February. Probably they would not; but as the Onions are better able to withstand the winter by being thinned we should, if they are too thick, remove a portion of them at once and transplant them, leaving those in the seed bed about 2inches apart. CHRYSANTHEMUMS (ZB. C.)—The best time for propagating Chrysanthe mums, both for making specimen plants and for producing large exhibition flowers, is in November, almost directly after the plants have ceased bloom- ing. Select healthy and robust cuttings or suckers with a portion of root attached, pot them singly in 60-sized pots, and soon afterwards take out the extreme pomt, and encourage side shoots for the making of specimens. They should not be subjected to any coddling process, but should be placed in a cold frame, and have air always, except in unpropitious weather. Repot them as required, and stop the laterals when about 6 inches long until the second week of June. The number of shoots required to be left on a plant must be regulated according to the strength of the plant and the variety. We have seen well-grown plants of some varieties carry from eighty to a hundred fair blooms. Plants grown for producing exhibition blooms only are never stopped, but are allowed to grow up with one stem 5 later on in the season they branch out, and are generally allowed from’ three to six shoots, with a bloom on each, and when massed together produce a very striking effect. ROMAN HYACINTHS (Jdem).—To obtain a succession of these pretty miniature flowers all that are required for late use must be kept in a cold frame until wanted, the others being placed in warmth to bring them into bloom earlier. A temperature of 55° at night is sufficient. Roman Hyacinths are very valuable on account of their natural habit of flowering early. i CABBAGE PLANTS CLUBBING (S. S., Whetstone).—The “club” on your plants contains a small white maggot, the larva of a little insect called ide weevil. If on the gall and its tenant beingremoyed the plant is again placed in the earth, where it is to remain unless it is again attacked, the woun usually heals, and the growth is little retarded. On the other hand, if the gall is left undisturbed the maggot continues to feed upon the alburnum or young woody part of the stem until the period arrives for its passing into the other insect form, previously to which it gnaws its way out through the exterior bark. The disease is then almost beyond the power of remedies ; it may, however, be in a great measure avoided by frequent transplantings, for » this enables the workman to remove the excrescences upon their first appear- ance and renders the plants altogether more robust and ligneous, the plant in its tender sappy stage of growth being most open to the insect’s attacks. Preventives recommended are heavy dressings of soot to the land, or applica- tions of gas lime of from 8 to 10 buslicls per acre, turned in with the spade or the last ploughing. CLIOIBER FOR TRELLIS (R. A. M. J.).—Ampelopsis Veitchii would do well ina box, and wonld cover a trellis facing north well during the sum- mer; but for forming an evergreen screen nothing surpasses Ivy in such & JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 31, 1878. position. As flowering plants we have Clematis Jackmanii and Lonicera flexuosa, growing and flowering well on a wall having a north aspect. CELERY FLY (Rus in Urbe)—The grubs are the larye of the Celery Fly (Tephritis onopordinis), which have been very destructive this autumn, owing, probably, to the prolonged term of dry weather during September and October. As soon as we perceived the first few blisters we picked them off, and at once dusted the plants with soot; by repeating the application slightly about once a week we prevented the crop receiving serious injury. You had better remove the blistered parts and leave the Celery where it is, protecting it with straw and litter when frosts occur, as it will be very liable to be injured owing to the comparative absence of leaves. If you dig up the crop and lay it in a cellar the stems are almost certain to shrivel and to lose their crispness ; at any rate, we do not advise you to dig it up before you find it actually decaying in the ground. If you grew the crop for sale we should say the sooner it was dug and sold the better. REVE D'OR ROSE NOT FLOWERING (Jdem).—We are not surprised that your Rose which was planted last year and cut down nearly to the ground this spring has not flowered ; but you have no reason to be disappointed with the progress the plant has made. You treated it correctly, and it has made excellent growth, and next year will almost certainly afford you fine blooms. If the shoots are crowded thin them out at once, so as to expose those remaining to light and air. Do not shorten the principal shoots, except to keep them within the space required, and then, the wood being matured, they may be expected to produce Howers freely next summer. OSAGE ORANGE CULTURE (South American). —The following extract from the Prairie Farmer will perhaps afford you the required information :—The plants are always raised from seed. Sow the seed in drills, having first soaked them in warm water for forty-eight hours, and place them thinly between damp cloths, where they may remain warm and moist, until indications of sprouting are seen. The time for sowing is immediately after corn-planting time, or after the soil becomes warm. The prepara- tion of the seed by soaking and sprouting should commence two weeks earlier. The rows in which the seeds are to be planted should be 3 feet apart, and the seeds be sown about an inch apart in the row, and keep the plants entirely free from weeds. In the autumn cut the tops about 4 inches above the surface, and the roots about 8 inches below ground. Dig, and after sorting according to size, heel in the earth in a dry place, covering the tops with litter and earth to prevent freezing. Im the spring they are to be planted in a properly prepared hedgerow, where they are to remain. Some growers tie loosely in small bundles of say fifty plants each, and setting upon their roots cover all with earth, tops and bottom. Heeling-in is preferable. The usual distance apart to plant in the hedgerow is about 10 to 12 inches. Pack the earth firmly about the roots, and deep enough, so when the earth settles the yellow portion will be entirely below ground, or about 2 inches deeper than they originally stood. PRUNING VINES (G. H.).—If most of the leaves have fallen off the Vines and the wood is ripe you may prune them at once, so as to afford them all the rest possible before starting them. PLANTING ANEMONES (Jdem).—The Anemone requires a pure loamy soil well mixed with sand, such as sometimes is found on-the sides of rivers naturally mixed with thesand. Choose a situation that is open, but sheltered from violent winds or strong twisting currents of air; then dig out the soil a foot or more, according as the situation is high or low; if high it may be dug out 3 or 4 inches deeper, but if low and wet a foot will be sufficient. Mix the soil with sand if it requires it, and fill in the bed again to within 6 inches of the level of the surface ; then level it, and lay on it a thin cover- ing of thoroughly decomposed hotbed manure or cow dung; the latter is to be preferred. Mix this well with the soil below. Upon this mixed enriched ~ soil place as much of the pure sandy loam as will raise the bed an inch or two above the walk. No dung must be among this top stratum of soil, because dung causes the peculiar disease called mould to attack the bulbs that come in contact with it. The best season for planting is from about the middle of October to the first week in November; the bulbs then form roots before severe frosts set in. Should the planting be unavoidably delayed the bed must then be covered with fern or straw. Choose a time when the soil is moderately dry and the day fine. Draw drills across the bed 2 inches deep and 5 or 6 inches apart, and plant the tubers 5 inches apart in the rows. For choice varieties a thin layer of sand scattered under and around each tuber will be useful. As soon as the bed is planted cover the tubers with sandy loam from a basket or wheelbarrow. ‘Take care that the tubers are placed the right side up by observing the side that has the old small fibres on it. Thatside place next tothe bottom of the drill. When all are planted and covered up the right depth (2 inches) then level the surface with a garden rake, NAMES OF FRUITS (Connaught Subscriber).—The Grapes are—l, Black Alicante; 2, Black Prince; and the Pear is Beurré d’Aremberg. (G. W., Ayrshire)—1 and 3, Beurré Diel; 2, Beurré d’Aremberg; 4, Joséphine de Malines ; 5, not known; 6, Gansel’s Bergamot. (F. Taylor).—1, Warner’s King ; 2, Herefordshire Pearmain ; 3, Tower of Glamis; 4, Winter Hawthorn- den; 5, Golden Nonpareil; 6, Braddick’s Nonpareil. (S. Skinner).—Beurré Clairgeau. _ NAMES OF PLANTS (C. 7. Z.).—1, Phymatodes glauca; 2, Onychium japonicum ; 7, Athyrium Filix-fcemina Frisellie. The numbers were off the others, but the large bright green frond we recognise as Scolopendrium vulgare multifidum. (G. &.)—This not being in flower we are unable to identify it. (@.J/.)—Gordonia Lisianthos ; increase by American seeds or by layers. (IW. W.).—Scorzonera. THE HOME FARM: POULTRY, PIGEON, AND BEE CHRONICLE. STRAW AND ITS USAGE. Straw is often alluded to as a substance of but slight im- portance; but upon the home farm, where pasture and park lands usually predominate over the arable and straw-producing soils, it is a matter of great consequence, and in many districts of the kingdom it is become comparatively a very costly article. The ° question is often discussed of straw haying doubled in value within the last twenty-five years. The cause of this appears to us to be various. First, we find that the straw-producing area is greatly reduced ; the increase of population and the extension of towns, factories, &c., have pushed the market gardens, &c., further into the country districts, and have encroached upon the land used for cereal produce. Again, the increase of land laid into pasture has been great during the past twenty years, and not only has the producing area been diminished, but an enor- mously increased demand for straw has sprung up in connection with trade and commerce, increased quantities are used for pack- ing purposes, and tradesmen of nearly every grade now keep an advertising yan for delivery of goods, and consequently a horse requiring straw for litter. These requirements are, however, quite separate from agricultural consumption and the ordinary usage of this article upon the home farm, and we may con- fidently look in the future to making it one of the most profit- able articles for sale in the corn-producing districts; therefore upon the home farm we recommend that straw crops should be grown (where the proportion of ploughing land is small), as a preparatory crop for roots before mangold, Swedes, or turnips, and without prejudice to these crops. For instance, we know now upon a home farm of capital crops of mangolds drilled after a crop of rye,sown and cut for straw only, just after coming into ear, the straw being worth at least from £5 to £6 per acre, the quantity of straw being a question of manure only, because the preparation is much surer for a root crop than a long fallow. Upon many farms in different parts of the kingdom large quan- tities of the best straw are used for thatching farm buildings and cottages, which is a great mistake. We ought to look to our mineral productions to afford the means of covering farm build- ings, &c., such as flagstone, slate, or tiles, instead of using the perishable produce of our arable soils for the purpose. It is notorious that the best and most valuable straw is generally used for thatching, as being best adapted and the most durable ; it is, however, in some districts very costly. We were lately engaged in a question of repairs, and found that straw fit for thatching could only be obtained by paying £6 per ton for the article. We will now refer to the production of straw upon the home farm. Ifitis to be used for thatching the corn should stand to be fully mpe, the straw will then become hard and glazed with silica ; but in case it is required for use as a feeding materiai for cattle, it should be cut before the grain is ripe. This will bein favour of the grain also, because there is less loss by bretting or injury through bad weather. We will give the composition of straw as it is usually found on the farm, and cut at the usual time Wheat Barley Oat Straw Straw. Straw. Ta? Soncenansanceeos Baosde 14.23 14.30 6 12.06 Flesh-forming matter........ 1.79 6 1.68 a 1.63 Respiratory and fatty matter 31.06 we 39.98 a0 37.86 Woody fibre ..............-- 45.48 ae 39.80 5 43.60 Mineral matters (ash) ...... 7.47 4.24 “- 4.85 100.00 100.00 100.00 In comparing these analyses with the feeding value of good meadow and field hay we find on the average gives sixty-three parts feeding value, whilst straw gives on the average of the three kinds, wheat, barley, and oats, forty parts feeding yalue. This is certainly a more favourable view of the value of straw than the crdimary use of it would lead us to suppose. In certain cases, however, straw is of still higher yalue, for instance in the case of cutting green for straw only; it would then have nearly the value of hay if ricked in a green state, like the value of wild oat hay so much in use in the prairie districts of America- The crop when cut green may be succeeded by mangolds or Swedish turnips; but a favourite plan of our own, pursued for many years, was to grow either winter oats or the white Canadian variety, both of which ripen a fortnight before the wheat crop, and by ploughing immediately after the oats were cut we usually secured the best common turnips. The oats, however, were cut yery green for the purpose of feeding cattle with the straw, which October 31, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. we always found better than hay for that purpose, and upon which subject Mr. Blundell of Southampton read a paper before the Royal Agricultural Society in 1862, giving his experience of and experiments upon straw feeding of thirty-seven head of bullocks during three years, which left a clear profit of 3s, 3d. per head per week, whereas the use of hay would have left only 9d. per week profit. But there is another view of this matter, because when cattle are fed upon straw they enjoy continuous good health, whereas hay often clogs and disorders the stomach ; but we have never found them refuse their food when straw was the only fodder used. Still we find the case is now somewhat altered, owing to the relative value of straw and hay, for in many districts there is little or no difference in the value of the two articles, yet the advantage of straw prevails on account of the uniformity of the health of the fatting cattle. We find horses will do much better with straw chaff and corn mixed with pulped roots, either mangolds or carrots, and some farmers whom we know are now beginning to follow our plan and make it a rule to feed in this manner, either by displacing all the oats or a part of them according to the labour required of the horses, and in this way they may be kept in fine condition upon the home farm. ‘The advantage in this method of horse-feeding is that they are induced to eat straw which they would refuse unless mixed with roots, and these roots consumed by displacing a portion of the corn usually given is in itself a profitable transaction. The feeding value of an acre of roots is equivalent to three acres of corn produce, because 3 cwt. of carrots or mangolds are equal in feeding value to one bushel of oats, taking for comparison a crop of oats at six quarters per acre, and a crop of carrots or mangolds at 21 tons per acre. Straw must also be considered almost a necessity in affording cleanliness and health to our animals, and, also in forming the basis of manure on the home farm. It is however, to be greatly economised in the stable or cattle pens, where the floor of the stalls is absorbent, hence the earth or burnt- clay bottom to the stalls requires far less straw to keep the animals clean and healthy than the ordinary brick or stone floor. Various substitutes for straw may be found upon the home farm ; ferns, rough grass in the plantations, rushes and patches of seeded grass in the pastures, may all be used to economise straw in littering the pens for cows, pigs, &c. Under the heading of “Straw.” Dr. Voelcker gives the analysis of peas and beans, but we call it haulm; and although the analysis shows more feeding value in pea and bean haulm than straw of the cereals, yet bean haulm is a coarse and rough article, and cannot be brought into general use for feeding without being cut into chaff and mixed with other articles as cooked food ; we therefore only use it upon the home farm for the bottom of corn and hay ricks, or place it at the bottom of cattle boxes as an absorbent for manure. Pea haulm when well secured we always set apart as good feeding material, especially as chaff in admixture with other feeding stuffs. Ricking and preservation of straw at the time of threshing is very important. It should be ricked and thatched with as much care and caution as hay, so that when required for use it may be cut out and carried to the homestead fresh and sweet from the rick. In the case of barley or oat straw with clover in it, it comes out better than when it is oftentimes stored in a barn mow, in which case it is often tainted by rats and mice. Refuse straw intended for litter may also be kept dry, but its abuse must be guarded against ; for we often see ten or more tons of straw strewed over an open yard with only a few pigs and dairy cows to tread it down for manure, but upon farms where the tenant has liberty to sell straw this practice will soon die out. Again, upon some of the chalk hill farms there is the muckle fold, in which case the straw is spread over the land and the sheep tread it down ina shifting fold at night. This is the old-fashioned way of using straw when the tenant was compelled to consume or use it. This, however, will not now hold as a practice compared with straw sold and the money expended in artificial or town manures. No farm manager need now hesitate as to the outlay for manures with straw at the present high value, for not only will it pay to make the outlay on the home farm for the purpose of growing a full cereal crop, but beyond the ordinary cultivation of the land and its produce the yalue of the extra straw grown will pay for the manure irrespective of the increased quantity of grain, because we cannot generally obtain the highest produce of corn without we obtain a full crop of straw, subject, of course, to the yield consequent upon the variation of the seasons. WORK ON THE HOME FARM. Horse Labour is still chiefly required in preparing the land and drilling the wheat. It is usual to plough and press the clover lea ground before ploughing and sowing the fallow preparations upon all dry soils; yet such is the state of the weather, and it encourages the slug so much, that it is advisable to delay seeding the clover leas until the last week in November or first week in December. The slugs having been so numerous in the cloyers during the whole summer they will be sure to commit serious tayages upon the young wheat plants as soon as they show above ground, unless the wheat is sown sufficiently late to have when it vegetates a chance of frost. We therefore advise the seeding of the fallow ground first, whether it is after turnips fed off, or after peas or beans, because the slug is not so likely to injure the wheat where the land has been lately tilled and fallowed. We must again call to notice the advantage of using Down’s Farmer’s Friend as the best preparation for seed wheat, to prevent the growth of smut in the crop next harvest. The quantity required of seed wheat per acre is still a yexed question, and will probably continue so, as the soil and preparation as well as climate and the period of sowing must all influence the question as to quantity of seed. We therefore recommend a quantity, varying with the season, from two bushels to three bushels per acre. The early sowing of wheat for the purpose: of saving seed is continually being agitated by Mr. Mechi and others. As, however, early sow- ing and thin seeding go hand in hand, we beg to observe that upon many farms the early sowing of wheat would cause much inconvenience and derangement of the usual mode of culture. For instance, if all the wheat were sown early, or planted in the month of September, how could any autumn cultivation for root crops the next season be effected? How could the various crops preparatory for wheat be removed, such as potatoes, turnips, mangolds, &c., which are in process of digging, storing, or feeding- off by sheep, &c., during the months of October and November ? What is the advantage of saving a bushel of seed per acre, or eyen more than a bushel, as compared with the advantage of taking up in good seasons crops of potatoes, carrots, mangolds, &e., which are often more valuable than the wheat crop itself, although they are preparatory ? and what is the saving of seed compared with the requirements of large flocks of sheep, and their benefit to the land as a preparation for the wheat crop? The adyocates for thin seeding must not forget that they run the risk of blight in their crops, for no corn is so liable to blight as those which are called upon to tiller and branch out, and make damaging efforts to fill vacancies in the spring of the year. There is no period of the year when the odd horse or horses will be more fully employed than now. In fact the work is now so pressing that it is difficult to say which demands the first attention. On the autumn fallows there may be still some couch and weeds to cart away to heap, there to rot for future use. Hedge trimmings may still be required to be carted away, particularly in fields where roots were growing, as the carts could not enter until the roots, such as mangolds, &c., were cleared away. Hand Labour.—Manual labour will now be employed in spread- ing dung upon land intended for wheat, and also where there are water meadows the drowner, or person entrusted with the irri- gation and its necessary labour, must now have the trenches scoured. The right principle in irrigation is not only to lead the water on to the land, so that it may flow with regularity over the whole surface, but also to give it the freest outlet after having served the purposes of flooding. Store cattle will now require some change from the pastures which are getting stale, and they may now be accommodated in yards and sheds at night, and there receive a moderate allowance of decorticated cotton cake and straw; and if it is required to advance them quickly, common turnips cut and placed in troughs in addition, and by no means forgetting a lump of rock salt accessible to all. The dairy cows, too, demand our attention ; for after the middle of October the grass, if not short in quantity, becomes poor in feeding value; we therefore give them cabbages upon the pas- tures, and we find them do well without decreasing their milk. They must, however, soon be brought to the stalls at night time, and receive in addition to cabbages some sweet oat straw, as they will not pay for hay, especially those which are nearly or quite out of profit. The woodlands upon the home farm must now be looked to, any portion of the underwood becoming fit for sale or cutting this winter must be disposed of accordingly ; and it is well that only some portion should be cut every year, particularly where it is desired to rear and retain a few pheasants, and also for furnishing with regularity spar and hurdle wood, &c., for use on the home farm. RABBITS AND THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL DISORDERS. THERE are many hereditary weaknesses which grow on Rabbits chiefly from neglect and unnatural treatment, and which not unfrequently descend to the next generation. It is as well to remember that one male will often spoil twenty or fifty litters and a hundred or two of young ones, so that it is very important to see that everything is right before introducing a fresh sire. When contemplating this fact it should also be borne in mind that so many of these complaints are doubled or trebled by in- breeding, because both parents are likely to be affected in the same way; therefore, strange Rabbits should be selected when possible. Paralysis is a complaint that is often transmitted in the blood. In the first place it is most likely caused by an excess of damp in the hutch. Ifthe wood or hutch is porous, so that the wet can sink in, a nasty efluvia rises and keeps the air polluted. If this is continued it causes several complaints, and ultimately paralysis. As soon as the disease takes any hold upon a Rabbit the animal 340 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 31, 1878. shows symptoms of great debibity and even impotence, especially in the hinder quarters, which seem to be quite useless and can only be dragged about. Sometimes the disease extends towards the head. In this case it is more serious, and generally results in death. As the appetite is speedily affected great care must be taken to tempt the Rabbits by frequent changes of food, and a little extra green food as an aperient will sometimes do good. It is seldom that a Rabbit with this disease ever thoroughly recovers; indeed, we hardly think it advisable to try to cure any but show Rabbits, as they should never be allowed to breed after having been once thoroughly diseased. The complaint is very apt to appear in the next litter, and will be easily brought out by damp and badly-smelling hutches. Rabbits have sometimes sluggish and diseased livers. The complaint is very bad, as it tends to destroy all the benefit derived from good food. It is generally classed among preventive diseases. This we hardly see. Ifa Rabbit has a good liver constitutionally it will take a good deal to affect it very much any way, but if it has a weak one, inherited from its parents, a very little careless- ness will cause disease. The disease most common in kind seems to consist of a quantity of little insects, which stick to the liver. If the liver is healthy and strong they will not be very injurious, but if the liver is at all weak they soon get a hold upon it. A cure is almost impossible, except when the remedies are tried very early in the disease. Plenty of light and air are the very best remedies that can be prescribed, with plenty of good sub- stantial food. If show Rabbits they may be preserved alive for some time by these means, but a cureis doubtful. As the complaint is lable to be transmitted Rabbits affected with it should never be allowed to breed, as if they do their litters are pretty sure to be tainted. A bad affected blood thoroughly impregnated in the system is: another unpleasant disease to which Rabbits are constitutionally liable. It is caused in the first instance by starvation of the blood, and by giving only food that does not produce strength. Hence it is very necessary to keep the Rabbits well attended to, as the complaint is exceedingly’ debilitating and destroys the Rabbit’s value for breeding. It makes itself apparent in many ways. The eye loses its vigour and_becomes pallid and humid in appearance. If the Rabbit gets a scratch the place immediately festers and discharges profusely, boils rise on the back and sides, and the hair consequently comes off. Sometimes these are so small as to be more like pimples, and they all discharge a little. If squeezed a good deal of blood and matter comes out, and seems to afford momentary relief. It is well to wash this off and not leave it on the skin, as it might cause fresh eruptions. The less food that is given the worse the bloodseems to get. The eruptions should not be confounded with small boils, which are more the result of overfeeding. A little cooling food, chiefly herbs, will be found to prevent this, and quickly to cure it. Gatherings should be broken and washed out. Sore hocks are sometimes caused by the want of stamp in the blood. In this case the hocks swell very much, and if the hutch is rough or dirty the disease is in- creased. The remedy that is best is the addition of substantial food, with plenty of purgative food at intervals. Meal mashes mixed with potatoes are very strengthening, and may be recom- mended for this complaint. This disease transmits itself in breed- ing, and therefore affected animals should be kept separate till thew death. Often the remedies may keep show Rabbits well for a short time, but the discharges are very weakening, and it is not often that a Rabbit lives very long after being seized with the complaint. Another affection is that of the kidneys, which affects Rabbits that are kept in damp hutches. If there is no outlet for the wet to pass away, and it is allowed to accumulate, the effect upon the kidneys is very palpable. The urine that is passed is often red. The Rabbits when affected show signs of debility and ill health. Warmth and judicious diet will be found most likely to produce acure; plenty of green food of a milky nature should be given, as well as ample supplies of corn and meal. As Rabbits closely connected often have the same disease it is most important to ayoid in-breeding —GETA. ARRIVAL OF NORTHERN BIRDS. Most of the northern birds due in the middle of October have arrived. All the summer migrants have gone except a few house swallows. The London bird-catchers have lately had large takes of the brown linnet, common redpoll, greenfinches, yellowhammers, siskins, goldfinches, and mountain or tree sparrows. The flights of birds arriving from the north are as follows:—Hawfinches, gold- finches, chaffinches, siskins, mountain sparrows, twites, brambling finches, bullfinches, brown linnets, weodlarks, redwings, black- birds, thrushes, and stony redpolls. The stony redpoll has skipped these coasts for the last two or three years, but many have been taken during the past week. Ring-ousels have been very scarce this autumn. The northern larks, fieldfares,and snow buntings have not yet been seen, as it is still early in the season for them. The various kinds of titmice, such as the large-tit or ox-eye, blue-tit, cole-tit, and marsh-tit, are very plentiful about the suburbs of London. Another class of birds common to this country is also plentiful, and may be seen by any ordinary ob- server about the borders of woodsides and copses near London. These are the nuthatch, little tree-creeper, common wren, the golden-crested wren, and long-tailed titmouse. All these birds frequent the same localities in the company of each other. They are especially fond of parts of the country where firs and yews abound. The last five birds do not seem to increase in numbers, and are never more plentiful one year than another; for the last thirty years there has been no noticeable increase in them. This is all the more remarkable, as these birds are very seldom trapped in nets, caught with birdlime, or killed by gunners. They are useless except as specimens for the cabinet. The hooded or Royston crow has been noticed on the marshes below Gravesend ‘These birds are generally observed first at Flamborough Head, in Yorkshire. At Flamborough Head during the last few days many of our autumnal visitors have been noticed —namely, scores of blackbirds, thrushes, crested wrens, and owls. These owls were probably bred in the rocks in the vicinity of Flamborough. Flamborough Head is the great arrival station of many autumnal migratory birds proceeding south from Norway, Sweden, &c. : Woodcocks are also beginning to arrive at Flamborough. These birds subsist during the summer months on the larve of the mosquitos and other insects that breea in the extensive marshes of Norway and Sweden. The moonlight nights and easterly winds during the last few days have been especially favourable for the arrival of birds from the north. At Flamborough the blue rock doves are also very plentiful. These birds are found nearly all the world over; they will not breed in captivity. Visitors to Rosherville, near London, may have noticed many pairs of these birds breeding about the cliffs in the gardens. At the present time the blue rocks are feeding on the stubbles, and their fayourite © food is the charlock seed. They do much good by eating up the seeds of this weed. These blue rocks must not be con- founded with the blue rocks used for pigeon-shooting from the trap. lLinnets and greenfinches also eat large quantities of char- ~ lock seed. This fact accounts for large numbers of these birds being seen on the stubble lands. During the late foggy evenings numbers of the small common mouse-eared bat have been seen about the streets in the north part of London. It is difficult to know on what these bats are feeding, as there is very little insect food to be had, such as moths, &e.—(Daily News.) VARIETIES. Ir may be interesting to some of our bee-keeping readers to learn that a Hertfordshire Bee-keepers’ Association is in process of formation. It was at first intended by the promoters to form an association for West Herts only, and during the past summer several meetings have been held with this object, whilst displays of bee-driving, &c., have been given at Harpenden, Rickmans- worth, Latimer, and Great Berkhampstead at the shows of their horticultural and cottage garden societies. Prizes have also been offered to cottagers and others for the best supers of honey in wood, glass, or straw. By the advice, however, of the Bishop of the diocese the scope of the Association has been enlarged, and its operations will be extended to the whole of Hertfordshire instead of being confined to its western division only. The Harl of Verulam, the Lord Lieutenant of the county, has consented to bem President of the Association; and the Bishop of St. Albans, the Earl of Clarendon, Earl Brownlow, Lord Ebury, and Lord Ches- ham have promised to be Vice-Presidents. Other names will — shortly be added to the list, and a new vigorous Association will take its place amongst the Lincolnshire, Devon and Exeter, — Dorsetshire, and other county associations already in existence. Tux official list of awards made to British exhibitors at the - Paris Exhibition, including those for all kinds of live sgock, has appeared very clearly and elaborately got up. H.R.H. the Pre= sident of the British Commission has sent a copy of it to every juror not present to receive it at the distribution of prizes. AU note is appended to the list of jurors to the effect that their — services were entirely gratuitous. —— At the Tunbridge Wells Poultry Show a Carrier Pigeon belonging to Mr. Stephens was claimed for £100. We believe the | purchaser was Mr. Hedley. We think that at least one bird of the same variety was last year sold for the same price. & A MEETING was held on the 23rd inst. at the County and Borough Halls, Guildford, to inaugurate the newly-formed Surrey Columbarian Society. The President of the Society, Mr. 0. E. Cresswell, took the chair ; the Vice-president, the Rev. G. S. Davies of Charterhouse, the Hon. Secs. Messrs. Walker and Allen, and many local fanciers, were present. The Society will hold its first show at Guildford in December. — We have before us a large number of schedules of shows” to be held in the month of November. Among them, on November 6th and 7th, the Cambridge Show of Poultry, Pigeans, | a “e 2 "7 October 31, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENTR. 341 and Cage Birds. We remember a very good show there about five years ago, and hope that this revived one may be well patronised. On the 22nd and 28rd of the month the Kilmarnock Show will take place. The classification is one of the most extended and complete we have ever seen save at the greatest national shows. There are 42 classes for Poultry, 35 for Pigeons, and 19 for Cage Birds, 9 for Rabbits, and 2 for Cats. The entries close on November 9th. The Norwich Show is fixed for the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. The classification is, as in former years, very good. ‘There are special cups and prizes for members of the Society. On the 27th and 28th a West Kent Show is advertised to be held at Bexley Heath ; and on the same days the Show of the Rutland Agricultural Society at Oakham. This has long been a well-managed and popular institution. We regret to see that the pairs of hens so long seen there are no longer to appear, but single birds alone. Another poultry show will be held at Poole in January. It will be under the patronage and rules of the Poultry Club. — WE are continually hearing evidence of the spread of the poultry and Pigeon fancy both in the Old and New Worlds. Some Pouters from the celebrated lofts of Mr. and Mrs. Holmes of Bath were lately exported to Austria, and last week some of Mr. Cresswell’s Turbits started from their temporary abode near Bagshot for Boston, U.S. America. DESERVING of special notice at the Clonmel Agricultural Show were specimens exhibited by Robert Cooke, Esq., of three cuttings of Italian rye grass, with the seed saved from the second and third ; that saved from the first is generally worse than useless, as containing the seeds of weeds, &c.; that from the third crop was very inferior to the splendid sample saved from the second cutting. Many farmers were interested in seeing this marked distinction. The exhibition of other farm produce was very superior. — THE largest farm in the world is probably that which has just been purchased by a New York Joint Stock Company in Northern New Mexico; it covers 250,000 acres, and will be used for cattle and sheep raising. A good start has already been made with tive thousand improved American cattle and fifteen thousand Merino sheep. Tue Duke of Sutherland has presented a milch cow, and allowed sufficient pasture land for its keeping, to every small tradesman on his Trentham estates. —— WE are requested to state that the Ipswich Poultry Show wwill take place early in January next, instead of as advertised, due notice of which will be given. In the returns for the year 1877 the poultry in Ireland were enumerated in four classes. There are 751,809 turkeys, 2,240,399 geese, 2,653,070 ducks, and 7,920,805 ordinary fowl, making a total of 13,566,083, or 53,417 fewer than the very large mumber in the preceding year’s return. It will be observed that there are three times as many geese as turkeys, but the proportion varies greatly in different parts. In Leinster and Ulster the turkeys are not very much less than half as many as the geese ; in Munster they are not near a third the number of the geese; ; and in Connaught they are less than a fifth of the number of geese. In the counties of Down and Dublin the turkeys and geese are almost equal in number—41,991 turkeys and 43,526 geese, and 8872 turkeys and 8966 geese respectively. In the county of Meath the turkeys outnumber the geese, there being 22.659 of the former and only 19,819 of the latter. Ducks and ordinary fowl appear to be more evenly distributed ; the former number about one in every five of the total poultry in Leinster and Connaught, one in six in Munster, and one in four in Ulster. Estimating the geese and turkeys at an average market price of 3s. each,.and ducks and ordinary fowl at 2s. 6d. per pair, the poultry in Ireland at the enumeration in 1877 would represent a total value of £1,109,698. — ACCORDING to the Journal des Deébats, the number of horses in the principal countries of Europe is as follows :—Russia, 21,570,000; Germany, 3,352,000; Great Britain, 2,255,000; Hungary, 2,179,000; Austria, 1,367,000; and Turkey, 1,000,000. According to the same authority there are 9,504,000 horses in the United States; 4,000,000 in the Argentine Republic; 2,624,000 in Canada, and 1,600,000 in Uraguay. UNPRODUCTIVE BEE’S EGGS—IVY HONEY. AT page 287 of the current volume will be found a notice by me of a singular phenomenon which occurred here this autumn —namely,a young queen laying eggs during a period of six weeks which were unproductive. ‘ Ihave now to add—though it does not lessen the curiosity of the fact above mentioned—that within the last fortnight this same queen has laid eggs which have produced grubs. A quantity of brood was found in various stages of development in large portions of two combs. Can it be that this queen being unusually vigorous continued laying eggs during September, the usual rest month of the year (in places like this where no honey is found in the fields), and that the bees destroyed them as fast as they were laid, tired as it were of the labours of nursing, while the queen laid on unheeding the fate of her eggs? It may be observed that the resumption of breeding was simultaneous with the commencement of an unusu- ally good ivy honey season. My bees have been for several weeks as active in honey-gathering as in summer both early and late in the Gay. It is a sickly-tasted honey.—B. & W. BEE-KEEPING. THIS spring I had two straw hives ; one of them was stocked with condemned bees that I bought last autumn, but they only quarter filled the hive with comb. I fed them this spring, but they would not swarm; for three weeks they hung outside the hive like a large swarm. On June 29th I put on a super; they began at once to fill it, but did not leave the outside. As I had no eke to put under I placed a flat-top hive under the full one. July 8th I took off the super with 203 lbs. of beautiful honey- comb. On August 7th I drove the top hive into the bottom one, which was half full of comb. I obtained 30 Ibs. of run honey— 504 Ibs. in all. The other hive, which was 15 inches by 10, only sent off one swarm, which in due course I supered with an Epps’s cocoa box. The stock hive I drove twenty-one days after it swarmed. From both hives I obtained upwards of 40 Ibs. of honey. In all I made £5 10s. 6d., besides what we used. £1 I spent in sugar to feed with. I have £4 10s. 6d. in my pocket and three good hives of bees in my garden—not amiss for a start. I have no doubt the result would have been greater if the master of the straw hive had been at my elbow, as the master of the Stewarton apparently was at “J. R.’s.”. I have made many blunders, but practice makes perfect. I placed the brood comb from my best hive (there was a great quantity) into a small hive, and set it on top of the hive where the bees were, thinking they would hatch it out, but all the bees went up and took possession, I did not feed. them for fear they should build comb. When the brood was hatched I drove them back to their proper hive. I was more successful with the other hive. I fastened a piece of board and bored some holes in it, put in some pegs thick enough to keep the combs at proper distance and upright like toast ina rack, and placed it under the hive. The bees have built their comb to it beautifully. At any time I can turn up the hive and take away the board and pegs now the comb is fast. The hives are my own make, I never made any before nor saw any made. I have made one 16 inches by 10 with a moveable top, so that when I want to take the honey I can turn it on its crown, run a knife round the sides, lift it off leaving the combs fast to the crown. By running a knife between the comb and the crown I shall be able to secure every comb without breaking, what the “RENFREWSHIRE BEE-KEEPER” complains of so much at page 252. If his cross-sticks had been made properly they would not have Gamaged the comb. J made mine straight, round, and very much tapered, the end that stood out an inch was square. When you take hold of them with pincers give a twist; the stick then comes out without damage.—ZJ. B., S. Yorkshire. STRENGTHENING STOCKS IN AUTUMN. EVERYONE is agreed that it is of the first importance to strengthen stocks in autumn. Stocks so strengthened, and just in proportion as they are strengthened, will (all other things being equal) be the first to breed in the spring, the first to swarm or to fill supers as the case may be, and will generally prove the most profitable in every respect. To secure this desirable object is the aim of all bee-masters; and accordingly at this time of year, when the ivy blossoms wake up the bees everywhere and stimulate the queens to recommence egg-laying, every effort is made to increase and prolong the stimulus in this direction. Hence more or less continuous feeding is going on in all apiaries. Hence the joining of weak populations, and the saving of bees from doomed stocks for uniting with those that are being strength- ened for future use. These several plans are all excellent in their turn. They are in full use here at this present moment. But this autumn we are trying another plan, which I recommend to the notice of the apiarian readers of this Journal : it can only be conveniently tried by bar-framists whose bars are all of the same size, as they ought to be in every apiary. Our new plan consists in the saving of condemned bees and utilising them by putting them temporarily into empty bar-framed hives, two or three lots of bees together in each hive, and stimulating them to breed in empty worker combs previously adapted to the frames. At the end of twenty days, or a little earlier, the frames will be taken out, and such as are filled with brood will be transferred to the hives which it is desired to strengthen for the coming year. It is obvious how great an addition to the youthful population of a hive may be made in this way. It is far better than merely adding the populations of doomed stocks, among which are sure to be found numbers of 342 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 31, 1878. more or less old and moribund bees. Care should be taken after a time to remove these temporarily utilised frames should they happen to be less regular than those in whose place they were substituted. This should be done as soon as the young bees have been hatched out of them, then all can be finally arranged for the winter. , By this plan it is obvious that very large populations of late- hatched bees can be secured throughout the apiary at a trifling cost. All that need be given of sugar syrup is just that which will suffice to keep up the stimulus necessary to encourage the queen to breed. Should any of it have been stored in the combs utilised for breeding, it can be given to the bees at any time by simply arranging it in a box set superwise over any stock that may require it. The present autumn seems to be singularly favourable to the development of late brood, owing to the great quantity of ivy blossom, which is expanding quite a fortnight earlier than usual, owing also to the summer-like warmth of the weather—B. & W. EXTRACTING HONEY FROM COMBS. ONE of your correspondents, “ I@NORANCE,” asks, “ What is the most improved method of extracting honey from the combs ?” This is rather difficult to answer, because he does not say whether his object is to save the combs for future use or merely to run the honey. If the latter be his object he will find an excellent description in “Bee-keeping for the Many” at page 29. In addition to what is there said I would only advise him to cut away every atom of bee bread and brood comb before he com- mences to cut up the honeycomb. : If his object be to preserve the comb entire, of course the “slinger” is the only thing to use. Failing this he may do as I have done this autumn with my bar-frames—that is, slice the lids off the combs with a sharp knife, but carefully, and then proceed to scrape down the honey on: both sides of the comb, leaving the base of the cells as little injured as possible. This ought pro- perly to be done in warm weather. If the comb is pretty tough most of the honey will run off in a few hours without seriously injuring the fabric—the comb being stood upright overa dish. This done, in my own case I have given the comb to my bees to clear away ; and I hayesome now which the bees have utilised ina hive T haye been transferring. They have succeeded in very neatly reforming and refilling the cells from their foundation. I doubt the possibility of treating in this way any fresh honeycomb out of hives without bar-frames, as the combs would infallibly break up.—B. & W. OUR LETTER BOX. CocKEREL HAVING BRONCHITIS (i. Smith).—Give him bread soaked in ale twice daily until recovered. CLEANING BIRD SEED (Jf. Z.).—The best way to clean Canary seed is to three-parts fill a cotton stocking, and with the end tied up exercise yourself for afew minutes by holding the ends of the stocking in each hand, and with an up-and-down motion shake weil the seed. Afterwards rid the seed from dust and chaff with the aid of a fine sieve, at the same time converting your mouth into a makeshift winnowing machine. PARAKEET UNHEALTHY (Z.1V.)—As your Parakeet is suffering from an attack of diarrhoea you may now discontinue the fruit diet. Rust in the food or two or three rusted nails in the water will act beneficially. You have done all you need do in piercing the swollen feet to let out the humour. Occasionally bathe the bird’s feet with warm water, and when dary anoint them with the oil of almonds. Do not use sawdust. Lower the perches to within a couple of inches of the cage floor, upon which place some clean moss or soft hay. As the bird gains strength raise the perches. PRESERVING EaGs (C. 8. B.).—We cannot tell why the eggs painted with linseed oil proved bad. Employ eggs quite fresh. We have had eggs that hhave been kept twelve months, and then perfectly fit for any culinary pur- pose. We generally use a glazed breadpan. The bottom should be covered with slaked lime wetted to a consistence that will allow anything put in it to stand upright. The bottom layers of lime will be 2 inches thick. The eggs are stuck in this small end downwards close together, but not touching. When the bottom layer is full, then a fresh mixture of slaked lime is poured till thick enough for the eggs to stand up in it, and so on till the pan is full. The eggs should be perfectly sound in shell, not cracked or in any way injured, and they must not touch each other. CANE.—" J. B.’ desires to know where he could obtain cane for making hives. COVERING STEWARTON Hives (G. B. B.)—Heavy wooded hives are an exploded idea, the lighter being every way better and more porous. AIL hives whether of wood or straw must be carefully protected from the weather by some good external covering, such as a bee house, straw hackle, or wooden cover, for each stock singly, in keeping with the taste or means of the bee-keeper. My colonies are on single pedestals protected by covers of square and octagon form; these are of wood, three-quarters of an inch thick, 18 inches wide, by 27 inches high at the eaves. The body and top are alike moyeable, the last named coyered with thin zine surmounted at the apex by a turned vase, well painted stone colour. These covers are thoroughly useful as well as ornamental. If slides project 14 inch to draw by, and are made to work very easy at the start, they give no trouble afterwards ; i£ cut too short and fit tightly they require a pair of pincers to draw them. The sun’s rays in summer, and a heated smoothing iron at other times, are said to be sufficient to soften any amount of propolis, but after twenty years’ experience I have never had occasion to employ either.— A RENFREWSHIRE BEE-KEEPER. BEES (R. A. AL, J.).—Bees would no doubt do.wwell in a hayloft, provided good pasturage was afforded outdoors, supplemented by artificial feeding as required. CHLOROFORMING BEES (J. Salter).—If you can cover and surround the strong colony of bees which are under the plastering of your house with any kind of strong cloth slightly damped you may both save the bees and take their honey by the use of chloroform. Thenest being 14 feet from the ground is the greatest difficulty. First go up the ladder with some smoking cotton rags in your hand, and if the bees be disturbed apply the smoke and master them till you see how the cloth can be fixed, then fix the cloth as closely around the bees as you can with a teacup saucer inside. When this is done pour an ounce or two of chloroform into the saucer. The chloroform will act instantaneously and cause the bees to make a great buzzing noise. As soon as the noise subsides the bees will be found in the cloth, and should be speedily hived, and all the combs promptly cut down and removed. An expert in bee management could easily use the combs from the bees without the use of chloroform, and hive them afterwards. TOMATO SAUCE (Rus in Urbe)—Stew a dozen large tomatoes with Cayenne pepper and salt until they become like a marmalade. Pass them through a sieve to remove the seeds, and stir until it is of the consistency of very thick cream, then add a half pint of nice broth and a little butter; or if you have no broth a little warm water, and 14 oz. of butter, with two table-spoontuls of grated biscuit, or bread may be stirred in just before send- ing to table. In seasoning the same use very little pepper. It will be a nice accompaniment to beefsteak or cold roast beef. ‘ METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. CAMDEN SQUARE, LONDON. Lat. 51° 32° 40" N.; Long. 0° 8’0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet. DATE. 9 A.M. IN THE DAY. apna tte ‘cieeeios eye! 5 i ene_-| Hygrome- Sd |S#,.|Shade Tem-| Radiation iI 1878. |B? 2 S ter. Sa PIERS) perature. Temperature.) 3 neo ss |s'62) ————_|_—__—— __ ia Oct. |2 Ran | Br |oa0H < In On Ras | Dry. | Wet.| A'S \a iMax.| Min.] sun. | grass In deg. deg. ! deg. We. 23 W. 54.7 94,1 Th. 2 Ss. TAS Bri. S.W. 92:2 Sat. S.W. 86.3 Sun N. 86.2 Mo. 28 W. 89.8 Tue 2 NS 74.7 Means | 29.428 | 45.9 | 443 40.7 85.4 REMARKS. 23rd._Fine bright morning, shower at 2.50 P.M,; fine afternoon, damp- evening. Air temperature down to 32°, and a little snow. 24th.—Wet morning, heavy rain at 11 to 11.15 A.M. with squall of wind ; fine bright afternoon ; cold starlight night. 25th.—Fine, bright, cool day ; beautiful starlight evening. 26th.—Heavy showers during the morning; fine afternoon, but stormy- looking sky, and windy ; starlight evening. ° 27th.—Very fine fresh autumnal day. 28th. —White frost in early morning, shower at 11.30 A.M., and slight shower 2.15 P.M.; fine afternoon, with sunshine; wind rather high in evening. 29th.—Clear cold day, bright sun at intervals ; solar halo at noon ; starlight. night. Seasonably cool weather seems to have set in, but although there have been traces of white frost on metal surfaces, none has yet been formed om grass, and the air temperature has not yet fallen below 36°.—G. J. SYMONS. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—OCTOBER 30. THE only feature in our Market has been the steady fall in Kent Cobs, there being a disinclination on the part of buyers to do much business at present rates. FRUIT. s.d. s.d. s. d. 3. d tsieve 2 Oto4 0! Melons.... each 1 O0to4 dozen 0 0 O 0O| Nectarin dozen 00 0 0 tb 0 0 O 0} Oranges ~? 100.8 0 16 0 bushel 0 0 0 0] Peaches dozen 8 0 12 © sieve 0 0 90 0O| Pears, dozen 0 0 0 0 4sie 00 00 dessert .. dozen 2 0 6 0 dozen 0 0 0 0| Pine Apples Pib. 8 0 6 O pib. 0 8 1 0} Piums.... dsieve 26 0 o a Ib O 8 1 O| Raspberries.... Pib. 0 0 0 0 quart 0 0 © 0| Strawberries .. Pb. 0 0 0 0 pib 0 9 6 0} Walnuts ..... bushel 5 0 8 0 e100 6 0 18 0 GittO.... ee e100 0 0 0 0 VEGETABLES. Sods /S.1ds s. da. s.d Artichokes dozen 2 0to4 0|Mushrooms.... pottle 1 6to2 0 Asparagus... bundle 0 0 0O 0 | Mustard & Cress punnet 0 2 0 4 Beans, Kidney Pp itb 0 8 O 6) Onions .. bushel 2 6 3 0 Beet, Red dozen 16 8 0 pickling quart 0 4 0 6 Broccoli .. bundle 0 9 1 6| Parsley.... z punches 2 0 0 0 Brussels Sprouts sieve 8 0 4 6) Parsnips . dozen 00 0 6 Cabbage ..... ... dozen 1 0 2 0} Peas.... . quart 0 0 0 0 Carrots. . bunch 0 4 0 8} Potatoes . bushel 8 6 4 6 BBM) Kidney ...... bushel 4 0 5 0 83 0 6 0|Radishes.. doz.bunches 1 0 1 6 1 6 2 0} Rhubarb ... bundle 0 0 0 0 ..doz.bunches 2 0 4 0|Salsaty .. . bundle 0 9 1 0 Cucumbers .... each 0 4 1 0|Scorzonera .... bundle 10 0 0 Endive .. dozen 10 2 0}|Seakale ... . basket 0 0 0 0 Fennel... bunch 0 8 0 0} Shallots .. 5 Pib 08 00 Garlic S tb. 0 6 O O)| Spinach . bushel 2 6 4 0 Herbs bunch 0 2 O 0/| Turnips.. . bunch 0 2 0 6 Leeks .......... bunch 0 2 4 0| Veg. Marrows.. each 0 2 0 U November 7, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 343 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day | Day | Average Clock | Day ot _|_ of NOVEMBER 7—13, 1878. ature nes SO outa |p Moons | Moons |ERoon:s) Ehetore |eaot Month) Week y | omnenatire neat Rises. | Sets. | Rises. | Sets: | Age. | Sun. | Year. Day. |Night. Mean:| h. m.| h. m.| h. m.| h. mJ| Days. m,. Ss. 7 | TH Sale of Orchids at Stevens’s Rooms. 52.1 | 36.7 im <6 4 21 2 56 4 18 13 16 11) 311 8 F 52.0 | 34.3 8 4 20 3 11 5 27 14 16 7 | 512 9 /S PRINCE OF WALES BORN. 50.5 | 33.8 7 10} 4 18} 3 30} 6 39 15 16 2] 313 10 SUN | 21 SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 50.4 34.0 ie a3 4 17 8 55 7 dl ® 15 57 | 314 11 M Sale of Nursery Stock at Long Cross, 50.2 | 34.2 2.9 i 18 4) 15 4 29 950: 17 15 50 | 315 12 TU Putney Chrysanthemum Show. | 50.2 | 33.8 H 15 4 13 5 14/10 4 18 15 43 | 316 13 W Brixton Chrysanthemum Show. 49.9 | 35.2 | 42.6 Te 1% 4 12 6 12/10 58 19 15) 35: , 317, From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 59.9°; and its night temperature ABOUT POTATOES. p-®) ATE Potatoes in this neighbourhood are a sorts are the most profitable to grow. I have fortunately grown nothing in quantity but Myatt’s Prolitic, with the true old Ash- leaf for the earliest. None of the so-called improved varieties are as early by a fortnight as this, although several of them are better crop- ers. I have no idea how long the stock of the old Ashleaf has been here, perhaps half a century, but it never varies and never shows a flower. This season it produced an excellent crop, quite as heavy as Myatt’s, but that is an unusual occurrence ; it generally produces little more than half that quantity. Part of the seed of Myatt’s Prolific was home-grown and part was bought from a totally different soil, but there was no appreciable difference at taking-up time—all were good alike for the season, averaging considerably more than two bushels to a perch. In addition to the seed coming from two sources, my own was taken up early in July last year before it was anything like ripe, and indeed some of it was not fully grown, while the bought seed was not lifted till the end of September. ; I cannot argue the point with those who recommend changing of seed, but I can speak from a limited experience and say that the benefits arising from changing of seed here are invisible, and I am inclined to think non-existent. I do not say that changing is never beneficial; I have heard and read enough to almost convince me that it is sometimes productive of good results. There are probably some soils where the Potato deteriorates and would in course of time become almost worthless, and in that case it may be necessary to obtain a fresh stock frequently from a more congenial soil. But supposing A to possess a soil where he finds it necessary to have frequent changes of seed, and B to have a soil which continually produces a fair average quantity and quality of the good standard kinds from the same stocks, A may obtain seed from B, and the results the first season may be extraordinary ; but I think B would not be likely to have such results with seed obtained from A. Part of this statement is of course little more than theory, and I should be glad to learn if in any mutual exchange of seed both parties claim to see an advantage. It will not surprise anyone after this statement if I say that in many cases more good may be done by selecting one’s own seed and taking the greatest care of it than can be done by exchanging, for in the latter case the selecting of seed, which is a very important matter, is not likely to be done at all times so carefully. This does not apply to new or foreign sorts, for in some cases of new, or reputed new, varieties the characters are not anything like fixed, and some of the American Potatoes do not retain their good qualities long after leaving their native country. As I said above, the selecting of seed is a very important matter. It is a mistaken economy to eat all the best tubers and save those that are small and misshapen for seed ; eat NO. 919.—VOL, XXXV., NEW SERIES. very light crop of small tubers : it has been | again abundantly proved that early-ripening | all the biggest if you like, and the smallest too if you can persuade anyone to cook them, but medium-sized good- shaped tubers should always be taken the greatest care of, laying them out singly soon after they are lifted ; especially is this necessary with the kidney-shaped kinds, and they only take up half the room for storing this way that round kinds do. If they ever make growth which has to be rubbed off it is the best economy to give them at once to the pigs. [should like to ask those who are qualified to answer, What is the object of Potato exhibitions, and are they likely to produce good results or the reverse? What are the principal points in judging Potatoes? Is there any- thing besides the appearance of the few selected tubers taken from nobody knows how much ground to guide the judges when dealing with sorts with which they are un- acquainted? I know some people suppose that rough skins, white flesh, good shape, and shallow eyes are some of the pvints to look after ; but the first and second are mis- leading, and the third and fourth are often more than counterbalanced by faults only known to those who dig and eat them. Is there anything else to guide us distant countrymen supposing we are called on to adjudicate in some great Potato tournament? The few dishes we have at our country shows are sufliciently puzzling ; even the cooked tubers are cold when judged, and consequently have to be estimated principally by appearance. I would cheer- fully undertake to act as censor on a couple of dozen dishes fresh cooked and hot, although even then it would be difficult to say how much credit belonged to the cook and how much to the tuber; but collections of known and unknown raw Potatoes are at present a puzzler. Who will enlighten me ?—WILLIAM TAYLOR. TEA AND NOISETTE ROSES UNDER DIFFICULTIES. In your number of the 3rd of October ‘‘ HEREFORDSHIRE Incumbent” draws attention to the difficulties I formerly experienced in growing Teas and Noisettes in an unfayour- able atmosphere and an unsuitable soil, and he alludes to the improbability of my being able to exhibit them from such a locality. Now it is an unfortunate fact that the reverend rosarian’s remarks are substantially correct. At one time I had two gardens both in close proximity to iron foundries and subject to the injurious influence of their sulphurous fumes, no clearer evidence of which can be had than the tendency in such a situation of blue Delphiniums, Anchusas, Myosotis, and other blue flowers to assume a reddish or purplish tint, when the same varieties grown away from such influence, but otherwise under similar con- ditions, retain their natural brilliant blues. The soil of both gardens consisted of a rich shallow and light artificial humus on a rubbly limestone subsoil, and much of that material being integrated with the surface. The situation was on a southern slope, and the summer sun hot and the soil forcing ; but with this I had, in addition to the cold spring winds of the east of England, which usually allow but one good crop of fruit on the average in seven years, the full effect of the malaria and miasma from a spongy No, 1571—VOL. LX., OLD SERIES. 344 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 7, 1878. meadow, alike injurious to man, quadrupeds, and plants; it was therefore hardly to be wondered at that neither Teas, Noisettes, nor the more delicate Hybrid Perpetuals should appear largely in my exhibition stands. Experience, however, taught me much and enabled me partially to overcome these apparently insurmountable obstacles; and although 1 was never able io counterfeit the late amiable Rey. Geo. Arkwright’s wax-like shell-built Souvenir d’un Ami, Mr. Cant’s famous La Boule d’Or, or the Rey. E. N. Pochin’s massive and deep golden Maréchal Niel, and as he showed in his first forty- eight at Grantham (I believe in 1872), and which is only justice to him to say was one of the best blooms in the best stand ever exhibited by an amateur, as Messrs. Gayter and Merryweather will, I am sure, confirm me—I did eventually succeed in securing very respectable show blooms, and for some years successively at the York Shows in June I carried off the first prizes for Teas and light Roses. That this success, however, was not obtained except at the cost of much labour and the yearly deaths of a whole army of floral martyrs I am free to admit, but at the end of fifteen years there was a remanet of other varieties whose health and vigour constituted a valuable testimony to their powers of endurance under such adverse circumstances; I cannot, therefore, do better than enumerate them. The older varieties being Céline Forestier, Gloire de Dijon, Cloth of Gold, Lamarque, La Boule d’Or, Maréchal Niel, Safrano, Solfaterre, Triomphe de Rennes, Alba Rosea, Devyoniensis, Rubens, President, America, La Pactole, Bougeére, and Madame Falcot: and of the more recent sorts best able to brave the defects of soil, situation, and climate I found Réve d’Or, Belle Lyonnaise. Madame Berard, Bouquet d'Or, Souvenir de Paul Neyron, Madame Hippolyte Jamain, Catherine Mermet, Marie Van Houtte, Anna Ollivier, Marie Arnaud, Marcelin Roda, Comtesse Nadaillac, Madame Caro- line Kuster, Climbing Devoniensis, and lastly, as a doubtful but necessary member of the family, and which I consider to be ene of the best, if not the very best, Rose ever raise¢c—Cheshunt Hybrid, and yet this Rose when first exhibited by Mr. George Paul at the British Association’s Horticultural Show at Notting- ham, like La France, was only captivating by its singularity ; but admirers of the Rose are liable to variation of taste as well as fashion in regard to their pets. The more delicate sorts Lcould only keep up by continuously working fresh stock on the Briar, as I neyer found Teas to survive more than about two years on the Manetti and on their ewnroots. The propagation of weak growers is neither a rapid nor useful process. The cause of death of the martyrs in most eases arose from the injuries sustained by the very early growth caused by the forcing character of the soil, as, notwithstanding any amount of temporary shelter, the young growth was sure to be checked and sometimes repeatedly by the frosts of March, April, and May. A good covering for tender Roses is the common Bracken, or better still, the dry haulm of garden Peas loosely tucked in between the branches, tying only where absolutely necessary ; this in a mild season can with advantage be removed and quickly replaced in case of a sudden decrease ef temperature. or growing Teas and Noisettes for exhibition a wall or fence from + to 5 feetin height with north and south aspect is desirable, the Roses to be planted on each side and alternately as dwarfs on their own roots and standards or half-standards on the Briar about 3 feet apart, the plants to be left unpruned, and the vigorous shoots when long enough to be bent back and loosely trained over the wall. By this means both sides of the fence will be well covered, and blooms may be had either from dwarfs or standards and from one side of the wall or the other during a very protracted exhibition sea- son, and the shade and shelter afforded by the overhanging branches will protect the blooms and heighten the colours. Such sorts as Cloth of Gold. Maréchal Niel, La Boule d’Or, and L’Enfant Trouvé will do well worked on a strong old Banksian or Fortune’s White, or even an established China or Boursault, which should be allowed to run wild and overhang at the top, so as to afford shade and shelter for the blooms, the importance of which in growing Maréchal Niel in its true form and colour cannot be oyer-estimated, and I have a suspicion forms at least one of the means of the Rey. E. N. Pochin’s success in obtaining the orthodox pure golden colour which his glorious blooms almost constantly show. It is, however. certain that wherever there is a want of foliage (and the Maréchal especially in early spring is particularly detective in this respect) the colour of the blooms is invariably washy and faded. A remedy for this want can be partially supplied by allowing the shoots to ramble amongst the foliage of a Vine, Pear, Plum, Fig, or other fruit tree on a wall, or to train the branches horizontally under a projecting coping or the eaves of a building, and the advantage of, and 1 might say the neces- sity for shade and shelter will be apparent; but the full and best remedy is supplied by the foliage of the stock, especially when the Banksian is employed for the purpose. These re- marks apply also to a considerable extent to Cloth of Gold, or, as it is termed on the continent and in Jersey, ‘ Chromatella,”’ which, so far as J have observed, is one and the same variety. The growth of Cloth of Gold, as the Banksian, when the knife is not unsheathed and a liberal treatment is observed, will be marvellous. Such a dislike has this variety to surgery that I have heard it stated if the gardener approaches Cloth of Gold with a knife in his pocket it will not bloom, and this dislike to knife and scissors is exhibited in little less degree by the Maréchal and most other Teas and Noisettes, and the only pruning they require is the removal of unhealthy overaged wood.—T. Laxton, Bedford, HOW I GROW LILY OF THE VALLEY AND FORCE IT. I HAVE just been examining our stock of Lily of the Valley grown for forcing, and find the crowns extra strong and forward. As the system I pursue in the cultivation of this esteemed flower is different from the means generally employed for the production of its flowers out of season, and the results better than one commonly finds, a detailed account of how our plants are treated may be acceptable to those of your readers desirous of having forced Lily of the Valley at its best. Suppose a commencement is made from the present time when the plants have finished their annual growth and are merely waiting to be introduced into a growing temperature to yield their crop of flowers and foliage, and make thereafter another season’s growth. The entire stock of plants will shortly be removed from their present position, when they are plunged in a border facing the south and placed close to the wall of a stove, where, with the addition of a few mats thrown over them during severe frosts, they are safe from harm at the roots. Many of the plants have so filled the pots with roots as to have forced themselves above the level of the pot rims. Day. ;Night. Mean | h. m.| h. m.} bh. m.| h. Days m, S. 21 | TH | Kingston Show. Royal Society at 8.30 P.M. | 49.6 | 36.2 | 42.9 | 7 30] 4 2] 3 36 1 59 27 13 58 | 325 22 F . 49.2 | 34.7 | 41.9 7 32 4 0 5 6 2 20 28 13 42 | 526 23 |S Royal Botanic Society at 3.45 P.M. | 47.6 | 34.2 | 40.9 7 34 3 59 6 38 2 48 29 13 26 | 327 24 | SUN | 23 SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 49.4 | 31.7 | 39.5 7 35) 3 568) 8 6] 3 27 @ 13 8 | 328 25 |M Royal Geographical Society at 8.30 P.M. 46.4 | 33.7 | 40.0 Uf RYE Bf Se 24 ao 1 12 50 | 329 26 TU ‘ | 47.2 | 32.0 | 40.0 (fet) 3 56 ]10 23 5 29 2 12 31 | 330 27 WwW Society of Arts at 8 P.M. 47.0 | 33.6 | 40.3 7 40 3 55/11 6 6 47 3 12 11 | 331 From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 46.59; 33,.8°, ; and its night temperature THE SEASON AND WORK. c ip) to the labour required for producing them. The labour, however, expended in gardens is not by any means limited to producing crops of flowers, fruit, and vegetables, for much time is necessarily occupied in keeping a | garden neat, without which it cannot be en- joyable. ‘, Usually the labour provided for the cultivation and if keeping of private gardens is fixed in character: that is, a certain number of men are allowed, and to these no addition can be made let the season be what it may. Even in a favourable season it is not often that the labour staf— is in excess of the requirements, and generally it is only by some scheming and diligent application that dif- ferent kinds of work can be done at the right time ; and I may add that it is only by doing work at the right time that a garden can be rendered to the fullest extent pro- fitable and pleasurable. If, for example, plants cannot be potted when they require it, seeds sown, crops planted, lawns mown, and weeds destroyed, the gardener works at a great disadvantage, and the condition of the garden under his charge can no more satisfy him than it can the owner of it. But while a gardener knows well the reason of the shortcomings it cannot be expected that an owner can at all times so fully appreciate them : hence as a matter of simple justice to all, to employer as well as employed, I venture to allude to the subject now. The summer which has just terminated has been em- phatically a season of hard work for all engaged in the management of gardens. Where adequate assistance has been afforded it has been a summer of plenty as regards vegetables—plenty, I mean, combined with neatness ; but where no extra labour has been provided it has been utterly impossible to keep gardens as clean as usual and at the same time maintaining the necessary supply of floral and culinary products. Under these circumstances it is not surprising that some dissatisfaction has been expressed by employers, and which in more than one instance, to my knowledge, has resulted in changes of gardeners. Possibly if a clear temperate explanation of the extraordinary nature of the season had been rendered the position would have been so far under- stood to have reduced the differences considerably, even to the extent of preventing the separation of a generally good man from a generally good master. But gardeners are not always capable of making an intelligible explanation of their position when surrounded by untoward circumstances ; and employers, it must also be suggested, are not always in a listening mood. It becomes therefore necessary to dis- cuss the subject in your columns where, as is fully admitted, the disposition is in many ways manifest that the govern- ing principle is justice to all—a desire that masters should be satisfied and men contented. Iam not certain that I am capable of dealing with a subject that is in some degree delicate and complex in a NO. 921.—VOL. XXXV., NEW SERIES. 2nCyF> REQUENTLY we-find reference made to the | 7 =, season and the crops, but not so frequently | | satisfactory manner ; but I can at least approach it without | prejudice, seeing that I have not been a sufferer by this work-producing season because extra assistance has been afforded to meet the extra work. I have further endeavoured | to procure evidence that the season has really been what is | termed an unusually heavy one, for gardeners especially, | and cultivators of the soil generally. In order to obtain the best information possible I wrote to two nurserymen, two market gardeners, and two managers of public parks, inquiring if they had found it necessary to incur additional expenditure by increasing their labour staff in accordance | with the incidences of the season. In every case the replies were in the affirmative. One of the nurserymen wrote that he had found it imperative to employ twenty- five men in addition to the usual staff to “keep the place in anything like order.” A market gardener replied that two extra men per acre were barely sufficient to ‘ prevent the weeds eating the manure that was purchased for the crops ;” and both the park managers assured me that it was only by encouraging all the men to work overtime to the extent of three hours a day that the lawns could be kept decent, grass edges clipped, and walks clean. In the matter of mowing, one of the managers stated that quite double the amount of labour had been necessary that was requisite in an ordinary season, “ for,” he observed, ‘‘ while in some seasons we had only to cut the grass once in ten days or a fortnight, this year we have frequently had to mow the lawns twice a week; the labour account, there- fore, must be increased.” An unusually fine autumn followed the extraordinary work-producing summer, and arrears have in many instances been brought up, but the year will long be remembered by gardeners on account of the extra amount of labour it in- volved, and even then gardens and grounds could not be kept so neat as desired. It is fair to all, I think, that the evidence I have adduced of the real nature of the season be recorded.—A NORTHERN GARDENER. HOW I GROW THE CYCLAMEN. Tue Cyclamen has so recently come to the front as an indispensable decorative plant that must be grown in quan- tity, that many who commence its cultivation are very often unsuccessful, with it though most desirous to suc- ceed. JI grow as many as I can find space for, and find it one of the most accommodating plants we have. Seedlings from seed sown in February of the present year are many of them coming freely into flower, some of the most pre- cocious throwing flowers up as early as September. I find it necessary to raise a fresh supply of plants at least every second year, as those more than three years old are of no use for my purposes. In February at latest we sow our seed. [I find one of our Geranium boxes better than pots or small pans for sowing the seed in. The boxes are drained with coal ashes covered with a layer of moss, and then filled with a light but rich compost. The seeds are sprinkled evenly over the surface and merely pressed into the soil; a sheet of brown paper is laid over the surface of the soil for the double No. 1573,—VOL. LX., OLD SERIES. B84 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { November 21, 1878. purpose of excluding light and preserving to the seeds uniform moisture. At no stage of growth ought the soil to be dry, but at this, the most critical, attention should be given to keep the germinating seeds always moist. Placed in a temperature of 55° to 65° little time elapses before growth commences. The brown paper will be better dispensed with then, though the attention must not be relaxed. The plants will keep on adding one small leaf after another, the little bulb at the same time steadily increasing in size. By-and-by the plants will require transplanting, but do not be in too great haste over this. Use the same kind of boxes for pricking them off into, also the same kind of soil, only richer, and leave them awhile longer in the same structure. As natural warmth in- creases transfer them to a cold frame and keep them growing on there until about the middle of September, then pot them into 4-inch pots and keep them in a cool place until established. In the beginning of October transfer them to a structure where the temperature is kept warm enough for their progressing gently through the winter. Each plant will produce on an average two dozen of flowers. I use these as cut flowers, thereby saving larger plants from being in any way damaged in appearance. About the end of May I have our stock planted out ina warm border in the kitchen garden, keeping the top of the bulbs slightly under the surface of the soil. If there is a necessity to water it is better to mulch the surrounding sur- faces than to have to make continued applications of water, which always have a tendency to sour the soil. Until the time of lifting the plants, during the latter part of September, no further attention will be required more than keeping weeds down. The young plants are mostly all potted into 5-inch pots; the older plants, which are managed the same way during summer as these, are placed in pots 5 and 6 inches in diameter. The pots are drained with a few coal ashes, and a thin layer of moss is placed between these and the soil to keep the drainage clear. ‘The soil used is composed of loam, a very slight addition of decayed manure, and a liberal quantity of sand. The soil is pressed firmly round the balls, the top of the bulb being kept on a level with the surface of the soil. The plants are then placed out of doors in a sheltered and shady position for two or three weeks to allow the roots to get hold of the soil, and are then placed in the same winter quarters as formerly. Some of the earliest varieties (they vary con- siderably in this respect) will be in flower at this season, and if more are wanted they are easily brought into bloom by placing as many as are required in a warmer structure. With regard to watering, I like the soil kept in a moist condition ; numbers of roots are pushed from the corms during winter, and inattention to watering is inimical to these. Where regular watering is neglected the foliage and flowers are apt to damp off at the junction of their stalks with the corm ; this tendency is further increased by growing the plants in too low a temperature. By the time the plants are three years old many of the corms are too large for the sizes of the pots we grow them in, consequently there is a weeding-out of these every season after flowering. Those desirous of growing large plants would doubtless find these just at their best for that purpose ; but assmall decorative plants meet our requirements, as noted at the beginning of this paper, young seedling plants are what we rely on. The foliage, especially in a cut state, is here held in nearly as much estimation as the flowers. To the amateur with little time to spend over his greenhouse I know no other plant so easily grown and capable of giving as good returns during the winter and spring months as the Cyclamen. —R. P. BROPHERSTON, Zyninghame. ABOUT VINES.—No. 3. UNDER the superintendence of Mr. Hunter I planted my first Vines on March 12th, 1876. Those along the front and back wall had their roots carefully spread out, and those along the centre, for supernumeraries, were turned out with the balls unbroken, the better to produce a few bunches that season. 1 particularly noticed that the latter made the stronger growth, notwithstanding their crop. -A few days later I had my acci- dent with the glass. Immediately after the wind we had snow and bad weather, and the men working on the border made it firm, which was undoubtedly beneficial to the Vines. No fire heat was given until August, and this also I have since looked upon as an advantage. During May and June I was, twice in particular, twitted about the slow progress my Vines were making, and had friendly invitations to have others planted. My Vines, unaided by fire heat, I grant made slow progress at first, but they have since proved that a slow start was not a disadvantage. By the end of the season they branched out and covered the roof. With the aid of fire heat, for young Vines at the right time, in the autumn I had them sufficiently ripened to carry a fair crop, and it was a day Iam still proud of when with the first Grapes I ever grew I took first prize at our Newcastle Show amongst fourteen competitors. During February this year I planted a second house, but only along the front and middle, as I haye made the house half span to enable me to grow Peaches along the back, thus secur- ing the Peaches light. The house is a plain wooden structure with two rows of posts for support, the second row being under the apex or 6 feet from the back. Having proved that the Alicante colours better and has a denser bloom on the back wall than when immediately under the glass, at every fourth post I have planted an Alicante, and I mean, with the excep- tion of necessary openings, to run one rod the whole length about 4 feet 6 inches from the ground, that we may both see over the top from the path and get underneath when necessary. At this height these Vines will be no additional shade to the Peaches. Intending next spring to raise Cauliflower plants largely,as I did this, I do not intend having fire heat until after they are cleared out, then I intend to heat with flue and hot water combined. I have this autumn run a flue through my other house, and that I find is a great advantage. I do not in- tend to use the flue when starting the Vines, a damper being provided to turn the smoke either to the chimney or to the flue. I have dispensed altogether with early closing since July, the house from that time, as a rule, being open night and day. My canes have done fairly well, six or eight of them. being 18 feet long, and I counted in one fifty joints. On the 6th of June I planted out several Vines of my own raising this year, and I see one (Alnwick Seedling) is now 17 feet long with forty-eight joints. They have also branched out in the most robust manner, but during these last six weeks I have taken all the laterals off. In this house the Peaches have ripened off admirably, and have produced clusters of fruit buds, and the bottom leaves of the Vines are now beginning to fall. It may interest some to know somewhat of a freak I played with a Duke.of Buccleuch. Being disappointed of a Vine promised, and yet being determined in some form to try to grow this noble Grape, I planted a stunted cane I already had on the 6th of June. I had previously been kind to it, but with little satisfaction. After being planted it continued for a short while to make joints from an inch to 1} inch long. Having some healthy young canes of Waltham Cross I planted one by its side and inarched it. Some three weeks or so after the Duke gave evidence of fresh life the two had become united, and it has since made a fine fresh growth of rather over 2 feet. When I commenced Vine-growing I had an impression that plenty of liquor of moderate strength was the best treat- ment. Now my firm conviction is, if you have good turf to grow in the less liquid manure a young Vine has the better. In my second house this season I have watered only with pure water. In my next your readers shall have some account of the trials, disappointments, and perplexities of an amateur. —JOSEPH WITHERSPOON, Chester-le-Strect. ROSE OLLA PODRIDA. OTHER than the election the rosy talk in our Journal has of late been copious as to blooms, with here and there just a suspicion of thorn. With much I have been amused. For instance, we have had suggestions for an election from ‘“ ONE OF THE MILLION,” endorsed by our friend Mr. Radclyfie, for 1, freest bloomers; 2, hardiest ; 3, best for bouquets; Mr. Radclyffe adding 4, best for scent; 5, best in bud for button holes. Then comes the privately sent suggestion from “A. C,.” as to the best Roses for travelling, and then Rey. C. P. Peach’s idea for the newer Rose election, but confining the electors to six nurserymen selected by amateurs, and vice versd. And in the same number comes my friend Mr. Beachey with his classification. Now to the latter gentleman we owe a most interesting paper as to certain rules for deciding the best Roses for general purposes. This paper was published in the Journal some five years ago; it singled out nine points, I think, in Roses, and each point as highest value had the mark 3. He made out his return by this list, and, tried by this test, Gloire de Dijon, I recollect, came out as his best Rose. For general purposes this is a yery good plan, but I ask my valued friend how many returns would he obtain made in thisway? In these November 21, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 385 high-pressure days men have not the time to devote to them, and the replies would be almost nil. Then if you take one point as suggested by “ONE OF THE MILLION,” you would require an election for each separate point, and heartily sick most persons would be of the affair. Elections (Rose) “come but once a year,” but unlike Christmas they do not always bring good cheer. Even once a year it occasionally brings snubs and growls ; what would it do if I attached so many points as to give each elector an idea that he was in for a com- petitive examination? Now to our good friend Rey. C. P. Peach’s idea. Weshould have three elections. First we should have an election for the six amateurs and then another for the six nurserymen, and by the time we got to the Roses both the selected would be tired of the whole affair, and the waste-paper basket or the next pipe or cigar being fired would be the end of the voting paper. It really is not so much, What is best to be done? as, How much can you get others to, assist you in doing ? For a season or two we can afford to let general exhibition varieties alone, and we may. as I have said, take up the matter in a more restricted form ; but before I pass on I would just remark on Class 2 of Mr. Beachey’s—*The freest bloomers irrespective of the quality of the blooms.” This class, he says, is altogether “cut out in the present election.’? Now I should say that Gloire de Dijon and Maréchal Niel, and probably Souvenir d'un Ami and with me Pierre Notting, were still in this class—certainly the former. Here I would remark how thoroughly I agree with Rey. C. P. Peach about this Rose. I contend it never has fair play as an exhibition variety, and, like everything else, if it be not cared for the success is doubt- ful. I heartily endorse every word he says about dear old Gloire—“ Glory Die John,’ as old Tommy Coles of Wellow Rosery used to call it, but it is a Rose that will never die how- ever cold the frosts of exhibition elections : it has too many good sound qualities. Considering how separated Rey. C. P. Peach and I are, and I should imagine different in soil and climate, it surprises me how nearly our experience seems to tally. Ihave already in the election cast a sort of doubt on Duchesse de Vallombrosa. I greatly fear she will prove to be a fine-weather lady, and I shall not be surprised to see her lower down three years hence. With Mr. Peach, too, I believe Marie Baumann to be the most exquisite Rose there is. On the plant, I prefer the pendant position ; and what a thrill of delight comes over one as you lift the glorious bloom and so unfold its beauties to the eye. Grown on the seedling Briar, too, it has with me plenty of vigour, throwing up shoots 3 feet in length and nearly half an inch in diameter. A different matter on which I again most thoroughly agree with Mr. Peach is the Manetti. I venture to say that if I had time to prepare the cuttings myself not one in a hundred— I had almost written thousand—should send up a so-called sucker—really a bud that has escaped the knife. Only on one or two occasions have I ever had a genuine sucker—that is a growth from the root, and that has been feeble. But then, on the other hand, I have had Manetti stocks from nurserymen, have gone over them before planting—not so easy whilst the stems are dirty, and overlooked buds, and then have had such a forest of Manetti in my bed as to make me give up the idea of ‘budding them altogether; and then people say, naturally enough, that the Manetti does throw up suckers. The fault is not in the Manetti, but in the knifeholder, who neglects his work or slurs it over. To the beginner who would bud his own it is one of the most useful and easiest stocks to work ; for—I say it advisedly—good as is the seedling Briar for growth, &c., it is a difficult customer to bud, and, as my experience’ goes, far more buds die on it from the knotty character of the stem than do on the Maneiti : that is at least my experience. Equally with Mr. Peach am I surprised that at least ten or fifteen (Mr. Peach says twenty) Roses are not named by every- one in naming forty-eight. It is a mystery to me, and I mutter to myself, Zot homines, or its English version of Apples and Onions. We do not all think alike, and some of us, I suppose, are woefully unfortunate and neyer get a Rose in its true cha- racter. As to Capitaine Christy, this has been a season for him, I fancy. I never saw it beautiful till this year, when I have cut several ; but on a small plant in our cottage hospital garden I saw three splendid blooms out at the same time. Looking at them, carrying them in my mind’s eye, and recol- lJeeting how a beautiful flower fixes itself on the memory, I should not be surprised at any person placing it in the second twelve, but in an unfavourable season I fear it will come ragged and coarse. Talking of Roses making a lasting im- pression, I can picture some that many years have not effaced : and for years in my household, whenever Roses are the topic before strangers as to beauty of blooms, one of my daughters is sure to exclaim, “Ah! I never saw such a Rose as that Niphetos at our Rose show.” This was some six years ago, and the exhibitor ““WyLp SAVAGE.” Well, yes, it mas a Rose ! Once again I entirely coincide with Mr.- Peach that ‘the only thing admissible in preparing blooms for exhibition is to remove a damaged petal.” I do not quite like even this admission. With Mr. Beachey I agree that exhibiting Roses is not the great pleasure in having them. I like them in the garden, in the house, and to send out to those who have none. This last is certainly my greatest delight connected with Roses. I feast my sight on them first, retain perhaps some of the best. One season I dressed a stand of eighteen daily in my hall, and directly after my breakfast I dispatch through the season from one to half a dozen baskets into the town. Two curious things happened to me this season—nearly all my dwarf plants of La France died in the course of the summer ; and nearly all the Mane Radys, after making good growth, suddenly turned yellow in foliage as they were coming to bloom, and, the leaves dropping, they looked like following suit, but they appear to have perfectly recovered. They did the same in a friend’s garden. Once again, even though it has been an exhibition election, yet judged by garden tests the large proportion of the seventy- two are not robbers: and after haying learned to love the exquisite form of a good exhibition Rose, the flatness of many of the garden varieties does not contrast favourably, and, like matured taste in fruit, you prefer one in perfection to numbers that are sour or past their prime.—J. Hinton, Warminster. FORCING VEGETABLES. RHUBARB. ALTHOUGH Rhubarb can hardly be considered a vegetable it is an article much grown in the kitchen garden, used in the kitchen, and forced throughout the winter season of the year. Where Apples are scarce Rhubarb is a good substitute for them, and for many purposes it is very useful. One great point in its favour is that it is easily forced, and those who care to do so may have a supply all the year round. When forcing is begun at this time, or before the new year, the best way is to lift the roots and force them out of the ground. After the new year the roots throw up growths freely without being removed. When the roots are lifted any long ends may be cut off, so as to get them into small compass. Only roots with well-matured crowns should be selected thus early, and the finer the previous produce has been, and the wider the roots have been growing apart, the better will the crowns be ripened and the more readily will they force. There are two ways of forcing Rhubarb—one in light and the other in darkness. Unless the heat is very strong, in the former case the stalks do not always grow freely, and are not tender, but in the dark it always grows quickly with suffi- cient heat and extremely tender. We have scmetimes forced it in the bed of a Melon pit in full light, but we prefer it in the dark, and generally force it in the Mushroom house re- ferred to in our notes on Seakale forcing. A good hotbed about 24 feet thick is made, and the roots are packed close to- gether on the top of it. The space between the roots is filled up with some old soil from the potting shed, and the whole is covered over so as just to leave the crowns above the soil. They are then watered with tepid water, and the hotbed and darkness soon do their work. We do not study to have any set heat at either top or bottom, only the latter should be the strongest, and the former will do well if it is between 60° and 70°. With good roots and ordinary attention the first dish may be gathered three weeks after the roots have been placed in heat. A few roots will give several dishes for some weeks in succession, and a few placed in heat every two or three weeks will keep up a constant supply. It may also be forced well above any boiler or fiue provided it is covered’ well over with soil and kept constantly moist. When such places are not in the dark it is well to place a box over the young shoots as soon as they appear. If a hotbed is made up any- where in the open air, the roots put in as recommended in the Mushroom house, covered over with a glass light or wooden shutter, and kept dark, will soon yield stalks plentifully. In forcing it in the open air in spring it is only necessary to 586 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { November 21, 1878. place some oid barrels, boxes, large drain tiles, or flower pots oyer the crowns and cover the whole with a good quantity of hot dung and old leaves. Care should be taken when the coyver- jiags are finally removed that the plants do not receive a severe check, or it may injure them for some years. When the roots are lifted to force we seldom plant them again, as a new stock of fine plants can always be secured by dividing old roots in spring and planting them out in good soil—A KITCHEN GARDENER. DRESSING CARNATIONS. HAVING been an exhibitor for many years of various kinds of flowers I may perhaps be allowed to make a few remarks on the above subject. Is it right for an exhibitor to dress his Car- nations or other flowers for exhibition? My own opinion is decidedly ‘“‘yes.’”’ provided that first there is no rule of the society infringed in so doing; and secondly, that the dressing consists merely of the removal of a blemish or the skilful arrangement of the petals of the flower, so as to show it to the best advantage. “D.,” and also my friend “ WyYLpD SAVAGE” object. They say first that dressing is unnatural and artificial, and second that it gives one exhibitor an undue advantage over another. As to the first objection, that it is “unnatural and artificial,” is not the production of a show flower from beginning to end artificial, and in one sense unnatural? Whoever yet expected to cut a show Rose by leaving his bushes to take care of them- selves? Are not budding, manuring, pruning, thinning out the shoots, disbudding, shading, supporting, and training all artificial? Ifthe exhibitor may not arrange the petals of his flower to advantage, why may he arrange the branches of his plants? I have never yet heard “ WyLp SAVAGE” or “D.” cry out against the marvellously trained pot Roses of Turner or Paul, and yet what would they be if every shoot, bud, and flower were not kept in place in an unnatural way by arti- ficial means? They hold up their hands with horror because Mr. Douglas takes a few hours dressing his Carnations. Is there nothing to be said of those who spend not hours only but days, weeks, and years in the production of a specimen plant ? If we must let Nature alone to arrange the petals of her flowers for show, would it not be equally reasonable to demand that she should be allowed to train herself into shape when plants are concerned? In fact the objection will not hold water. A show flower isa flower grown by artificial means and shown by artificial means—a proof that Nature has been assisted and yet thwarted—a triumph of the gardener’s art over the “ WYLD SAVAGE” tendencies of Nature on the one hand, and a skil- ful taking advantage of its kindly efforts and capabilities on the other. As to the third objection—that it gives one ex- hibitor an undue advantage over another, and quite right too say I. Is a man not to reap the fruit of his skill? He has assisted Nature and overcome Nature in the growth of his flower. Why not let him alone to assist her in the perfect arrangement of the petals and to obliterate the trace of the thorny and thistly side of Nature, which exists more or less in all her productions, eyen in a blossom? If he can do this by honest and legitimate means well and good; he deserves to win. But—and here comes the pinch—let him, say I, do it himself. Theshow bench is, it seems to me, a test of individual skill, and it is no more fair for the exhibitor to import external aid in dressing his flowers than it is to import flowers from a neighbour’s garden or to gum the petals of one flower into another. Mr. Douglas says that the system of florists helping one another tends to promote good fellowship. Well, that may be so in cases where they are well known to each other and the skill of the opponents is nearly equal. I can quite understand Mr. Douglas and Mr. Simonite lending each other a helping hand, but one must not forget that there are often aspirants to fame cropping up at the shows who labour under the disadyan- tage of not knowing their fellow exhibitors, and under the still greater disadvantage of unskilfulness in the usual artifices of the florist. Such naturally feel aggrieved. An element is in- troduced into the competition for which they were not pre- pared. They find out to their dismay that it is one thing to be able to grow a good flower and another thing to be able to show it. They haye patiently acquired sufficient knowledge for the first, but are all at sea when it comes to the second. Is it to be wondered at that when they see two or three skilled dressers engaged in transforming a stand of flowers into show | trim and are unable to do it themselves or to obtain help. that they feel that an unfair advantage is being gained over them? | This being so allow me to suggest a remedy. Let there bea tule inserted in the schedules of the various societies that ex- hibitors or their gardeners must dress and set up their own flowers without assistance, and that any infringement of this regulation will disqualify. Finally, that Mr. Rudd once showed a Carnation which did not need dressing and won is no proof that the generality of Carnations do not need it. Almost all flowers need a little manipulation of some sort to show them off to the best ad- vantage, and no one was more surprised than I to hear that “WYLD SAVAGE’S” Roses all grow with stiff backs, so that they do not need the artificial assistance of wires to aid them to hold their heads up, and petals so beautifully arranged that they can without exception be shown as cut from the tree. —Rh. W. BEACHEY. J HAVE read attentively the various remarks in your Journal on dressing Carnations. As probably I am one of the oldest florists in England, being within a few weeks of eighty-one years old, and as I commenced growing florists’ flowers in 1812, | I have witnessed the great improvement in all descriptions. My first essay was in Pinks, then Auriculas, Polyanthuses, Tulips, Carnations, and Picotees. At one time I grew upwards of six thousand Tulips, a thousand Auriculas, upwards of a thousand Polyanthuses, and in Carnations and Picotees up- wards of five hundred pots, besides a large quantity in beds. In 1830 the Picotee was striped at the edges, and in a few years John’s Prince Albert was raised, which became the original parent of all the fine sorts now grown. At that period Carnations and Picotees had to undergo the operation of dress- ing as well as Pinks and Auriculas. I well remember nearly sixty years ago I lost a first prize through my dresser cracking a petal in one of my Auriculas. I never knew a flower being staged without being operated upon : even Tulips had to sub- mit to the pencilling in removing any dirt that might by flies have been soiled. I once wrote an article against cards being used to support the petals, but now I feel persuaded that the cards tend to improve the appearance of the blooms.—JOHN SLATER, Late of Cheetham Hill, Manchester. GARDEN POTATOES. It is well known that our best and most profitable Potatoes, although adapted for field culture on a large scale, are not as a rule the varieties to grow in rich garden soil, as their charac- ter for flavour and solidity generally becomes impaired at the cost of increased size. Bearing this in view a few years ago I consulted that eminent authority Mr. R. Fenn as to which was the best general-crop Potato for an amateur to grow in the rich old humus of a town garden; and acting on his some- what qualified advice—for he honestly would not recommend thoroughly either the old Lapstone or his own handsome and high-quality Potato Rector of Woodstock for great productive- ness—I tried these, and in addition upwards of one hundred other sorts without being able to obtain all I desired. For flavour and appearance the Rector was unapproach- able, and amongst the best of the others were the old Early Oxford, which when obtained true is short-topped, and al- though it comes in early, continues in use until April or May. It is also tolerably fertile and otherwise a good Potato, but it is almost impossible to obtain it true now. Another excellent Potato, but coming into use somewhat later, is the Oxfordshire Kidney. It is of fine quality and a handsome and prolific sort, but in flayour it is not equal either to Lapstone or Rector of Woodstock. I believe, however, now that the right Potato is forthcoming in Lady Godiva, raised by the Rey. Mr. Kittoe of Birmingham, which seems to combine all the requisites for an amateur’s garden and a gentleman’s table, with fair size and productive- ness. Through the kindness of Mr. R. Gilbert I haye been enabled to see and taste it, and it is certainly a great advance upon the Lapstone in form and size. It is a handsome, pebble- shaped, equal-ended variety, skin smooth, and all the tubers appear even-sized ; the flesh and flavour are of the same type and quite equal to the Lapstone, which I look upon as the ne plus ultra Potato for auality. Lady Godiva, too, will become one of our best show sorts, as it is free from deep and surplus eyes, and in appearance is all that can be desired. I trust I may be able to secure it next year for trial in the Experi- mental. It will admirably follow Myatt’s Early Prolific alias November 21, 1878. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 387 Royal Ashleaf, which is still by far the best early garden Potato. For an amateur who depends upon his garden for his table supply of Potatoes the following will be a capital half-dozen to grow—viz., Walnut Leaf, and Early Handsworth (Messrs. Fisher & Holmes’ stock) both dwarf sorts for frames; and Myatt’s, Rector of Woodstock, Lady Godiva, Schoolmaster, and Oxfordshire Kidney for the open ground. I hear excel- lent accounts also of Woodstock Kidney, Beckenham Beauty, Trophy, and Beauty of Hebron; and if to these be added Snowflake and Sutton’s Magnum Bonum—two invaluable and very fertile sorts—an excellent trial twelve will be found, and the trial will, I feel sure, combine some pleasure with little disappointment.—T. Laxton, Bedford. LILY OF THE VALLEY. THE detailed account from R. P. Brotherston at page 344 of your number for November 7th on Lily of the Valley, describes a good system of preparing the plants to produce flowers early and annually with much better returns from home-grown plants than from imported clumps. It is easier to have these lovely sweet flowers after the new year than before. Where the flowers are expected from the early part of November and onwards it is not the work of a season to prepare the plants. If forced early for two or three seasons, and the plants are en- couraged to make an early growth under the influence of plenty of light, air, and warmth, and after growth is completed placed utside to mature their crowns, so that they can receive an early rest, they will then produce flowers in November if re- ‘quired. We find ours come best when plunged in strong bottom heat with their crowns covered, so that they are not exposed to the light. We have introduced imported plants into heat as soon as they have arrived, and they have remained dormant for six or eight months and then produced flowers. We pot ours in 6-inch pots, in which they give quantities of flowers for several seasons without repotting if liberally supplied with liquid manure while making their growth.—W. BARDNEY, Norris Green, West Derby. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. NOVEMBER 19TH. WE have to record a very full, gay, instructive, and interesting meeting. The Council-room was rendered brilliant by large groups of Chrysanthemums from Messrs. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, and Turner, Slough, and excellent stands of cut blooms were also staged. Mr. Bull arranged an extremely attractive group of ornamental-foliaged plants and Orchids, Mr. Wills excellently coloured Dracznas, Mr. Smith, Ealing Dean Nursery, Cyclamens, and Mr. Cannell splendidly bloomed Geraniums. These with some fruit were in the Council-room, and the vestibule was filled with fine collections of fruit and vegetables, groups of flowers, and a wonderful collection of Conifers and winter bedding plants from Messrs. Veitch’s, Coombe Wood Nursery. FRUIT CoMMITTEE.—Henry Webb, Esq., V.P., in the chair. Mr. Ross, gardener to Charles Eyre, Esq., Welford Park, Newbury, sent nine Smooth-leaved Cayenne Pines. They were fine speci- mens of culture, but had unfortunately been kept too long, having ‘become discoloured and spongy. A vote of thanks was awarded. Mr. Muir, The Gardens, Margam Park, Taibach, sent a Smooth- Jeaved Cayenne Pine. It had been grown in 20° less fire heat than is usually recommended for Pine culture, and the object in exhibiting it was to test its flavour grown under these circum- stances. The flavour was excellent, yet the fruit being cold it was not so fully developed as it would otherwise have been. It was briskly acid and rather deficient in sweetness. Mr. Hunter, The Gardens, Lambton Castle, sent a seedling Pine Apple raised from seed of the Queen fertilised with the Smooth-leavyed Cayenne. Tt is a large handsome Pine much resembling the Queen, and weighs 5} Ibs. The fruit had been ripe for six weeks, and had ‘begun to decay. It was the first fruit.that had been produced, and the Committee recommended that it should be seen again before giving an opinion. Mr. Charles Howe, The Gardens, Benham Park, Newbury, sent six well-finished bunches of Black Alicante Grapes, to which a cultural commendation was awarded. Mr. Joshua Atkins, gardener to Col. Loyd Lindsay, sent six very handsome bunches beautifully coloured of Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, to which a cultural commendation was awarded. Mr. Johnson, The Gardens, Bayham Abbey, sent three bunches of Mrs. Pince Grape, which were good but had begun to shrivel. Mr. Wood, gardener to Lady Augusta Mostyn, Leybourne Grange, Kent, sent fourteen handsome bunches of Gros Colman Grape. ‘They were very large in the berries and remarkably well coloured. A cultural commendation was awarded. Mr. Harrison Weir, Weirleigh, Kent, sent bunches of Muscat Champion grown in a ground vinery. They were remarkably well grown, and a cul- tural commendation was awarded. Mr. R. Gilbert, The Gardens, Burghley, sent a bunch of Treb- biano, large and handsome. He also sent his new Melon Netted Victory, which was awarded a first-class certificate a short time ago. The fruit which was sent on the present occasion was, con- sidering the late season, very highly flavoured, and maintained the high character it had received. He also exhibited a seedling Apple called The Student, which had passed its best, and the flavour had gone. It is a handsome good-looking Apple, and the Committee requested to see it in better condition before giving an opinion upon it. Mr. Plester, The Gardens, Elsenham Hall, Thet- ford, sent a seedling Apple not named, which is of a very promis- ing character, and it was recommended to be shown again cooked at the next meeting. Messrs. J. & C. Lee & Son of Hammersmith sent a dish of Russian Transparent Apple, a good-sized Apple with a tender flesh like Calville Blanche. They also showed a seedling called Barnack Beauty, a small Reinette-shaped fruit highly coloured with a tender flesh, and of good flavour. The tree is said to be very productive. Mr. J. Dobell, Island House, Loughborough, sent a dish of a seedling Apple which too much resembled Bess Pool to be con- sidered distinct. Messrs. W. Paul & Son of Waltham Cross sent a seedling Apple called Waltham Cross, a very pretty roundish oblate and highly coloured fruit of good flavour. Messrs. Paul exhibited two others which did not possess great merit. Mr. © Gilbert of Burghley sent, besides his other exhibits, a dish of To- matoes, six Telegraph Cucumbers, Lettuce Selected Brown Cos, seedling Cucumber Dispatch, to which a letter of thanks was awarded, they include Hybrid Perpetuals, Bourbons, and Teas :—Charles Lefebvre, Gloire de Dijon, Louis Van Houtte, Madame C. Joig- neaux, Monsieur Noman, Duc de Rohan, John Hopper, Pierre Notting, Baronne de Rothschild, Caroline de Sansal, Glory of Waltham, Princess Mary of Cambridge. Eugéne Appert, Ba- ronne Préyost, Madame Cambacéres, Madame Victor Verdier, Jules Margottin, Comtesse d’Oxford, Souvenir de la Reine d’Angleterre, Paul Neyron, Maréchal Vaillant, Starof Waltham, Général Jacqueminot, Annie Wood, Prince Camille de Rohan, Deyoniensis, La Ville de St. Denis, Edouard Morren, Marguerite de St. Amand, Baronne de Maynard, Géant des Batailles, Souve- neir de la Malmaison, Céline Forestier, Beauty of Waltham, Duc de Wellington, and Lord Clyde. The above, our correspon- dent states, have proved their free-blooming qualities, and with good cultivation will be found all that can be desired for the purpose indicated. THE following are the descriptions of the JAPANESE CHRYSANTHEMUMS exhibited last week by Messrs. H. G. Hen- derson & Son at the Royal Aquarium, and to which certificates of merit were awarded :—M. Delaux, ruby crimson ; form of November 28, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 409 el flower resembling Garnet ; good. Nuit d’Automne, rosy crim- son, reverse of petals pearly white ; form of flower resembling Fulgore; distinct. Rosa Bonheur, very deep rose suffused with magenta; flower large, with round drooping petals. Pere Delaux, colour bright chestnut ; petals quilled at base ; flower small, but very bright. These are promising varieties of a rapidly increasing section of Chrysanthemums. —— Mr. Movtr of Ravensworth Castle recommends th Tea Rose DucHESS OF EDINBURGH as a valuable variety for affording late bloom, which it continues producing for a long time if kept dry. It is found a good companion for Mrs. Bosanquet and Souvenir de la Malmaison. The two latter Mr. Moult considers excellent autumn Roses, and their blooms asso- ciate well with Chrysanthemums for dinner table decoration. — THE Hon. and Rev. J. T. Boscawen writes that he is glad “WyL~p SAvaGEe” had called the attention of the authorities of the NATIONAL ROSE Society to their duty in the matter of the fixtures of the local Rose shows, and suggests that the secretaries of the country Rose shows write as soon as possible to the Seeretaries of the National Rose Society, naming the proposed date of their exhibitions, when no doubt some eonvenient arrangements will be made to suit all parties concerned. —— A Goop gardener writes—“ Mr. Campbell, Superinten- dent of the SouUTHPORT WINTER GARDENS, may be congratu- lated on the quality of the productions of the first Chrysan- themum and fruit Show which was held there on the 21st and 22nd inst., as both flowers and fruit were of very high quality. Amongst other flowering plants Epiphyllum truncatum Rus- sellianum was extremely pretty and well flowered ; also some pyramid plants of zonal Geraniums from the Botanical Gardens, which being so well flowered, they looked as if it might only have been the month of June instead of November.’ CONSIDERING how useful the brilliant old SALVIA SPLENDENS is for autumn and winter decoration, it is sur- prising that it is not grown in all gardens that have conveni- ences for autumn and winter flowers. No plant than this is better adapted for associating with Chrysanthemums, Palms, and ornamental-foliaged plants generally. A great advantage possessed by this Salvia is that it will flower equally well in a large or small state. A plant exhibited at the Putney Show last week by Mr. Pithers was about 4 feet high and through, and was a mass of brilliant scarlet. It was one amongst others that, we believe, had been planted out during the summer and potted in the autumn—a simple mode of culture that should insure for the plant a place in all gardens and conservatories. It is valuable also for affording a supply of cut flowers for vase decoration. —— WE recently admired a table of ZONAL PELARGONIUMS at Duneevan. This round table when furnished contains 180 small glasses, each containing a truss of flowers, the whole being arranged with great taste by Mr. McIntosh. During the winter this table is constantly rendered brilliant. The varie- ties grown include all the best raised by Dr. Denny, Mr. Pear- son, and other raisers, and the effect produced by the various colours is extremely imposing. The brilliant group is also rendered instructive, for the names are attached to many of the varieties for the benefit of visitors who are not so well acquainted with them as is their patron—the President of the Pelargonium Society, who grows a very complete collection of these eminently useful plants. — Mr. M. TEMPLE writes in the “Gardener” as follows on LOBELIA CARDINALIS :—This old plant, now seldom seen in quantity, has a splendid effect when grown in groups or lines in the herbaceous border. At an old place on the west coast of Wales I observed a number of plants mixed with Pentstemons, having a splendid effect. The Lobelia’s colour is unique, and when used as a back line nothing in its way ¢an surpass its brilliancy. When returning on my homeward journey I called at the gardens of Powis Castle, where I saw L. cardinalis in perfection. In the long herbaceous borders (which have such careful attention from Mr. Lee, the intel- ligent head gardener), this plant is growing in circular groups, at equal distances, of about ten or a dozen plants in each group. The effect is excellent—Pentstemons, Phloxes, and other contemporary flowering plants are in harmony with the L. cardinalis. Circular specimens of Clematis Jackmani, at equal distances in this border, were also very telling. The arrangement of these hardy plants on the terraces of this grand old place makes a most favourable contrast with the ordinary bedding plants, and is much in character with the ancient buildings. THE yield of the CALIFORNIAN VINEYARDS for 1875 was about 8,000,000 gallons. That State has, says a transatlantic contemporary, land enough adapted to Grape culture to make as much wine as France, Germany, Hungary, and Spain com- bined could produce, and there is no doubt among those who have given the subject the closest study that California will in some future time outrank every other wine-growing region in the world. The foot hills of that State, which are held at one- tenth the price of land in France, have a vast productive capacity, and seldom fail to produce a good crop. FISH IN A GARDEN AQUARIUM. iy a former communication on aquatics I did not enter at all into the pleasure which possessors of even a small garden may derive from combining the use of the tank, or artificial pond, for their display with the culture of fish as objects of ornamentation or as pets. Both are compatible, while the daily interest of marking the progress and gradually expand- ing beauties of the plants and flowers will be greatly enhanced by the additional pleasure of noting the habits and history of their living associates. The former subserve the useful pur- poses of oxygenating the water and forming a pabulum for the aquatic molluscs and insect forms which are food for the latter, and which thus are prevented acquiring an injurious preponderance. A few dozen of Paludina vivipara, a large dark periwinkle-like shell, ornamented with darker spiral bands ; of the various species of Planorbis, popularly known by the name of ‘l'rumpet-shells, but which can be likened more exactly, so far as external form goes, to the extinct Ammonites, so common as fossils in the countries formed by the secondary formations; of Lymnez, such as Lymnza peregru, L. auricularis ; of Luccinia putris (or the amber snail), and of the liliputian freshwater cockle (Cyclas corneus) will be sufficient if introduced in the spring time, and a little before the fish, to start a stock which the latter will never entirely eradicate. These may all be readily procured in most of the ditches haying access to the Thames, or in small natural ponds in the vicinity of London. They will of themselves afford consider- able amusement in watching their development and habits, propagating freely during many months of the year by spawn deposited in gelatinous: bands (some of extreme beauty) on the under side and stems of plants, growing rapidly, and dotting prettily in groups of all sizes the sides and bottom of the tank, or clambering about among the submerged leaves ; some eyen, like the Lymnza stagnalis, a large and very com- mon species, which from its yoracity is doubtfully worthy of introduction, skating or gliding body downwards along the underneath part of the surface of the water. Numerous insect forms will inevitably introduce themselves, either transported in the supply of water or entangled in the roots and attached. mud of the plants which may have been procured from the neighbouring streams and ponds. Various species of the Hphemeridz, &c., will be noted as having their successive and limited period of rising during the spring time; the burnished and sprightly Libellula will emerge and hoyer over in a beauty strangely contrasting with the hideousness of their larval condition. Water beetles of all sorts and sizes, both in their perfect state and in their transitional larval state ; the so-called divers, swimmers, boat- men, and scorpion—all these will be noticed alternately bask- ing and hunting through the water for prey with restless activity. The Gyrinus natator will be seen passing its exist- ence im an endless mazy dance upon the surface with its fellows, while the Hydrometra, or Water-measurer, skips, skates, and slides over it by the aid of a special provision of floating foot supports with which it is provided. Aninfinity of O. Nixt or water woodlice of various species, Entomostrace, minute bivalved crustacea, and of other minute and almost micro- scopic forms of aquatic animal life, will rapidly furnish addi- tional sources of food supply to the fish, which are the subject for our next consideration. The most suitable are the gold and silver carp, the English carp, the crucian carp, the tench, the perch, the gudgeon, and the minnow. The first are so well known that nothing need be said in respect to them; of the others all are easily fed, become tolerably tame, are hardy, will increase in size, and breed in ponds of even small dimensions. The comparative shyness and tameness of fish are affected 410 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 28, 1878, by the amount of shelter they enjoy and the season of the year. The Crucian carp, which love so well to bask under the great Lily leaves during the hotter weather, spend also a large por- tion of their time beneath any artificial shelter which may be provided, and are in that case more sensitive of observation than they would be if entirely exposed. Centre pieces of hollow rockery doubtless conduce to the comfort and welfare of the fish, but prevent them from be- coming thoroughly familiar excepting for a portion of the year. During the winter the fish are comparatively torpid, feeding little, and only showing in the fairest weather. ‘ With early spring they appear daily, and by theend of May or beginning of June have become perfectly tame, Tacing eagerly to be fed, and even seeming to show curiosity when the water is disturbed with the hand or otherwise. Now the male may be seen following the female, and the spawn is Fig. 62.—Erica exudans (see page 411). deposited, not in ribands or bands, but in countless scattered gtains, apparently attached to and entangled amongst the filamentous conferve and the complex leaping of Cerasto- phyllum demersum, &c. The young appear not to take more than a week or ten days in hatching (though on this point I admit that I need further observation), and would soon vastly outstock the capacity of the pond were it not for the hayoc made amongst them by their rapacious insect enemies, of which some mention has been made above. Immediately after spawning the parent fish become less and less-fold, and withdraw more and more from observation as the season advances, The Crucian carp is a handsome golden- yellow fish, and may be readily procured from 6 to 8 inches in length from any of the purveyors for aquariums. The English carp is in habit much like the preceding, but is less easily tamed and less likely to breed. It can be added when a few large showy fish are required. All the carps thrive best (in addition to such food as they may naturally obtain) on boiled potatoes reduced to a mash ; bread is objectionable, except in small quantities, The tench is a very handsome bronze-yellow fish, somewhat shy, but fond (like the carp) of sheltering underneath broad leaves near the surface. In the winter they nestle right in amongst masses of confervz or other weed, using it as we might a blanket for protection from the cold. Both carp and tench thrive much more rapidly under a higher temperature than that of the external air ; the former, as is well known, growing to large size in a few of the waters attached to factories in the north and heated by condensed waste steam. The latter I have experimented on myself in a tank of some size enclosed in a greenhouse and heated by hot water pipes to a temperature often ranging as high as 86° Fahr. Tench bred in this house became rapidly tame, darting eagerly forward to be fed, which was done at first with finely grated raw meat, and afterwards with large and small worms. One of these attained the length of 1 foot within fifteen months of being hatched. The perch is a handsome bold fish, a little impatient of heat and exacting of air supply ; with these care must be taken not to overcrowd the pond ; they require feeding with worms, tad- poles, or small fry, and when liberally supplied will grow rapidly to a good size, even ina pond of small compass. As an illustration of this I may state that the whole of the perch now stocking so abundantly, and with fair fish, many of the Australian lakes and rivers were bred in the course of a few years from the descendants of fish exported from England a few inches in length, and raised in a small pond not exceeding 12 feet in the square in the garden of an enthusiastic piscicul- turist, Mr. Allport of Hobart Town. These reached in the course of a year or two as muchas 1 Ib. and 1} Ib. in weight, and the rapid increase of their progeny may be inferred from the statement made some time back in Australian papers that several tons weight had been taken in one season by angling in the large lake adjacent to the town of Ballarat. Gudgeons breed freely, but the adult fish are shy and rarely show. ‘The small fry coast about during the first season in shoals near the margin of the pond, and are amusing from their vivacity. These, like perch, require frequent partial changing of the water during hot weather, which is easily effected when a tap is laid on. All the other fish can be re- tained in the same water without change all the year round provided that an abundance of plants are grown.—J. P. SKIMMIA OBLATA. RECENTLY in Mr. Shaw’s nursery at Bowdon I had the pleasure of noticing a few small plants of this ornamental shrub in fine berry. They were not more than 6 inches high, each having three or four shoots. At this size the plants were extremely effective, and would be valuable for table decoration or for the front row in a show house. Skimmia oblata has very fine bright berries; they are much larger in size than those of Skimmia japonica—more like the Aucuba in that respect, and the berries are closer together in the head than they are on japonica. Anyone desirous of working up a select stock of berried plants for table or other purposes of decora- tion should, I suggest, include this plant in their list. There is also a variety of 8. oblata with fine variegated foliage, which if well berried would have a pretty and novel appearance when in good form.—R. M. : OUR BORDER FLOWERS—CENTROCARPHA GRACILIS. AMONG our many beautiful hardy perennial border flowering plants I have one under the name of Centrocarpha gracilis, The plant is possessed of very attractive properties, is of good habit, attaining the height of 2 feet or more under some circum- stances, and when established is very beautiful. Ata distance it is one of the most telling plants I know of for open spaces in the shrubbery or any other place, but it must have light and air for its development. It will endure a good deal of rough usage and a considerable amount of drought without any ap- parent injury. It is perfectly at home in the herbaceous border. I have an impression that it might be turned to good account for vases or pots for plunging in places where single specimens are required. Our plants commenced blooming in August and continued in great beauty until the November frost put an end to their beauty. They were admired by all who saw them. The ray-florets are a beautiful orange colour, the dise black, which is a fine contrast. It continues long in flower, and is November 28, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 411 useful both for cutting and for exhibition. It thrives in ordi- nary garden soil, having a preference for good loam and eftfi- cient drainage. It is readily increased by division in the spring or autumn. It is the only plant I know under this name, but I am not able to find the name in any of the leading catalogues. I should esteem it a favour if you can inform me if it has a synonym.—VERITAS. [Centrocarpha gracilis is a North American herbaceous perennial, growing about a foot high. Some of the Centro- carphas are synonymous with Rudbeckias, and your plant is probably Rudbeckia gracilis.—Eps.] CAPE HEATHS.—No. 11. NOVEMBER. THIS dull month does not favour the opening of many fresh kinds of Ericas. We have, however, the bright blooms of Fig. 63.—Erica pellucida. E. gracilis still to form a pleasing contrast with the white and sweet-scented caffra ; then again the ever beautiful hyemalis is now bursting into beauty. Mutabilis also begins again to put forth its bright flowers, whilst tubiformis seems to have te-awakened, and is now gay with its second crop of blooms ; others, such as taxifolia, grandinosa, verticillata, curvifiora lutea, colorans, and nitida, are still yielding a supply of flowers, so that even now this family of plants can still hold their own amongst the pets of the greenhouse. We have now the whole of these comfortably housed, and all we have to do whilst in their winter quarters is to keep them in a fresh free atmosphere, carefully watering them as they require it, to retain any that may have grown out of order, adjusting the shoots of those inclined to ramble, and keeping a sharp look-out for mildew, so that it does not gain a hold and work its mischief before detection. The following may be added to the list of kinds which bloom about this season :— Brica exudans (fig. 62, page 410)—A showy kind having linear-obtuse leaves, which are hairy and of a clammy nature, arranged in fours, and dark green. Flowers terminal on the small branches, mostly in fours, cylindrical, slightly curved, red ; style exserted. E. decora.—A_ pretty species. Leaves arranged in sixes, linear-obtuse. Flowers axillary, forming a long spike, bell- shaped, ribbed, light purple. HE. pellucida (fig. 63).—Leaves arranged in fours, bright ere Flowers in fours, in closely-set terminal bunches, clear white. E. discolor.—Leayes arranged in threes, linear, smooth, and bright green ; habit erect. Flowers terminal, in threes, tubu- lar, red and green, GARDENING AT CYFARTHFA CASTLE, MERTHYR TYDVIL. CYFARTHFA CASTLE is situated close to the greatest com- mercial centre in South Wales, Merthyr Tydvil. The elevation is some 700 feet above the sea, and in going up the valley from Neath to Merthyr some of the grandest scenery in South Wales may be seen, as the whole length of the valley abounds with mountains, woods, and rugged streams ; but the scenery around Merthyr itself is not very attractive unless it is the monster iron works (now unfortunately at a standstill), belonging to the respected proprietor of Cyfarthfa. The garden, however, will well repay anyone going a long distance to see, as Vines, Pines, and Peaches are more extensively cultivated at Cyfarthfa than any other place I ever saw. The fruit houses are about three dozen in number, and most of them are large, some of the yineries being over 100 feet in length and 20 feet wide. Some of the Pine stoves are about the same size, and the Peach houses are still larger, one, if not more of them, being about 150 feet long. Respecting the Vines, a house has been erected specially for nearly every kind of Grape in cultivation ; other houses are planted with all kinds of Grapes together. In this way the merits of all have been, and are, thoroughly tested, as particular treatment when necessary can easily be given to any kind of Grape by haying it in a house by itself. Black Hamburgh has come out well under all kinds of treatment, consequently it is grown extensively. Vines in pots of this kind fruit in March, and Grapes are cut from the earliest vinery in April. Many of the Vines had been cleared of their crop at the time of our visit, but one span-roofed house particularly attracted our attention. The borders belonging to this house are inside ; the Vines were rooted from eyes in the spring of 1877, and planted out in the borders about the month of July of the same year. This “planting in a growing state’? seems to have agreed with them, as they made such strong canes up to the very top of the house last autumn that | Mr. Battram did not cut them back at all, but left them as fruiting rods. The crop these have produced this year is still hanging, and a better crop of Hamburghs we never saw on Vines of any age. The four and five bunches on each Vine will average quite 4 tbs. each, and they are perfectly finished in every respect ; many bunches of equal size were cut off, as Mr. Battram does not practise heavy cropping for a year or ; two, and crippling or killing the Vines, and throwing away and planting again. Indeed. the very opposite to this appears always to have been practised, as the majority of the Vine tods appear to be old. Mr. Battram attributes his success with these young Vines and all others more to abundant watering at the root than anything else, but no doubt this must be much assisted by the great attention given to all operations it is necessary to perform during their period of growth. Muscat of Alexandria is next to the Hamburgh in quality, Some houses filled with this fine Grape were perfect pictures to look at ; not a single defect in “setting” could be detected in hundreds of bunches, and the form of the bunches and their colour were quite faultless. When thus cultivated Muscat of Alexandria is one of the noblest of all Grapes, but it is not the finest white Grape at Cyfarthfa; that honour must be awarded to Canon Hall Muscat. This is one of the parents of Golden Champion, and as fine a Grape to look at in size of berry, &c., but like its progeny the Canon Hall is not without its faults in the hands of many cultivators. The great diffi- culty is to induce it to set well and to swell evenly. Canon Hall Muscat is only grown as a single rod in many places, and not at all in others. At Cyfarthfa, however, there is a large house chiefly devoted to it, and it is cultivated to a state of perfection which I never saw equalled.. The bunches were about as well furnished with berries as the finest formed bunch of Black Hamburghs, and the berries were of fine size ang 412 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { November 28, 1878. colour. Its cultural requirements do not differ from that given to ordinary Grapes; itis only in “setting” it well that the whole secret to success lies, and this Mr. Battram overcomes through carefully fertilising the flowers. Anyone acquainted with this Grape will have observed that when the flowers are just ready for opening a little globe of glutinous matter holds the stamens together at the point. It is when the flower is held together in this way that the berries do not form, and it is by carefully brushing off these little globules with a feather that the berries form so well. Gros Colman is grown in quantity, but its appearance is more favourable than its qualities, unlessit is ripened early and allowed to hang late. Black Alicante is also grown ex- tensively and well, and so is Lady Downe’s; the bunches, berries, and indeed the whole crop of which was extremely fine. Duke of Buccleuch was planted on its first appearance in public, but although it has been tried with every attention in several houses it will neither grow nor fruit freely, and it is now put aside as a variety not worth extending. Golden Champion has been placed on the same list, but neither of them will be much missed with Canon Hall so fine. Madresfield Court has done well from the first, and Mr. Battram thinks yery highly of it as a summer and autumn Grape; a quantity of it was hanging that had been ripe for a consider- able time, yet it showed no signs of decay, and a few berries we tasted were quite firm. Most of the early Pine borders are inside, consequently no fermenting material is used at starting time, and itis considered that even with the borders outside this is unnecessary when the Vines are in good health. None of the borders are mulched or covered up at any time, but great quantities of water are given, and the surface is kept clean, free and open at all times. The strong wood, clean foliage, and heayy well-finished crops all indicate that this treatment may be strongly recommended. All the Grapes were remarkable for their fine bloom, the result of care being taken that the berries are not touched during thinning or rubbed afterwards. Many Vines in pots which were struck from eyes in the spring of 1877 were bearing about 12 Ibs. of fine fruit each. Most of the kinds planted out are fruited in pots to fill up spare corners, and a few dozens are started early to fruit in March before the late ones are finished. A stock of 1500 Pines are kept up, and about half this quantity fruit every year. Large houses are set apart for each kind. One house full of Black Jamaicas were all in fruit at different stages of development; 3, 4, and 5 tbs. is the general weights these attain, and for winter use it is considered the finest flayoured Pine extant. Many housefuls of Queens were coming forward for next spring and summer fruiting, and the fine state of the plants gave great promise of a heayy return. Some of the Providence and Black Prince varieties were bearing fruit 10 tbs. in weight, and Mr. Battram showed us photographs of former fruit weighing 11 and 12 ibs. It is indeed a gratify- ing sight to see such magnificent fruit. Many of the plants are grown in pots, and many are planted out in beds. Good yellow loam mixed with a little manure is what they are grown in, and after they are come into fruit guano water is plentifully supplied. We were rather late for seeing the Peaches at their best, but the crops of former years were magnificent, and the trees are in as fine a state of health as ever they were. Figs bear great crops ; the trees are planted out in the centre bed of a large span-roofed house. Winter Cucumbers are clean, healthy, and fruitful in pits, and Melons are grown in large quantities in low frames in the middle and end of the season, and in little span-roofed houses earlier. Besides such quantities of fruit there are many large plant houses and frames containing choice collections of indoor plants all in fine health and growing luxuriantly. One very large house of Heaths is particularly noteworthy as containing such specimens of all the leading kinds of these fine plants as one has seldom the pleasure of seeing. Out of doors the vegetable crops all looked well, but Cyfarthfa is not a place for fine shrubs. No kinds of Roses do well in the open air, and the choicer kinds of bedding plants do not succeed well either. The Pampas Grass was growing Insuriantly, however, and one of the houses in Merthyr was beautifully covered with the coral-berried Cotoneaster. It is surprising how all kinds of fruit and plants are brought to such perfection under glass in such a situation ; it certainly proves that Mr. Battram is a master of his calling. It must be stated that through the much-lamented ill health of the proprietor the garden has lost its chief supporter and some of the houses are in a dilapidated state. Let us hope, however, every- thing connected with this great garden may soon be restored and placed on an equal with the productions which few can haye seen equalled and none surpassed.—M. ROSE ELECTORS. I must thank Mr. Hinton for his remarks in his “ Rose Olla Podrida’’ upon what I have recently said in the Journal of Horticulture, but he has quite misunderstood me if he thought I wished to have an election of electors. I only want one amateur—say Rey. S. R. Hole, as President of the National Rose Society—to name six nurserymen, and let Mr. W. Paul as a non-exhibitor, or Mr. Charles Turner, name six amateurs who shall be noted exhibitors, and who are well known as competent authorities especially in the matter of new Roses. Many amateurs cannot afford space nor money nor time to try the newer Roses ; yet with our past experience, and when we look back on the recent acquisitions of late years, it is to the interest of all rosarians to haye some competent verdict on the newer introductions. Why Iwant both amateurs and nursery- men, and only a dozen, or say a baker’s dozen, is that the raisers of Roses are too fond of their own children, and yet practical nurserymen have more varieties pass under their notice than amateurs, and have comparatively more opportunities of observation ; though I say again that the amateur, with a more discriminating taste and judgment, and who rides perhaps only one hobby, is more disposed to make an impartial judg- ment, than one whose trade interests are at stake, and who must have many branches of his profession to carry on. After Mr. Hinton’s experience in the qualities of electors I would venture to lay before him, or say a meeting of the Committee of the National Rose Society, the names of twelve electors—half amateurs and half nurserymen—whose decisions would be accepted, and who, I think, would be willing to act. I am very glad to find that in nearly all points we are so much in accord.—C. P. PEACH. DOES THE MANETTI THROW UP SUCKERS ? I ADD my testimony to the Rey. C. P. Peach’s remarks on this subject. I do not remember to have seen a genuine root sucker attached to the Manetti, but have seen plenty of shoots from the stock, caused, I have no doubt, by careless people leaving the eyes in. I have looked over all that haye been prepared by myself or by the young man who assists me in this work, and there is not a sucker or shoot of any kind to be seen, while on look- ing over a flat-of three thousand stocks budded this season which were bought I see numbers of shoots from the bottom of the stocks, and am conyinced they are all from eyes that have not been properly cut out. Is not the Rev. W. F. Radclyffe joking when he names six of our most vigorous Roses as growing well on the seedling Briar? What stock will not such Roses grow well on?— F. Boyes, Beverley. “WORK FOR THE WEEK. HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. THE early pruning of bush trees, such as Gooseberries, Currants, &c., as well as Apple, Pear, Plum, and Cherry trees, is desirable. The sooner such work is done after the leaves fall the more expe- ditiously it is performed. There is often, however, considerable damage done by birds, and where these are numerous andoi a kind likely to prey upon the buds it may be a lessening of anxiety to defer pruning until spring, in the hope that there being more buds in an unpruned tree or bush than one pruned, there is likely to be more buds left on the former than latter. Unfortunately the birds appear to relish the plump fruit buds, not caring for the lean buds so long as fruit buds are obtainable; therefore it is ques- tionable whether late pruning preserves the fruit buds and crops. Our experience is the other way, and we can only preserve the buds from bullfinches by employing the gun, it being astonishing what an extent of mischief a pair of these birds can effectina short time. Pruning may be stated to consist in cutting off cer- tain shoots or branches of a tree for the purpose of modifying its form, increasing its fertility, or stimulating particular parts to increased vigour. It is difficult to give instructions suitable alike for pruning all descriptions of trees, the difficulty being increased when dealing with those having little gardening experience. Generally we may say that Apples and Pears grown as pyramids should not be allowed to become too thick, not only as regards the spray but also the main branches, as the fruit buds require to November 28, 1878. ] be freely exposed to light and air, the fruit attaining to fuller perfection when fully exposed. All the spray should be cut back to within an inch of its origin, presuming the shoots to be several inches in length, but if they are not more than an inch or two long they must not be shortened, as, though they may not be terminated by a fruit bud, such stubby shoots usually form spurs. The branches should be 12 inches apart, and in the case of trees not fully formed the lead should be cut back to 12 inches of the current year’s growth, and the extremity of the side branches to about 6 inches, more or less, with a view to the symmetry of the trees. In the case of bushes it is best to allow them to carry strong branches from the base to the top, spurring or cutting in the side shoots so as to leave three buds or so, keeping the centre of the tree open. Plums and Cherries may be similarly treated. The best practitioners are averse to pruning in frosty weather. In making a cut the knife should pass through the wood close to the eye, leaving no portion of wood to die back. After pruning the surface soil may be scraped off and a top-dressing given of turfy loam and decayed manure in equal parts, or if the roots are near the surface a mulching of partially decayed manure may be given. Thereshould be no attempt at digging or disturbing the roots, but rather make the surface firm if at all loose by treading it. Gooseberries and Currants should have all the side shoots cut back to within an inch of their base, keeping the centre of the bushes open and the branches from 9 to 12 inches distance apart. Full- sized bushes may have the leads spurred-in, but those admitting of extension may have the terminal shoots left from 6 to 9 inches in length according to their strength, and judiciously placed for the formation of the bushes. The soil may then be removed from around the stems to the extent of about 18 inches and down to the roots, and be left so for a few (three) weeks if the trees have suffered from attacks of caterpillars, then filling in with well- decayed manure, the spaces between the rows being manured and dug in, but not so deeply as to injure the roots. If the trees grow very vigorously prune less closely and omit the manure. Black Currants must not be spurred, but have the old wood well thinned out, encouraging the young growths. They, too, should have a good manuring, merely pointing it in near the stems, but somewhat deeper in the centre of the spaces between the rows. FLOWER GARDEN. All winter and spring bedding’ ought now to be finished, and the walks, edgings, and turf put in proper order for the winter. Beds or borders that are to remain unoccupied through the winter should now be manured and deeply dug or trenched as may be required, so as to afford the soil the full benefit of exposure to frost. ‘This more particularly applies to ground intended for Hollyhocks, Dahlias, Gladioluses, &c., during the ensuing season. Gladioluses of the Ramosus section plant now 4 to 6 inches deep ; Turban Ranunculuses plant 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart ; also Anemones, except the choice varieties, which are best planted in early spring. The planting of all kinds of trees and shrubs should be pressed forward whenever the weather is favourable, avoiding work of this kind in very wet or frosty weather. Levelling, taking up, and relaying turf, with the making of new walks and alterations generally, should be proceeded with as rapidly as possible. Box edgings may now be replanted, but avoid cutting the Box, or it will be browned by frost. Keep leaves raked or swept up as they fall—a tiresome process, but one that pays from the value of the material for heating and compost-forming pur- poses. Admit air abundantly to all bedding plants in frames or pits whenever the weather permits, removing all decayed leaves, as at this season damp is the worst disaster befalling these plants. Great care is required among Echeverias, being careful not to over- water them ; indeed these and all succulents should be kept near the glass, and as dry as possible without shrivelling. Agaves will exist a long time without water, but their leaves are not so long- lived as when water is duly supplied. Seeds of succulents, such as Hcheverias, &c., may now be sown; also Centaureas, Acacias, Chamzpuces, and others requiring a long time to make good plants for next season’s bedding, they succeeding in a warm house, Keeping the pots near the glass after the plants appear, watering carefully, or the seedlings will damp. FRUIT HOUSES. Cucumbers.—Cold weather necessitates sharp firing, which where there is little piping dries the atmosphere more than is good for the foliage, the fruits becoming stunted and swelling indifferently, and when the pipes are in close proximity to the roots the soil is dried too much for healthy growth. One of the greatest evils in all houses requiring to be kept at a high temperature is too little heating surface, the water requiring whenever the weather is severe to be kept up to near boiling point. Be careful in giving air, affording it, however, wheneyer a favourable opportunity offers, but exclude it when the external air is sharp and cold. In bright but cold weather turn off the top heat when the sun is powerful and likely to raise the temperature beyond 80°, in such weather damping the touse morning and afternoon, closing early. Care must be exercised in damping so as not to wet the embryo fruits, or they will damp off. Water will be required at the roots about twice a week. A temperature of 60° to 65° at night and 70° to 75° by day is suitable. -The winter fruiters or plants from JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 413 the August sowing and planted out in late September will have grown to the extent of the trellis, or nearly so. Unless there is undue vigour in the plants they should not be allowed fruit for a few weeks. Attend frequently to the stopping, thinning, and tying of the shoots, avoiding overcrowding and overcropping as the two greatest evils, subduing canker with quicklime well rubbed into the parts affected, removing every decayed leaf promptly. If mildew appear dust with flowers of sulphur, it being well to dust some over the leaves with a view to its prevention. PLANT HOUSES. Greenhouse.—If Liliums have not been potted they should be attended to without further delay, as the early-flowering sorts— L. auratum, L. speciosum, and L. longifloram—will by this time be pushing fresh fibres, and great injury results if these are dis- turbed. Potting, therefore, should be done so soon as the stems have died down. Remoye the top soil down to the bulbs and any loose soil from amongst the roots, removing the drainage, and if increased pot room is required afford it, but avoid over- potting, it sufficing in most cases that the bulbs be returned to the same sized pot as before, clean and fresh drained. Place the bulbs sufficiently deep in the pots as to admit of the roots which form on the stem being covered with fresh rich compost in spring. About a fourth of the depth of the pots will be sufficient for that purpose. Good turfy loam with a third of well-decayed manure or leaf soil and a free admixture of sand is suitable. The pots may be plunged outdoors in a sheltered situation and be covered about 6 inches deep with cocoa refuse, but are preferably wintered in pits or frames. The soil should be kept moist, but avoid heavy waterings until the tops appear. If kept in a greenhouse assign them the coolest part. Lachenalias keep near the glass so as to prevent their foliage being drawn and to bring out the leaf- markings. All dwarf-growing plants should be kept as near the glass as practicable, and every opportunity should be taken of affording ventilation, giving no more water than to prevent flagging in the case of plants at all liable to damp-off, such as Primulas, Cyclamens, &c., but when the soil becomes dry water it thoroughly—dribblets are dangerous. Where it is desired to keep up a good display of bloom the temperature should be kept at 50° by day and 45° at night. Tuberous Tropzolums require to be kept near the glass and to have their shoots regularly trained, for if at all neglected they soon become an entangled mass. The bottom of the trellis must in all cases be well covered with the young shoots before they are allowed to ramble to the top, or there will be great difficulty in covering the lower part. Be careful in watering; the soil must be moist but not wet. Nothing contributes more to the appearance of plants than clean pots and clean surface soil. Fumigate upon the first appearance of aphis, and dust with flowers of sulphur any plants infested with mildew. Chrysanthemums will in many instances be plenti- fully furnished with suckers. The strongest should be taken off when from 24 to 3 inches in length and with a small portion of root-stem. These should be inserted about half their length singly in 3-inch pots in a mixture of turfy loam, and a fourth of leaf soil, and a sixth of sand, watering and placing them in a cold frame, where they will root slowly but sitrely if kept moist to prevent flagging by exposure to bright sun. Afford protection in severe weather, avoiding anything approaching to coddling, and the plants will then be sturdy instead of drawn and weak. Where large quantities of forced flowers are required a house or roomy pit should be set apart for the purpose, for where forcing has to be carried on in stoves the necessary conditions of light, air, heat, and moisture cannot be afforded the forced plants with- out interfering with the general stock. A low, light, well-venti- lated house is particularly useful at this season of the year for forwarding such plants as Azalea indica vars., greenhouse Rhodo- dendrons, Bouvardias, Tree Carnations, Pinks, Callas, Daphne indica, Cyclamens, and many others that require the temperature of an intermediate house to enable them to produce their flowers through the winter months. Abutilons and Zonal Pelargoniums require for continuity of flowering a house with a temperature of 50° to 55° by artificial means, with an advance to 65° by day. TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. James Yates, Underbank, Stockport.—Catalogue of Bulbs and Flower Roots. - A. M. ©. Jongkindt Coninck, Dedemswaart, Netherlands.— List of Conifere and Fruit Trees. Hippolyte Duval, 4 Montmorency (Seine et Ouse), France.— General Catalogue of Roses. L. B. Case, Richmond, Ind., U.S.A.—Botanical Index and List of Plants. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editors” or to “The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoidably. We request that no one will write privately to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and expense. 414 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { November 28, 1878. Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjeets, and should never send more than two or three questions at once. All articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the post. NATIONAL ROSE SOCIETY (C. J. D.).—Write to the Rey. H. H. D’Ombrain, Westwell Vicarage, Ashford, Kent. ROSES IN VINERY (R. 7.).—There is no foundation for the statement that “ Roses will communicate disease to Vines and plants.’ If the Roses sare neglected and are permitted to become infested with aphis the insects'will certainly spread to other plants, as they appear to have done in the case of your Calceolarias ; but by judicious syringings and occasionally fumigating the house all the occupants of the structure may be kept healthy provided generally good cultivation is exercised. The Calceolaria leaves sent are slightly affected by insects. The plants have probably been kept in a too dry atmosphere during the early autumn months. Keep them free from insects and the roots active, and the plants ought to recover. The publica- tion of this reply has been accidentally delayed. RASPBERRY CANES (E. G.).—The Fastolff and Yellow Antwerp. Any nurseryman can supply them. COKE Fumes (7. Ballard)—We do not know of anything that will absorb the fumes of coke burned ina hothouse. Troughs of water would absorb a little sulphurous acid, and quicklime some of the carbonic acid, but not so thoroughly as to preserve the plants from any injury. DISSOLYING BONES (#7. KX. 4£.).—1 th. of bones, 1202s. of oil of vitriol, and 12 ozs. of water mixed and left for twenty-four hours. ERRATUM.—In the notice of Holeyn Hall on page 391 it was inadvertently stated that the houses were heated by Messrs. Walker & Hmley instead of by Messrs. Dinning & Cooke of Percy Street, Newcastle, hot-water engineers of established reputation in that town. ADDRESS (M7. B., Liverpool)—Write to No. 3, Westminster Chamber’, Victoria Street, London, S.W. COTTAGE GARDENERS’ DICTIONARY (P. Inchbald)—You must write to the publishers, Messrs. Bell & Daldy. PREPARING GROUND FOR ROSES (4. H/.).—We should trench the ground -quite 18 inches deep, turning in the turf, chopping it in pieces as the work proceeds. It should not be nearer the surface than 6 inches. Break up the subsoil deeply, but do not bring much of it to the surface. If the soil is good it ought to produce very fine Roses. LEAKAGE IN GREENHOUSE (Jdem).—lIf during a dry day you rub some putty firmly between the squares from the outside, finishing it off smoothly, it will speedily set, and we think stop the leakage. When partly set the puley, protruding on the inside of the house can be removed with a sharp ‘knife. _ ROOT-PRUNING FRUIT TREES (J. B.).—The best time for root-pruning is the present month. The best method depends on the condition of the trees and the skill of the operator. If you have had no experience in root- pruning, the best method for you to adopt will probably be to dig exactly half round the trees, as if commencing to dig them up, undermining them quite to the centre and cutting off the strong roots smoothly with a sharp Knife at a distance from the trees of from 2 to 3 feet, according to their size. If that does not check their luxuriance sufficiently the other half of the trees can be treated in a similar manner next year. In replacing the soil round the roots press it rather firmly, selecting dry weather for doing the work. We do not approve of excessive root-pruning in the case of very small trees. If the branches of trees are sufficiently thin that every leaf can DeNS light, fruit spurs usually form without the roots being greatly mutilated. PLANTS UNHEALTHY (J. 7.).—We think the plants were placed in the new house too soon and have been injured by the paint. Paint on the pipes is not injurious when it is perfectly set and sweet. With careful attention and good cultivation your plants will improve, and such others that are antroduced now may be kept in good health. _ EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS (G. H. V.).—It is not at all unlikely that the tree to which you refer is Eucalyptus globulus. We know of several trees in the southern counties 18 feet high, but they would not have been so high had the two last winters been severe instead of mild. The leaves are only tinted with blue when in a young state. As the tree attains age the foliage changes both in form and colour. The leaf you have sent is very small. STOVE (W. D. P.).—We are not in possession of information enabling us “y ener your questions relative to the stove referred to being withdrawn ‘om sale. MUSHROOM BED NOT PROFITABLE (Inquirer, Manchester) —If the bed ia really dry you had better give it a thorough watering with tepid water, and when the surface has become moderately dry cover it 4 or 5 inches thick with soft hay. ‘The hay should be moved frequently to prevent its adhering to the soil. Apply the water at a temperature of about 85°. WINTERING TYD2AS (Kittie)—Considering tha you have only a green- house you have ordered the Tydeas, Gesneras, and Negelias too soon. You had better place the tubers in dry sandy soil, yet not absolutely dust dry, and place the pots in a warm position of your greenhouse. In the spring, when the temperature increases so that the house can be kept at about 60°, apply water sufficiently to keep the soil moderately moist, and as soon as signs of growth are apparent the tubers may be potted in a compost of peat, loam, and leaf soil in equal parts. You may place them singly in small pots, or three or more in pots of larger size. They are stove plants, but will thrive ia a warm greenhouse. A heated Cucumber frame would be of great aasist- ance in starting them into growth in the spring. You will be fortunate, however, if you preserve all the tubers through the winter. Syringe the pote occasionally to prevent the soil becoming excessively dry, or the tubers will shrivel ; if, on the other hand, it is too wet they will decay. FERNS FOR ENTRANCE HALL (A_ Tucenty-five-years Subscriber).— No plants endure so well as Palms, Aralias, Dracienas, folinge Begonias and other plants with persistent foliage. Ferns suitable for your purpose are Blechnum occidentale, Doodia aspera monstrosa, Asplenium diversifolium, Pteris serrulata, P. serrulata cristata, P. cretica albo-lineata, Polypodium pectinatum, Nephrolepis dayallioides, N. pectinata, N. tuberosa, Platyloma Brownii, Pteris umbrosa, Lastrea decomposita, Cyrtomium falcatum, Adian- tum formosum, A. cuneatum, A. assimile, Asplenium premorsum, Nephro- dium molle corymbiferum, Lomaria gibba, L. Patersoni, L. L’Herminieri, and L. discolor bipinnatifida. CHARRING HEDGE TRIMMINGS (B.).—The only way to form them into charcoal is to stack the trimmings, forming a pyramidal pile, and cover it with turves both at the sides, ends, and top, the wood being laid moderately loose so as to admit of the fire passing through the whole, having openings at the sides for lighting, which should be charged with dry material, and a few openings at the top to ensure the necessary draught. When the fire is well going it is necessary to see that it does not break through, the holes at the top being closed, and when the whole is charred to the centre of the wood it will be necessary to put the fire out. Some experience is necessary to make charcoal, especially of small material. TRANSPLANTING WELLINGTONIA GIGANTEA (F. £. D.).—There is some difficulty and danger of removing a tree of so large a size, but we should risk it, digging a trench at 3 feet from the stem, tying the branches up to keep them out of the way so as to facilitate operations, and all round down below the roots, and from this work under the roots towards the stem, and removing the loose soil with a fork, the tree may in all probability be moved with a good ball of earth, in which case there is then no danger ; but if the soil be loose, most of it coming away from the roots, it would be well to fill-in the soil again and defer the removal until another year. We find the best time to move Wellingtonias is in spring just when they are com- mencing growth, or early in autumn. POSITION OF FURNACE (Munster)—The flue should be taken along the front and back of the house, and the furnace is preferably placed at one end so that the flue be taken across the end to the front, across at the other end to the back, along it to the end where the flue entered, where, of course, should be the chimney. It will not be practicable to heat by flues two houses from one furnace, unless you intend both compartments to be kept at a similar temperature. If you have two furnaces they may be in the centre so as to have both in one stokehole, taking the flues across the end along each side the division to the front of the houses. DAISIES ON LAWN (Jdem).—There is no better plan than to grub-up the Daisies with a knife, a boy removing a great many in aday. Lawn sand is highly spoken of, but we have no experience of it. Can any of our corre- spondents haying given it atrial state what its effects are on Daisies and other lawn weeds ? GERANIUMS NOT FLOWERING (LZ. B., Bromley).—The glass not being clear is to some extent in fault, but the principal reason of your plants being flowerless is a deficiency of heat. To have Zonal Pelargoniums flower- ing freely in winter they require a temperature of 50° to 55°, and to have plenty of light. MUSHROOM BED (A Lady).—Remove the hay as it is wet. The moisture at the surface, if entirely due to the heat arising from the bed, is a good sign, yet we do not like so much moisture given off as to render the covering wet. Have patience, and if the bed dries it is likely you may have plenty of Mushrooms. FRENCH BEANS NOT GERMINATING (Jdem).—Either the seed is bad or there is not sufficient warmth for its germination. The soil requires to be moist, but not wet until the plants appear. The temperature should range between 55° and 65° by artificial means, rising to 75° from sun heat. The seeds should be planted an inch deep. PEAOH WOOD NOT COLOURED (Jdem).—Tho wood being firm and the buds plump there is nothing to fear, only do not allow the soil to become dry or the buds will probably fall. A much lessened supply of water is needed in the winter half of the year, yet the border should be watered so as to keep it thoroughly moist. NAMES OF (CHRYSANTHEMUMS (7. A. W.).—We do not usually name varieties of florists’ flowers. No. 1 resembles Christine ; 2, Maroon Model ; 8, Golden Cedo Nulli. STOCKS FOR FRUIT TREES (F. C.).—They are grown extensively by nurserymen in the neighbourhood of Woking. Roses (F. R. M. R. Kilkenny).—Your letter shall be answered next week. ARUM DRACUNCULUS (G. W. 0.).—This plant and A. crinitum are not generally included in select lists of border flowers, but are enumerated in regular lists of herbaceous plants. The plant first named is also known as Dracunculus vulgaris. CCELOGYNE (Subscriber).—The plants do not flower because the growths are not well matured. It appears you have flowered one plant freely. If the others have their pseudobulbs similarly ripened they will flower equally well whether the plants are grown in pots or on blocks of wood. NAMES OF FRUITS (4 Thankful Subscriber).—Beurré Diel. Suffolk Thorn. NAMES OF PLANTS (Fifteen-years Subscriber).—Cypripedium insigne ; the yellow Orchid, Dendrobium chrysanthum. (E.H. 8). THE HOME FARM: POULTRY, PIGEON, AND BEE CHRONICLE. SHEEP FOR THE HOME FARM. THERH can be no question that the stock of sheep to be kept upon the home farm is a matter requiring great and deliberate consideration, because the county and district must be considered. The climate of England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland is so various that certain districts of each are found to favour the sheep gene- rally reared in them. The soil and climate go a long way to de- fine and establish different breeds of sheep as belonging to cer- tain counties; hence the Sussex downs, the Hampshire downs, Leicesters, Lincolns, Cotswolds, horned Dorsets, and the little November 28, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 415 horned Portland sheep, which resemble the mountain sheep so much prized by Welsh farmers. Then we have also the black- faced horned sheep of the mountains and the cheviots of the low- lands in Scotland. We have thought proper to name these as some of the sheep stock peculiar to certain districts, and likely to influence our choice in selecting sheep stock for the home farm, because we write for the benefit of farms situated in every district of the United Kingdom, which of course includes Ireland. The breed of sheep generally kept upon the rich soils in Ireland are for the most part white-faced, polled, and woolled, whilst those called Kerrys and Wicklows are of a similar type with the horned Welsh mountain sheep, although natives of the mountainous districts of Ireland. We shall have to consider the requirements of the home farm as in some cases only requiring to keep enough sheep for killing to supply the mansion. In other cases we find a considerable extent both of arable land, park, and pastures upon which sheep must be kept or reared with the view of profit connected with the occupation, and from which the sheep, in considerable though in varying numbers, must be sold at the market price to the butchers ; we therefore propose to divide our subject under two headings. First, sheep to be kept and fed for home consumption ; and secondly, those to be fattened and sold for profit in the open market. In the purchase of sheep for consumption we must necessarily take sheep of light weights, in order that small joints of mutton may be obtained which are so much required in the establish- ments of the wealthy ; and it must be remembered that unless a breeding flock is kept the animals must be purchased, particu- larly as it is desirable to have sheep of two years old and up- wards, so that meat of the highest quality and fullest flavour may be secured. This may be done upon a home farm where there is a sufficient extent of land, both arable and pasture, to keep a breeding flock, with the South downs only, as all the other breeds of sheep furnish heavy joints of meat at over two years of age, except the small mountain breeds, which we have before named; but it would not answer to keep breeding flocks of these kinds, unless in some special cases, where we find the home farm situated in some yales in the mountain districts, in which case the small mountain varieties of stock may be reared for fattening, but even then they must be brought into the vales and enclosed lands for twelve or fourteen weeks’ good feeding in sheltered situations. It is necessary to consider that our South downs or Sussex sheep when well fed will furnish capital mutton of moderate- sized joints, still they want the peculiar and venison-like flavour of the horned mountain breeds produced by feeding on the hills upon the heather, wild thyme, and grasses, the produce of the mountain sides. _ Upon certain home farms we have for many years brought into the southern counties the black-faced horned sheep from the mountains of Perthshire, but upon their arrival upon the enclosed pastures and park lands they wander about and seem lost, and are with difficulty kept within the bounds assigned to the home farm. It is in such cases that wire fencing is entirely useless to keep mountain sheep within the required bounds, and it is just the same when they are put on to the arable land for a course of root-feeding, as the wattled hurdles are of but lttle use unless they are set up endways; nor is yarn netting of any service, for being horned sheep they get entangled in the nets and drag down the whole dividing fence of the folding upon root crops. The same argument applies to other mountain breeds, but not with so much force, because the other mountain breeds, and particularly the Portland sheep, are of a more docile temper, and instead of taking the Scotch sheep from Perthshire we are now taking the Portland sheep in prefer- ence for feeding upon the home farm. The same may be done with the small Welsh and Irish mountain sheep, because we find numerous‘home farms attached to the residences of gentle- men distributed over the whole United Kingdom. We must now consider, whether we take the horned sheep of the mountains or the Sussex downs for fattening, the best mode to be observed in feeding and the mode of management as regards folding, &c., preparatory to being fed upon root crops, and also the time of year when the feeding should commence. In the case of mountain sheep they had best be taken and placed in the park pastures where the grass is highest in our estimation by its stimu- lating and nutritious qualities, which is about the month of August. There is then plenty of grass, or ought to be, for them to feed upon whilst roaming at large ; and finding that they are in good pastures and subject to kind treatment by the shepherd or herdsman they soon become accustomed to the overlooker, who after about a month or so may venture to entice them into a small enclosure or paddock well fenced once a day and offer them food in the troughs, and then they will, if only for sake of curiosity, examine them. Attractive food should then be put in the troughs, than which there is nothing better than carrots in small quantities, the aroma from which is exceedingly grateful. In order that the carrots as soon as the sheep begin to eat them should not scour the animals at this early period, bean meal or barley meal or de- corticated cotton cake in meal, about half a pound per sheep per day, should be used in conjunction with the roots, the carrots being cut into small pieces by passing twice through Gardener’s turnip cutter, and the meal strewed over them will prove the best of all food, and will have the effect of improving the mutton by raising up a good proportion of lean meat as well as fat, for it must be recollected that the small-horned sheep are naturally deficient in flesh. After this mode of feeding in the paddock has been carried out for some little time the animals will become accustomed to be driven better, and will respond to the careful attention of the shepherd. When the pasture feeding is at an end they should be placed upon root-feeding by the shifting fold ; but such is the habit of these sheep on their native hills that they seldom entirely torget to value their liberty, we therefore under ordinary circumstances prefer to paddock-feed them until fit to kill, or to keep them in a shifting fold in the field, and to give them rack food, the fold being bare where the root crop is stacked or pitted. There will be no enticing turnip greens outside the fold to induce them to break their bounds. When the animals are settled down into close fold feeding they should of course have the best of hay, which is composed of Dutch and suckling clover or of sweet- scented park hay. This is the only food they will require, besides the above named mixture of meal or cake with the roots, and whether carrots, Swedes, turnips, or mangold are used nothing should remain in the troughs until next day. We do not advise the feeding with linseed cake meal, as it appears to us to induce fatness without producing a due proportion of flesh, besides which we are inclined to the opinion that linseed cake will be more likely to destroy the flavour of the meat to a greater extent than other food, which was originally obtained by feeding upon the heather and herbs of the mountains. After the course of feeding we have recommended these sheep will be found when killed to give mutton of great excellence, of full flavour, and unless fattened beyond the usual period of fifteen or sixteen weeks they will not exceed in weight 14 or 15 tbs. perquarter. Before leaving this part of the subject we must refer to the forest breeds of sheep of the west of England, these being the Exmoor and Dartmoor small breed of small-horned white-faced sheep, located in the high lands of Cornwall and Devonshire, and when taken into feeding as before described they yield very good meat of extremely light weights, being when fat seldom over 12 Ibs. per quarter. The method of feeding the south down and other breeds of sheep will be referred to in our next. (To be continued.) WORK ON THE HOME FARM. Horse Labour will be rather severe for some time yet, for until the autumn ploughing is done so as to lay the land up high and dry for the winter no relaxation for the animals will be possible, except now and then a wet day, therefore the horses’ keep must be liberal and nutritious. Animals for farm work ought to be powerful and capable of drawing from a ton to 24 cwt. each, also able to each of them turn a furrow in ploughing—that is to say, two horses toa double furrow plough, or one horse to draw a single furrow plough ; and in ordinary soils such as sand, loam, gravel, and hazel loam or chalk, if the horses are upstanding, and not under 164 or 17 hands in height, with weight and strength in pro- portion, and in particular if they are of the Clydesdale stamp and in good condition, they can do this work without being distressed by it if fairly used by the teamsmen. If soils are stronger than those named two horses to a furrow will sometimes be necessary, but then we prefer such work to be done by steam when it can be hired or is kept for use upon the farm. Many farmers will take exception to the point here put forward—that of each horse turn- ing a furrow in ploughing, but objectors in such cases are often acting upon their prejudices or preconceived notions, or otherwise they have in use only small light and under-sized animals, and perhaps out of condition by not receiving rations of corn, fodder, and roots sufficient to keep them in working order, for it must be remembered when horses are full of flesh and condition their actual weight largely increases their power for work. Some chalk carting may now be done, as there are but few farms which do not require chalk or lime in some of the fields, even in those districts where chalk underlies the surface. It is often said on the light chalk hilly soils that it is only to plough a little deeper and to bring up chalk to mix with the surface soil; but this isa mistake, for that which is near the surface is not chalk but merely rubble, it having been robbed of its lime and the other constituents of chalk proper by the action of air and water and the roots of Jants during a long series of years, and instead of acting as chalk 1s required to do, it simply makes these light soils more hollow and unproductive. It is, however, a matter worth consideration, instead of carting chalk when the land rests upon chalk subsoil, especially where the surface soil is heayy and sour, as to the propriety of sinking wells in the fields, as this work is often done by contract, and the chalk when procured by the well-digging process is all hand labour and done by contract at so much per acre, the men lifting the chalk from a considerable depth, and the greater the depth from which it is recovered the softer and better it is for manurial purposes. These wells after furnishing 416 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { November 28, 1878. the chalk required are partially filled and made secure by the con- tractor, so that in the future the horses can pass over them in security during tillage operations. There are other methods of obtaining chalk in certain districts which must be described on another occasion. The carting and storing of roots or filling-in the field must be continued if not already completed, for although the weather may continue wet it is better than frost for securing roots, the only drawback being the treading of horses and cutting the land into ruts by the cart wheels. The roots if put into store wet will gradually dry if the heap is covered with straw, but not with earth until they are found to be dried in the heaps. At every opportunity wheat sowing will still be continued, only the land at this time must not be ploughed beforehand, but ploughed and sown every day, for when fit to plough the land is fit to receive the seed, especially after turnips fed off by sheep. There is, however, at present prices not much inducement to sow more wheat than can be sown at the usual time, especially upon good barley soils. It would be much better to sow barley in the spring, not only after turnips fed off, but after mangolds pulled, and if the land is clean it should be ploughed in proper-sized ridges according to soil, and remain until the spring, when the first and best season may be obtained, and be likely to produce the best malting barley. Hand Labour will still be employed in hedging, ditching, bank- ing, wood cutting in the copses, cutting and making the water carriers for irrigating the meadows, also trenching in the meadows and park pastures particularly flat-lying ground, otherwise rushes will make their appearance and injure the quality of the grass and hay, for wherever the rushes and aquatic grasses are found the best and sweetest herbage dies out. Men and women also may now be employed in the meadows and park pastures, taking up docks, brambles, and other wood plants which have arisen from seed or otherwise, the best implement for this work being a small pickaxe with one sharp end 14 inch wide, the other end pointed. This is called locally when in use a tomahawk, and is extremely useful for weeding at all seasons. The ant hills in the park pastures should be cut down with a sharp spade, and spread and chopped so as to take the frost and kill the ants, and where there are many | to dig out and spread the chain harrow may be employed with | advantage when the weather is dry enough. In some light sandy or gravelly soils heather and gorse plants will sometimes be found ; these also must be lifted and carried away, this being the time of year when they may be rooted out easily, the ground being soft, and some of these may be pulled by hand and a stout harvest glove whilst the plants are young. The yard man must now give attention to the breed‘ng sows and young pigs; this is also the time to put up some pigs to fatten for home use, both for pork and | bacon. The best breed of pigs we shall describe before long. THE POULTRY CLUB'S RULES FOR SHOWS. WE published in our issue of October 10th some rules issued by the Poultry Club for obligatory insertion in the schedules of all shows held under its patronage. They have the merit of brevity and conciseness, and we think that the Club has done wisely to publish them in this form; at the same time we hope that the larger and more general code of rules for the good management of shows before published has not been entirely rescinded, but will, as promised, be speedily incorporated in the rules of the Club, for their object is excellent, and, to judge from a bundle of schedules now before us, their influence has been considerable. We will briefly comment upon these six rules in order. “1, Any exhibitor who has been disqualified by the Committee of the Poultry Club for fraudulent practices is ineligible to com- pete at this show.” At first sight this looks somewhat over- stringent, but when we analyse the other rules of the Club we find that this disqualification is no arbitrary proceeding. When the judge of a show held under Poultry Club rules has dis- qualified a pen the matter will be laid before the Committee of the Club. Of course it is not their province to revise the deci- sion of the judge, which is final in the particular case, but there may be extenuating or almost absolving circumstances—e.g., the exhibitor may be a person unacquainted with the secrets of poultrymen, and may haye lately bought the bird or birds from some too-talented vendor. If in such a case the exhibitor is will- ing and desirous to trace the guilt home to the guilty party it is obvious that no blame beyond that of carelessness can attach to him, and the Committee of the Club would prevent any further consequence following the disqualification. Or again, an exhibitor may employ a poultryman who is solely responsible for the fraud. Of course care must be taken that dishonest fanciers do not screen themselves behind their servants ; but we think it but fair that in such a case, should it be clearly proved that the blame attaches entirely to the servant, the master should have one warning, and, should he continue to employ the man, then be considered re- sponsible for any of his tricks. “2, No person is allowed to exhibit borrowed birds.” This is a very plain rule, and we hope pains will be taken to carry it out. Borrowing of birds for show is for many reasons a most objection- able practice, and one which we believe has often been resorted to | sent.” | she was taken out last night, and this one sent in her place.” by really honest exhibitors simply because it has not been clearly forbidden. Point cups have encouraged it much. We have a lively recollection of having once competed for a point cup and lost it by one point, simply from an exhibitor having won first prize in several classes with birds well known to be borrowed. “3, Exhibitors and their servants will not be allowed to pen or unpen their birds.” This rule we desire to see fairly and firmly carried out. It is not that we distrust the large body of exhibitors, or would willingly debar them from the satisfaction of seeing their birds safely into their pens, but experience has shown us that many who cannot be trusted often get beforehand into exhi- bition rooms and have often done much harm. It is fairer, too, for all that no one should have the opportunity of giving a last smoothing touch to birds ruffled in their baskets, as all cannot possibly give it. Some distinction may plausibly be drawn be- tween the cases of penning and unpenning. Committees are glad to get a lot of pens belonging to one exhibitor quickly taken off together, and so generally encourage this personal remoyal ; but it is very easy for exhibitors to hand-in a list of their numbers and for a committeeman to collect them and hand them over to their owner. The rule used to be well and successfully carried out at the later Bristol shows. The reason of this we happen to know. We were present at the close of one of the shows some seven or eight years ago. A lot of people came in to take away their ex- hibits late at night. Suddenly there was ascuffle after a Spanish hen which had escaped. She was caught and the supposed owner promptly carried her off. It was soon, however, discovered that the whole affair was a trick, and that one of the first-prize hens, considered worth £20, had been stolen by some unknown individual who had entered a worthless pair simply to gain the entrée to the building. As far as we can recollect the police were never able fully to track out the offender. “4, No bird may be removed from the show before the close of the same, save on account of illness and with the Secretary’s con- This might be thought quite a superfluous rule, but it is by no means so. It is not an uncommon thing, of course with the connivance of the authorities, for a bird to be taken out of its pen after the first day of a show, or even soon after the judge has been round, and sent to win at another show, an inferior specimen being substituted for it. The public are hereby taken in, having paid to see the prize birds and being shown others in their stead. We were astonished one year at Birmingham (of all places!) to discover that something of the kind had been done. We wished on the last day of the show to examine some famed Dark Brahma. pullets which had won. On looking them over we observed, “after all one is not so extraordinarily good.” “Oh!” replied a person in the secret, “the real one is winning to-day at or = n the other hand we remember one year at Oxford a Dorking champion really looked mopy, but not seriously so, yet the Com- mittee steadfastly refused to let him go home, for the good reason that they must not break faith with the public. “5, It will be open to anyone to lodge a protest for fraudulent practices against an exhibitor on paying £1 deposit, and such further sum as shall be necessary to defray the expenses, the deposit to be forfeited should the protest be considered frivolous by the Committee. Should the protest be sustained the deposit will be returned and the expenses paid by the Poultry Club.” This seems a good and carefully drawn rule. Itis often expen- sive to bring a judge back to a show which he has left ; this diffi- culty is obviated by the provision concerning expenses. There is also some temptation for a judge to declare a protest frivolous, the decision on the point is therefore left with the Committee. While the deposit should be enough to deter all foolish protests, the liberal offer of the Club to pay all expenses in the case of those sustained should be encouragement to exhibitors not to shrink from their duty to point out malpractices where they are evident. “6, An exhibitor who shall be disqualified for fraudulent practices shall forfeit all or any prizes or cups that may have been awarded to him or her at this show in addition to entry fees.” We have often contended for the adoption of this rule, and so need say little more about it. It was disgraceful that, as heretofore, at the greatest shows a person might carry off a ten-guinea cup in one class, and in another be disqualified for pulling out hock feathers or carving a comb. It is a further question whether some pro- vision could not be made for the payment of prizes to an exhi- bitor who has one pen disqualified owing solely to the fault of another person. Such cases, however, are rare, and we incline to think that he should pay the penalty of carelessness.—C. LANGSHANS. THOUGH not an exhibitor at shows I have been an observer and a breeder of poultry for many years, and without hesitation T say that the Langshan is the most meritorious breed that has ever been introduced into this country. At first sight, when the chickens leave the nest they are exceedingly like Cochin China chickens, destined to be black and white, but all so exactly like each other as to show at once that they are in all probability a November 28, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 417 distinct breed. One can scarcely imagine that such chickens can ever become black; yet as the feathers appear, except in the wings, the first feathers (in which are mostly white—the white down) disappear, and there can be no doubt any longer as to what the colour will be, for black takes the place of white. As the chick grows its bony frame is observed to be much lighter in build, like a thorough-bred horse in comparison with a cart horse. The bird is more active and able to make more use of its wings than a Cochin or Brahma ; its breastbone is much longer, the thigh much smaller in proportion to the breast, the legs less feathered and without a trace of yellow, being black, pink, and white, with tue nails on the black claws pearly white. The skin is delicately white, and the flesh upon the breast abundant in comparison with either the Cochin or the Brahma, Of twochichens hatched in the same nest and reared together, the one a fine Dark Brahma cockerel, the other a Langshan, at a little more than three months old as nearly as possible of the same size in appearance, I care- fully measured the length of the breastbones. The Brahmas measured 34 inches, the Langshan’s 43 inches. My Langshans are pure-bred birds, obtained from Mr. Croad of the Manor House, Durrington, near Worthing. Their purity of breed I have ascer- tained to my own satisfaction thus: I obtained some very pure Duckwing Game birds, and have bred a cross between these two pure breeds ; now the cross-bred birds are all so exactly like each other as to exclude the most remote probability of any taint of blood in the parentage on either side. I have done more: I have proved that a Light Brahma hen, supposed to have been a pure-bred fowl, is nothing of the kind, her chickens being of all colours when crossed with the pure Langshan ; a White Dorking hen also, which I knew was not quite true bred, throwing ehickens of all colours in the same way. I think the above facts satisfactorily prove that my Langshans and Game birds are pure breeds, and that the slightest cross in either parent will be unmistakeably shown by varieties in colour, &c., in the produce of such birds, every breed as it were peeping out here and there. I have no doubt that several of the birds exhibited last year at Birmingham as Langshans had a considerable amount of Black Cochin blood in them; but in time this mixture will be recognised and all contamination will be got rid of. _ I have a rose-combed variety of Langshan, and I understand in the pure breed tufted birds appear occasionally, I do not think the best Langshans have yet been brought from their native country. Everybody knows how perseveringly the Cochin and the Brahma will sit, and how frequently they want to sit. The Langshan is very easily prevented, and if allowed to sit is very apt to desert her nest before the time of hatching has arrived. Langshans are extraordinary layers, their eggs being not large for the size of the bird but yery rich. The colour of the shell varies from a dark browm to almost white, and is sometimes spotted like a Turkey’s ege. It is a richer and better egg than the Cochin’s or the Dark Brahma’s, the Light Brahma’s ege coming nearest to it in quality—JoHN GABB, Surgeon, Bewdley. ROOT SHOWS. THE first condition for securing good crops is to obtain good seed—pure stocks of approved varieties. Without this, cultivation fails in the object desired ; with it success, so far as the elements permit, is certain, Where good seed and good culture are com- bined remarkable results are achieved, of which a trio of root shows recently held afforded sufficient evidence, Alike on account of the magnitude of the exhibitions, the excellence of the produce, and the enterprise of the promoters of these great agricultural gatherings, the shows in question merit notice. First in order of date was the exhibition of MESSRS. WEBB & SONS. During previous years great displays of roots which have been grown from seed supplied by; Messrs. Webb & Sons have been arranged in their capacious warehouses at Wordsley near Stour- bridge. This year the Show was held in Curzon Hall, Birmingham, where it opened on the 20th inst., and was the most extensive of its kind that has ever been seen in the midland counties. The value of the prizes offered was £300, making a total of £500 offered by Messrs. Webb during the year for superior cultivation. The number of entries for the Show was 1612 (comprising 25,000 roots) against 1308 in 1877. Amongst the exhibitors were Her Majesty the Queen, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Portland, the Duke of Sutherland, Earl Beauchamp, the Earl of Dartmouth, the Earl of Northbrook, the Harl of Powis, Harl Redesdale, the Harl of Stamford, the Earl of Warwick, the Earl of Wemyss, Lord Bateman, Lord Hampton, Lord Moreton, Lord Northwick, Lord Willoughby de Broke, and many other large landed proprietors. Webbs’ Imperial Swede, of which there were 511 entries, formed a prominent feature of the Exhibition. Mr. Joseph Beach won the cup with produce of remarkable quality. The first prize for weight of roots was taken by Mr. R. Lloyd, Kidderminster. The twelve heaviest Swedes in the hall weighed 268 tbs. Of Webbs’ Improved Colonel North Mangold there were 214 entries. The first prize for the “best” was won by Mr. T. H. Farrer. The heaviest single Mangold of this variety in the hall weighed 39 Ibs. Webbs’ Mammoth Long Red Mangolds were extremely fine. Mr. F. Lythall was awarded the first prize for the best roots, The prize for the heaviest was won by Mr. T. Moxon, Easenhall, with a collection of twelve, weighing 479 lbs. A single root of this variety, shown by itself, weighed 624 lbs. Sir R. F. Sutton won the chief prize for Webbs’ New Kinver Yellow Globe Mangold. The heaviest collection of Globe Mangolds weighed 3635 lIbs., and the heaviest single specimen 39 lbs. Webbs’ Yellow-fleshed Tan- kard Mangold was well represented; Mrs. Cubberley, Alcester, securing the first prize. For Webbs’ Intermediate Mangolds there were forty-nine competitors. Turnips, Kohl Rabi, and Cabbages were all excellent. RHE Superior vegetables were exhibited, and five hundred varieties of Potatoes grown by the firm on their trial grounds at Kinver attracted much attention. : The cereal classes contained excellent samples of Webbs’ Chal- lenge White Wheat, Kinver Chevalier Barley, Black Tartarian Oat, and Challenge White Oat. 4600 visitors attended the Show on the first day, and 7321 on the second. The Exhibition on the whole was an excellent one, and highly creditable to Messrs. Webb and their numerous customers. MESSRS. SUTTONS & SONS. Only those who have visited the Royal Berkshire Root Show can form any just conception of its magnitude and of the vast con- course of visitors which crowd around the collections. The prizes offered by the firm duzing the year amount to £500, and are com- peted for by cultivators in almost every county in the kingdom. Amongst the exhibitors at the Show in question were Her Majesty the Queen, H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Northumberland, the Duke of Portland, the Marquis of Ailesbury, the Marquis of Donegal, the Earl of Craven, the Earl of North- brook, Earl Bathurst, the Earl of Redesdale, the Earl of Warwick, Lord Calthorpe, Lord Camoys, Lord Chesham, Lord Eversley, Lord F. Kerr, Lord Moreton, Mr. W. H. Smith, M.P. (First Lord of the Admiralty), the Countess of Yarborough, and many other principal landowners and tenant farmers. The number of entries was 1574. Tons upon tons of the most splendid roots of Mangold Wurtzels, Swede Turnips, Parsnips, and Carrots, &e., were gathered together in the'magnificent premises of Messrs. Sutton in a room 180 feet long by 60 wide, and in four other rooms adjoining, probably the largest in the world used for such purposes. “My farming,” observed a visitor speaking of the Show, “is of a limited character, but I have some idea that a produce of 110 tons an acre is a pretty considerable amount for even Mammoth Mangolds ; that for six Long Red roots to weigh 233 lbs. is no little matter, and that it cannot be a baby root that is 3 feet 8 inches long, 3 feet in girth, and weighing 47 lbs.” Yet such were a few of the recorded weights, and even large farmers were astonished at the excellence of the display. In Class 1, for the “grand prize,’ a gold cup value £20, for thirty-six roots of Mangold Wurtzels in three of Messrs. Suttons’ varieties, there were twenty entries. The Judges, after long and close examination, awarded the prize to Sir Paul Hunter, Bart. Mortimer Hill. The twelve roots of Suttons’ Mammoth Long Red weighed 406 tbs., a similar number of Golden Tankard weigh- ing 315 lIbs., of Sutton’s Berkshire Prize 377 Ibs.—total, 1098. This was a splendid collection, many of the roots being handsome as well as large, but others were undoubtedly somewhat coarse. Much more attractive in appearance were the roots exhibited by R. Burn Blyth, Esq., Woolhampton, who was awarded the second prize of £10. The aggregate weight of the thirty-six roots was 770 tbs., but for smoothness and shape they were far in advance of all others, every root being a model of good culture. In this fine class size triumphed over quality, but in the next class for six Sutton’s Mammoth Long Red Mangolds—a remarkable class of nearly a thousand roots—quality was worthily recognised in the first-prize collection of Sir F. Smith, Bart., Acton Burnell, which weighed 205 Ibs., against the second-prize six of Sir Paul Hunter, weighing 233 Ibs. The class for six roots of Suttons’ Berkshire Prize Yellow Globe Mangold was a very imposing one, the roots combining size with quality in a remarkable manner. The first- prize collection of Mr. Richard Webb, Beenham, weighed 181 tbs. Similarly fine was the class of six Suttons’ Yellow Intermediate Mangold, where Sir Paul Hunter was again in the first position with roots weighing 161 tbs. The same successful exhibitor was first in the class for six roots of Suttons’ Golden Tankard Mangold with a collection weighing 181 Ibs. ; some of the roots were a foot out of the ground, and of the true tankard shape. A fine class. Swedes were remarkable for their numbers and general high quality. For twelve roots of the famed Suttons’ Champion, J. F. Burrell, Hsq., Frimley, won the first position with short-necked smooth handsome roots of great solidity. Many other collections were nearly equally good, no less than thirteen exhibitors receiv- ing honours in this class. The same number of competitors was honoured in the class for twelve roots of Suttons’ Imperial Green Globe Turnips, J. S. Calvert, Esq., Witney, heading the list. The class was an excellent one throughout, the majority of the roots 418 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 28, 1878. being models of their kind. Similar remarks apply to the Whit® Globe Turnips, in which class Mr. Wills, Lambourne, secured the chief prize. Other varieties of Turnips were very fine, notably Suttons’ Green-top Yellow Hybrid, in which class Sir Curtis Lamp- son, Bart., Rowfant, was awarded the first prize. Kohl Rabi was excellently represented, and Drumhead Cabbages attracted much attention. The three heaviest weighed 161 tbs., the heaviest single specimen weighing 56 tbs. Mr. 8. Robinson, Melbourne, was the premier exhibitor. White Carrots were much better than the Reds, and Parsnips were numerous and superior. Classes for roots grown with sewage were well filled, the Reading Sanitary Authority being the most successful exhibitor with produce of very high quality. The Show throughout was a splendid one, and the arrangements were complete in every detail. MESSRS. CARTER & CO. This annual Show of roots which have grown from seed supplied by Messrs. Carter & Co. was held in the Agricultural Hall, London, on November 28rd. The prizes offered were of similar value to those provided by the firms above noticed. The Show was undoubtedly one of the best ever held by the firm, not only on account of the immense number of roota exhibited, but also in consequence of the very superior quality of some and the general excellence noticeable throughout the many well-filled classes of the Show. The root crops are a very important element in the food production of this country, and much credit is due to the great seed firms for the encouragement given to the produc- tion of superior and heavy crops. This year Messrs, Carter exhibited a large consignment of extra- ordinary roots grown from their seed in Canada. This transat- lantic produce attracted much attention. The roots consisted of the following varieties—Carter’s Mammoth Long Red Mangold, the heaviest weighing 63 tbs., and eight roots 430 lbs.; Carter’s Warden Yellow Globe Mangold, the heaviest 60 lbs. ; and Carter’s new Yellow-fleshed Tankard Mangold, the heaviest weighing 32} Ibs. From the Royal farms of Her Majesty the Queen and H.R.H. the Prince of Wales came a group of the different varieties of Carter’s Mangold. These were not entered for competition, but were of excellent quality, not particularly large, but very clean and shapeable. The following noblemen interested in agri- culture were represented in several of the classes—the Duke of Northumberland, Earl of Harrington, Lord Redesdale, Lord Clin- ton, Earl of Warwick, Lord Sondes, Sir Wm. Farquhar, Sir Curtis Lampson, Sir Charles Russell, Admiral Sir G. N. B. Myddleton, Sir Richard F. Sutton, Major Allfrey, &c., and there were contri- butions also from large farmers, schools, asylums, and sewage works. In the class for twelve roots of Carter’s Imperial Hardy Prize- winner Swede there were seventy-three entries. E. Pilcher, Esq., was first, Messrs. T. C. and A. H. Borthwick second, and W. Beckett, Esq., third. This class was remarkable for the evenness of the roots, hardy appearance, and truthfulness to name. For the heaviest root of this variety T. Moxon, Esq., was first, and for the handsomest the Middlesex County Asylum (Mr. F. Alderton, steward) gained a similar award. or eight roots of Carter’s Warden Yellow Globe Mangold there were sixty-seven entries. T. Southern, Esq., was in the first position, This was another grand class, the variety a very handsome one. For the heaviest root J. Clarke, Esq., was first ; and for the handsomest, T. H. Farrer, Esq. For eight roots of Carter’s Mammoth Long Red Mangold there were forty-seven entries, J. Clarke, Esq., winning the first prize. The specimens generally were not only large but of excellent shape. For eight roots of Carter's Intermediate Mangold there were thirty-nine entries. Mrs, Morten (Mr. J. Cave, steward) was placed first. A really fine class. For eight roots of Carter’s Yellow Tankard-shaped Mangold there were thirty entries. J. Clarke, Esq., was first. A clean good class of an increasingly popular variety. For twelve roots of White Globe Turnips there were eleven entries. Mrs. Morton was first with superior produce. The com- petition in the Turnip classes was weaker than usual, the season having proved unfavourable to their growth. The prizewinning roots in all the classes were remarkably handsome, notably in that for twelve roots of Red Lincoln or Paragon, and for twelve roots of Carter’s Imperial Green Globe. For eight roots of Carter’s Imperial Green Kohl Rabi there were twenty-three entries, the Birmingham Corporation Sewage Farms (Mr. J. Anscombe, steward) securing the first prize. This was by far the best lot of Kohl Rabi ever seen at Messrs, Carter’s Show. Silver cups were gained by Lord Warwick for six roots of Carter’s Warden Prize Mangold, and the Eton Local Board (Mr. C. Tough, steward) for six roots of Carter’s Imperial Mammoth Man- gold. A silver cup offered by Messrs. J. Gibbs & Co. for the best collection of roots grown with their manures was taken by the South Metropolitan District Schools. Another cup offered by Messrs. Ohlendorff & Co. for the best twelve roots of two varieties of Mangold grown with their guano or phosphatic manures was awarded to Messrs. E. & R. Emery. Some idea of the extent of the Show can be formed when it is stated that the whole of the gallery surrounding the hall was occupied by the various ex- hibits. Messrs. Carter are to be congratulated upon the extent and quality of the produce, and also upon the able manner in which the Show was managed. VARIETIES. WE were glad at the late Crystal Palace Poultry Show to see traces of benefit from the International Exhibition in Paris. In the Any other colour Polish classes Mr. Beldon’s magnificent Buff hen which took second prize, and Mr. Reville’s pure White cock and hen which took third prizes were, we feel certain, birds which won at the Paris Show. These two breeds were almost or quite extinct in this country, and we are very glad to see some chance of their being resuscitated through these new importations. THE Lancaster Poultry Show which was to have taken place last week, was indefinitely postponed in consequence of the very small number of entries. The course taken by the Com- mittee—viz., that of returning all entry fees, was a straightforward one, and far preferable to the too common practice of touting for late entries. The cause of this failure of entries was doubtless due to the earlier date chosen this year for the Show. The prize list was liberal, and eminent Judges were secured, so we can see no other reason for the failure of what has hitherto been a large and successful meeting. We do not believe that any show on a large scale, save so old-established a one as Oakham, will prosper between the Crystal Palace and Birmingham. TuE Bexley Heath Show is among the number of those for which application has been made for late entries in special classes. We should like to see this practice stopped, especially as it appears from the discussion of the subject at the late meeting of the Poultry Club, and in the columns of a contemporary, “that the admission of entries after the day on which they are stated to close is positively illegal.” There seems little doubt that an unsuccessful exhibitor would have a good case against a committee who had accepted post entries. WE hear that the Committee of the Poultry Club has been invited to consider the question of railways, who declare that they will not be “common carriers of poultry,” and who require con- signers of poultry to sign a paper to the effect that they consign them at their own risk. Strong evidence is forthcoming that the Companies break the law by this requisition, and are very well aware of the fact, but continue to rely on public ignorance. We hope that the Club, if after due notice these Companies do not abandon such regulations, will try a test case and publish the result to all the poultry-fancying public. — WE havea large batch of schedules of forthcoming shows before us. First in magnitude and importance is that of Shrews- bury, fixed for January 2nd and 3rd. There are forty-four classes for live poultry, which, save in the case of Game, are shown in pairs of cock and hen. The prize list is very liberal, there being three prizes in each class, the first of £3 for the more popular varieties, and £2 for the rest, and this with an entry fee of only ds. There are three classes for Dorkings, four for Cochins, seven for Game, five for Hamburghs; Malays, Leghorns, Andalusians, Sultans, Langshans, and Silkies all have classes. There are also four local classes for dead poultry. Pigeons have twenty-five classes, with the unusually low entrance fee of 3s. The sub- division of varieties is good, and we are specially glad to see a class for “ Short-billed Frilled varieties,” which will doubtless bea well-filled and very attractive one. The Judges are for poultry Messrs. Hewitt and Teebay,"and for Pigeons Mr. Esquilant. The Show adopts the Poultry Club rules, which are printed in the schedule. The Swindon Show will be held on December 31st and January Ist. There are brenty. eight open classes for poultry shown in pairs, and eighteen for Pigeons partly shown singly and partly in pairs. There are also many local classes. The programme includes an exhibition of Cage birds, Rabbits, and Cats. The Judges are to be Mr. John Martin, Mr. P. H. Jones, and Mr. H. E. Gilbert. The Poole Show is fixed for January 1st and 2nd. There are twenty-five classes for poultry, twenty- one for Pigeons, and eight for Cage birds. It will be held under the rules of the Poultry Club. The Judges are Rev. Grenville Hodson, Mr. W. B. Tegetmeier, and Mr. Billett. A Show will be held at Jersey on January 8th and 9th. The classification is good. and birds are shown singly. ‘There are forty-four classes for poultry, nine for Pigeons, and ten for Cage birds. Many cups and special prizes are offered. The Judge is Mr. O. E. Cresswell. In addition of these poultry-show schedules we have those of the Oxford and Surrey Columbarian Societies. The former will hold. its Show at Oxford on December 11th, and the latter at Guildford on December 10th and 11th. THE Prairie Farmer alludes as follows to American ex- ports, which now exert such a great influence on the food supply of this country. In 1858 the population of Great Britain, exclu- sive of the army, navy, and seamen abroad, was 28,389,770. In 1877 it was 33,444,419, In 1858 the total value of imports of live cattle, sheep, and swine was £1,390,068 ; of dead meats and provisions, £4,343,592, In 1877 itrose to £6,012,564 for live stock, November 28, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 419 and £30,144,013 for dead meats and provisions. Thus the imports ef Great Britain of animals alive and dead has increased from a total of £5,733,660 per year to £36,156,577 per year. The import of wheat, other grain and flour, has steadily increased from £20,164,811 in 1858 to £63,536,322 in 1877, making a total import for 1877 of live and dead animals, and animal products, grain and flour, of £99,692,899. Last year we had over a hundred million bushels of exportable grain. It is estimated that this season wa shall have 180 million bushels for export. WINTERING BEES ECONOMICALLY. THERE is no greater blunder in practical bee-keeping than the retention at the end of the season of an array of weak and sparsely peopled hives, which, like Pharaoh’s lean kine, eat up the fat, and very probably in the long run giving way after con- suming a considerable amount of both food and trouble, which is altogether wasted and as bad as thrown away; whereas, by uniting two or three such hives together, say one on either side, to a central, a first-rate dependable stock is established for the succeeding season, and in that excellent translation by the late Miss Graham of Duntrune of Jonas De Gelieu’s interesting work “The Bee Preserver” we find that author takes credit for the discovery of the fact that such conjoined stocks can be wintered as economically as any one single kept separate. The soundness of this position he incontestably proves by lists of experiments repeated over and over again, and yet confesses his inability to account for, to him, the surprising and unexpected result. His talented translator gives copious proofs in the appendix of her experience with her own and her garcener’s hives, and the diminished weights from September to March of the years 1828 and 1829 confirmatory of the hypothesis, only one of which I will adduce. She says, page 133, “ The gardener’s hive No. 2 received two swarms in addition to its own, and this allied army took possession just as peaceably as the others, and actually consumed less honey during the winter than No.1, which was only doubled.” Every tyro of our day has verified this discovery for himself, and ought to be able to satisfactorily account for 1t. The natural heat emanating from the combined body keeps up the temperature of the hive to the required point, and the inmates are thus en- abled to enjoy their comparatively undisturbed dormancy with the minimum of exertion and consequent consumption of store ; whereas in the sparsely peopled hive the quickened respiratory action and increased muscular exertion to raise the temperature demands food to supply the waste of the system, clearly resulting in the fewer mouths of the separate and more active consuming as much food as the conjoined. Your correspondent Mr. Pettigrew having previously chal- lenged the accuracy of the observations of the illustrious Huber, which notwithstanding will continue to elicit the admiration of the apiarians of all time, is it to be wondered at if the discovery of the gentle Swiss pastor should be scoffed at, and the credulity of the advanced bee-keepers be denounced from “ the paddle box” as follows, page 269?— What a mistake the Swiss clergyman made in asserting that a large swarm of bees does not eat more food in winter than a small one! and what a strange thing that so many advanced English bee-keepers believed his statements !” It may prove interesting here to note that the above highly accomplished lady, who moved in the best Edinburgh society of half a century ago, and whose ready wit drew forth the encomiums of such celebrities as Scott and Jeffrey, died towards the end of last year, having attained the great age of over ninety-five years. She was the last representative of the old family of Graham of Claverhouse, one of her ancestors being Viscount Dundee, better known in Scottish history as “The Bloody Clayerhouse.” She retained all her faculties to the last, and with them the warmest interest in her old favourites. A letter she addressed a few months before her death to the present writer on our common hobby was alike remarkable for the chasteness of its style as well ‘as the beauty of its caligraphy.—A RENFREWSHIRE BHE-KEEPER, BEES’ UNPRODUCTIVE EGGS. A RECENT correspondent of this Journal, in his observations on the subject of unproductive eggs in a particular hive to which I drew attention some weeks ago, has missed the singularity of the particular circumsiances as detailed by me. Everybody knows that bees not only remove eggs when they do not want them but even devour them freely, as for instance in the case of a sudden glut of honey coming on as well as in the cases described by him. What I remarked upon as singular was that the bees in this case, at the very time they were being liberally and continuously fed for the express purpose of encouraging an increase of population, yet not so bountifully as to amount to a glut of food supplied, allowed the queen to lay again and again a quantity of eggs which the bees did not suffer to reach maturity, but appear to haye devoured for some inscrutable reason, and quite out of their usual custom when being so fed. If they did devour or remove them, which is your respected correspondent’s only solution of the matter, I think it a very curious circumstance. I ventured upon suggesting two other causes as possible ; namely, either a tempo- rary weakness—call it impotence or barrenness on the part of the queen or a weariness on the part of the whole hive—at the usual rest period of the year, after the labours of an exhausting summer. It does not seem to me as if either of these suggestions is absurd or beyond the reach of probability as an explanation.—B, & W. THE NATURAL AND THE ARTIFICIAL. ABOUT five months ago some notes from my pen appeared in the columns of the Journal under the above heading. The price of artificial comb foundations was referred to, and this question was asked, Are they worth their price? Mr. Arthur Todd answered this question from the distant land of Algeria. I was pleased with the tone and earnestness of Mr. Todd’s letter. He energeti- cally endeavoured to prove that they are well worth their price and most useful to bee-keepers. His figures I could not under- stand, and certainly they did not touch the comparisons of my letter between the cost of artificial foundations and perfect combs made by bees from sugar syrup. I may here say that I never disapproved of the use of artificial comb foundations. From the first notice of them I have been of opinion that they would be of great service in apiculture if bees readily adopted them. In the first number of the Journal for 1878 my letter on ‘“ Bee-keeping, Past, Present, and Future” appeared; and in that letter I pre- dicted that with artificial comb foundations in use supering in the future would assume new proportions and eclipse supering in the past. Iam of the same opinion still. Theinstrument that makes the foundations and the foundations made by the instrument are wonderfully perfect. Mr. Todd says, “I quite agree with the best American authorities in that for the brood chamber the arti- ficial foundation is a magnificent success ; but that for supers, unless an excessively thin foundation be used, it is best not to tack on the word artificial to super honey, and so leave it open to the charge of being adulterated.” Iam disappointed to learn that Mr. Todd does not approve of the foundations being used in supering or for super honey, for, as I have already said, I have been in great hopes that the foundations would be most useful in supering. Notwithstanding what he says in disapproval of their use I still cherish the idea that they will be very serviceable and extensively used in supering. On writing on this subject before I stated that wax as well as flax could be bleached, and that the foundations for supering should be made for white or bleached wax. Some of the foundations that come down from London at present are of a golden colour and will not do for supering. It is to be hoped that attention will be given to the manufacture of foundations white enough and thin enough for honeycomb. As far as Mr, Todd’s experience goes the foundations answer well for hives and broodcombs, and that bees take to them readily, and this certainly is no small gain and advantage in bee-keeping. As to price, it appears to me that while wax sells at 2s. per lb. the foundations must cost considerably more if made in England. In America both honey and wax are cheaper, and foundations may be sold at a lower price there than they can be in England. In comparing the cost of artificial foundations with that of natural combs made from artificial feeding, in my first letter I found a margin of gain on the side ‘of the natural. From 20 Ibs. of sugar we obtain 40 Ibs. of syrup, and from this a swarm of bees in September or October can fill a bar frame or straw hive full of beautiful white combs and store up about 20 tbs. of syrup honey ; all this for 5s. If the bees be removed there remains a hive full of pure white virgin combs half filled with syrup. Of course the syrup should be removed from the combs before they are used for supering, and the only way of getting it out is to let the bees of other hives or another swarm takeit. Thus perfect and beautiful natural combs may be had for supering, incomparably better and probably cheaper than artificial foundations. The trouble of filling supers thus in autumn with perfect combs would be great, and therefore the artificial foundations are welcomed amongst us ; and I earnestly hope that all that has been said in their favour may be fully realised in the future experience of British bee- keepers.—A. PETTIGREW. MELTING COMBS DOWN INTO WAX. THE first time I tried the boiling plan I found it so much trouble and took so much time that I made up my mind if I could not find a better plan I should melt no more except a little for my ownuse. I now take a large dish of any kind that will stand the heat of an oven, such as a common pie dish, or a roasting tin will do—anything that will hold water; then put another smaller dish inside that for the wax to melt into; then fill the bottom dish with water, and cover the inside dish with a piece of fine copper gauze turned up a little all round to prevent the combs from faliing off. On this gauze put the combs, squeezing them together so that it will hold more ; the wax will melt through and leave the refuse on the top. Turn it over a little now and then, so that the wax may find its way through the refuse, and press it gently but not too much, else the dirt will go through as well as the wax. 420 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 28, 1878. eS. ——oaMwVS So When there is a refuse on the top take it off, throw it away, and replenish again until all is done. : 3 There is not much wax wasted by this method. The water in the bottom dish is to keep the wax from burning in the inside one. The mistress of the house can do it while she is attending to her ordinary house work, for all that is needed is to keep plenty of combs on the gauze and turn it over now and then. It is also much safer than boiling, for there is no fear of its getting on fire. Tt is also more expeditious, at least for anyone who has not special advantages. With large dishes and a good hot oven many combs may soon be melted. Cleaning the utensils used for boiling is tedious, but by this method only one dish needs to be touched with wax. When the dish is full of wax empty 1t into small moulds to suit the requirements of the owner.—P. RAINFORD. THE STEWARTON HIVE AND OTHER MATTERS: I aM described on page 359 as “a fault-finder with almost everybody and everything.” Would your correspondent Mr. Pettigrew be pleased to point out where I have used personal allusions of a character not suitable for the intelligence of the present day, or employed the slightest discourteous expression towards Mr. George Fox or any contributor to the Journal of Horticulture? Where did I say the bar-frame hive was wrong? Who ever dreamed but himself that two 6-inch boxes formed a Stewarton set? I never used, much less had been successful in filling supers on any such. These are all inaccurate assertions. I am also accused of finding fault with Mr. Pettigrew’s last year’s article on the Stewarton hive, wherein he quotes from Mr. Hunter’s book. So far from this being the case I am innocent of writing a line in this periodical for six months after that article appeared, and was forced to break that silence on finding our captain so far out of his reckoning as to introduce comb founda- tion as a novelty of American invention in a journal which had yecorded its German discovery fifteen years before ! and so clearly defined its advantages that its fabrication became an indispensable in every advanced Scottish apiary since. Your correspondent has asked me to demonstrate how “the deeper mysteries of apiarian science are to the skepist a sealed book, while to the bar-framer they are laid naked and bare for mspection.” The paragraph is from a communication of EAS LANARKSHIRE BEE-KEEPER” on “ Fertile Workers” page 120. Tt explains itself. The hive is the apiarian book, the skepist reads his upside down—an unscholarly position—the bees resent the indignity, fustian rag smoke is blown up amongst them, and the living type to be read drop from their position amongst its leayes, or combs. These are sealed by being skewered fast with five or six cross sticks through them; they cannot be moved or turned. They are peered into like a sealed book, and the peerer turns on his heel and imagines a thing or two. On the other hand the framist can by gently withdrawing a slide on either side read one leaf without disturbing the rest, or page by page as he inclines; or for more careful study transfers them all to his observatory, which, like a glazed newspaper stand, can be perused on both sides by different students at one and the same time, and with what different conclusions from the skepist! Take fertile workers as an example. These were first noticed by Riem, the rudiments of the ovaria in all workers established by the clever anatomist Miss Jurine, their experiments confirmed by Huber and all apiarians down to our own Woodbury, parallel instances occurring in the humble bee, the wasp, and the ant, in each case, like the hive bee, an exclusively male progeny resulting. I have possessed on several occasions, even in one season, queenless nucleus with fertile workers depositing one to four drone eggs in worker cells. ‘A LANARKSHIRE BEE-KEEPER” has had such frequently, and, to dispose for ever of all cavillers, offered this jJast summer the fertile worker for public inspection, and that able entomologist Mr. R. J. Bennett has quite recently given his testimony. But what does Mr. Pettigrew write ?—“I fearlessly affirm that there never was and never will be a fertile working bee.” I respectfully submit, Is this the language of “a lover of truth more than his own opinions ?” J Long before Mr. Pettigrew came amongst us I pointed out the necessity on breaking-up hives of keeping separate and distinct the sealed from the unsealed honey ; his pet twice swallowing and disgorging theory I much fear is without any foundation in fact. According to it we storifiers would see the honey deposited in the body during the day and at night transferred to the supers; on the contrary the honey gatherers stream right up to the supers with their loads. In the observatory the individual bee can be traced from the entrance direct to the upper honey cell, and the extraction of the watery and aérial element before sealing, which enables the sealed honey more readily to consolidate and keep. All animated nature must rest; even the busy bee, as I have already put it, enjoys its well-earned repose. Your correspondent may not be aware bees work in relays. We readers of the open book—the observatory—can at all times see the parties on as well as those off duty, either by night or day. Ceaseless toil is put the skepist’s dream. Under like favourable circumstances after many years’ obser- vation we have never had the good fortune to see workers setting eggs, or yet met with any bee-keeper who had. Being so pro- foundly ignorant of the matter I would be delighted to receive information how it is gone about. Are they carried like pollen ? To the supporter of the egg-setting theory I would sugzest a little experiment. With a needle remove and set artificially say the lucky baker’s dozen, and kindly report the number of chickens hatched. On trial it will be found that egg-setting is easier talked of than effected—A RENFREWSHIRE BEE-KEEPER. OUR LETTER BOX. Houpans (J. C. C.).—If you wish to have the strain less dark mate with a light-coloured hen. If the same coloured plumage is wished to be con- tinued mate with a dark hen. INCUBATORS (J. Z.).—We cannot give you any information. make them should advertise them. AVERAGE FARM Crops (A. B. C.).—These vary extremely according to the nature of the seasons. On ordinary good land in the midland counties the following may be described as average crops :—Wheat, 4 quarters 2bushels (63 tbs. to the bushel) ; barley, 5 quarters (56 ths. to the bushel) ; oats, 7 quarters (42 tbs. per bushel); beans, 4 quarters ; peas, 3 quarters 4 bushels ; turnips and Swedes, 22 to 24 toms per acre ; mangolds about 30 tons. As instances of the variation of crops we know land that in 1868 yielded 8 quarters of wheat per acre, the same land in 1876 only producing 24 quarters. We have also known upwards of 70 tons of mangolds per acre. PARROT (Cardiff) —Ask your surgeon to look at the lump in the bird’s throat. He could tell whether there is matter in it that could be removed by opening the lump. CHANGING THE POSITION OF HIVES (C. P., Herts) —Let your bees remain where they are till after Christmas, when they may be safely removed. On placing them in another position let everything like a hive or cover of a hive be removed from their present place, and every vestige of the present stand, for if anything of the kind be left some bees flying around their old haunting place may alight on it and be chilled. January we think is the best month for removing bees from one corner of the garden to another. Those who METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. CAMDEN SQUARE, LONDON. Lat. 51° 32’ 40" N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0” W.; Altitude, 111 feet. DATE 9 A.M. IN THE Day. -¢ |283| Hygrome-| £3 |S2_;|/ShadeTem-| Radiation | & 1878. Aon 2 ter. =a ao S perature. |Temperature, a Nov. |2554 EE Ban | In | On Res as jd ‘Max.| Min.| sun. | grass deg. | deg.| deg. | deg. | deg.! In. N. 41.0 | 44.7 | 344 .0 | 32.8 _ N. 41.1 | 43.0 | 38.2 8 36.2 _ N. 41.0 | 41.0 | 37.9 0 S.W. | 40.6 | 41.2 | 30.0 1 Ss. 40.0 | 52.3 | 34.5 3 Ss. 42.2 d 9 N.W. | 42.6 5 | 41.2 bL1 REMARKS. 20th.—Fine pleasant day, but without sunshine. 21st.—Clear, bright, very fine day ; starlight night. [and dry all day. 22nd.—Clear fine morning, overcast and rather dark after 11 A.M., but fair 28rd.—Frosty morning and slight fog, sunshine for short time in middle of day, gloomy and cold rest of the day. 24th.—Wet morning, thick, gloomy, and damp all day ; heavy rain at night. 25th.—Warm damp morning, little sunshine between 11 A.M. and 1 P.M. rest of the day dry, but gloomy. (day. 26th.—Damp morning,rain commenced at 11 A.M., very gloomy rest of the Average temperature nearly the same as during the previous fortnight. It would have been much lower but for the sudden warmth of the 25th— G. J. SYMONS, COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—NOVEMBER 27. WE have no alterations to report from last week. Business quiet. FRUIT. s.d. s.d. s. 4. s. @ sieve 10 Otolt 0 | Melons ........ each 0 Oto0 0 dozen 0 0 0 0] Nectarines ..... dozen 0 0 0 0 bushel 0 0 0 0/| Oranges... 100 8 0 16 0 Figs.... dozen 0 0 0 0| Peaches . - dozen 00 00 Filberts lb. 0 9 1 O| Pears, kitchen.. dozen 00 0 0 Cobs. Thsh0l89) 1s 10, dessert........ dozen 8 0 6 0 Grapes, hothouse tb. 1 6 6 0/| Pine Apple 20 40 Lemons ........ 100 6 0 18 0 | Walnuts 00 00 VEGETABLES. s.d. s. d. s.d. s.d Artichokes...... dozen 2 0to4 0/Mushrooms.... pottle 1 6to2 0 Asparagus...... bundle 0 0 0 0| Mustard & Cress punnet 0 2 0 4 Beans,Kidney.. #100 1 0 1 6)| Onions ........ bushel 2 6 3 0 Beet, Red .. dozen 16 8 0 «s+. quart 0 4 06 Broccoli .. -. bundle 0 9 1 6 doz.bunches 2 0 0 6 Brussels Sprouts 4sieve 2 0 4 0 5 dozen 00 00 Cabbage °....2.. ozen 10 2 0 quart 00 06 Carrots bunch 0 4 0 8 bushel 3 6 4 0 Capsicums...... #100 16 2 0 Kidney ....... bushel 4 0 5 6 Cauliflowers. dozen 3 0 6 0/|Radishes.. doz.bunches 10 1 0 Celery 1 6 2 0} Rhubarb.....:.. 00 00 Coleworts.. do: 2 0 4 0} Salsaty qoads 09 16 Cucumbers .... 0 4 1 O| Scorzonera TOR 0; 10, Endive 1 0 2 0} Seakale .... 26 80 Fennel, 0 8 0 0} Shallots .. ~YPtb 038 0 6 Garlic 0 6 O 0} Spinach .. «. bushel 26 4 0 Herbs .. 0 2 0 0] Turnips........ bunch 0 2 9 0 Leeks 0 2 0 4| Veg. Marrows.. each 0 0 00 December 5, 1878. ] JOURNAL O% HORLICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 421 WEEKLY CALENDAR. ye Day DECEMBER 5—11, 1878. Tem Nera aC ar | Sun Sun | Moon | Moon | Moon’s ios Day Month’ Week EG e Rises. | Sets Rises Sets Age Sine vols | Day. Night: Mean.| h. m.| h. m.} h. m.| h. m| Days, | m. s. 5 TH Royal Society at 8.30 P.M. 49.0 | 35,2 42.1 7 81 3 50 iy alys 3 14 11 9 10} 339 6 F Geologists’ Association at 8 P.M. | 48.2 | 36.7 42.4 7 52 3 50 1 34 4 25 12 8 45 | 340 7 Ss Sale of Bulbs at Stevens’s Rooms. | 48.4 | 38.5 | 43.5 7a 58 3 50 1 56 5 37 13 8 19 | 341 8 | SUN | 2 SUNDAY IN ADVENT. | 46.9 | 33.6 | 43.0 7 55} 3 49} 2 37 6 48 14 7 53 | 342 9 |™M London Institution at 7 P.M. | 46.7 | 34.9 | 40.8 7 56) 3 49) 3 9 7 53 (o) 7 26 | 343 10 | Tu | Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society at 8.30 P.M. | 47.0 | 328 | 39.9 | 7 57] 3 49] 4 4] 8 53 16 6 59 | 344 E 11 W Society of Arts at 8 P.M. | 46.5 | 32.6 | 39.5 7 58 3 49 5 12 (39 17 6 32 | 345 | | | From observations taken near London during forty-three years, theaverage day temperature of the week is 47.5°; 30.0°. and its night temperature ZONAL PELARGONIUMS IN WINTER. Cor=00 class of plants is more valuable for winter ss decoration than Zonal Pelargoniums, and no y A 2 plants are more accommodating to the culti- ep Ne vator than they are. No flowers are more oO) showy than these, nor better adapted for cut- ting purposes, for they last well in a cut state. On the plants for the decoration of the con- servatory the flowers continue in beauty for a great length of time. Their flowers indeed are freely produced at all seasons, but are never more welcome than during the winter. We have watched with much interest from time to time how some growers have weighed Vesuvius in the scales and found it wanting. This variety was at one time highly popular, but now large-trussing varieties are advocated to be grown instead. Why this should be the case we are at a loss to know. We have tried a number of the large- trussing varieties and have certainly found them fall very short of producing the quantity of flowers that Vesuvius does ; and further, if we had relied entirely upon those that produce large trusses we should not have had the fine display of bloom we bave had for some time past. Vesuvius through the dark and dreary months of the autumn is just as free as it is at midsummer, while the other varieties do not produce their blooms so freely in winter. We have, on plants treated the same in every respect, four or five blooms on the above-mentioned variety to one on the others. Our plants are principally grown in 6-inch pots, and many of the Vesuvius have twenty trusses open on one plant pro- pagated in March last, while the others rooted at the same time have only three or four, and many only one and two trusses. Vesuvius produces its flowers in great profusion, although not so large in the truss, which renders it better adapted for cutting purposes, and they last when cut equally as long as the others. : Our plants are chiefly struck from cuttings and rooted during March and April in thumb-pots, afterwards potted- on as they require more root room until they are placed in 6-inch pots. As soon as all fear of frost is over in early summer, the plants previously well hardened off are placed outside on beds of ashes, and are liberally supplied with liquid manure through the summer, the shoots being stopped and the blooms picked off as they require it. We pot them as firmly as possible in rich fibry loam and sand, adding to the loam alittle bone dust. The old plants that we save and repot to grow into a little larger size are rested after bloom- ing for a time; they are then cut back, and after they have well broken they are taken out of their pots and the whole of the soil is shaken from their roots ; the plants are then placed in smaller pots, kept close until they take to the new soil, and then hardened off and placed ontside, and treated the same as the others. They remain outside until frost compels us to take them in. ‘ An early vinery or Peach house where the trees and Vines have cast their leaves is a good place for them at first, or better still is a light airy house where they cam be placed near the glass. As we want them to bloom we introduce No. 923,-VOL. XXXYV., NEW SERIES, them where the temperature can be kept at 50° at night, which is sufficient to bloom them in; if much lower when the plants are in flower the petals soon damp. We have a sport from Vesuvius which is equally as free as the original, but a little larger in the truss and more of a rosy-scarlet colour ; it possesses all the good characteristics of its parent, and is very useful. Wonderful will, we believe, turn out to be a good winter-blooming variety. We have not tried it largely yet, and are not in. a position to say much of its merits. If for winter work with its double flowers it is as free as its parent it certainly will be great acquisition; but we shall not discard Vesuvius until we find something better. The following varieties are worth growing for winter decoration :—Miss Strachan, Mrs. Jacoby, White Princess, Mrs. Hetley, May Queen, Harry Turner, Miss Skipworth, Rainbow, Overall, Mrs. Whiteley, Mrs. Huish, Rob Roy, Mrs. Groves, Mary Pearson, Brutus, Incomparable, Matilda, Mrs. Muster, Lady Emily, Prince of Wales. The latter comes next to Vesuvius for freeness ; then Mary Pearson, Mrs. Jacoby, J. Gibbons, a good dark; and Matilda and Lady Emily are good pinks. Many others are worth grow- ing, if not so free, for the distinct shades of colour they possess.—W™. BarpNey, Norris Green, West Derby. THE TOMATO DISEASE. BLIGHTED ToMATOES are becoming as common as blighted Potatoes, simply because both of these vegetables are sub- ject to the same kind of disease, arising in each instance from the same causes—a falling temperature and heavy rain ; or, in other words, cold and wet. This fact renders the cultivation of Tomatoes in the open air an exceedingly speculative matter, and even when planted against walls there can be very little certainty of securing a crop unless the plants are brought on under glass and have the fruit set by the time the plants are turned out. Then by plant- ing in rich sail, by exposing the fruit fully to the sun, by retaining only enough branches and foliage to insure a quick swelling of the fruit, to promote which bi-weekly applications of sewage or rich liquid manure should be given, we may fairly hope to save the crops before the fatal change of weather sets in during August. A remedy which will occur to all is to plant under glass. This, however, will prove a delusion and snare if due watch- fulness and care be not exercised to exclude cold draughts, especially if dull, chilly, wet weather set in. It was only last summer that I learnt this to my cost, and it may help others if I tell how it happened. In a long lean-to Peach house many Tomatoes were planted, some close under the glass along the front and others against the back wall between the trees. At one end a considerable space of bare wall was entirely devoted to Tomatoes, and they were so vigorous that they had grown right up to the top 10 feet high, and were laden with large clusters of green fruit. To retard the ripening of some of the Peaches the ventilators were kept wide open along the top day and night, and while this was done the weather became dull and wet, and gusty winds were prevalent. Two Ney 1573,—VOL. LX., OLD SERIES. 422 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { December 5, 1878. days of this weather with open ventilators led to the total loss of these fine Tomato plants and not a single fruit was saved. Luckily the plants along the front of the house were quite unaffected and afforded an ample supply of excellent Toma- toes, owing, no doubt, to not being immediately under the ven- tilators, and also to the prompt exclusion of cold draughts as soon as the disease was perceptible upon the wall plants. Due attention being given, then, to the exclusion of cold eutting draughts, a three-light garden frame or two would afford enough fruit for the requirements of an ordinary family. In such frames it would, I think, prove a good plan to treat the Tomato as a trailer, for from the tendency of the stem and main branches to emit roots I have no doubt they would lay hold of the soil like the Cucumber, and the fruit could of course be reacily kept from contact with the soil and exposed to the light on blocks or inyerted pots just as Melons are. Vick’s Criterion Tomato proves to be a real acquisition. It is a strong grower and bears abundant clusters of large round fruit, most of it without any indentures, and of a peculiar crimson hue when ripe that renders it distinct from all other Tomatoes. The first batch of plants of it have been in bearing for quite four months, and were so satisfactory that next sea- son preference will be given it for the general crop, with afew plants of Orangefield for early fruit—EpDw. LUCKHURST. ABOUT VINES.—No. 4. My Vines were all cut back to within about 3 feet of the base of the rafter to commence the second season. They broke strongly ; and, as I think a certain index of health, they were thickly clustered with gummy globules. To let well alone I have since learned is the best practice, and if I had acted on that principle at that early stage of my experience I undoubt- edly would have escaped several mishaps. The first misfortune was with guano. I had been told to put it in the pans on the hot-water pipes. A few days after I observed that the foliage was being injured, and at the first opportunity drew a gardener’s attention to the injury. The consolation I got was the remark—‘ Oh! but you have not kept the pans full of water.” Of course I had not. I had never heard of the necessity ; and then learning to reap any advantage from guano so used it was necessary to keep filling the pans, 1 have not used any in the pans since. To water with guano well diluted, which I afterwards did, is safe prac- tice ; and perhaps the less ammonia arising from the border is not injurious and may be beneficial, but I have had no guano this season. I still had a hankering after the fumes of ammonia, of which I had read so much, it being advised as deterring to red spider; and I concluded I would make one more trial to have those fumes which Vines delighted in and spider abhorred. I had some fresh cow manure, and mulched with it about 2 inches thick. One end of the yinery I covered it over with burnt wood ashes, and the other end for the first night I left it uncovered. I thought I had enclosed plenty of ammonia, but I never had the least dread of injury. The next morning a portion of the fine dark healthy foliage was hanging, where the manure was uncovered, like Rhubarb after a frost. These leaves I removed by degrees, taking off those most injured at once. In the middle of July a friend pointed out two Vines on the back wall which were slightly attacked with red spider. The news seriously alarmed me, but then I had read of a certain cure with sulphur. So long as the sulphur only boiled upon a heated brick or shovel I had understood there was no danger ; and, moreover, I had read somewhere that sulphur was cer- tain death to spider. Previous misfortunes made me rather cautious, but if the spider was certain of suffering before the foliage the task was easy enough. Armed with a magnifying glass, the better to observe the effect upon the enemy, I pro- cured a leaf with some spider upon it, and set to work with the hot bricks, each brick being tested with the sulphur before being brought into the vinery. To my surprise, instead of the sulphur fumes killing the spider, it only made the little pests move all the quicker, and I held them pretty close to the bricks. After doing twelve Vines on the back wall, I be- thought me that another night would answer the same pur- pose, and that I had better leave off to see how the experiment answered. The sight the next morning alarmed me. The leaves of the twelve Vines were nearly all black, and the truth is I was near despair. But the most galling thing was, on bits of green left on the Vines affected there was the spider as live as before. I then removed the leayes hopelessly dead, leaying those partially injured, and this year I had an abundant crop of fruit. In a few days the spider disappeared, and I have not seen one in the house since. My firm belief is, if you commence when thinning to paint the hot-water pipes with plain sulphur and water, and keep your Vines reasonably healthy, no spider will injure them. I will conclude here about Vines at present, but if anything should occur that I consider of service to the readers of this Journal I shall only be too glad to return to the subject another time.—JOSEPH WITHERSPOON, Chester-le-Street. TEA AND NOISETTE ROSES. I CANNOT conceive why anyone should wish to write down such a beautiful and fragrant Rose as Gloire de Dijon, un- questionably the finest Tea Rose in cultivation for every pur- pose. The commonness of this Rose is, I think, its only fault, if that be a fault, for I apprehend what makes a Rose very common is its ability to withstand every vicissitude of soil and climate, coupled with so much beauty that everyone likes to see it, and therefore everyone grows it. It has such a scent, too, that a basket of it is always welcome in a room, and to hospitals, infirmaries, and invalids in general it is a boon that cannot be replaced. What other Rose can replace it? None other, for it has no equal. Give Gloire de Dijon the same treatment that the other exhibition Roses receive and it will not disappoint you. It is too often allowed to exhaust itself with blooming, and seldom receives proper attention, in many cases none whatever ; but unkind treatment will not kill Gloire any more than unkind words will make one plant of it be crown the less; it is of too good a stamp for that. Give honour where it is due, and think of the Roses we should be without had Gloire de Dijon never come to light. But the more we think of it the more we must honourit. Gloire has not won its fame in a season; it is an old and tried friend, seldom absent from its post, the delight of thousands, loved and cherished by us all, and I fear it will not be in the life- time of any of us that so good a Rose will be raised again. About Maréchal Niel I have nothing to say. ‘‘ HEREFORD- SHIRE INCUMBENT” says it is the grandest of all Roses, and I agree with him. Would that it had the hardihood to bear our climate. I object to the laudation of Madame Berard both by “WyLp SAVAGE” and ‘“‘ HEREFORDSHIRE INCUMBENT.” I admit its fine copper colour and its vigour, but it will never become popular like Gloire de Dijon, it is too shy a bloomer for that. One plant of Gloire will give more blooms than a dozen of Madame Berard, and in my opinion superior blooms both for show or any other purpose. Madame Berard has no scent—a fatal objection to its ever becoming popular, and one that ought to carry some weight even for exhibition ; for what is a Rose after all without scent? I would suggest to ‘‘ HEREFORDSHIRE INCUMBENT”? that instead of naming Souvenir d’Elise twice he substitute Jean Pernet; it is a grand colour, but it needs more substance. Céline Forestier is also worth a place, as it is one of the very best Roses for all purposes—vigorous grower, fine colour, tichly scented, and an excellent autumn Rose. It is no doubt rather small for exhibition, but I have seen it very fine. Mr. Charles Turner always shows some grand specimens of it in pots. Is your correspondent correct about Madame Riza du Pare? It may be, as he says, the finest Tea Rose sent out for some time, but I do not like its colour, it seems to me to have no purity. It is a very good grower, fine habit, and if I am mistaken about the colour it will be a great addition. Madame Margottin is a fine Rose, but with me it has a bad habit of coming with double centres and ill scent. Why is Cheshunt Hybrid omitted? Because it is not a true Rose? Will it not be allowed to compete again asa Tea? I am sorry many of those mentioned by “ HEREFORDSHIRE INCUMBENT ” will not bear the Yorkshire climate; they may do so in ex- ceptionally good situations. Homére I find is one of the hardiest, generally small, but sometimes very beautiful ; un- fortunately it has no scent.—F. BOYES. EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS. I BELIEVE the largest Eucalyptus globulus growing in Ire- land stands within the walls of the vegetable garden at Johns- town Castle, Wexford, the seat of the Earl of Granard, Ik.P. Its height is 42 feet, circumference at 1} foot from the ground 37 inches. When planted nine years since it was between 4 and 5 feet high. It was raised from seed there, and*has con- December 5, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 423 tinued to flower and ripen seed in abundance during the past four years. There is at present a quantity of fine young plants raised from the produce. I have no doubt its proximity to the sea (five miles) has influence over its existence. They are planted both on loam and peat. On the latter they have doubled the others in height. They are planted in open spaces but not exposed,—R., The Gardens, Castle Forbes. GARDENING OF THE PAST. AxBourT 1820 I remember that those who took pride in their gardens were in possession of many useful species and varieties of plants and fruits, which afforded them many hours of plea- sure amidst the turmoil by which they were surrounded. Even in fruits there were several varieties that are still in the first tanks of the lists. Ribston Pippin Apples were grown at that time, and Keswick Codlin and Hawthornden were just coming into note, the latter fruit free from specks and produced on trees free from canker. Jargonelle Pears had a place then. and so had Green Chisel, the latter the especial favourite of schoolboys. Green Gage Plums-were to be had also, and cer- tainly May Duke Cherries were quite as good at that time as they are now. Gooseberries were general favourites, and it is interesting to remember that some of the varieties now exten- sively grown in the south of England to supply the require- ments of the great metropolis were known at the time spoken of. Rifleman, Crown Bob, Ploughboy, and Lancashire Lad were especially popular. Strawberries had not been neglected, for good crops of Hautbois were oftener met with then than now, and Keens’ Seedling was not unknown. Turning to flowers, my memory points back to a time when many cottagers’ gardens possessed rows of the double yellow Primrose as edgings to paths. These Primroses were plentiful about 1824, but about a dozen years ago I had some difficulty in obtaining a plant or two of this favourite old sort. Double Daisies were largely grown; Auriculas were also cultivated, and very good Polyanthuses by those who made the plant a specialty. Stocks were very popular, and would certainly con- trast fayourably with the Brompton and Hast Lothian varieties now in yogue. Double and single Wallflowers were also in fashion ; one of the most popular amongst them was the pale double yellow. The dwarf double white Rocket was a great favourite rarely seen now. The old double yellow and white Batchelors’ Buttons were common then and contrasted fayour- ably with many things that are fashionable now. Pinks and Carnations occupied a prominent place, and a bed or more of | Tulips, and, if the soil suited, Ranunculus also. Hyacinths were not such great favourites, and Crocuses found a place in patches amongst the flower borders; and the most showy ribbon border I ever beheld was one formed entirely of Crocuses of different colours that had stood several years in the same position. The Dahlia came prominently into notice soon after 1826, first asa single flower, then semi-double, and eventually double. Springfield Rival was the first important double flower that had a long reign, for it was grown through the most important period of the Dahlia’s popularity, say from 1835 to 1845. The Pansy also had its admirers, and its rise as a fancy flower was even more rapid than that of the Dahlia ; but the introduction of the zonal Geraniums, the Verbena, and other plants into flower beds between 1835 and 1845 revolutionised the whole system of the flower garden, and it is to be regretted that some of the old flowers have been much neglected since, notably the blue varieties, or perhaps species of Anagallis, of which there used to be fine beds of healthy compact plants about 1840 ; now it has degenerated merely into aname amongst annuals. After the bedding period set in Tulips and Ranunculuses and some other flowers lost their positions, but Pinks and Carnations retained their ground. - Roses were favourites then as now. I can carry my memory back to fine rows of that most superb old Rose the York and Lancaster, than which [ know of nothing at the present day to compare ; also Moss Roses and the old Tuscan and the common blush China to cover walls, &c., were plentiful. The first worked standard Rose I ever saw had more attractions than any I have seen since, for it had three or four varieties all worked upon it and all in flower at the time, the common China and a pale Moss being two, while the old French White yields to none at the present day for sweetness. Our gardens are now enriched with many things our elders never possessed : still we must not deny them the merit for what they had done, as they bequeathed us a host of useful plants the beauty of which still forms so important a feature in our gardens. We must not despise what was done in the olden times, when such shrubs as Lilacs, Laburnums, Rhodo- dendrons, Camellias, Myrtles, Laurustinus, &c., were intro- duced, and which will long retain a prominent place amongst our cultivated plants.—J. RoBson. DECORATIVE USES OF CONIFERS. In a preceding number of the Journal Mr. Wright called attention to the usefulness of Conifers, hardy shrubs, &c., as winter-bedding plants. Messrs. Veitch’s grand and suggestive collection staged at South Kensington on October 15th not only looked attractive as arranged in baskets, but the shrubs would look equally well if bedded-out during the winter and the summer months. This all who haye seen the two large beds filled principally with this class of plants in the grounds of the Crystal Palace will, I think, readily admit; therefore I would suggest the advisability of having permanent beds of small Conifers, &c., somewhere in the ground, which, if taste- fully arranged, would attract much attention at any time, for the shrubs, &c., referred to are emphatically fine-foliaged plants. There have of late years been many fresh introductions of Conifers, some of which are decided acquisitions and deserve to be better known than they are. What adds to their value is their extreme hardiness, which admits of their being grown in many places where the more expensive luxury of a stove is not indulged in. Some of the varieties of Conifers are not perfectly hardy ; these, however, may be grown in pots or tubs in a cool house, and not only these, but others of known hardi- ness may be similarly grown, and they with very little trouble will be found to give quite as much pleasure as most kinds of tender plants. During the summer months specimen Conifers are extremely useful for standing in groups or singly on wide paths, drives, terraces, &c., or plunged in suitable places in the turf. Instead of Conifers we frequently see in front of villas, &c., miserably grown Pelargoniums in large pots, which look anything but attractive. Of course im large places where Conifers are extensively planted out there is not s0 much neces- sity for keeping them in tubs. In places of limited extent, if the plan of growing them in tubs is followed and ordinarily fair treatment given, a great variety of attractive specimens may be had which anyone might be proud of owning. Tubs are preferable to pots for Conifers on account of the latter, ugless plunged, being liable to be broken by frost, and also tubs do not absorb the moisture from the soil to such a great extent as pots do when exposed to solar heat. Fair-sized (medium-priced) plants should be started with, using tubs 18 inches in diameter and 17 or 18 inches deep, and these look extremely well “oak-grained,” the iron hoops and handles being painted black. No particular mixture of soil is neces- sary ; two parts of turfy loam to one of leaf or peat soil, with a light addition of sand and decayed manure, will grow them well. Failing this, the best garden soil obtainable may be used ; to this should be added, if rich and heavy, broken crocks, mortar rubbish, or sand in sufficient quantities to keep it porous ; if light and poor a good quantity of old manure. Good-sized pieces of crocks or mortar rubbish may be advan- tageously used in any kind of soil, as they not only keep it open, but also help to keep the roots from too quickly pene- ~ trating to the sides, thus utilising the whole of the soil. The tubs or pots should be carefully drained, the plants well and firmly placed in them, and the soil should never be allowed to become dry, as Conifers, I believe, have their root-action con- stantly on. The tubs should be raised on blocks or bricks, as the tubs will then last much longer and will be also out of the reach of worms, which are apt to take possession of them much to the plants’ injury, especially in the early stages of growth, before the roots have fairly taken possession of the soil. When the plants are well established an occasional dose of liquid manure will be very beneficial to them, and, in fact, is almost indispensable when they have to remain in the tubs some years. Messrs. Barron & Son, Borrowash Nurseries, near Derby, have of late years exhibited Conifers in tubs success- fully at the great horticultural shows. At Preston they gained the first prize, staging good plants of the following, the names of which I append and also a few brief notes taken on the ground :— } Abies Parryana (native of Colorado).—The hardiest of the Spruce Firs. Is very glaucous and attractive. Abies Alcocquiana (Japan).—Of good habit, very hardy, ornamental, and free-growing. The under side of the leaves 424 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { December 5, 1878. is very glaucous, and they remain on the trees for several years —an unusual feature. Abies polita (Japan).—Very distinct, hardy, robust, and free- growing. Leaves bright green, which stand out boldly, and these, too, remain on the trees many years. Abies Pattoniana (California).—A distinct and handsome species of the Hemlock Spruce section, which is not so gene- rally grown as it deserves to be. Arthrotarus sclaginoides (Tasmania).—This belongs to a genus generally considered too delicate for this country, but this species has proved itself perfectly hardy. It is very dis- tinct, of a fine golden tint. No collection is complete with- out it. Abies (Tsuja) Sicboldii nana.—Probably the most distinct of this section. Naturally dwarf and graceful. It is very hardy and rather scarce. Cupressus Lamwsoniana lutea (garden variety).—Of free- growing dense habit, and probably the best golden-coloured Cypress extant. Dacrydinm Franklini, the Huon Pine (Tasmania).—A very interesting and distinct species, the growth of a beautiful green colour, very pendulous, and graceful. Well adapted for crowning or planting in rockeries. Picea magnifica (California).—Somewhat resembling Picea nobilis, but is more robust and of greater value from the fact of its being about a month later starting into growth, thereby escaping the May frosts, which are frequently so disastrous to this section of Pines. The timber of this species is known to be the best of this section. Picea bifida firma (Japan).—Of unusual bold foliage, and is an excellent and distinct variety. This, too, is, like the pre- ceding, about a month or six weeks later starting into growth. Pinus Jeffrcyii.—Considered one of the best of the Cali- fornian Pines, is handsome, and the constitution good. Foliage of a pleasing bluish green. Podocarpus alpina (Tasmania).—This genus is not generally considered hardy, but this species, however, is probably the hardiest, and is but little known. The Yew-like growth is naturally pendulous and is very attractive. Retinospora plumosa aurea (garden variety ).—One of the best Golden Conifers. Well adapted for nearly any position or use. Retinospora plumosa argentea (garden yvariety).—Of dense compact growth. The tips of the branchlets are white. A very hardy and effective variety. Retinospora filifera (Japan).—As the name implies, the branchlets are like so much whipcord. Is perfectly hardy, and is very effective planted in rockeries. Sciadopitys verticillata (Japan).—-This is better known as the Umbrella Pine, so called from the umbrella-like disposition of itsleayes. It is a remarkably distinct variety, but unfortu- nately of doubtful hardiness ; it is, however, becoming more acclimatised, and doubtless will succeed in well-drained and sheltered positions. In Messrs. Veitch’s Coombe Wood nursery it thrives exceedingly well, never failing to attract the visitors’ attention. Yaxrus Dovastonii aurea (garden yariety).—A variegated form of the Doyaston Yew, remarkable for its almost regular tiers of decidedly pendulous branches. Taxus adpressa (Japan).—A distinct and highly ornamental Yew with very short dark green leaves. Taxus baecata aurea (garden yariety).—A very hardy and free-growing golden Yew. Easily trained into various shapes. Many remarkable examples of pyramidal and other modes of training this variety are to be seen in the grounds at Elvaston Castle, Derby, some of which may be correctly described as resembling pillars of gold. Thujopsis dolabrata (Japan).—Considered one of the most beautiful of evergreen trees. In most districts perfectly hardy. Of good pyramidal habit ; the foliage deep green, yery elegant, and of great substance. i Among the one hundred hardy plants exhibited by the same firm at the Preston Show there were a few newer and yery attractive varieties of Conifers, which will eventually become very popular. These included nice plants in pots of Retinospora tetragona aurca (garden variety).—Considered the loveliest of all the Retinosporas. Itis of moderate growth, well furnished with horizontal branches, tufted at the extremi- ties with tetragonal or four-edzed pendant branchlets of a beautiful golden colour, which in time change into a deep green—a strong proof of a good constitution. Retinospora obtusa compacta—An excellent variety for pot culture or small eardens. Picea concolor (Colorado).—A new hardy and distinct species. The leaves are long and of a beautiful glaucous blue. Cupressus Lansoniana pyramidalis alba spica.—Considered the best silver-variegated Conifer; no collection complete without it, and Cupressus Lawsoniana lutea (new garden variety ).—Of free- growing dense habit, and probably the best golden-coloured Cypress extant. This and preceding variety are perfectly hardy. Chamecyparis spheroidea aurea (new garden yariety).—In the way of Cupressus Lawsoniana lutea. Colour very good, habit compact. Taxus baccata Elvastonii aurea—tThis is a very distinct variety of a bright orange self colour, which it retains to a remarkable degree during the winter. It is a sport from the common Yew, and the original branch is still to be seen grow- ing vigorously from one of the many remarkable clipped speci- men Yews at Elyaston Castle. Wellingtonia gigantea lutea.—A sport from the Wellingtonia gigantea, possessing most of the good qualities of that variety, in addition to which the young growth is very golden, changing in late autumn to a beautiful green, consequently is perfectly hardy. All the varieties mentioned are undoubtedly well tried and selected from the almost innumerable varieties of modern in- troduction, and offer an equally good selection either for tub culture or for planting out on lawns, &c.—W. IGGULDEN, Orsett Hall. MARECHAL NIEL ROSE —DISBUDDING. MAR¥CHAL NIEL and many others of the class do well worked as standards on the Briar in the open, and if the branches are tied back or downwards plenty of blooms will generally be obtained, and those on the Maréchal being pendant will be well protected and shaded. Many complaints have been made that this Rose when worked on the Briar goes off after a few years, and ultimately dies, the apparent cause of failure being a peculiar cankered swelling at the junction of the bud with the stock, and which I attribute to the inability of the roots of the Briar to keep up the great quantity of the parti- cular nourishment requisite for the healthy maintenance of the Maréchal when fully bloomed. I have never seen the defect with this variety on its own roots. A like premature end, how- ever, attended Maréchal Niel, which I double-worked on the vigorous and hardy Noisette America, with a Briar root. The Maréchal went off as usual at the junction, but the portion ofthe stock supplied by America was sound and healthy. Doubtless exhaustion, caused by the overflowering of the Maréchal, has something to do with this failing ; and when the immense num- ber of blooms which a single plant is sometimes allowed to carry, and the weight of each bloom and the multitude of large petals it contains is taken into account, it is not surprising that the drain should be inadequately met by the roots of an artificial stock. It may be urged that the massive blooms of Gloire de Dijon are almost as exhausting, and so they are, and when the old Rose is worked on the Briar it in time exhibits a similar failing, although not so early as the Maréchal nor in so marked a manner; but there is this ditference between the two, that whereas Maréchal Niel has one principal blooming period— usually in spring, and draws excessively, and at one time on the roots, and perhaps before the root-action of the Briar stock is in full play—the blooming of Gloire de Dijon is more dig- tributed over the whole year. Surely those who would prohibit the disbudding of Roses for show would hardly extend their doctrine to Noisettes, and especially to such varieties as Triomphe de Rennes, Lamarque, &ce., which in many seasons cannot properly open all the buds they show, and eyen when they are able to do so it must be at the cost of permanent injury to the plants. My advice to growers of the Maréchal and all oyer-blooming Roses, if healthy plants and good blooms are wanted, is to disbud, removing all irregularly formed and ill-placed as well as many of the smaller buds. Theorists lose sight of the fact that Nature to some extent provides a remedy for this in “the worm i’ the bud,’ and whose uncertain work the zealous cultivator attempts to counteract. Setting aside the question of beauty and appearance, which at least isa matter of opinion with exhibitors, the carrying out of such a stringent rule as the prohibition of disbudding would be impracticable, for if the practice be resorted to at an early stage it is almost impossible for an experienced eye to detect it at the time of & December 5, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 425 exhibition or to distinguish between the work of the cultivator and that of his insect friend (or his enemy), or of Nature, which frequently enables an overworked Rose to throw off some ofits buds. I am, however, diverging too much from the main subject of my paper, and would just add that if planted in a south aspect Teas and Noisettes will be all the better for good mulchings of rotten dung at the fall, and again in April when the buds are formed, in order that the roots may be kept from the hot sun and extreme temperatures. The necessity for this is too often lost sight of, and Tea Roses, although they require a good ripening of the wood and sufficient sun for the purpose, do better when the roots are kept cool. It will be found that those planted on the north side of a fence and trained oyer the top do better and flower as well as those on the south side. I have frequently seen a vigorous and healthy Rose with the roots almost entirely under a hard or paved yard or roadway, where scarcely any heat can penetrate, and where the evaporation must be but slight, and the supply of air, moisture, and continuous nourishment for the roots can be obtained only very indirectly. I do not, however, recollect ever having seen a Rose do well where the roots were similarly placed under grass, which is far too exhausting, and deprives the underlying roots of botn nourishment and moisture. Another good position for the more vigorous and hardy Teas or Noisettes, such as Céline Forestier, Gloire de Dijon, Climbing Devoni- ensis, Triomphe de Rennes, Belle Lyonnaise, Réve d’Or, &c., is to them the shelter of an old leaf or rubbish pit, the sides to which will afford protection to the Roses; these if allowed of run wild will often equal the Briar and the Bramble in vigour, and their natural beauties will be displayed in an unparalleled manner. Finally, in acknowledging the scarcely merited com- pliment paid to the brilliancy of my Roses by your worthy correspondent, I would repeat what I haye previously stated in your pages—that I believe this brilliancy of colour, especially amongst the reds, is in some measure due to the presence of lime and a warm soil.—T. LAxton, Bedford. GARDEN AQUARIUMS. HAVING discussed the question of the most suitable plants and fishes for small ornamental ponds, it now only remains to add a few words as to some of their accessories. When the margin of the pond is nearly level with the sur- face the turf may be carried right up to it, and this will prove | a beautiful and simple arrangement. When, however, the margin is raised a foot or more upwards a rockwork well filled with soil in the interstices may be raised against it, projecting an equal distance outwards at the base, and in this case a better finish will be given by surrounding it with a narrow gravel walk. In furnishing the rockwork simplicity should be aimed at, it being remembered that this is merely the bordering of a more important central object. The selection will therefore be chiefly made from small plants, such as Sedums, Saxifrages, and the like, to the exclusion of large Ferns and tall-growing plants, which would scarcely harmonise with the position. To give a detailed list of all that could be utilised would be equally tedious and unnecessary ; I shall therefore offer only one more illustrative selection, such as I have found very effective during the past summer. I made the Sedum acre the basis or groundwork of the whole arrangement. This lovely though common species, which may often be seen in country villages glorifying with its rich bloom the old thatched cottage roof and farm buildings, is invaluable for our purpose, giving effective masses of green foliage throughout the year, and a yast profusion of rich yellow flowers lasting for a month or six weeks in the height of summer. Equally valuable is Sedum glaucum, the tufts of which form turquoise green cushions which mould themselves to the rockwork and form an effective contrast. Sedum Lydium, again, has much the same habit of growth, and forms a bright relief of emerald green with red yariations. The single columnar stems of Sedum montanum render it available for any odd nook, where it produces late in summer large terminal blossoms. The variegated foliage of Sedum acre elegans, the white blooms of Sedum album, the large yellow flowers of Sedum grandiflorum, and the pink and whitish blooms of Sedum kamschatkianum render them all valuable additions interspersed at intervals. . A few Sempervivums, such as §. californicum, 8. tectorum (or the common Houseleek), and §S. arachnoideum may be in- serted here and there ; while of the Saxifrages a fair selection will include §. nepalensis, S. pyramidalis, S. pinnatifida, §. Aizoon compacta, 8. hypnoides, and §. rosularis. I must not omit pointing out the value of Saponaria calabrica, a creeping plant of free growth, which yields a long profusion of small pink flowers during the summer. A few tufts of Rhodea japonica are effective at intervals, and if space permits the miscellany may be completed with such forms as Arabis albida, Antennaria tomentosa, Aubrietia purpurea, Veronica incana, and I had almost forgotten the common London Pride. The plants named if judiciously arranged on rockwork form an appropriate margin to a miniature ornamental pond in an exposed position, and contribute much to the attractions of a “oarden aquarium,’—J. P. FORCING VEGETABLES. POTATOES. Now is a good time to make preparations for forcing Pota- toes in frames, but as I referred to this matter some time ago what I haye to say now will only be a brief reminder. Leaves, which can be had plentifully now, and a little littery manure, will supply the requisite heat. These should be thrown toge- ther in a heap and allowed to lie for a week. During this time clear out to the depth of at least 3 feet from the glass the inside of the frame in which the Potatoes are to be forced ; fill up 2 feet of this space with the leaves and dung trampled as firmly as possible, then cover with 8 inches of light soil ; plant the Potatoes in this 6 inches apart in rows 15 inches asunder; place on the lights, and little attention will be required for some weeks excepting on fine days, when a little air may’be given. Rivers’ Ashleaf is the sort we force most of. Planted fromfthe beginning to the middle of December they are ready at aster. Small frames 6 feet wide are suit- able, but, of course, any much wider answer equally well. The | lights should be securely covered to exclude frost, and pro- vided this is only kept out the bottom manure will do the work of bringing the crop forward.—A KITCHEN GARDENER. ASHDOWN PARK, THE SEAT OF F. C. THOMPSON, ESQ. OF the many new mansions that have been built in Sussex during the last decade that in Ashdown Park is one of the most remarkable for its snug sheltered position, its massive style of architecture, and the imposing aspect of its southern facade. The front terrace slopes down to a piece of ornamental water, with a wide stretch of grass land beyond, rising gently to an enclosing belt of Scotch Firs. Behind, on the north side, a somewhat steep slope affords a sunny site for the walled kitchen garden, and an outer unenclosed space for the culture of vegetables and for various useful glass structures, all well sheltered by a thick belt of trees, which covers the side of a hill so as to break the force of gales from the north or east. As I came near the garden from the principal entrance a Peach house against the outside of the east wall attracted my attention, not simply as the most conspicuous object in sight, but by its singularly light and elegant appearance. It is a curvilinear lean-to of iron and glass 11 feet high, 7 feet wide, and 155 feet long, thoroughly ventilated, having hot-water piping to exclude frost, so that a shelf some 2 feet wide along the front can be turned to account for plant culture all the year round, the whole of the trees being trained to wires strained closely along the wall. They were in good health and vigour, and the crop of fruit was abundant both of Nec- tarines and Peaches. I was glad to find the Old Roman Nec- tarine well laden with fruit, and a favourite. Ido not, how- ever, recommend it, as we have now so many new sorts that are superior to it. Of these growing near it Lord Napier had plenty of large highly coloured fruit, then in full use, for it was in August that I made my call; Pitmaston Orange had a full crop of larger fruit than one often meets with of that excellent variety, owing no doubt to the bountiful supply of liquid manure which Mr. Down told me he was then giving the border twice weekly; Victoria Nectarine also had a heavy crop, and is much valued for its late period of ripening. Of Peaches Early Beatrice was finished, most of the fruit having been used in July ; Rivers’ Early York, affording a prompt succession of its handsome rosy fruit ; a Grosse Mignonne with some three hundred fruit gaye ample promise of carrying on the supply, with a Barrington remarkable for its large green foliage and fruit of proportionate size, and other kinds to follow. It was calculated that the crop of fruit would amount 426 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { December 5, 1878. in the aggregate to two thousand, or something like twenty fruit daily for a period of three months ; and the vigorous con- dition of the trees gaye ample promise of an equally fine crop next year. The upper end of this house is several feet higher than the lower, and I was told that in winter when the pipes are heated the upper end is apt to become too hot while the lower is comparatively cold. To counteract this fault in this and other houses partaking of its peculiar character, I may suggest that piping need only be taken from the lower end up halt or two-thirds of its entire length to generate suflicient heat for the whole, the heat being quite certain to ascend to the upper end with sufticient promptitude to exclude frost however severe it might be. The other glass houses consisted of a span-roofed conser- vatory on an elevated plateau near the house, with sloping banks below planted with Clematis and other choice trailers. A central stage and side shelves contained a creditable collec- tion of plants of the ordinary type, Vallotas, Liliums, and Begonias being all well represented, while the roof was gay with lovely clusters of the delicate blue flowers of Plumbago capensis and the deep crimson waxen clusters of Habrotham- nus elegans, a great favourite of Mr. Down’s, and deservedly so, for it is undoubtedly one of our best greenhouse climbers, continuing in bloom throughout the year. Two vineries in the kitchen garden contained heavy crops of Grapes, which for size of bunch and berry and for finish were quite in keep- ing with the magnificent crop of fruit in the Peach house. Flourishing young Camellias were being trained up the back walls, and some few of the numerous flower buds were already beginning to expand, which was doubtless owing to the prema- ture growth annually excited by the heated air in which they grow. Upon the sound policy that plenty of heating surface is true economy each house had six rows of 4-inch piping, and I strongly commend this matter to the notice of everyone engaged in the construction of new vineries, and may also usefully point to the importance of letting the pipes stand out clear from all walls as well as being raised a few inches from the floor. Pits, frames, and a little stove all afforded a pleasant sight in the clean healthy condition of their occupants. Cream Pine Melon was fruiting well, so were some plants of Telegraph Cucumber, which latter I commend to the notice of such as tind Cucumber culture a difficult matter, for they were grow- ing in an ordinary garden frame, and had afforded an unfail- ing supply of fruit since April, a fruit having been cut regu- larly every alternate day, and a goodly number at other times. “To what do you attribute your success?” was my question. “To a regular daily attention to every apparent want of the plants,” was an answer which is quite worth recording here. The kitchen garden was remarkable for its good vegetable crops and its trim neat appearance, to which the firm walks of tar concrete materially contributed. Other walks were in course of construction of this substance, and I gladly seized the opportunity to watch the process for my own instruction and the benefit of my readers. . Peaches and Nectarines—When the buds in the house closed | last month have commenced swelling maintain a temperature of 40° to 45° at night and 50° to 55° by day, admitting air mode- rately at the latter figure, allowing the temperature to rise to 65° from sun heat, syringing the trees and every ayailable surface morning and afternoon un‘il the bloom buds are showing colour, after which the syringing of the trees should be discontinued, but the sprinklings of the honse, walls,and paths continued as before. There must be no attempt at a close atmosphere, but allow a chink of air at the top of the house to lessen the condensing of moisture by the glass. The inside border will require to be watered with water slightly warmer than the mean of the atmo- sphere, maintaining the soil in a thoroughly moist state. Borders entirely inside require careful watering, making sure that every part of the soil is properly moistened. Outside borders will be benefited by lights or shutters in addition to a covering of bracken or litter for throwing off heavy rains and snow. The house for affording ripe fruit at the end of May or early in June should be | closed about this time, but no fire heat should be applied except to exclude frost, and for an hour or two in the early part of the day if the weather be severe, not, however, exceeding 50° by fire heat, syringing the trees and every available surface morning and afternoon. A ridge of thoroughly sweetened leaves and stable manure placed in the house after the border is thoroughly moistened will afford a genial atmosphere superior to that obtained from hot-water pipes, admitting air whenever the weather permits of doing so, Peaches delighting in a well-sweetened atmosphere. Complete without delay the pruning of Peaches and Nectarincs under glass, thoroughly cleaning the glass and woodwork, white- washing the walls, and dressing the trees for the destruction of insects, and top-dressing the borders, keeping the house as cool as possible but ventilating abundantly in mild weather. Figs—The earliest house, or that with the trees in intemal borders, should now be closed with a view to having ripe Figs in May ; but where the earliest Figs are had from trees in pots, the starting of the trees planted in borders may be deferred until the new year so as to afford a succession, yet if the trees planted out be now started they will afford a closer succession to those now being forced in pots. Water in a tepid state should be applied to the roots at frequent intervals until the soil is thoroughly moistened, introducing thoroughly sweetened leaves and stable manure in ridge form into the house to produce a moist genial at- mosphere and induce gentle excitement as well as to economise fire heat. Commence with a temperature of 50° at night, 55° by day, and 65° from sun heat, syringing the trees and every avail- able surface in the morning, and early in the afternoon unless the weather be dull and cold, when the morning syringing only should be practised. Admit air moderately whenever the weather is. mild, closing the house with sun heat at 65°, or if it exceed that. with full ventilation close the ventilators when the sun heat begins to decline. The earliest forced trees in pots must not be over-excited by too much bottom heat, but as the fermenting material settles more should be added and pressed firm, being very careful not to allow the heat about the pots to exceed 65°. When the buds are swelling freely the temperature may be in- creased to 55° at night, 60° by day by artificial means, admitting a little air at that and allowing an advance to 70° or 75° by sun. with corresponding ventilation, closing at 65°. Sprinkle the trees and house morning and afternoon, or in the morning only if the | weather be dull. Young trees intended for forcing in pots another season should be shaken out and repotted, starting them into growth shortly or at once, so that they may make the necessary growth and complete it early so as to have time to rest before. being forced for fruiting. Brown Turkey and White Marseilles. are good for early work, Negro Largo is also excellent. Cherry House—The pruning of the trees in this structure must now be attended to. Full-grown trees regularly stopped during growth will require very little pruning. Any that have grown considerably should be cut back to an inch of the base of the current year’s growth, and the worn-out or decayed spurs should be removed. The terminal shoots in the case of trees not full- sized must not be shortened unless the extremity of the trellis is reached, and the central shoot or shoots of young trees will require to be cut back as may be necessary to originate shoots for filling up the space regularly. The fan mode of training is the most suitable, and is more particularly applicable to the Cherry, as it admits of replacing any branch that may fall a prey to gumming. Plum trees succeed in the Cherry house cither planted out or in ' pots and tubs, and like Cherries require to have the roots restricted ; established trees in pots and from the orchard house, or in the case of trained trees from a wall, being selected, they should be ' pruned, seeking to maintain uniformity of appearance. All last year’s growths will require shortening ; superfluous shoots remove entirely, avoiding having the shoots of these or Cherries too thickly placed. A few dishes of Plums early in the season are a welcome addition to the dessert. Harly kinds should be chosen, as July Green Gage, De Montfort, Denniston’s Superb, Royale Hative, and Green Gage. Plums, like Cherries, like good loam, with about a sixth of road scrapings and a tenth of old mortar rubbish thoroughly incorporated. The house should have a thorough cleaning, the trees being washed with soapy water (8 ozs. to a gallon is not too strong), and then dressed with a com= position formed of half a pound of soft soap to half a gallon of water, half a gallon of tobacco juice with four parts of flowers of sulphur, and one part each of slaked lime and soot added so as to bring it to the consistency of thin paint, applying with a brush, being careful not to dislocate the buds. The house must be thoroughly ventilated until the time arrives for starting the trees. Strawberries in Pots.—The plants introduced or to be introduced. shortly to the vinery, Peach, or other forcing houses should have the drainage scrutinised, making sure that it is free, and the loose surface soil removed, and a top-dressing given of dried cow dung or horse droppings rubbed fine with the hands, adding about a twelfth part of bone dust or buffalo horn manure well incorpo- rated, then watering it with a rose watering pot so as to bring into a moist state, for if put on dry it washes off in watering the- plants. The pots may then be placed in position after removing any decayed leaves, making sure that there is no deficiency of 454 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { December 5, 1878. water at the roots, for the old leaves will not show signs of a deficiency of water until the soil is very much too dry for healthy reot-action, therefore rap the pots; a practised hand will readily detect by the sound which plants are needing water. Black Prince is still the best very early Strawberry, followed by Vicom- tesse Hericart de Thury, La Grosse Sucrée, and Sir Harry, one of the very best of forcing Strawberries, and an admirable autumn fruiter, but the fruit does not bear carriage well. PLANT HOUSES. Stove——Plants at rest of a deciduous character—such as Alla- mandas, Clerodendrons, Bougainvillea glabra, &c.—will only re- quire but little water occasionally to keep the wood from shrivel- Img and in the case of evergreens enough water only should be given to keep the foliage from becoming limp. Such plants as flower at this season will require to have water according to their requirements, making the distinction, however, between a plant at rest and one in or advancing to the flowering stage. Centro- pogons, Aphelandras, Eranthemums, Plumbagos, Thyrsacanthus, ‘Begonias, Centradenias, Euphorbia jacquinizflora, Pentas, Poin- ‘settias, Epiphyllums, Conocliniums, Dalechampias, Musseendas, Bur- ‘chellias, Toxicophleas, &c., must have water as required, assisting plants in small pots with liquid manure. Those with other winter- flowering plants require to have a moderately moist atmosphere and light position, the flowers being poor comparatively when grown away from the light,and do not last near so long as those near to the glass. A gentle syringing in the morning and ‘early afternoon will still be necessary in bright weather, being content with damping the floors, &c., in dull weather, maintaining ‘a temperature of 60° at night, 5° less in the morning in severe weather, 65° by day from fire heat, or 5° less when the external air is cold and dull, with an advance from sun heat of 10° to 15° with moderate ventilation. Ixoras should have a temperature at least 5° more allround. Lose no opportunity of freeing plants of mealy bug and scale. The former is readily destroyed by parafiin, -a wineglassful to four gallons of water thoroughly mixed by squirt- ing alternately into the can and over the plants. It is also good against scale, yet not nearly so efficacious as against bug. Both the brown and white scale are destroyed by a wineglassful of spirits of turpentine and 8 ozs. of soft soap to halfa gallon of water, applying with a brush, syringing well a few hours afterwards with pure water, the plants being laid on their sides. Thrips often thrive apace at this season; subdue them and aphis by fumigation. Caladiums should not be kept dust-dry; but with the pots placed upon a moist bottom and occasionally sprinkled the corms will keep sound. As a decorative plant none rivals C. argyrites, which grown in brisk moist heat is as useful at this season as any; C. Belleymeiis also nearly as good. Both may be kept going with little or no rest. Both Gloxinias and Achi- menes winter safely in a temperature of 45°, the soil being kept rather dry, but dust-dryness is pernicious. Eucodonias should be kept in the stove moderately dry, Tydzas and Gesneras of the Zebrina and Exoniensis sections being kept moist and afforded plenty of light. TO CORRESPONDENTS. “4, All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editors” or to “The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoidably. We request that no one will write privately to any of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and expense. Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, and should never send more than two or three questions at once. All articles intended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot reply to questions through the post. WHITE GRAPE IN GREENHOUSE (Birchdale).—We are unable to recog" nise the name of your Grape by the description you haye given, and shall be glad to receive a few berries by post. Your soil and position appear well suited for Grape-growing, and we are glad to hear of your success. IRIS-LEAVED PLANT (J. M. C., Brighton).—It is quite impossible for us to determine the name of your “ curious plant,” either by your description or the rough sketch enclosed. We think you have done quite right in placing a handlight oyer the young plant to protect it from the inclemency of the winter. We advise you to prop the handlight up or otherwise admit air to the plant during all favourable weather. GLOBE ARTICHOKES (Mid Survey).—Although the plants are hardy you cannot err by placing some littery refuse round their stems, for we find that protected plants often produce heads earlier than do plants that have been left exposed. WINTER ONIONS (J. B. D.).—We should not ‘transplant them now, but thin them out slightly if overcrowded, further thinning them in early spring, and transplanting those then removed. DIVIDING MAIDEN-HAIR FERN ( H. H.).—Let theplant remain as it is until the spring and divide it about March, or when new fronds are com- mencing to push freely, and then you will haye more heat to promote the speedy re-establishment of the plants. PRUNING VINES (A Young Gardener).—As the leaves are all yellow and are falling freely, you need not hesitate pruning the Vines at once ; indeed “the sooner they are pruned the better if you start them in January. TRAINING ESPALIER APPLE TREES (JF. J.)—Your principal aim should he to have the lower branches in advance of those above them, shortening 1 the extremities accordingly, and pinching ont the tips in summer of any shoots that are growing too luxuriantly. If any of the lower branches do not grow freely they should be trained in an oblique instead of a horizontal position for a year or two. It is advisable to cut off the unripe tips of the branches, or blossom buds may form there, and then the after-growth would not be free. A length of from 18 to 24 inches is not too great if the wood is mature. Take out the leader entirely when you have obtained the requisite number of branches. Your light soil cannot well be made too firm, but running the hoe carefully through the surface to the depth of an inch will not do any harm, and you need not change your present practice. PRIMULAS NOT FLOWERING FREELY (£llen).—Your greenhouseis fully too cold for them. They require a warmer temperature than Calceolarias and Cinerarias. The latter will keep healthy if just safe from frost, but Primulas require a temperature of 45° to 50° when showing their flower stems. PLANTS FOR WINDOW ‘SILLS (Suburban)—No plants are more orna- mental for outside window sills during the winter than dwarf Euonymuses, Retinosporas, and variegated Ivies, with such berry-bearing shrubs as Pernettias, Skimmias, and Aucubas. GROS COLMAN GRAPE (Z.S., Berksy—It isa noble Grape and good in quality when grown in a high temperature and ripened early. See notes on this Grape in another column. FISH POND (Gregory).—Puddling with clay the bottom and sides is necessary in almost all instances. When the excayation is formed, or partially so, the bottom puddle near the outer edge is formed, and upon this is raised the upright or side puddle ; and as this proceeds the ordinary clay or earth is raised at the same time, by which means the upright puddle is retained in its place; and ultimately the sides, being formed in a sloping direction, admit of being covered with gravel or sand, and may be walked upon, or stakes may be driven to a considerable depth without reaching the puddle or in any way injuring it. This can never be the case if the puddle, as is sometimes done, be laid upon the sloping side of the pond. The sides may slope rapidly, or the reverse. If the slope be considerable, sand or gravel, to give a clean appearance, will be more likely to be retained upon the facing ; plants can be more easily fixed and cultivated; gold fish, also, find in these shallow gravelly parts under the leaves of the plants suitable places to deposit their spawn, and without this they are seldom found to breed. BRIAR Stocks (IW. Tipton, E. Thody, and Others)—You can adopt no better course than to advertise them, as good stocks are scarce in many localities. NrEw Roses (7. &. VW. R., Kilkenny)—The following varieties of recent introduction are worthy of being added to your collection :—Boieldieu, cherry red; Dr. Hogg, claret; Lord Beaconsfield, rosy crimson; Dean of Windsor, vermilion ; Emily Laxton, cherry rose ; Hero of Waltham, purplish crimson ; John Bright, vivid crimson ; Marchioness of Exeter, rich rose ; Marquis of Salisbury, reddish crimson; May Quennell, magenta carmine; Mrs. Laxton, rosy crimson; Penelope Mayo, carmine; Richard Laxton, reddish crimson; Rosy Morn, rosy salmon; Waltham Cross, deep rose $ Comtesse de Serenye, satiny rose; Duchesse de Vallombrosa, satiny rose 5 Duke of Connaught, velvety crimson; Magna Charta, rosy crimson; Queen of Bedders, crimson ; Marquise Adéle de Murinais, rose ; Marie Louise Pernet, bright rose; Mons. Gabriel Tournier, deep rose; Madame Sophie Fropot, bright rose. Zeas—Comtesse Riza du Park, coppery rose; Souvenir de Georges Sand, salmon rose; and Mrs. Opie, rosy salmon. The fine new Hybrid Perpetual Rose Countess of Rosebery, reddish salmon, and Duchess of Bedford, velvety crimson (W. Paul & Son); and Dr. Sewell, maroon crimson; and Harrison Weir, crimson scarlet (Turner), will be obtainable early in 1879. They are varieties of undoubted merit. SEEDS FOR CYPRUS (Rev. M. H.).—Any that are suitable for the climate of England are worth trying in the island of Cyprus. MICE EATING BUUBS (RA. 7.).—Wet the bulbs and then roll them in red lead. PLANTING SHALLOTS (Amateur)—Plant the offsets at once if the soil lies dry. If planted in beds, let them be 3} feet wide; and 3 or 4 inches higher than the alleys, and the surface of the bed a little arched. Set out the rows 9 inches apart from row to row; spread a mixture of soot and charred refuse along the line about to be planied, and then plant the offsets singly with the hand upon the surface of the bed 6 inches apart in the rows just pressing each bulb down firm in the soil. See occasionally that they are not cast out of their places by worms or other vermin. PRUNING VINES (Z. S., Ziverpool)—Pruning on the spur system consists in carrying up one leading shoot to the back of the house, establishing thereon what are termed spurs, or what might, perhaps, be more properly termed snags, from the front to the back, as nearly as possible, at measured distances, and as far as may be placed alternately up the stem. About one to every foot is sufficient ; perhaps better than more. These spurs are first developed as side shoots ; and in order to insure their due and full deyelop- ment they are produced during about three seasons. There are those who will run a cane up to the back of the house, and fruit it the whole length the next year; but this is not substantial practice. A good cane nearly the length of the roof, and about three-quarters of an inch diameter, may be pruned to one-third the rafter length the first year, another third the second, and the remainder the third year. By this plan, supposing the rafter 15 feet long, there will be about five large bunches the first year, ten the second, and fifteen or more the third ; and this will be found to tax the powers of the Vine heavily, perhaps too much. By this mode every side shoot will be strongly developed, and consequently a selection may be readily made. The subsequent pruning simply consists in cutting each of these back annually to the last eye at the base of the young side shoot, although some leave another eye. PLANTING HYACINTHS (Lady B.)—Plant the bulbs immediately the soil is dry enough to be worked freely. To prevent treading upon the bed lay upon it a narrow piece of board long enough to reach across it, or have the board strong enough to bear the planter’s weight, and raise it up at each end high enough to clear the bed; plant them with a dibber thick enough to make a hole as wide as the largest Hyacinth is in diameter, and the end that is thrust into the soil should be cut across, and a mark made just as far from the bottom as the bulbs should be covered with soil; the proper depth is 3inches from the top of the bulb. Each Hyacinth should have at least 5 inches square of surface to grow in, but 6 inches would not be too much space for the leaves to expand, especially if the same bulbs are to be planted es December 5, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 435 again the following season. As the planting proceeds have some light com™ post ready, sifted through a coarse sieve, and fill up the holes with it. When so covered the bulbs are sure to be at the right depth; then rake the bed very lightly. ADDRESS (B. Roberts)—We are unable to furnish you with any address such as you require. If you have a boy whom you wish to be a gardener, your first step should be to obtain employment for him in a garden in your district. A small garden is as good as a large one for the first year or two. CUCUMBERS UNHEALTHY (Constant Subscriber).—As you appear to have given careful and good attention to the plants we can only account for the rusting of the foliage by the possible overheating of the pipes. A deficiency of piping is the source of many failures of plants and crops in houses where a high temperature has to be maintained, and is also expensive by the great consumption of fuel that is inevitable under such circumstances. Even if the pipes in your case Lave not been overheated, we should gradually reduce the temperature of the house about 5°—7.e., haying 65° instead of 70° as the minimum. POMPON CHRYSANTHEMUMS (X. XY. X.).—Out of so many good varieti:s itis not easy to select “ the best yellow, best white, best rose or lilac, and best red for affording a large supply of cut flowers,” but the following are good : yellow—St. Michael, or Golden Circle ; white—Mdlle. Marthé ; rose or lilac— Lilac Cedo Nulli, or Duruflet ; red—Bob, or Maroon Model. CYCLAMENS NOT FLOWERING (J. Walsh)—The temperature—40° to 45°— is too low. For the plants to grow and flower freely they require a tempera- ture of not less than 50°, and preferably 55°. One of the most healthy aud fine collections we have scen this year is in Messrs. Sutton & Sons’ nursery at Reading. The plants are kept near the glass ina temperature seldom below 60°, and are copiously watered. They are splendid, some of them being 18 inches in diameter, and laden with fine flowers, and yet the plants were only raised from seed sown in September of last year. ZONAL PELARGONIUMS (J. D., Oxon).—Vesuvius and its white and salmon Sports are all excellent for winter flowering. You will find cultural notes in another column. CUCUMBERS UNHEALTHY (Gardener).—The soil is much too light and too fine to promote strong healthy growth. Obtain some very rough, rich, turfy soil, warm it, remove carefully as much of the present soil as you can without injuring the roots, and you will have stronger roots, better growth, and no maggots and insects such as infest the present compost. RENOVATION OF EXHAUSTED VINES (7. Byrne).—Cut out the old rods, shorten the young canes half way, or rather in proportion to strength. Take only a moderate crop of fruit next year, and if you have not already done so, lose no time in applying a heavy surfacing of rich farmyard manure to the border. Allow plenty of freedom to the young growth, and see that it ds not overcrowded and is kept clean and healthy. SURFACE-DRESSING A VINE BORDER (7. C.).—If the border is of an ayerage depth of 2 feet, the excellent compost you describe would do most good if added along the front of the border by way of making it wider, placing upon the surface a heavy dressing of rich manure, and repeat the dressing annually. You are quite right to encov e afree strong growth in the Vines, and should regard pinching as a necessary evil, only to be put in practice to keep the growth within bounds so as to avoid overcrowding. CAMELLIA BUDS DROPPING (J. G. S.)— Plants looking exceedingly healthy and with the pots thoroughly drained may shed the flower buds Trom one or two causes, and these are repeated saturation of the soil by heayy rain if the plants are placed out of doors in summer causing many of the roots to die, and a want of water after the setting of the buds. Turna few plants carefully out of the pots, and if you find plenty of healthy roots depend upon it the centres of the balls areor hare been so dry that an ordinary watering would do no good. Take, therefore, each plant and im- merse it in a tub of water, and if air bubbles rise abundantly and for some time, then no doubt drought in the centre of the ball is the source of the mischief, and each plant should remain in the water till the bubbles cease wising. LARGE DESSERT GOOSEBERRIES (4. B. C.).— Red: Companion and Speedwell. Wile: King of Trumps and Patience. Green: Green Overall and Lofty. Yellow: Leader and Goldfinder. GLADIOLUSES IN Pors (Jdem).—For soil mix equal quantities of loam and old manure, and about half the quantity of leaf soil, and the same of Silyer sand. Employ 7-inch pots drained thoroughly. Divide the bulbs into three lots, potting the first at Christmas, the second in February, and the third in March, in order to secure a succession of bloom. Plunge the pots in ashes in a frame, and when the growth appears place them on a shelf ina light airy position in a greenhouse. Attend carefully to watering, and give liquid manure regularly when growth is active. Remove them to a cold pit in April, giving air freely on all warm days. NAMES OF PLANTS (4. C.).—2, Lithospermum fruticosum; 3, Ruscus Hypoglossum ; 4, Andromeda salicifolia; 5, Too much shrivelled for identi- fication ; 6, Escallonia montevidense. (JV. Jones).—1, Euonymus japonicus aureo-variegatus ; 2, E. latifolius variegatus; 3, Phillyrea latifolia; 4 is an Tlex, and 5 an Acanthus, but we cannot determine the species from the scraps sent. (Chrysunthemum).—It is Beauté du Nord, described in My. Turner’s catalogue in 1858 as a large reflexed flower, and before a separate section was formed for Japanese varieties. Well-grown flowers would now be exhibited in the Japanese class, but medium blooms could not be ex- cluded from a stand of reflexed flowers. It is of the same form as Triomphe -du Nord, but darker in colour. THE HOME FARM: POULTRY, PIGEON, AND BEE CHRONICLE. SHEEP FOR THE HOME FARM. (Continued from page 415.) THE merits of the Southdown sheep must be next considered, for they may not only be kept for the purpose of furnishing mutton of good quality for use at the mansion, but for profit in connection with the stock of the home farm as well. In all moderate-sized farms they will have to be purchased instead of being reared, as mutton of full age (that is from four-year-old sheep) is most esteemed by the epicure, and sheep are usually killed and sold at two years old. Particular management is necessary to produce mutton of full age, otherwise the joints will be found to be rather too heavy for ordinary family consump- tion. Now to hold sheep on from lambs for three years will necessitate their being kept in the poorest of the park or pas- tures, so as to keep them healthy yet in only stock condition, They will not need anything beyond the produce of the grass land in summer and_hay in the winter. When kept in this way they will grow slowly and be of moderate weight. The flock may be drawn from say a score at a time and put on to good food on the arable land, or in winter to be fed in the house or shed, as under cover they are found to thrive faster and make more meat for the food consumed than when fed in the open fields, eating one-fifth less food and making one-third more mutton during the period of feeding. House feeding need only be resorted to in the event of the sheep being required for use within a given time. The South- downs being fast feeders will generally become sufficiently fat after twelve weeks’ feeding for home consumption. When, how- eyer, they are required to be fed and fattened in the summer months they should be taken ont of the park pasture and placed upon the arable land, receiving green food, the earliest being rye, to be folded off or cut up and put in cages if it is a full crop, and at the same time having mangolds cut and mixed with about a quarter of a pound of linseed cake, and the same quantity of bean or barley meal, for each sheep. After the rye is all used then the trifolium will be ready to be treated and managed the same as the rye, mangolds and meal being continued. The clover or yetches will then be ready, after vetches the second crop of clover, and thus continue the same mode of feeding until the root crops are ready, all of which should be cut and mixed with cake and meal, early turnips first, or cabbages, whichever may be fit at the earliest period. The Thousand-headed cabbages come in early when early planted. After these succeed white Belgian carrots, and then Swedes, which will last until the rye is again ready, the mangold crop being reserved for the feeding of cattle, and used in conjunction with green fodder crops as before stated. This will complete the rotation of feeding and fattening for the year, except that we have omitted to state hay will be necessary whilst the animals are being fed upon roots in the winter months, the quantity to be as much as they will eat without waste. We must not forget to have a lump of rock salt so placed that the animals can haye access to it at alltimes. In order to keep upa constant supply of sheep fit to kill, it will be necessary to add ten sheep at a time to the fatting lot draughted from the stock or poor sheep, so that the number of fatting sheep should not be less than twenty or any other number which the requirements of the establishment may necessitate to insure a regular supply. In this way any breed of sheep of light weights adapted to the neighbourhood in which the home farm may be situated can be fed, so as to supply the highest quality of mutton. Another mode by which old mutton can be obtained is by purchase of full-mouthed ewes of the Southdown breed. These of the smallest size can be obtained in stock condition at the Lewes summer fair, as well as some other fairs in Sussex, where these ewes are sold as off-going stock from the chalk hills of the county. They are usually purchased to breed from by the farmers on the vale farms, and as these ewes are poor when they ~ are purchased they may be put into the park or pastures, and eradually improyed in condition, without cake or corn until Michaelmas. They may then be put to root-feeding, and be treated as before stated for fatting the same as the wether sheep, and they will furnish mutton of full flayour at either four or five years of age as required, the difference only being that the meat will be rather drier and without ‘the quality in some other respects of wether mutton of full age. 436 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { December 5, 1878. We have now arrived at that point when the second heading | meal in admixture with the cut roots is sufficient. Some persons of our subject must be considered—viz., the feeding of sheep for profit. As we have types and breeds of sheep adapted for all districts of the kingdom we must endeayour to keep only those sorts which have been tried and proved by the most expe- rienced farmers of the districts where the home farm may be situated. This is really one of the leading points to be con- sidered. The management of Southdowns haying been explained we will next take the Hampshire downs as obtained from the fairs in Hants and Wilts. Wether sheep may be bought in either large or small numbers at all the summer fairs in these counties ; but it is questionable whether wether lambs kept in the same way will not be more profitable feeding for the butchers than wether sheep, because we have not only the benefit of feeding them up to fatness but at the same time we get their increased growth with also the increase of wool, so that lambs purchased at about six or eight months old of this Hampshire stock and kept on have been known to make an increased value per head of from 20s. to 30s. for four or five months’ feeding. These young sheep taken into any dry sandy or grayelly land or hazel loam soil will, under ordinary circumstances of good food and good shepherding, be sure to yield a good return. As soon as they arrive at the home farm they should be put upon the best grass upon the farm, and particularly the young clover seeds, if they are purchased before the early turnips are fit to feed ; and if early turnips are fit when they arrive it is a good plan for the sheep to run the clovers at daytime and then go into a folding of turnips in the evening for the night, and there to receive their artificial food in conjunction and in admixture with the cut turnips in troughs, all the artificial food being given in the meal state, whether it consists of decorti- cated cotton cake, bean, or barley meal, all three of these kinds of food being better than linseed cake for young growing sheep. They may at first receive about half a pound per day each, but afterwards, about six weeks before the appointed time for selling, they may receive with advantage 1 lb. per day each. They will not require hay until they have finished feeding on grass and are entirely confined to the close fold on turnips. Many farmers argue that common turnips are so soft and easily eaten by the sheep that they do not answer or pay for being cut and put in | troughs ; but we contend that young stock just before or about the time they are shelling their teeth will do much better with cut turnips in troughs, because they eat their food in little time, have more time to take rest, and they make more proof in conse- quence, and it is but little trouble to clean or cut common turnips. (To be continued.) WORK ON THE HOME FARM. Horse Labour—Upon some farms there will still be wheat- | sowing going on, because where the practice is to sow wheat after turnips fed off, or mangold cleared away, there may still be land to be seeded. Now the season is so far advanced every opportunity must be taken and seed sown of a sort adapted for late sowing. We know nothing more hardy and more suitable for late sowing than the Red Nursery and Golden Drop, and it is no bad plan to mix them, both being good millers’ grain, and ripen about the same time. The Nursery is a white chaff, and Golden Drop red chaff. A bushel and a half of Golden Drop and one bushel of Nursery per acre is a suitable mixture, because the Nursery is rather a smaller grain, and the plant will tiller out more in the spring. At this time of year never plough without sowing the same day ; we are then sure of a seed time, let the weather be ever so changeable. Having had a good spell of dry weather lately, land which has been under culture in the autumn has still been tilled with advantage during the past fortnight, except in those counties where a fall of snow has impeded the work. In all cases where the couch and weeds have been cleared off the land may now be ploughed, whether it is intended for potatoes in the spring or for mangolds, and if the weather continues dry enough fresh horse dung may be laid out and ploughed-in for either crop. We do not advocate applying manure in the spring for either crop, and if there is no season in autumn for manuring we prefer arti- ficial fertilisers, particularly Peruvian guano, 4 cwt. of guano for potatoes and 3 cwt. for mangolds is sufficient to produce a full crop of either. Fallowing the land by deep ploughing may be continued for all root crops next season, but we should be careful to have the water furrows struck and made out upon all flat and retentive soil. The odd horse or horses will be engaged in carting away couch and weeds from the fallows before ploughing for the winter. The couch and weeds should be carried to a heap, there to decay, except there is any meadow land near; the rubbish may then be carted on to the grass land and spread, for we have often seen this improve pasture land as much as a dressing of farmyard dung. The odd horse will still be required in carting Swedes or turnips to the homestead for the cattle, also for horses and pigs. The feeding of the fatting oxen should now be carefully attended to, for where they have been recently put up to fatten they will now begin to make visible progress, but it must be borne in mind that feeding twice a day with 30 Ibs. of roots at each feeding with still persist in the old-fashioned plan of giving roots three or four times a day, but we find that twice feeding with roots and meal is best, because it gives time for the animals to lie down and rumi- nate, besides which they will eat between the intervals of root- feeding a good quantity of sweet straw of any sort, oat straw being the best ; pea haulm too is good for them, but they do not like the haulm of blue peas. By this system of feeding the bul- locks will be sure to digest their food and return to the manger with a good appetite, and it is in this way that they best assimi- late the food given, 4 lbs. of cake and 2 tbs. of meal per day being sufficient—that is to say, if more is given they do not profit by it to the same extent, and much of the extra quantity will only go to swell the dung heap. We must again mention that hay should never be given to a bullock when otherwise liberally fed, as it is sure to injure its health, particularly after it becomes about half fat. Let the fatting cattle be kept in boxes if possible about 10 feet by 10 feet. We have never seen better boxes than those temporarily fitted up in a barn divided by three fir poles, and the manure accumulating under.the cattle with earth at the bottom of the boxes for absorbing the urine. Where this is not done and cattle are tethered at the stall, the manure being cast out daily into the yard, much waste occurs, unless it is arranged that the dung from the cart-horse stables should be mixed with it daily, in which case it is a good plan to feed the breeding sows in a hovel adjoining, and let them run out all day upon the dung and have a few Swedes or other roots cast to them, for when they are properly confined to the dung heap they tread it down and im- prove the mass, being kept within bounds by some strong iron hurdles. We have adopted this plan often with great advantage. BIRMINGHAM POULTRY SHOW. THE thirtieth Birmingham Show opened on Tuesday. To those of us who have been used to see it through the latter dozen years of its existence in its present highly organised state, it is difficult to realise out of what it has grown. Miss Watts in her poultry book graphically tells the tale of the first Birmingham Show, how exhibitors brought just what birds seemed good to them, and how they were judged and exhibited in the baskets in which they came, That took place not thirty years ago. Mr. Baily was the Judge, and Mr. Baily was busied on Saturday last still making the awards in many of the most important classes. On the whole the progress of poultry during the interval must have been vast, yet that of particular breeds fitful. Some of those which during the first _half of the Show’s existence made the greatest improvement have since become stationary or have gone back, while others which were almost or quite unknown fifteen years ago are now in the height of perfection and popularity. ‘We should be well content to have a few Cochins or Dorkings from the first Birmingham Show we saw some twelve or thirteen: years ago, but the Brahmas and French fowls which won then would make but a sorry figure now. The feature for which this Birmingham Show is remarkable is the first appearance of the electric light in Bingley Hall and in the poultry annex. Year by year the dissatisfaction at the fetid atmosphere of the poultry department, and more so of the Pigeon gallery, increased, Exhibitors grumbled, and a few were suffi- ciently merciful to their Pigeons or sufficiently public spirited. not to enter, in the hopes of things being improved thereby. Certainly this year there must be many “ abstentions” when one finds such popular varieties of Pigeons as Turbits represented. altogether by twenty birds, and some of the Dragoon classes with two or three entries, in which we were wont to see scores. How- ever, many of the grumblers wait till next year and forget their grievances the day before the entries close. For the future we hope there will be no need for abstention or grumbling. While we write these lines we have not seen the full play of the magnetic. light, but there is every reason to hope that the gas may be dis- pensed with, and that the atmosphere will be no worse than that of any ordinary public building. The poultry and Pigeon arrange- ments are in the main the same as of late years. The Bantams and some other small breeds have been remoyed from the gallery to Bingley Hall, and look all the better there. The Turkeys and Waterfowl are also, as of late years, in the Hall. The old wooden pens do not improve; their front bars in many cases are most dilapidated, and it will be a wonder if no birds escape. Many of the drinking vessels too cannot be hung up, the miserable birds. upset them and hye in pools of filth. We were promised on Saturday that some chaff should be put on the bare boards of the pens when the judging was over. This will improve their appearance and make the birds more comfortable. Brahmas have for some years displaced the old English Dorking» and now head the list. Dark cocks were a good class, but we think the Judge was mistaken in one or two cases. Cup went to a large, well-made hocked bird, but we think the third-prize was better in most points ; he failed a little in marking on saddle, but. was otherwise very good. Second we did not like, and should haye put fourth in his place. Hither of the very highly com- mended pens might have been fourth. The hens must have beem December 5, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGH GARDENER. 437 very difficult to judge, as the light was extremely bad, many of the pens being so dark the marking on the bird could hardly be distinguished. The cup hen was rather small and short of feather, but was good in colour, being much less brown than most of the others, and to that she probably owed her position ; second was a hocked bird, good in shape and marking, but hada poor comb; third and fourth were both large birds, but rather brown. There were a good many pens highly commended, but the light was so bad we were unable to criticise them properly. Cockerels were a poor class, much inferior to the past few years. The cup bird was about the best, but by no means as good as Mr. Lingwood generally shows, being very narrow and slightly ticked on breast. Second was nearly as good but rather loose in comb. Third we liked very well. He was a good bird well shown, but would have been better if he had had more leg feather. Fourth was rather leggy and narrow; fifth a good cockerel with bad wing. The highly commended pens were none of them very good, and several hardly worthy of their position. The cup pullet was a hocked one, beautifully marked all over down to her foot feathering. Second looked like the cup pullet at the Palace. She only wants good leg feather to be perfect. Third went to a hocked bird, very heavily marked. Fourth and fifth were both well marked birds, but ‘the former failed rather on eushion. The first and second old Light Brahma cocks were both very good birds, the former haying the best head and comb, but otherwise they were nearly equal. The third we did not like; he was hocked, bad in comb, and too dark in hackle. We liked 136 (highly commended) or the fourth-prize bird better. 150 and 157 were both well-known winners, and might have been higher. The cup went to a cockerel which had little but his head and neck to recommend him ; the same exhibitor’s fourth-prize bird was as good if not better. Second we thought the best in the class. He was rather short of leg feather but was otherwise a good bird. Third had a good hackle, if anything rather too dark, and was rather white in tail. Fifth was good but in poor condition. In hens the cup pen was occupied by the Palace winner, looking very well; second was a good bird rather light in hackle, and we did not like her comb; fourth was a fine hen, rather short of feather. 203 and 205 both good birds out of condition; the latter was the champion of last year. The pullet cup also went to the winner at the Palace, and Mr. Birch is to be congratulated on possessing two such good birds. Second was rather creamy, :and not so good in hackle as first ; third was good in hackle but a little ticked on cushion. We rather preferred fourth. Fifth went to another heayily-marked bird. This class was not as good as usual, many birds showing a creamy tinge. Dorkings are by no means what they once were at Birmingham. If we are not mistaken, at the first show we attended here there were sixty-seven Grey Dorking cocks. We should say that the falling-off is chiefly in the Dark variety, which we suspect has first been spoilt by crosses, and has in its modern leggy form become less popular, for the collection of Silver-Greys and Whites struck us as being as good as we have ever seen at Birmingham. The two winning Dark cocks (two prizes only where there used to be five !), were birds of the same type belonging to the same owner. ‘These were both bony birds, long on the leg, and of medium colour. The second-prize bird was singularly devoid of breast. The birds which struck us as being most of what we consider Dorking form were 366 (Mrs. Troughton) and 369 (Cresswell), both unnoticed. ‘The cup and extra three-guinea prize went to the first Dark cockerel. He certainly was immense, but long on leg with spurs badly put on, and with a drooping comb. Second was a fair bird, with fifth toes a little enlarged. Thirda dark lumpy bird. Fourth a nice bird all round, a little flimsy in comb. Among the best of the class we thought Mr. Crewe’s highly commended cockerel, which was capital in comb and shape, and three of Mr. White’s cockerels. The cup for Dark hen or pullet went to a capital bird of Mr. Burnell’s, good in colour, feet, and condition. Second, a good bird with a beautiful gloss on her plumage. Third, a well- shaped rose-combed hen. The first and third pullets belonged to one exhibitor, the owner of the cup cockerel. They certainly are by no means the type of Dorking we admire, being lanky and long-legged ; however, if they fill out well they will make good hens. Second was in body a remarkable pullet, but was much spoilt by one of her feet being flat and narrow. The Silver-Grey classes were good all round, and far superior in shape to the Dark. The cup went to the Palace cup cock. His hackle has now grown, and he looked very well. He is, we believe, from a family which have for several generations won both the great cups—yiz., at the Palace and Birmingham, and are remarkable for splendid combs. Second was a yery silvery bird, but poor in comb. We liked Mr. Burnell’s quite as well. The awards in cockerels struck us as peculiar. First is a good bird in shape, comb, and tail, but very yellow and with white lobes. Second is mcomprehensible ; a stilty bird with one yery crooked leg. Third still worse, with @ cup comb, Among the highly commended were two or three which we much preferred to the winners among Mr. Ruttlidge’s and Mr. Cresswell’s, the Crystal Palace cup cockerel. In hens Mr. Burnell took cup and first with his grand square old hen. ‘Second was a large bird, and 478 (Denison) was good. Pullets were generally an even lot, and mostly pale in breast. The first was large, not very smooth in colour. Second a pretty bird. Third very fully developed, we should think a daughter of the cup hen. Cuckoos were very few, three in each class. The first cock was too light; second much better in colour, but not good in feet. -The first hen was very clear in marking, far ahead of the other two, which were cloudy. The cups have this year been cut down. There were formerly tivo for White Dorkings, there is now but one, and this is competed for by the two classes of Cuckoos as well as by the four classes of Whites. It went to the Palace cup White cock, as large a White Dorking, we fancy, as we have ever seen. Second had a poor small comb and very yellow. We should certainly have put Mr. Boissier’s highly commended bird, which was very white, in its place. The first cockerel did not at all please us either in form or colour, but he looked weighty. Second was a capital White bird which we thought easily first, though his comb was not perfect. The cockerel class was generally above the average. In hens a large long bird was first, a well-shaped square bird belonging to the same exhibitor. Second, Mr. Boissier’s ; and Mrs. Hayne’s highly commended birds are both good. ‘The only first-class pullet is the first. The Selling classes contain several very fair pens— bargains we do not call them, for, for our own part, we never think second-rate poultry cheap at any price. Cochins.—Buffs were large classes, numbering over 130 entries. The first cock was short-legged, rich in colour and heavy in feather, with a dark tail ; dark tails seem now to be the prevailing fashion. Second was not quite so short in the back as the first, of a good golden colour with a buff tail. Third, a curious contrast in shades of colour, being light in breast, and much darker in hackles and back, witha dark tail. There were some very good cockerels ; the cup bird was splendid in form with short legs, short back, and excellent foot feathering. Second a fine and large bird, the general effect of the bird’s plumage was curious from the difference in his shades of colour. Third, deficient in foot feather, otherwise a good bird. Fourth, much the same type as the cup-winner. Fifth, a nice bird all round, almost cinnamon in colour. Mr. Procter’s famed winning hens need no description, the cup bird was not so bright in condition as she might be; the second has wonderful foot feathering ; third again is a very good bird, not quite so good in cushion as Mr. Procter’s birds ; fourth, a smaller bird good in shape, but in so bad a light that we could not make out her colour. No less than forty-five pullets were entered. First is a small bird but perfect in shape and of bright even colour ; second, a large bird of deep colour, a little twisted in hackle; third, a large-framed pullet, deficient in feather and a little marked in hackle; fourth, very dark and shapely; fifth, in a miserable light, apparently a large canary-coloured bird with a poor comb. There were many empty pens in the class for Partridge cocks. The cup went toa grand hocked bird of immense breadth with beautiful bloom. Second was certainly not his equal, not being well through the moult. Third was small but well shaped. The cockerels were under the gallery, and it was impossible to see their colour as well as that of the cocks. The winners we thought good, and the rest a poor lot. First was bright in colour, not very broad, and with stiff hocks. We preferred the second, but he had the adyan- tage of being in an upper tier. He was fine in size. Third was short-legged and good in colour, but had not a good comb. They all belong to Captain Heaton, who seems to have returned to his old fancy. The cup hen was magnificent in the clearness of her pencilling, but was long in the leg and short in feather. Second was smaller and less distinct in pencilling, good in shape and feather. The third award surprised us. The hen was small, long in the leg, and poorly feathered. Several good grouse-like hens were left out. Pullets were a large class, and all three prizes again went to Captain Heaton. Their pencilling was stronger than their shape. In Whites Mr. Darby’s redoubtable old cock was conqueror again. Second was a big and very broad bird, not the glittering white of the first. The first cockerel was very white and good all round. His legs might be a little shorter. Second was short on legs and heavily feathered, but yellow and rather long in back. The cup hen was admirable in shape and feather, but not very large. Second was decidedly small, but almost a dumpy in legs, white and fine in fluff. Mr. Darby’s very highly commended bird was the whitest in the class. The first pullet was good, larger than many of the hens. Second will make a fine hen. We liked Mr. Tomlinson’s highly commended bird much ; and Mr. Darby’s highly commended pullet, very young, now promises well. Black cocks were few. The first was a fine cock in fine condition and bloom. Second capital in form but spoilt by a drooping comb. We didnot like the first cockerel, he certainly was large, but his back and tail made an ugly angle. Second was good all round ; however, we prefer his owner’s other | bird. These classes partially faced the light, and partially looked the other way, which made it next to impossible to judge them properly. The first hen was very good in shape and gloss, she might with advantage have more leg feathering. Second was a fair bird, but we preferred Mr. Pritchard’s. The second winning pullets will both be good hens ; they are of the same type of bird, hocked and long in limb. 438 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { December 5, 1878, Malay cocks were fourteen in number. The cup bird was a fine Black Red, in good feather and splendid condition ; was well deserving of his position. Second a fine heavy bird of the same colour, large, cruel-looking, good inhead. Third was another very good Black Red, in fine plumage. 989 (Lowe) and 994 (Joint) were good, 998 (Strugnell) large and good, 1001 (Payne) good. In cockerels first was a very large long-legged bird, dark in colour and good in head. Second was a very dark bird, large and in good condition. Third, a shade lighter, very large and fine in limb. 1003 (Payne) was good and very dark in colour. In hens, first and cup went to a good light brown hen in nice condition. Second was a good bird, similar in style to first; only in at two guineas, and of course sold. Third was a rather darker bird, good in size. 1015 (Lowe), 1021 (Isaac) and 1022 (Lowe) good, darker birds. In pullets, first was a splendid bird, very large and good in colour; she must have run the first hen hard for the cup. Second was a good light brown bird. Third rather darker and smaller. 1034 (Lowe), large and good, but darker than the fashionable colour ; 1036 (Burnell) good but small. Cockerels numbered twelve, hens ten, and pullets thirteen entries. Creve cocks.—First-and-cup was a very large bird, rather wanting in crest, but good in comb. Second a very good crested and well combed bird, although good in size smaller than the winner. 1039 (Ward) large and good. In cockerels (eleven) first was a splendid fellow, large and good in comb, but not very perfect in crest. Second was a large bird, rather small in crest. 1043 (Ward), a good-headed fine bird; 1048 (Booth) and 1049 (Lloyd) good; 1051 (Ward) looked rather old. In hens (six), which were a small class and not very good, first was a very fine hen, splendid in crest and large in size. Second a fair hen with moderate crest. Pullets were eleven in number, and were better than the hens. First was excellent, good in crest and in fine plumage. Second much out of condition, very large and fine, and good in crest. The noticed birds all good. _Houdan cocks (seventeen) were more numerous than meritorious. First-and-cup was good in feet, dark in colour, and good in crest and comb, though perhaps too short in leg. Second was good in colour and size, moderate-sized comb and nice crest. 1074 (Lane) and 1081 (Naylor) good, also 1070 (Wood). Incockerels (seventeen) first was well marked and good in size, only moderate in comb, though good in crest, medium size. Second, a dark bird, was poor in comb, although fair in crest. Third, good in crest and comb, well marked and of fair size ; good combs were very scarce in this class. In hens (thirteen) first was a splendid bird, fine in crest, good feet and large, rather light in colour. Second another very good hen, fine in crest, rather light in colour, with one malformed fifth toe. 1104 (Wood) a good hen, as was also 1114 (Herbert). In pullets (sixteen) first was a good-sized pullet, well marked and fair in crest. Second was pretty in crest, and good in size and marking. Third a good pullet, smaller than second, good in crest. 1126 (Mrs. Lane) was a very good pullet. In Spanish cocks (six entries) first was good in quality of face, but defective in comb. Second good, but much out of condition ; rather a poor class. In cockerels (seventeen) first-and-cup was a fine bird, splendid in face, with a very neat and rather small comb, fine drop, and in grand condition. Seconda capital bird, apparently quite untrimmed., 1138 (Rodbard), 1139 (Walker), 1140 (Allsop), 1142 (Mulligan), 1146 (Jackson), 1148 (Dixon), 1149 (Powell), and 1150 (Le Sueur), were all really good birds. In hens (thirteen), first (sold) was a good hen in nice condition. Second was also a good hen, pretty in plumage, and good in face andcomb. The noticed birds were all very good. In pullets (nine) first wasa capital bird very good in face; this bird won the cup for hens or pullets. Second a well-grown pullet, good in head. 1170 (Mrs. Allsopp), 1174 (Powell), and 1176 (Walker), all good. Many pens in the adult classes were empty. We do not recollect that Polish ever before mustered so well at Birmingham, numbering in all ninety-eight pens. In Black cocks (five) first was a very fine showy bird, splendid in crest, which was, however, not quite up. Second yery good in shape and eyen in front. If in condition we almost preferred him to first. 1324 (Unsworth) good. 1322 (Countess of Dartmouth) too forward in crest. 1326 (North) very good, untrimmed ; perhaps the only one in the class so shown. Im cockerels (nine) first was very good in crest and in fine condition. Seconda very fine bird with a splendid crest. 1330 (Williams) and 1331 (North) good and untrimmed. 1333 (Lloyd) untrimmed, very dense crest, a very good bird. In hens (five) first a handsome, globular-crested hen, very good. Second another very good hen, very large in crest. 1340 (Shaw) a good hen. In pullets (seven) first was very com- pact in crest and very good, though with scarcely so large a crest as second. Second a beautiful bird, splendid in crest and very fine. 1341 (Lloyd) good crest, untrimmed. 1345 (Unsworth) good. 1344 (Silvester) one of the Palace disqualified birds, a good pullet. In Golden cocks (ten) first was the Palace winner, rich in colour, beautiful in marking, very good in crest, and fine in tail. Second was very bright in colour, beautiful breast, wing, and tail and finely formed crest. 1348 (Shepherd) a large, heayy-crested bird, well marked, but light in colour. 1350 (Burrell) heavy in crest and a fine bird. 1351 (Silvester) very good in all points, but _marked pullet. scarcely heavy enough in crest. 1352 (Unsworth) a well-marked bird good in crest. 1354 (Webb) beautifully laced, large crest, but not good enough in front. 1355 (Partington) a good bird, too dark on the breast. 1356 (Rawnsley) rich in colour, but white in tail, fair crest. In cockerels (eight) first was a good fronted crest, dark on the breast and white in tail. Second fine in crest and well marked. 1358 good crest and well marked. 1363 (Rawns- ley) a well marked bird with very good crest. 1364 (Scott) well- marked, but a little wild in crest. 1365 (Burrell) good, excepting asmall comb. In hens (ten) first was splendid in crest and good in ground colour, but deformed. Second a well marked and good crested hen, rather dark. 1367 (Silvester) fine in crest, well marked, rather pale in ground. 1369 (Unsworth) nicely laced and fine crest. 1370 (Shepherd) very good crest. 1372 (Boothby) very good crest, good colour, and well marked. In pullets (ten) first was the Palace winner, a very beautiful pullet, fine in crest and good in all points. Second is another bird of the same stamp, but younger, and will be richer in colour. 1376 (Boothby) a nicely 1377 (Rawnsley) a very heavy crest, but too dark in marking. 1380 (Adkins) capital crest. In Silver cocks (eleven) the Palace cup-winner again took the cup here. He isa grand bird in splendid condition, with an enormous and well formed crest. Second enormous in crest and well marked. 1386 (Lady Dartmouth) most perfectly laced, and very nice in crest. 1359 (Silvester) enormous in crest, rather wild. 1390 (Adkins) tho- roughly spangled, not laced on breast. 1391 (Lady Dartmouth) splendid crest and well marked. 1392 (Bloodworth) a good bird with spangled breast. 1396 (Bloodworth) good but rather dark. In cockerels (six) first was fine in crest and shape, good wing, and spangled breast. Second a nice bird with a little comb. In hens (eight) first we thought scarcely so good as second. First was grand in crest; in marking by no means equal to second, which was fine in crest and about perfect in lacing. 1403 (Lady Dart- mouth) well laced, but not quite perfect in crest. 1404 (Adkins) very heavy in crest. 1408 (Bloodworth) very good. 1410 (Uns- worth) very good, but not rich in front. In pullets first was rather dark in body but very fine in crest. Second looked rather old. She had a good deal of white in the crest—a very good bird, with very compact crest. 1414 (Adkins) a handsome pullet with fine and well laced crest. 1418 (Rawnsley) rather dark but very fine in crest. Bantams.—The class for Laced Bantams was a very remarkable one, it is probably a long time since such a collection has been seen together. The cup went to the first pair in this class (Silvers), with very pure ground colour; the cock is a little gem with per- fect hen tail. The hen a little larger in proportion, but a marvel in lacing ; they were priced at £20, sold at the auction. Second was Golden; the hen very good. We thought the cock a little too large and not very even in ground colour. Lady Dartmouth’s famous pair of Silvers were among the very highly commended pens. Mr. Elwell’s highly commended pair were very good in ground colour, but the cock had too much tail. White Rose-combed seem looking up again ; eight pairs appear. The first the best we have seen for some timé, pure white with good lobes and combs. Second was good again, though rather large. The first Black Rose combs was small and good in colour, we did not at all like the cock’s comb; second was yery green and glossy, but again the cock had an objectionable comb. Black Red Game Bantams.—First were very stylish young birds, nice colour and good heads. Second, good style, colour and head. Third rather larger, but good in Game points. Brown Reds.— First-and-cup a beautiful little pair, very gamey, capital heads. Cock good lemon colour and well laced. Pullet a_ trifle too coppery in hackle. Second good in colour, nice head and eye. Pullet rather large, nicely laced on breast. Duckwings.—First a very stylish pair, very good in colour. Second rather large, in other points good. In Piles only two pens, both good. Any other variety was a most varied and interesting class. First are the well-known Cuckoos; second Japanese, white with dark tails. The very highly commended pair was dumpy spangled- booted. Mrs. Allsopp showed a pair of the old-fashioned reddish- booted Bantams imported from China. There were also two pairs of black-booted and one of white-booted. Sultans were a fair class. First cock very good; hen scarcely equal to second, Second nicely crested and well booted. Third a fair pair. Andalusians—First a very fine pair, cock in particularly fine trim. Second very good, nice heads and well laced. 1431 (Troughton) and 1432 (Miss Arnold) very good. Langshans certainly looked as much like Black Cochins as ever. In adults only two pens were shown, both good birds. In young ones first were good, large, and lustrous. Second a good pair; third a large pair. ; Leghorns.—In Brown first were a handsome pair, good legs, good combs, and in good condition, might be better 1m earlobe. Second a capital pair in good feather. The noticed birds good. In White first were a good pair but very soiled; second a nice pair. Leghorns do not seem to improve much. Minorcas made nine entries. First were good in comb and fine in plumage, but not extra good in earlobe. Second a very nice pair, which we liked better than first. December 5, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 439 In the Variety class first a good large pair of Plymouth Rocks | during a year. in fine condition. Second the Buff Polish (Padone Chamois), which we thought might well have changed places with the winners. They were a handsome pair. Third Ermine Polish The cock looked ill, and both were diseased in feet. 1481 (Brooke) a pair of imported frizzled fowls—very singular. Aylesbury Ducks were fine. First-prize pair weighed 22 Ibs. ; second 19 tbs. 12 ozs.; third 18 tbs. In Rouens first-prize pair weighed 23 tbs. 10 ozs.; second 22 tbs. 6 ozs. ; third 21 Ibs. 2 ozs, The Mandarins, Carolinas, Kasarkas, and other fancy Ducks, although not numerous, were very handsome and interesting classes. Geese were splendid classes, particularly the Coloured. The first White Geese weighed 43 Ibs. 10 ozs. Second, 42 Ibs. 12 ozs. In Grey and Mottled, first, 49 Ibs. Second, 46 Ibs. 4 ozs. Third, 45 Ibs. 2 ozs. Turkey cock.—First, 37 tbs, 2 ozs. Second, 34 ths. 120zs. Third, 33 tbs. 10 ozs. In young cocks.—First, 25 lbs. 10 ozs. Second, 25 Ibs. 6 ozs. Third, 23 lbs. 12 ozs. In hens the weights were respectively 43 Ibs., 45 Ibs. 14 ozs., and 35 lbs. ; and in young ditto, 388 Ibs. 8 ozs., 33 Ibs. 4 ozs., and 31 Ibs. 12 ozs. Notes on the remaining classes had not arrived on our going to press. The prize list will be found in our advertising columns. JupeEs.—Poultry : Mr. J. Baily, Mount Street, Grosvenor Square, London; Mr. J. Dixon, North Park, Clayton, Bradford ; Mr. E. Hewitt, Hden Cottage, Sparkbrook, Birmingham; Mr. W. R. Lane, New Street, Birmingham ; Mr. J. H. Smith, Skelton, York; Mr. R. Teebay, Fulwood, Preston. Pigeons: Myr. T. J. Charlton, Blenheim Road, Manningham, Bradford ; Mr. F. Esqui- lant, 4, Effra Road, Brixton, London; Mr. H. Child, 71, Long Street, Sparkbrook, Birmingham. WEST KENT POULTRY SHOW. Tue first Show was held at the Public Hall, Bexley Heath, on Wednesday last and following day. The classes were well filled, and the Secretary, although new to the work, was quite equal to the occasion. On the Committee we notice the names of Rey. A. Kitchen and some other noted exhibitors, who have doubtless helped considerably to promote the success of the undertaking. The visitors on the first day were very few, in fact only a fancier could be induced to face the torrent of rain that fell without in- termission throughout the day. The winning Coloured Dorkings were a fine pen and well selected. Cochins eleven entries, all good ; one pen (Wright) dis- qualified for a cut comb. Brahmas.—The Dairy Show cockerel was first, matched with a Mealy pencilled pullet ; second a fine cock, hen not so good in colour. Lights not equal to Darks. Spanish only three entries ; second prize withheld. /rench mode- rate. Game and Hamburgh classes well supported. Leghorns were capital classes. Andalusians well represented (a very dark pen), cock with a good comb winning. Polands we thought the best in the Show, Mr. Burrell winning with a magnificent pen. Sultans few, but good. Bantam (Game) classes poor, Any variety above the average. Ducks deserve special notice, notably the Pekins, Mr. Fowler was first and second with grand pens, but we thought Mr. Kitchen’s pens equal to them ; but they were out of condition, and not judiciously matched. The drake of pen 102 should have been shown with the Duck of 103, and vice versd. The Pigeon classes were largely filled, but very inferior to the poultry in quality. Four classes of Rabbits completed an excellent Show, which will doubtless assume in time much larger proportions. Mr. Nichols was the Judge. HINTS FOR YOUNG AMATEURS.—No. 6. DRAGOONS. THE Dragoon is a bird exactly suited to a young amateur whether he be young in years or in the fancy. I knew a school- boy who grew, as he considered, too big for Rabbits change them— such a number of them too—for his first pair of Pigeons, and they were Dragoons—an advance as he thought, and that forthwith he »vyould be admitted, as indeed he was, to be a pleased and proud yisitor of Pigeon lofts. Fanciers, on the strength of the youthful one being now a fancier, would let him see their birds, he looking on awed the while, he learning the names of the birds—learning to know them in the nest as well as when adult. T have said that the Dragoon is suited to a young amateur, but why? First, he is a bird that is perfectly independent ; he is as easily managed as a common Pigeon. No nurses needed for Dragoons, for they breed regularly and are model parents. They nurse tenderly the young of other Pigeons, therefore trouble in this way they give none. It is heart-rending for a young fancier to begin, say, with Shortfaces—Short-faced Tumblers—and, know- ing nothing of their habits, to find pair after pair of young birds left by their heartless parents to starve, while they are cooing, and flirting, and billing utterly unconcerned. But nothing of this happens if Dragoons be adopted as the pets; nine, ten, or eyen eleven pens of young birds are sure to be brought up sately Then they, as the Scotch say, “can feud for themselves.” Woe be to the Pigeon that ventures to attack, or disturb, or rob them of nest or food. They carry “a dagger of a bill,” and that bill soon goes dagger-like straight into the inter- ferer’s skin, and he gladly gets away, having caught a Tartar with a vengeance. All the shorter-billed birds are beaten off without a chance of retaliation. Another thing as regards Dragoons: They are safe birds to keep. See that remarkably fine but very helpless Pouter blowing away and strutting away after some little Miss Tumbler, who, I grieve to say, likes the big fellow’s attention. This is going on on the ground in the sun- shine, when lo! a strange cat—yellow-eyed, black, diabolical- looking—sees his opportunity, and remembers, smacking his wicked lips, how very nice that last Pigeon was. Soft, velvet footsteps that cause no noise steal behind that naughtily happy Pouter cock (far too engaged with the flirtation on hand to think of danger), when pounce comes the miniature tiger, the inflated crop in a moment is windless and the fine bird dead. While if the master rushes up he may be in time to rescue the body, but it is a “body,” not a living bird. You might catch a weasel asleep or catch a Yorkshireman with both his eyes shut, but you can’t catcha Dragoon, He has, it is true, a wattle round his eyes but not so protruding as to hinder his seeing behind him, as in the case of a high-class Carrier or Barb. A poor dear little Fantail if very high bred is a helpless bunch of feathers, and you may pick them up easily enough—only walk behind them—for they cannot see further than their tail, and being very small-brained little dears they appear, figuratively speaking, not to be able to see beyond their nose. If on a chimney they are sure to be blown down it; but no one, I fancy, ever had a Dragoon blown down his chimney. Being among the more naturally bred fancy Pigeons Dragoons are very healthy. Give them clean water and decent food—they are not particular what—and they will live and be prolific for years and years. I had an old Grizzle hen which came to me an aged bird, and her former master bought her as an aged bird, but year after year and almost month after month she had eggs and young. To say that a true-bred Dragoon is very perfect in symmetry is only stating what all know. They always remind me somehow of Game pullets—not cocks, and very game—very pugnacious (their only fault) are some of them. In truth their form is sym- metry itself: narrow head and neck, broad shoulders, triangular breast, pointed wings, narrow tail; and this form mounted upon sinewy legs, long, but not so long as to look like stilts. Next, their flight, or mode of flying. They are the very oppo- site flyers to Tumblers. Tumblers mount high and circle, Dra- goons go straight out and not very high; they go off, too,in a pack, as on a message, j T used to watch with much interest a near neighbour's Pigeons, He kept upwards of a hundred, and all at liberty. They were of many varieties, his great object being to get as many sorts as possible for the pleasure of seeing a variously-coloured and variously-made group of birds feed at his feet. Well, among this multitude were a number of Dragoons. About three o’clock of a winter’s afternoon, if in summer later, the Dragoons as true ag the clock would suddenly look at each other as much as to say “Now, boys, are you ready ?” and away in a pack straight on end as fanciers say, would they fly, going some miles in the same direction, not flying high like Tumblers but at safe distance from gun shot. Then they returned and went in to bed. They had been fed just before, so their motto was, “ After supper fly a few miles.” I used to watch their return, and think that never did their plumage look so tight or their form so elegant, so like Game hens, as when they alighted after their fly. I would next say a word on their homing powers. Until Antwerps came into fashion some twenty years ago or more, Dragoons were the only homing Pigeons used in England ; and though I will not say they will fly from Rome to Belgium as Antwerps have done, yet what English- man, as a rule, wants birds of such extraordinary powers? He has simply no use for such. The Dragoon will do for all reason- able and likely distances well enough, and for business purposes though not for cruel races. And then look at their beauty. The Antwerps have no more beauty than doyehouse Pigeons, while there is no handsomer Pigeon living than a Dragoon, as I thought when walking past the long rows of them at the recent Crystal Palace Show. This brings me naturally enough to speak of their colours, First stand the Blues, for this seems to show their form off best— the clear blue and black bars, and they are as a rule the best birds. But hard pressing the Blues come the Silvers, a kind of drab, but in the best bred birds very pearly and chaste. They are of two kinds : Silvers with brown bars, a variety of very great beauty, which I verily believe would have died out but for the perseverance of Mr. Bishop of Dorchester; and Silvers with black bars, or usually blackish bars, difficult to breed quite black, and therefore valued by fanciers ; but in truth the brown bars harmonise most properly with the silver plumage. Artistically speaking the black bar is a mistake. Red and Yellow follow; fine colours but not equal for Dragoons to Blue and Silver. Form suffers from these colows, Also the blue or ash colour is yery apt to 440 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 5, 1878. come in the tail of these birds; and this colour Mr. Darwin found easily returned to all Pigeons when cross-bred. White are simply exquisite, but instead of the fiery eye of the Dragoon comes the big, dark, and so called “bull eye” of the Fantail, which sadly spoils them. These white birds do admirably for nurses for Carriers, and any chance interbreeding would be at once detected. There are also two very old-fashioned colours— Grizzle, which has I am happy to say come up again, and Mottles, either grey-mottle, like an old-fashioned English Trumpeter Pigeon, or mottle as the mottle of a high-class Tumbler, just, a few white feathers on the shoulders and back. Both these varie- ties are very pretty birds, and are some of the best shaped Dragoons. Lees : ‘A last word about the name of this bird. Like some Scotch surnames it is one thing written another pronounced—that is, by the majority, particularly of the humbler fanciers. Yet from old Moore’s day to this the bird is the Dragoon, yet it is still very often called the Dragon. I have seen them advertised as Dragoons and Dragons, as if they were two kinds of birds; but Dragoons they are—i.., lighter Horsemen than the old fancy Pigeon of that name, and Dragoons they ought to be called. The uneducated period of the fancy is over, the educated has begun. Show, then, fanciers that you know how to spell and how to pronounce. the manipulation of the soot door and damper, both of which are intended to check draught, and the damper is also meant to retain heat about the boiler and to prevent its escape up the chimney. In a saddle-back boiler heating a range of vineries some 80 feet in length, the fire is often left un- touched for eight hours, and a given temperature steadily maintained in cold weather by simply leaving only a very slight opening in both soot door and damper. the fire being of course thoroughly established, and the furnace full of fuel and banked with fine well-damped ashes at the time of leaving it. We therefore counsel you to retain your saddle-backs and to apply this hint. Also see if your boilers are well set. The fire should pass under the boiler, back along one side, over the top near the door, and along the other side to the shaft, so as to subject its entire surface to the action of the fire. To ascertain the number of feet of 4-inch pipe required for lean-to houses divide the cubic feet of air contained in the house by 30 for a temperature ef 60°, and by 20 fora temperature of 70°. This will afford you sufficient data in calculations for houses of any size or form. MACHINE FOR WASHING FLOWER Pots (7. W.).—A really efficient pot- washing machine would be a boon to gardeners, and if reasonable in price it would probably command a sale when fairly before the public. CUCUMBERS BITTER (22. H.).—Bitterness of the fruit often arises from slow growth, If more active root-action can be induced, and the tempera- ture of the house can be raised a few degrees, improvement will probably follow, and in spring the bitterness will probably disappear. The quality of the fruit hitherto haying been good affords evidence that the fault is not attributable to the variety. HEATING BY PARAFFIN STOVE (Jf S.).—For preserving such plan youname—Fuchsias and Geraniums—a temperature of 52° is nnnec high. With a good and well-managed lamp and good paraffin ther be little smell from the stove. If you have to make the stove very hot a shallow vessel of water should be placed on it to prevent the atmosphere of the house becoming too dry. HARDY PERENNIALS FOR FLOWERING THE FIRST SEASON (Somer —Antirrhinums, Deiphiniums in variety, Dianthus chinensis vars., Pansy vars., Verbena venosa, Pentstemons, Pyrethrums, and Violas, they being forwarded in gentle heat. All hardy perennials are best raised from seed sown in May or June in the open ground, and they will dower with certainty the year following, Phlox decussata and Adonis vernalis not excepted. You may readily find the names of hardy perennials by referring to any descrip- tive seed catalogue. ANNUALS FOR GREENHOUSE DECORATION (X. X.X. and W. W.).—We presume you mean hardy annuals, which, by sowing in gentle heat so as to forward them, can be had in flower early in the on, growing them in cold frames or with a little heat, it being mtial that they have only suffi- cient heat to keep them gently moving. They must also be kept near the glass to prevent drawing, and have free ventilation to keep the plants sturdy. All the dwarf-growing kinds are suitable, a few of which are—Asperula azurea setosa, Calandrinia grandiflora, Alyssam maritimum, Collinsia bi- color, C. candidissima, Clarkia integripetala limbata, C. pulchella marginata flore-pleno, Kaulfussia amelloides, Nemophilas, Nolana atriplicifolia, Gino- thera bistorta Veitchi, Schizanthus pinnatus, Silene pendula and. vars., Whitlavia grandiflora, and many others. Many of the half-hardy annuals are very effective when grown in pots. The names of hardy and tender annuals may be found in any catalogue. SEEDS FROM SoUTH AMERICA (Z. Jf, F.).—Your deciphering of the names appears correct, but 3 is probably Aspleninm gelatinum ; 4, Pteris scaberula; 9, Coprosma lucida, greenhouse evergreen, loam; 10, Pittosporum tenuifolium, New Holland, loam with a little peat, greenhouse evergreen ; 2is no doubt Todea; it and 3 and 5 succeed ina greenhouse temperature, but should be raised in heat, the Ferns requiring to be moist and shaded, and Filmy Ferns, Hymenophyllum and Todea, constantly wet. The others should be sown in strong bottom heat early in March. REMOVING BARK FROM VINES (Young Gardener).—We advise the loose bark to be removed ; but scraping or peeling, so as to injure the live bark, cannot be too severely condemned. Aérial roots on the stems of Vines are often caused by defective root-action, but are more frequently resultant of a close and moist atmosphere, with frequent damping of the rods. LAPAGERIA ROSEA (J.P. C.).—We should defer transferring the Lapageria to the orchard house until February or March, as the plant from being grown in a greenhouse will be likely to feel the change and suffer from frost if remoyed now, whereas by another winter it would be more hardy, and would better endure the cold; the roots being well protected it is nearly hardy. STRAWBERRIES FROM SEED (J. £.).—Strawberries will fruit the follow- ing year if raised from seed sown in heat in February, some probably in the autumn of the first year. Slates or tiles should be about 15 inches long by 9 inches wide, placing them on both sides of the plants. Leaves are a poor manure for Strawberries, and no efficient substitute for stable manure, thongh in a decomposed state are useful. In the fresh state they are worth- Jess, and should be at least half decayed before being employed. We should apply the guano in liquid form, pouring it between the rows after the plants come into flower, one ounce of gnano toa gallon of water. You will gain little by raising plants from seed, very likely be much disappointed. Well- rooted runners taken from fertile plants afford the most satisfactory results. ERRATUM.—The new Pear exhibited by Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son at the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society was incorrectly printed in our report Theresia Nevill. The correct name of the Pear is Meresia Nevill, as in the “ Fruit Manual.” NAMES OF PLANTS (Somersel)—Pinus Pinaster. t). THE HOME FARM: POULTRY, PIGEON, AND BEE CHRONICLE. THE MANAGEMENT OF SWINE. (Continued from page 477.) We will refer now to the pens recommended for store stock and fatting pigs. Having previously stated that the meal house. &c., should be in the centre of two ranges of buildings, the range may be continuous and facing the south, unless from circum- stances it may be necessary to take another line, when the build- ing may face the west. Werecommend that the building should be 20 feet space and be covered with a pantile roof, and be of the same height as previously stated—that is, the eaves to be 7z feet from the ground level. A pitched path should be formed in front, raised 12 inches from the ground, in this case for de- fensive purposes only. In these sties we recommend a feeding path at the back of the shed, 3 feet wide with fixed iron troughs and flap shutters attached for feeding purposes, and communicat- ing with the meal house, boiling house, kc. The divisions of the sties should be of iron, either flat bars fixed at about 6 inches apart and 43 feet in height, or sheet iron galvanised of the same height, the divisions to be 10 feet apart; this will leave after taking off the feeding path, &c., pens of 16 feet by 10 feet. The frontage may be of wood or sheet iron, and haying a 23-feet wicket to each sty, so that from the front earth, litter, and dung may be added or removed as the case may be. These sties will be excavated 2 feet deep below the ground level and feeding path, but the troughs being fixed instead of rising with the mImanure as it accumulates, a space nexs the trough 3 feet wide should be left on the ground level to give the pigs a footing level with the feeding trough. The portion of the sties to be excavated will therefore be 13 feet by 10 feet. It is, however, sometimes excavated the whole distance of 16 feet, and then instead of only filling-in about 8 or 10 inches in depth of earth over the whole of the pen, the earth is filled-in 1} foot in depth in front of the troughs, giving a footing for the animals at feed- ing time, and an absorbent floor throughout. This in daily use will be littered with straw or other materials as cleanliness dic- tates, and be allowed to accumulate as long as convenient, but the dung should not be allowed to remain in one spot, but be spread over the pen each time that fresh litter is applied. A boar’s pen may be placed at the far end of the building entirely separate from the other pens, the feeding trough being in the same range. An off pen adjoining, however, should be made for use (when a sow pays the boar a visit), with a wicket 2} feet wide leading out of the boar’s pen. The division between the boar’s pen and the adjoining pen should be carried up to the cross bream—that is, 7$ feet from the ground level. The animal may then Jead a quiet life without being disturbed by the other stock, and be fed with a moderate diet of vegetable food and cracked beans, or peas, or beanmeal. We will now refer to the young pigs after being weaned. The sows having been removed from them and placed in a yard where dung is stored, the young pigs may be fed in the same pen, and there remain until they are old enough to be fed for fattening and be placed in the fatting sties before named. The food should now be in accordance with the time they will be required for killing. If for quarter pork of light weights, say from 60 lbs. to 80 Ibs. each, they cannot be kept too high immediately they are weaned, and upon farms where butter or cheese-making is carried out there will always be a portion of whey or buttermilk available. This with barleymeal and a slight addition of bean or peameal will make them fat in a short time, and afford meat of the best quality with a fair proportion of lean and fat combined. In the winter months the food should be given warm. When the pigs are required to be kept for a time as store animals, we object to their being allowed to run at liberty about a farmyard as they often are; first, because we know nothing of a farmyard except as a temporary manure store, and this under our advice should be occupied by the breeding sows as before stated ; secondly, these animals we look upon as manure-making machines as well as profitable stock on the home farm ; therefore, when they are kept in pens as before stated they will not only have left their manure in the most available state, but their health will be insured as far as management can contribute to it; at the same time their well- doing will be assured by the warmth and comfort of the pens, because warmth and regularity of temperature must always be considered an equivalent to a certain amount of food. When the pigs are required to be kept on for bacon at weights about 200 Ibs. each, they should be removed to the larger pens, where plenty of room will be found for feeding. placing about six animals in each pen. Upto the time they reach seven months old they may be fed with cracked beans, peas, or maize about twice a day, and in addition during the summer months they may have a liberal allowance strewed over their pens of green fodder, such as iri- folium, yetches, clover, and the cutting of borders containing hog weed, cow parsley, and coarse grasses, followed in the autumn by the earliest roots, such as carrots, turnips, and Swedes, also cabbages—in fact, anything except mangolds, which we reject altogether, as we haye often seen young pigs killed by their use, -and after death the lungs have been found decayed and often turned a black colour. This mode of feeding will keep the stock in a growing state, the beans and other broken grain contributing a good foundation for future fattening by making a good pro- poriion of lean flesh, and the manure made will be good, because any portion of the green fodder not consumed will be trodden down and “mproyve the accumulating manure. When the store pigs are about six or seven months old they 496 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 26, 1878, may then be put to good food for fattening, and instead of green fodder eaten with beans, &c., they should have all trough food. In winter time it should be warm or cooked food, such as boiled potatoes, carrots, cabbage, &c.,as much as they can eat without waste. These mixed with barleymeal and bean or peameal will make meat fast enough and of good quality after about eight weeks’ feeding. For the last fortnight of the period they should have meal only, this will make the meat firm and improve the yalue for consumption. We cannot however, leave the subject without referring to a method of feeding whereby a farmer of our acquaintance fed annually over one hundred hogs up to 200 tbs. each for a bacon factory, and they gave good satisfaction, being fed with mangolds cut and placed in troughs with meal alternately, and he assured us that it paid him better than any other mode of feeding he had ever adopted during the summer months. The mangolds were the produce of the previous year. We cannot contradict such evidence, but we may improve upon the mode of feeding by pulping the mangolds, addin;: the meal +o make a pudding instead of giving the mangold and meal sepa- rately. In this way mangolds may, we consider, be used with safety and profit by pigs of full age, but not for animals under four months old. In the instance we have given the pigs made excellent bacon when finished-off by a fortnight’s feeding with meal only. When young sow pigs are reared for breeding purposes those should be chosen which have not less than twelve teats. The selected animals may when weaned be kept upon the same food as the pigs held on as stores for bacon, but they may have more liberty and be keptin a yard and store for manure as recommended for the aged sows. Sows will usually continue to breed until they are four or five years old with advantage, but care should be taken that they may be expected to farrow in the months of March and September. The sort of pigs to be kept should be in accordance with the district and the climate, for nearly every county in the United Kingdom has a breed which is preferred by the farmers of the district. The most prominent stock, especially for exhibition pur- poses, are the large Berkshire, the smaller Sussex, and Improved Dorset as black pigs ; but the white breeds are the large York- shire, the smaller being chiefly of the Middlesex and some other sorts; but for general purposes, instead of confining ourselves to distinct breeds we prefer judicious crossing both the larger and smaller breeds of the same colour. We cannot enter into the merits of different breeds on the present occasion. WORK ON THE HOME FARM. Horse Labour—This is the dullest time of the year for horse labour. Although tillage operations have been at a standstill during the late frosty and changeable weather, yet there is always work of some kind which may be found for the horses, such as carting gravel for the repairs of the roadways on the home farm. These repairs are too often done in a negligent manner. When- ever gravel is applied, and especially when the road is only wide enough for one vehicle to pass, it should be laid only in the middle of the road, extending to the wheel track on either side. The road will then be kept in shape, particularly when so made that the water can pass away freely. When the land is firm enough to bear the carts without cutting the surface long fresh dung may be laid out on the clovers and pasture land, and if the frost is hard manure may be drawn on to the land which has been stetched or baulked up in readiness for the mangold or potato crop. The land will afterwards only require to have the stetches reversed and be ready for seeding and planting at the earliest season in the spring. When the horses cannot work on the land by dung-carting, &c., they may be employed in making heaps of earth in a convenient place in readiness for carting to farm buildings whenever earth floors for cattle pens, &c., are in use. All corn in the barns should now be threshed to prevent damage by rats and mice, for they are sure to increase rapidly from this time forward if the corn is allowed to remain. A large number of the rats may be killed by ferreting, but the mice are more difficult to deal with. The odd horse or horses will also be employed in carting roots from fields or pits for horse and cattle feeding, &c. ; also carting hurdles for the shepherd, as the sheep will now be feeding off roots upon the land. When the sheep tread the land too much—as they often do when the weather is very wet, and especially upon the breaking-up of frost—the stock cannot feed roots on the fields without injury to the land for the next crop. In such cases the roots may be carted to a dry pasture for a few days’ feeding. The carting of straw and hay for stock will also be going on; at the same time the straw and hurdles necessary for making a lambing fold for the ewes must employ the odd horse for portions of the day. The shepherd will know how to place the fold, as it should be near to some shelter by hedges or woods with a convenient drift way, &c., unless it is made on some part of the farm premises which will secure shelter and con- venience also. Hand Labour will now consist of cutting and plashing hedges, making banks and ditches, and attending to the outfalls of drains. The work of draining im the fields may now be done, as it is easier to command a sufficient number of men for the work with out displacing valuable labour in the spring. The present season is more favourable than it usually is in the winter months for draining. We notice the subsoil is drier than the surface, thus facilitating the labour of underground draining. We shall not enlarge upon the subject at present, as we intend to treat of the drainage of different soils as a leading subject on a future occa- sion ; we will, however, remark in passing that draining, although it may be done piecemeal, yet there ought always to be a plan showing the depthand distance apart of the drains. This calls to our mind that having some years ago set out and completed the drain- ing upon a home farm, and having also furnished a plan of the drains in each field, the property was afterwards sold. The new proprietor, without reference to the plans of draining and the out- lets, grubbed the hedges and filled in the ditches, which blocked the drains. Since then we have always been particularly cautious by calling attention to the fact that no underground draining ever ought to be done without being shown on a map or plan. It is now that the labour of women and lads is valuable in preparing roots for the cutter for feeding cattle and sheep, but we do not find that the women and boys are to be had as they used to be. We once never thought of employing men for such easy work where agility is so important, the men not being able to do more work than the women and boys, although receiving double the wages. The young store cattle, particularly heifers of one and two years old, where fed in yards and sheds, will require not only regular feeding with rocts and straw or rough hay, but constantly fresh litter of dry straw; even this will not make a comfortable bed for them without the sheds and yards have been bottomed with earth for absorbing the liquid manure. This matter, there- fore, should have attention, as it tells favourably both for manure and the comfort of the stock. On some home farms wood-cutting will now be going on, and it is advantageous to have this work completed by the middle of February, because the sap begins to rise in the underwood stools about that time, and the carting of the underwood can be done whilst the horse and manual labour is least valuable. The cutting of timber for repairs also should now be done, it being desirable that when the timber is required for repairs upon the home farm it should be cut in the winter time before the sap rises; even oak timber will be more enduring if cut now than when cut for the purpose of taking off the bark in the spring. It is now also that the carting away both of timber and the made-up underwood can be done without delaying more valuable labour, except in the case of very wet woodland or gullies, when the carting may be deferred with advantage until drier weather in the spring. SHOW OF THE SURREY COLUMBARIAN SOCIETY. THE newly-formed Surrey Columbarian Society held their first Show on the 10th and 11th at Guildford. The entries numbered 180, and the Show was a singular success fora first attempt. It was held in a well-lighted hall in the Commercial Road, which, being over the Turkish Baths, was of a most pleasant tempera- ture—no small advantage in the present weather alike to exhibitors and Pigeons. Mr. Esquilant was the Judge, and we believe pro- nounced some of the classes excellent, specially those for Carriers. There were two special prizes : the one for the best bird in the classes for Carriers, Pouters, Barbs, and Fantails ; the other for the best bird in the rest of the Show. The former went to Messrs. Cucksey & Flicker’s Black Carrier hen; the latter to the first-prize little Red Turbit, the cup bird in the young Turbit classes at the last Crystal Palace Show. Carriers had four classes. Cocks were very good. Firsta Black, second a Dun, with the finest wattle in the class, but a little short in body. The first hen was a very good Black. There were two well-filled classes of young birds. Pouters were few, but the first- prize bird good. Barbs were a good class. We thought the second- prize bird a very promising young one. Fantails were decidedly good. First went to the little White hen with beautiful carnage that took the cup last year at the Crystal Palace. Second to the flat-tailed cock which took the cup there this year. Tumblers were chiefly Kites, and not remarkable. Dragoons.—The first- prize brd—a Blue—was well ahead of the rest. Turbits weze interesting from the three prize birds being all celebrated winners shown against each other. First the little Red before mentioned as winner of the special prize. Second a Yellow hen celebrated for her frill and winner of many cups. Third a Black, and first at the Crystal Palace one year. Owls.—First and second were beau- tiful little White Africans. Second was the Palace and Birmingham winner, while the first hen was second at the Palace. Third an English Powder Blue, lovely in colour but deficient in head pro- perties. Jacobins were not good. Short-faced Antwerps a well- filled class, and the winners very fair. Homers number about fifty. In the Any variety class rich-coloured Archangels were first and second, and a large Silver Runt third. We must congratulate the promoters of this Show on the excel- lent management of their first attempt, and hope to see many more such on a still larger scale. We subjoin the prize list :-— PIGEONS.—CARRIERS.—Cocks.—l, 2, and 3, Cucksey & Flicker. Hens.—1 December 26, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 497 Young Cocks.—1, 2, and 3, Cuck 3. and Special, Cucksey & Flicker. Flicker. Young Hens—l, 2, and 3, Cucksey & Flicker. PO » A. Allen. 2and 2, C.H. Buckland. BARBS. and 3, Cucksey & Flicker. 2, A. FANTAILS.— E. Cre ell. 3, Burdett & Walker. M 1 and 3, und 3, R. Osborn. ‘ and 2, W. E. Hutt. W. Savage. ANTWERP: : and Flicker. oming- and 2, J. W. Barker. Benham. 3,C. H. Buckland. 4, F. Johnson. J. Bakewell. DRAGOONS.—1, A. Allen. 2 and Special, O. E. Cressw ‘LS. resswell. JACOBINS.—1 and 3, W. hort-raced.—1, C. H. ek ey and | of the breed from which it sprung and to which it is justly regarded as belonging. Mr. James Robertson, La Mancha, Malahide, Co. Dublin, has for some years devoted much attention to this very nice breed of cattle, and many persons in England have now become familiar VARIETY.—1 and 2, O. E. Cresswell. 8, W. Ker Cucksey & Flicker. 3, W. E. Hutt. THE KERRY BREED OF CATTLE. From time immemorial Ireland has possessed a hardy, hand- some, and valuable breed of cattle, although small in point of size. This is known as the Kerry breed, and it has retained its best characteristics notwithstanding that it has been treated with comparative neglect. Its value is now, however, better appre- ciated, and more attention has been paid to the development of its special characteristics. These are the production of a large yield of rich milk, taking the size of the cows into consideration, and when fattened of beef of rare quality. The Kerry cow is particularly well adapted for villa: farming, as she is extremely docile, is easily kept, and produces milk rich in quality and in con- siderable abundance. We have known many instances in which Kerry cows have given sixteen quarts of milk daily for a consider- able time after calving, and twelve quarts of milk per day may be reckoned a fair average when the cow is fairly fed. The milk is rich in quality and produces a good proportion of butter, say 7 tbs. per week as a rule; and when it becomes necessary to fatten her for the butcher the process is an easy one, whilst the quality of the beef is such that a Dublin butcher, whose customers are amongst the better classes, will always give 1d. a lb. more for it than for a fattened cow or heifer of any other breed. When fat the Kerry usually weighs about 4 cwt. The fashionable colour of the Kerry cow is pure black, but some are red, especially in the case of the Dexter variety. The true Kerry is described in Pringle’s “ Review of Irish Agriculture,” published in the Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, as “a light, neat, active animal, with fine and rather long limbs, narrow rump, fine small breast, lively projecting eye full of fire and animation ; with a fine white cocked horn tipped with black.” The Dexter variety “ has a round, plump body, square behind ; Jegs short and thick, with the hoofs inclined to turn in; the head is heavy and wanting in that fineness and life which the head of the true Kerry possesses, and horns of the Dexter are inclined to be long and straight.” The Dexter appears to be a Z 4 ANNES Sone Fig. 74. BUSACO, the property of Mr. Jamés Robertson, La Mancha, Malahide, Co- Dublin. The first-prize Kerry bull at the Royal Dublin Society’s Shows in 4 {1875, 1876, 1877, and 1878; also first at the Royal Irish Shows at London- Sderry in 1875, Cork in 1876, Galway in 1877, and Dublin in 1878. variety originally produced by selection, but whilst possessing its peculiar points it retains the milk and meat-producing properties RONTYRE HN) G NON Fig. 75. MISTLETOE, the property of Mr. James Robertson, La Mancha, Malahide, Co. Dublin. The first-prize Kerry Cow at the Royal Irish Show held at Cork in 1876. with it through the excellent specimens which Mr. Robertson has occasionally exhibited or sold in England, and especially through the many handsome Kerries which he exhibited last June at the International Show at Paris, where he was awarded a number of prizes. Mr. Robertson’s bull Busaco has won seven or eight first royal prizes in Ireland, in fact he has never been beaten, although he had at different times to contend against superior animals of their kind. When Busaco was two years old he stood 34 inches in height at the shoulder, girthed 50 inches; while the length from the top of the shoulder to the tail was 38 inches. VARIETIES. WE have before us several fresh schedules of forthcoming Shows. The Stockport Show is fixed for January 10th and 11th. There are twenty-three open classes for poultry, with three prizes in each of £2, 15s.,and 5s. In these classes the birds are shown in pairs. There are also forty-six local classes, in which the birds are shown singly. Pigeons have nineteen classes, all open, and are shown singly. There is a Dog Show in connection with the Poultry Show. —— TuHeE Reading Pigeon and Cage Bird Show is fixed for January 22nd and 23rd. There are no less than forty-six classes for Pigeons. Carriers have five classes, Pouters six, Dragoons five, Antwerps seven, Tumblers three, Owls four, Turbits three, &c. Canaries have twenty classes, Mules four, British birds six, Foreign birds four. We know by experience that the Reading Show hall is always well heated, and that delicate birds can be entered there with confidence. — WE quoted last week from the Daily News about the migration of British birds. Mr. O. E. Cresswell writes to us that he has lately seen in his garden, on the borders of Berkshire and Surrey, a rare British bird—the small spotted woodpecker. He has watched it day after day in apple trees, and on a green bank ; apparently it is a bird of this year, not yet having its scarlet crest, STRAW HIVES AT CRYSTAL PALACE SHOWS. On page 440 of the present volume of your Journal I find Mr. Pettigrew has endeavoured to support his statement in regard to the above subject by dragging my name forward to support his recollection of a conversation which he says he had with Mr. Bagshaw four years ago. His statement that straw skeps 498 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, [ December 26, 1878. were refused admission to the Crystal Palace Shows is a perversion of facts which Mr. Bagshaw, who is “a gentleman of unimpeach- able veracity,’ very properly declines to support, either by his own word or by the production of documentary evidence. That Mr. Bagshaw wrote to me several times I admit ; but that in reply I ever wrote a single word which would admit of the construction Mr. Pettigrew puts upon one or the other, I utterly deny. Indeed from the first I had no such one-sided idea. The proposal to hold a Crystal Palace Show originated at my own fire- side. The first idea was simply to hold a meeting of bee-keepers, and after dining to discuss bee matters and make friendships. A roposition was made to that effect in the “ British Bee Journal” of October 1, 1873. On January Ist, 1874, a first list of subscribers was published in that Journal, followed on the Ist of February by a proposed schedule of prizes subject to alteration. In the second class in its list, marked b, a prize was awarded of £2 and certi- ficate “ for the best skep or box hive for depriving purposes,” and there were four other classes, c, d,e,f, and in which the straw hivist could have competed if he had chosen to do so, the prizes being of the same value. ? Mr. Pettigrew at that time made no objection to them, though during the spring months his friends did what they could in the Journal of Horticulture to bring the movement into discredit. Mr. Symington replied in the “ British Bee Journal” to a letter of Mr. Bagshaw’s which appeared in the Journal of Horticulture on March 19th, 1874, explaining the nature of the proposed Crystal Palace schedule, and plainly showing that skeps could compete in four classes for hives and sixteen for honey. A copy containing Mr. Symington’s communication having been sent to Mr. Pettigrew, how can he ignore it and charge the promoters of the shows with having excluded straw skeps therefrom ? Now up to this time the British Bee-keepers’ Association had no existence, but I had received upwards of £70 towards the prize fund of the proposed show, and I then invited all those who had subscribed to a meeting at Camden Town, where I hoped “ not only to revise the schedule of prizes to be offered, but to lay the foundation of a national society for the promotion of bee culture.” The meeting took place accordingly on May 16th, 1874, and the British Bee-keepers’ Association started into existence. But there was no alteration of the schedule that would exclude the skep or its produce from competition, though Mr. Hunter, in his eagerness to provide or cause to be provided a hive that should be within the reach of all cottagers, carried a motion which added to the word- ing of class 2, and made it read—“ For the best skep or box hive for depriving purposes that can be supplied for’ 3s., exclusive of floor board, prize £2 2s. and certificate.” The Show was held, and it was a great success. Amongst other reports of it which appeared in the Journal of Horticulture, alluding to class 2 as above described, the writer says, “Some very good straw skeps were showa. One (No. 9) exhibited by W. Martin even was fitted with bars. but the prize in the class was we think justly awarded to Mr. C. N. Abbott fora veritable Woodbury, price 3s., with many improvements,” &c. Thus we have Mr. Pettigrew denying documentary evidence which must have come under his notice. In the schedule of the Association for the second great exhibition at the Crystal Palace in 1875, prizes of 20s. and certificate were offered “for the best and cheapest skep for depriving purposes.” The first prize was carried off by Messrs. Neighbour with a Pettigrew hive at 4s. Gd., Mrs. Pagden coming in second with her neat little skep at 1s. 9d. These are facts, and “ facts are stubborn things.” I am sorry for Mr. Pettigrew’s sake that he has rendered it necessary for me to ask you to publish these facts; but for the implication of my name I should have taken no notice of this sub- ject. Those who desirea more minute understanding of my mean- ing should refer to Mr. Bagshaw’s letter on page 91 of the Journal of Horticulture, 1874, and to the scorching denunciation with which his defence of the Manchester swindle was met in the succeeding week, page 113, by the straightforward steady and true apiarian, “B. & W.,” who does his best to keep the common weal of bee culture up to the times. - I remember that before the first Crystal Palace Show, 1874, took place Mr. Bagshaw asked me in a letter if in class 8,“ For the largest and best harvest (of honey) from one stock of bees under any system or combination of systems,” he could bring to the show the produce of a stock, and of all the swarms that had issued from it ; and, it being our first show, I preferred to let the matter be decided by the Committee, which must have been appointed or I could not have been the “ treasurer,” and in my reply I probably said his query was a ‘“‘ poser” which the Com- mittee must decide upon, and doubtless from Mr. Hunter’s hands he received the desired information. That Mr. Pettigrew perfectly understood the position of affairs, and took in the whole situation, may be best gathered from his “proposed schedule of prizes for the Manchester Show” wherein the first set of prizes in class A were offered “For the largest and best results obtained from one stock of bees managed on any system, either swarming or non-swarming,” the prizes being respectively 80s.,40s., and 20s. Unfortunately the season 1875 was a very bad one, and as a consequence the thing collapsed. In the schedule first referred to, written by Mr. Pettigrew, prizes were offered in class 9“ for the best and neatest observatory or unicomb hives” to the amount of “60s., 40s., and 20s. ;” and in class 10, “for the most ornamental hive of glass, or glass and wood,” prizes were offered, in Mr. Pettigrew’s own hand, to the value of 40s. and 20s., with the stipulation that in both instances the hives were “to be exhibited with bees in them.” Further on, in class 13, he proposed a prize of 20s. “for the best bar-frame hive,” and an equal amount for “the best straw hive.” Later, in the same schedule, he offered prizes of the value of £5, £2, and £1 respec- tively “for the best and largest collection of hives, bee furniture, and other necessaries for an apiary ;” and in the last class No. 10 offered 20s. “ for a collection of the best and cheapest supers (empty) for general use in an apiary.” This occurred in May, 1875, yet now in 1878 Mr. Pettigrew alludes to the outcome of the great show by the British Bee-keepers’ Association at South Ken- sington in August last as “ puffed-up novelties,’ though the text in their schedule was almost identical with his own in respect of the foregoing, and the meaning undoubtedly the same. I have no desire to comment on Mr, Pettigrew’s method of teaching ; and as it will be evident to the meanest capacity that he and I are not in the same boat, I need say no more than that I have felt it necessary, by a plain statement of facts, to clear the air during this dull season, that he may not in darkness or ignorance run the stem of his craft into the stern of mine.—C. N. ABBOTT. [We have been obliged to omit much of Mr. Abbott’s com- munication, which was discursive, hoth from want of space and from its irrelevancy ; confining it entirely to the subject in dis- pute—Epbs. J. or H.] OUR LETTER BOX. BRITISH BIRDS (Col. Bulger).—We regret that we cannot remember the dates of the papers yourequire. They would, we think, be a portion of the week’s issue previously to that in which the articles appeared in this Journal. CANARY MOULTING (Stamford).— Your bird certainly should not be losing his plumage just at the season when it is most required. If your pet is kept in a room where fire or gas is used this, ina great measure, will account for the continual casting of feathers. In its semi-weakly condition it would be hazardous to life to remove the bird into a colder temperature just now. If the cage is suspended high up in the room, lower it some couple of feet, and at night time cover it over. Spurt on the bird with your mouth a little sherry wine, and place in the bird’s drinking vessel some scraped liquorice. The “ great variety of extras’ may have tended to upset the bird’s system; in other words, you are killing your pet with kindness. Excepting occasionally treating your bird with a little biscuit and lettuce seed, let its food consist of the seeds you have named, but scald the rapesee’ before supplying it ; also a piece of salt to peck at, and plenty of grit sand and fresh water. The best way to keep birds in good health is to give them good sound seed and pure water, and keep them in an even tem- perature free from draught. SUDDEN DEATH OF CANARY (4 Merry Christmas)—We cannot fully account for the sudden termination of your Canary’s life. Such mishaps are of everyday occurrence through fits and other causes. Like other animals birds are subject to diseases of various kinds, and from yoar description of the attack which brought about its death it is just possible your bird might have died through heart disease. You did wrong by keeping the two birds “in one cage all the year round,’ more especially as you state “the birds haye been fighting a good deal of late.” Instead of promoting harmony you have allowed them to encourage their pugnacious propensity until the weaker of the two has gone to the wall. Such excite- ment would naturally bring about prostration, and the holding of the bird before the fire would hasten death through suffocation. We cannot attri- bute the cause of death to the small quantity of hempseed you gave, especially as the hen bird, which is strong, partook of the same food. We advise the keeping of the sexes separate until the proper time for pairing them to breed; then it is more likely the birds will pay due respect to each other. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS, CAMDEN SQUARE, LONDON. Lat. 51° 32’ 40” N.; Long. 0° 80" W.; Altitude, 111 feet. 9 AM. IN THE Day. Hygrome-| 25 3#2,.|Shade Tem-!_ Radiation B ter. S38 |e—o) perature. Temperature.) ¢ o= goa | ——— fe IS |owr In On As |& Max.| Min.| sun. | grass Inches, j deg. | deg. | deg. | deg. | deg. | In We. 18 | 29.360 30.9 S.W. | 33.6 | 39.8 | 25.3 52.0 21.8 | 0.080: The) 19>) <3 7 N.W. | 33.7 | 37.6 | 30.3 52.8 26.5 —_ Pri. 20 N.E. | 33.6 | 35.7 | 29.4 35.0 | 25.2 | — Sat. 21 NW. | 33:6 | 82.5 |} 274 38.5 28.3 _ Sun.22 W. 33.2 | 33.4 | 27.7 S48 24.2 | 0.068 Mo, s rit Ta. = ae — SS Means | 29.521 | 533'5) || (3518 | 28.0 | 42.6 | 25.2 | 0128 REMARKS. 18th.—Bright clear day with sunshine, snow all disappearing. 19th.—Very clear fine day, bright sunshine ; cold starlight night. 20th.—Thick and very dark all day. b 21st.—Clear and cold dry day, intervals of sunshine; rather thick in after- noon ; starlight evening. Snow in night but not deep. 22nd.—Fair but dull morning, snow till 11 A.a., and heavy from noon till 4 P.M, total depth 1}inch. Fine and clear at night. The frost continues, and though not severe is becoming noticeable for its duration.—G@. J. 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